Research process - 2013 - for IS5232 module

Research Process

J J G Arachchige

• Introduction to research process

• prepare the research proposal

• Writing the research report

• The curiosity of the human nature

leads them for investigations

• Dogma

Beginning of scientific inquiry

• Logical thinking

• Scientific enquiry began with the

curiosity of human nature and logical

thinking towards the natural existence

of the universe and against the teaching

of religious Dogmas. of religious Dogmas.

The first systematic approach to reasoning

e.g. Major premise – All men are mortal

Miner premise- I am a man

Conclusion- I am mortal

Deductive reasoning

Inductive reasoning

Specific premises 1 - Nimal, Wikki, John and Piyal attended class regularly

Specific premises 2 - Nimal, Wikki, John and Piyal received high score of marks

Conclusion - Attending class regularly results in high score of marks

Deductive-Inductive reasoning

– Deductive-Inductive reasoning process involves the integration

of both above to find a solution to the problem.

• Problem

• hypothesis• hypothesis

• Collection, organization and analysis of data

• conclusions

• Verification, rejection or modification of hypothesis

Scientific approach

What is Research

• Research is all about addressing an issue or asking

and answering a question or solving a problem.

• We do problem solving in our day-to-day life

informally.

• Yet, to be a research it should follow scientific

method which is more formal, systematic and

carefully analyzed.

• Research is a structured enquiry that

utilizes acceptable scientific methodology

to solve problems and create new

knowledge that is generally applicable.

Types of Research – mode of application

• Fundamental or Basic research

• Applied research• Applied research

• Action Research

• Fundamental research is usually carried on in a

laboratory or other sterile environment, some times

with animals.

Fundamental research

• This type of research which has no immediate or

planned application may later result in further

research of applied nature.

• In behavioral science, Fundamental research may be

concerned with the development and testing of

theories of behavior.

• Applied research has most of the characteristics of

fundamental research.

• The purpose is to improve the product or process -

Applied research

• The purpose is to improve the product or process -

testing theoretical concepts in actual problem

situations.

• Action research is focused on immediate application,

not on the development of a theory or on general

application. Its findings are to be evaluated in local

applicability.

Action research

applicability.

• Solution of problems in a particular setting

Types of research - objectives

Research can be

– descriptive,

– corelational,

– explanatory,– explanatory,

– Exploratory

according to the nature of the research conducted.

Quantitative

Qualitative

• Inquirymode

Qualitative

Research Process

• Identification of the problem

• Definition the problem

• Formulation of hypothesis

• Design the research• Design the research

• Collection, organization and analysis of data

• Formulation of conclusions

• Verification, rejection or modification of hypothesis

by the test of its consequences in a specific situation.

Identification of the problem

– Observation.

Problems are all around us. Research problems can

be identified through:

– Literature reviews.

– Professional conferences.

– Contacting experts.

1. The problem

Source: http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4611846901663595&pid=15.1&H=120&W=160

2. Selecting a topic

• Select a broad topic in your interested area

• Derive a researchable problem from the broad

topic by narrowing the scope

• Raise research questions

• Formulate objectives

• Determine its importance and feasibility

Researchable Problem

• Sleeping in class rooms

• Sleeping of undergraduate students during lectures

• Factors affecting on sleepiness of undergraduates

during lecturesduring lectures

• Factors affecting on sleepiness of Science

undergraduates during IL lectures

Activity 1

• Narrow down your broad topic to form a

researchable topic.

Problem :There are road accidents much more

than ever. There are various reasons for

increasing of road accidents. One may be the

use of alcohol by drivers during driving. It

should be researched to find out whether there

is an effect of alcohol use on accidents.

• Time - 5 minutes

Why do Science undergraduates sleep

during IL lectures?

3. Research Questions

Activity 2

• Formulate a research question on your topic

Time - 2 minutes

Effect of alcohol use by drivers on

road accidents

Formulation of hypothesis

• Hypotheses are tentative, intelligent

guesses as to the solution of the

problem.problem.

