Introduction To The Research Method

04/10/23N.P.M.A. Chamaru De Alwis 1

Introduction to the research Method

Chamaru De Alwis


Definition of Research

Well organized, Systematic ,Data based , ,objective oriented ,scientific inquiry or investigation

in to a specific problem undertaken with the purpose of finding answers or

solutions to it.


The purpose of research is to--

Review or synthesize existing knowledge Investigate existing situations or problems Provide solutions to problems Explore and analyze more general issues Construct or create new procedures or

systems Explain new phenomenon Generate new knowledge …or a combination of any of the above!



Research Approaches

Research can be approach in different ways Quantitative / qualitative Deductive/ inductive


Quantitative / qualitative Research


Deductive / inductive research


Steps in Research

Approval of research proposal literature review Methodology Data Analysis (Presentation) Conclusion


2. How to write a research proposal There is no single format for

research proposals. This is because every research project is different.

Different disciplines, donor organizations and academic institutions all have different formats and requirements.


How to write a research proposal Cont.. There are, however, several key

components which must be included in every research proposal.


Content Cover page Content page Introduction / background Statement of Research Problum Significance of the study Literature of the study Objectives Conceptual framework Hypostasis Methodology Timeframe, Budget, action plan Limitations References


Cover page

Running TitleTHE HUMAN SIDE OF TOTAL

QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN SRI LANKA: LEADERSHIP AND HUMAN

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

A.I.N. De Alwis MGT/ 125/2003

Department of Human Resource Management

Faculty of Commerce And Management Studies

University of Kelaniya Kelaniya

September 2008


Content page


3 DESCRIBING A RESEARCH PROBLEM (Introduction /Background) “The introduction is the part of the

paper that provides readers with the background information for the research reported in the paper.

Its purpose is to establish a framework for the research, so that readers can understand how it is related to other research” (Wilkinson, 1991, p. 96).


DESCRIBING A RESEARCH PROBLEM (Introduction /Background)

Therefore, you would do well to begin this section with a clear and simple formulation of your research question.


Our Strategies create reader interest in the topic, arrange the broad foundation for

the problem that leads to the study,

place the study within the larger context of the scholarly literature


Flesh out this section with some or all of the following: Where does this research

question come from? If it arises out of a debate in the

literature, introduce that debate. Clarify or quantify any concepts

which may not be clear.


2. Statement of the Problem

“A problem might be defined as the issue that exists in the literature, theory, or practice that leads to a need for the study”

(Creswell, 1994, p. 50).


Statement of the Problem It is important in a proposal that the

problem stand out — that the reader can easily recognize it.

Sometimes, unclear and poorly formulated problems are masked in an extended discussion. In such cases, supervisors will have difficulty recognizing the problem.


3 Effective problem statements answer the question “Why does this research

need to be conducted.” If a researcher is unable to answer

this question clearly then the statement of the problem will come off as confusing.


Examples

Does automation lead to greater investment per rupee of output?

How do price and quality rate on consumers evaluation of products?


WHY THE RESEARCH IS IMPORTANT (Significance of the Study) This section, often referred to as the

"rationale" is crucial, because it is one place in which the

researcher tries to convince her/his supervisor that the research is worth doing. You can do this by describing how the results may be used


Key points to keep in mind when preparing a purpose statement.

Try to incorporate a sentence that begins with “The purpose of this study is . . .” This will clarify your own mind as to the purpose and it will inform the reader directly and openly.

Clearly identify and define the central concepts or ideas of the study. Identify the specific method of inquiry to be used.


Think about how your research: may resolve theoretical questions in

your area

may develop better theoretical models in your area

may change the way people do their jobs in a particular field, or may change the way people live


3. Literature review

* Provides a conceptual framework for the reader so that the research question and methodology can be better understood.* Demonstrates to the supervisor that the researcher is aware of the breadth and diversity of literature that relates to the research question.


Literature review

cont.. It is important that you are able to

provide an integrated overview of your field of study. This means that you show awareness of

the most important and relevant theories, models, studies and methodologies


4. Objectives

The Objectives of a research project summaries what is to be achieved by the study.

Objectives should be closely related to the statement of the research problem


Objectives of the Study Example

The research was carried out with the expectation of accomplishing following objectives. 1. To determine the level and the extent of using

internet of employee recruitment in Sri Lanka 2. To identify the problems and concerns in using

online recruitment effectively in Sri Lanka. To assess the Sri Lankan HR professionals’

attitudes towards online recruiting.

Would HR professional practice online recruiting to increase the functional efficiency and compete with rivals?

To what extend we have engaged in online recruiting activities? What are the major barriers and concerns in implementing

effective online recruitment in Sri Lankan Context?


