The research process Andrs Istvn Kun Different disciplines

The research process András István Kun

Different disciplines • Research methodology is a supporting discipline • Different disciplines have different paradigms • Only the substance of research is similar

The Wheel of Science Theories Empirical generalizations Hypotheses Observations

The „research journey” • (I) Deciding what • (II) Planning how • (III) Actually doing

An 8 step model of research processes 1. Formulating the research problem (specification) 2. Conceptualizing (valid, workable, manageable) 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Constructing an instrument for data collection Selecting a sample (sampling) Writing a research proposal Collecting data Processing data Writing a report

Finding a good research topic • Topic: the wide or general problem + our approach (it is NOT the research question) • • • Interesting and motivating Feasible (knowledge, resources, time, connections, ethics) Timely, even when finished Theoretically grounded, and also provide contribution to theory Can be translated into research questions/aims/hypotheses Symmetry of potential outcomes Appropriate challenge level Accepted by the institution/buyer Contributes to the researcher’s career and/or development

Generating research ideas Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

Some more hints • Mind mapping • Hints on further research in literature • One should always have a B plan (a second best topic). • If the good idea is not coming, consider changing the broader topic area.

An example how to explore your preferences via examining past projects Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

Brainstorming • • • Defining the problem Asking for questions Recording suggestions (no evaluation) Reviewing suggestions Analysing suggestions

How to decide? • What am I interested in (motivation)? • What kind of work would I like to do (methods)? • What am I capable of (knowledge)? • What resources can I get an access to? (data!) • What help can I get (everything)? • (Who do I like to be my supervisor? ) • Do you like to join a larger research group or program ?

Purposes of reseach • Exploration: familiarizing with the topic/area/etc. • Description • Explanation – Idiographic (for few cases) – Nomothetic (looking or factors accounting for a large part of of the variation of a phenomenon)

Nomothetic causality • • Correlation / association Time order Nonspuriousness Necessary and sufficient causes

Difference between qualitative and quantitative research • Qualitative: – – – – Empiricist (sensation) Flexible/open/unstructured To describe variation, situation, issue… Fewer cases Wider focus (multiple issues) To explore Narrative • Quantitative: – – – – Rationalism (reason) Rigid/predetermined/structured Quantification Greater sample Narrow focus To explain Statistical methods, analytical

Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

Finding a good supervisor/consultant • Is it needed? • Should have: – – – Knowledge, skills Capacity Motivation/interest Can provide help with contacts, resources… Personality • Ways to find: – – Offered topics/titles Literature review Course lecturers Networking • How to get accepted? – Research proposal – Do have more than one ideas

Refining the research idea • • Decision supporting techniques Discussions Preliminary research: literature, pilot Integrating ideas

Conceptualization • Fuzzy and imprecise notions (concepts) are made more specific and precise. (specification of the concepts) • „What do you mean on…” type questioning. • Dimensions: a specifiable aspect of the concept. • Indicators: an observation considered as a reflection of a varible we wish to study.

What we can measure? • Direct observables • Indirect observables • Constructs

Units of analysis • • • Individuals Groups Organizations Documents Social interactions and artifacts

Time dimension • Cross-sectional studies • Longitudinal studies – Trend studies – Cohort studies – Panel studies

The research question / aim • Must be derived from the reseach problem • Clear definitions, concepts are needed • This is what will be answered during the research (through this we will contribute to the understanding of the problem) • Must be one or a few. We can use subquestions if necessary. • Needs on the research method and the data are drawn from the questions. • The research aim is a translation of the question.

Questions vs. aims Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

The Goldilocks test • A research question must not be – Too big – Too small – Too hot

General focus research question examples Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

Hypotheses • Hypothetical answers to the research questions • Can be supported or rejected through the research • Not always necessary, but can help

The role of theory • “Nothing as practical as a good theory” (Lewin) • Provide guidence and hints: question, hypotheses, method, … • What makes a theory: – – Concepts, definitions, terms Relationships between the concepts Logical reasoning Limitations • Our contribution to theory: – Testing – Developing

The research proposal • Why? – A help throughout the research project – To gain resources • There is no ultimate structure for research proposals. • A general structure: – Title – Background • Introduction/Motivation • Literature Review – Specifying the Problem/Question/Hypotheses/Aim/Topic – Research design: data needed, data-collection method, data analysis, ethical issues – Schedule (Gantt chart), budget, resource planning – Expected outcomes – References

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