• A tentative explanation of the

relationship between two or more

variables

• The hypothesis should be reasonable

• Be Consistent with known fact or theories

• Possible to be tested. True or false

• Should be stated in the simple possible terms

• Simple, specific and conceptully clear• Simple, specific and conceptully clear

• Hypotheses have two or more variables

• Independent variable - cause• Independent variable - cause

• Dependent variable - Outcome/effect

• Extraneous variable – other factors affecting

Variables to form the Hypothesis

• Sleepiness during lectures – (dependent variable)

• Boring teaching method- (independent variables)

• Time of the lecturing

• Heavy diet• Heavy diet

• Psychological issue

• Physical fitness

• Mental problems

• Behavioural patterns

Hypothesis 1

• Science undergraduate students sleep during

IL lectures because of conventional method of

teaching

• Hypothesis 2

• Sleepiness during lectures can be avoided with a

self management of behaviour.

Activity 3

• Construct hypotheses on your research problem

Research design/Experimental design

• Research design is the conceptual structure in

which the investigation can be conducted.

• Research design explains how, where, when and

with whom the research is conducted.

• Experimental

• Non experimental• Non experimental

• Quasi or semi experimental

Methodology

• Subject:

– Details of the population from which the researcher plan

to select the sample

• Procedures:

– Research plan, What will be done. How it will be done.

What data will be needed. Data gathering devices

• Data analysis:

– Details of how to analyze data

Methodology Comparison

Quantitative

• Explanation, prediction

• Test theories

Qualitative

• Explanation,

description

• Build theories• Test theories

• Known variables

• Large sample

• Standardized instruments

• Deductive

• Build theories

• Unknown variables

• Small sample

• Observations, interviews

• Inductive

Collection of data

• Population – Undergraduates of science faculties

• Subjects – selected Science undergraduates form IL

coursecourse

• Sampling – Randomly select

A sample is a small portion of a population selected for

observation and analyses.

Tools of data collection

• Tests

• Observations

• Questionnaire

• Interviews• Interviews

Experimental design

• 4 groups

• Control group

• Experimental group• Experimental group

• Treatment

• Measure

• Change the variable and measure

• Record the number of sleeping and frequency

Activity 5

• Design a method/experiment

Organization and analysis of data

• grouping and tabulating

• analyzing process• analyzing process

• qualitative methods

• quantitative methods.

Content analysis

• Identify the main themes

• Assign codes to main themes

• Classify responses• Classify responses

• Integrate themes and responses

• Quantitative method is mostly used to analyze data

in large well designed surveys

• ‘SPSS’

• Interpretation involves the explaining of findings

to arrive at a conclusion.

• Here, the researcher explains whether the

hypothesis is proved or not.

Interpretation

hypothesis is proved or not.

• Researcher can verify the hypothesis, reject it or

modify it and do the research again if necessary.

Attributes of Research

• Research is directed towards a solution of a

problem

• Research emphasizes the development of

generalizationgeneralization

• Research is based upon observable experiences or

empirical evidence

• Research demands accurate observation and

description

• Research involves gathering new data from primary

or firsthand sources or using existing data for a new

purposes

• It is often characterized by carefully designed

procedures

• Research requires expertise

• Research strives to be objective and logical

• Research involves the quest for answers to unsolved

problems

• Research is characterized by patient and unhurried

activity

• Research is carefully recorded and reported

• Research sometimes requires courage

• Originates with a question or problem.

• Requires clear articulation of a goal.

• Follows a specific plan or procedure.

• Often divides main problem into sub problems.

• Guided by specific problem, question, or hypothesis.

• Accepts certain critical assumptions.

• Requires collection and interpretation of data.

• Cyclical (helical) in nature.

Research ProposalResearch Proposal

Research proposal

• Preparation of a research proposal is an important

step in the research process.

• It Is a basis for evaluation of the project

• Systematic plan or procedure to follow

• Structure of the proposal depends on the nature of

the research

• Seven parts proposal is typical not compulsory

Writing a research proposal

• Statement of the problem

• Significance of the problem

• Definitions, Assumptions, Limitations, and • Definitions, Assumptions, Limitations, and

Delimitations

• Review of related literature

• Hypotheses/objectives/research questions

• Methodology

• Time schedule

• The statement of the problem may be derivative

statement but may be in a question form

• Gives direction to the research

• Problems can be derived from a theory

• Can be a prior research results

• Personal observations• Personal observations

• Experiences

Eg.Effect of ‘Kuppi Classes’ for the improvement of

performance level of engineering undergraduates .

Significance of the problem

• Researcher points out how the solution to the

problem can influence the society.

• Justify the worthiness of the study

• Background information may be useful here

• The findings of the study will be beneficial to

undergraduates, librarians, and administration of

the university.

If the Kuppi is effective, librarians can facilitate the

students with study places and essential resources.

If it is not effective academics and librarians can

launch programmes to convince and encourage launch programmes to convince and encourage

students to follow effective methods of learning.

Definitions, Assumptions,

Limitations, and Delimitations

• Define the terms that could be misinterpreted

• Assumption are statements what the believes to be

fact but cannot verify.

• Limitations are those conditions beyond control of

the researcher.

• Delimitations are the boundaries of the study.

Definitions

• Kuppi

Kuppi is a type of studying techniques used by

college students. Similar term used for cramming

in universities.

• Performance level

the term Performance level here refers to the score the term Performance level here refers to the score

of marks in semester examinations.

Assumptions

• Some group discussions among students were

similar to Kuppi. Sometimes it is difficult to

distinguish kuppi from group studies.

Limitations

• Group discussions among students were not

considered as Kuppi in this study because group

discussion is one of accepted effective study

techniques.techniques.

Delimitations

• This study involves the Kuppi activities of

engineering students of UR only.

• Only first year and final students were selected.

Review of related literature

• Summary of previous research

• What is already known and what is still unknown and

untested

• Provides a background for the study

• Make the reader aware of status of the issue• Make the reader aware of status of the issue

Literature review is a valuable guide to defining the

problem, recognizing its significance, suggesting

data gathering devices, appropriate study

design, and formulating hypothesis.

Hypothesis

H1

Kuppi classes among undergraduate students can make a

significant effect on MCQ papers than essay type papers.

H2

Systematic learning is more significant in earning higher GPA than

Kuppi learning among engineering undergraduates. Kuppi learning among engineering undergraduates.

• The main purpose of this study is to investigate

whether ‘Kuppi’ classes can make a significant

effect on the achievement of higher score in

examinations.

• Supportive objectives:

• Explore who engage in Kuppi classes

• Explore the contents of Kuppi classes

• Calculate the score of marks in exams who engage

in Kuppi classes

• Compare and contrast the score of Kuppi- engaged

students and non Kuppi- engaged students.

Methodologies

Experimental design

• Sample will be selected from first year and final

year students from the faculty of engineering of

UR.UR.

• Sample is divided into 2 categories : First year and final

• Each category will be divided into two groups: control and

experimentalControl group Experimental

group

First year First year

Final year Final year

• Pre-test

All four groups will be given two question papers

MCQ and essay type relevant to their level of

subject coverage.

• Treatment

Control groups will be exposed to systematic and Control groups will be exposed to systematic and

activity based learning process

Experimental groups will be exposed to Kuppi

learning process

• Post-test

All four groups will be tested with a MCQ paper and

essay type paper relevant to their level of subjects.

Specially funding agencies require a well planed

research proposal before granting the fund.

There are several parts in a typical research

proposal although not compulsory.

The proposal should be well planed so that the

funding agency can be convinced the importance

of the project

Submitting a research proposal for

funding

• The title page

• Abstract

• Table of contents

• Introduction• Introduction

• Research Methodology

• Institutional resources

• Budget

• Anticipated results

• Limitations of the study

• Back matters

Research reportResearch report

Preparation of the Research

report

• After you conducting the research you have to

communicate your finding with the relevant

community.

• Writing the research report is the last and (for many

people) the most difficult step in the research process.

The purpose of the research report is to inform the

world about what you have done, how you have done

it, and what you have discovered.

• Following factors are important to

consider when you write the research

report:

– Value of the content

– Organization of the content– Organization of the content

– Structure of presenting ideas

– Language and style

your research report is based on

following questions.

• What was the research problem?

• Why is this problem important?

• How does your project relate to the context of

other research?other research?

• How did you investigate the research problem?

• What are your findings?

• What do these findings tell you?

• What do you conclude?

Front matter

– Title page

– Acknowledgements

– Abstract

– Table of Contents

– List of Tables

– List of FiguresBody of the report

– Introduction

– Literature review– Literature review

– Methodology

– Results

– Discussion

– ConclusionsEnd matter

– Reference list/bibliography /Endnotes

– Appendices

Title page

• The title of your report should be concise and

informative.

• It should not be vague and general but should

encapsulate the essence of the research. encapsulate the essence of the research.

• The title is generally given on a separate page

together with your name, course and instructor

details

Acknowledgement

• To thank anyone whose support has been

important for your work.

• The supervisor generally receives the first

vote of thanks. vote of thanks.

• Don’t forget your participants (Though

remember confidentiality)

• This section is the least bound by convention.

• You may speak from the heart.

Abstract

• The abstract is a precise summary of the whole report.

– Non technical summary

– A brief overview of the whole report– A brief overview of the whole report

– What did you do and why (problem and why it is

important)

– How you did (Methodology)

– What you found out (Major results)

– What was the significations

(conclusion/recommendations)

Table of Contents

• Lists all major divisions and subdivisions marked

by numbers and indicates which page they are

on.

• The titles and subtitles of sections should appear

in a style and size consistent with their position in a style and size consistent with their position

in the hierarchy (see style manuals for help in

selecting your system). Numbering hierarchy: – 1

• 1.1

• 1.1.1

• 1.1.1.1

Lists of Tables / Figures / Illustrations

/ Appendices• Lists all of the above if available and the page

No.s on which they appear.

• A separate section is used for each of these

categories categories

• It is often handy to number such items using the

chapter number first: eg, Fig 1.1, Fig. 2.1,

Fig.2.2, Table 1.2 etc.

Introduction

• Provide contextual information to the problem

• Introduce the objectives

• Identify specific research questions

• Discuss the topic and illustrate the theoretical

points

• Outline your general arguments

• You can indicate the structure of the rest of

the report

Literature review

• A discussion of findings of other researchers

• Critical appraisal of other theories

• You can compare and asses other’s results

• Provide external context for your research• Provide external context for your research

• Justify your project

• Should be structured thematically

• May have a number of sub-sections

• Highlight similarities and differences

Methodology• Details of methods and procedures

• Discuss the reasons for choosing the particular methods

and procedures

• Explore the scope and limitations of the method

• Hypotheses• Hypotheses

• Study area

• How the population was selected

• Explain how data was collected/generated

• Explain how data was analyzed

• Explain methodological problems if any

Results

• you may indicate the data and findings which were

analyzed and ordered according to your methodology.

• Tables and figures can be used to further describe the

results. results.

• it provides the reader with a factual account of your

findings

Discussion– interpret and explain your results;

– examine whether and how the questions raised in the introduction section have been answered

– Show how your results relate to the literature

– Qualify and explore the theoretical importance/significance of your resultsimportance/significance of your results

– Outline any new research questions or areas for future research that your results have suggested.

– develop a logical argument about what your results mean

– compare with results of previous research

– discuss the shortcomings of the research/methodology

Conclusion

• Restatement of the research problem/question

• Return to the objectives and describe whether

they have achieved

• Indicate what has been learnt from the study • Indicate what has been learnt from the study

• How findings can be applied

• Future possibilities

• Suggestions

Reference list/bibliography /Endnotes

•The reference list should be arranged in

alphabetical order and should use a referencing

system which ensures the consistency of

elements.elements.

• Should not include works you found of no use

Thank you