Why should research objectives be developed? The formulation of obj. will help U to

FOCUS the study (narrowing it down to essentials)

AVOID the collection of data which are not strictly necessary 4 understanding and solving the problems U have identified

ORGANIZE the study in clearly define parts


Objectives Cover different aspects of the Problum Use the logical sequence Clearly phrased in Operational Terms

(Specifying exactly what U are going to Do, where and for what)

Use action verbs ( determine, compare, verify, calculate, describe, establish)

Don't use non action verbs like to understand, to appreciate, to study


Keep in Mind

How do supervisor evaluate your research? by comparing results with objectives If the objectives have not been spelled

out clearly the project cannot be evaluated


Variables

A VARIABLE is a characteristic of a person or object which can take on different values (attributes).

These may be in the form of numbers (e.g., age) or non-numerical characteristics (e.g., sex).


Type of variables

The variable that is used to describe or measure the problem under study is called the DEPENDENT variable.

The variables that are used to describe or measure the factors that are assumed to cause or at least to influence the problem are called the INDEPENDENT variables


Example

In a study of the relationship between smoking and lung cancer,

‘suffering from lung cancer’ (with the values yes, no) would be the dependent variable

and ‘smoking’ (varying from not smoking to

smoking more than three packets a day) the independent variable


Moderating variables

The variable that has a strong contingent effect on the independent or dependent variable

Availability of manuals No of rejects

interest of leaning


Example

Workforce Diversity

Organizational effectiveness

Man

ager

ial

Exp

ertis

e


Intervening variable Surface between the independent variable

start operating to influence the dependent variable and the time their impact is felt on it.

Workforce Diversity

Creative Synergy



Conceptual Framework

the C.F is the foundation on which the entire research project is based.

it is a logically developed described and elaborated network of associations among the variables deemed relevant to the problem situation.


Conceptual Framework

Workforce Diversity


Man

ager

ial

Exp

ertis

e

Creative Synergy


Communication among flight area members

Communication between ground control and flight area

Decentralization

Air safety violation

Training


Hypotheses

The logical relationship between two more variables expressed in the form of a testable statement.


Ex :

if the pilots are given adequate training , air safety violations will be reduced.


Hypotheses

If then Statements Ex : if employees are more healthy , then

they will take sick leave less frequently Directional and nondirectional

The grater the stress experienced in the job, the lower the job satisfaction of employees

There is a relationship between age and job satisfaction


Null and Alternate Hypotheses Definitive , perfect , exact

relationship between two variables. in general null statement express

no (significant relationship)


Hypotheses writing format

Null : There is no significant relationship between employee health and taking sick leave

Alternative : There is a significant relationship between employee health and taking sick leave

Null - H0 Alternate - HA or H1


The Design--Methods and Procedures Population and Sampling Instrumentation Data Collection Data Analysis


The Design--Methods and Procedures “The methods or procedures section

is really the heart of the research proposal. The activities should be described with as much detail as possible, and the continuity between them should be apparent” (Wiersma, 1995, p. 409).


The Design--Methods and Procedures Indicate the methodological steps

you will take to answer every question or to test every hypothesis illustrated in the Questions/Hypotheses section.


Population

Enter group pf people, events or things of interest that the researcher wishes to investigate


Sampling The key reason for being concerned

with sampling is that of validity validity

—the extent to which the interpretations of the results of the study follow from the study itself

the extent to which results may be generalized to other situations with other people


Sample sampling = representative. “How representative is the sample

of the survey population (the group from which the sample is selected)

How representative is the survey population of the target population (the larger group to which we wish to generalize)?”


Instrumentation

Outline the instruments you propose to use (surveys, scales, interview protocols, observation grids).

If instruments have previously been used, identify previous studies

If instruments have not previously been used, outline procedures you will follow to develop. (a pilot study is nearly essential.)


Data Collection Outline the general plan for

collecting the data. This may include survey administration procedures interview or observation procedures. Provide a general outline of the time

schedule you expect to follow.


Data Analysis

Specify the procedures you will use, and label them accurately (e.g., ANOVA, Correlation)


Time frame Action plan Budget


Limitations and Delimitations A limitation identifies potential

weaknesses of the study. Think about your analysis, the

nature of self-report, your instruments, the sample. Think about threats may have been impossible to avoid or minimize—explain.


References

Follow APA guidelines regarding use of references in text and in the reference list.

Only references cited in the text are included in the reference list


General Guide lines produce a professional looking proposal

• be interesting• be informative• write in a way that is easy to read, • include a contents page• use clear headings and sub-headings• be short and accurate• use simple language wherever possibleDo not use active voice

• construct clear arguments• check your spelling and grammar• reference your work fully using an acceptable format

Introduction To The Research Method

Education

research approaches

approach research

purpose of research

research methodologies

research methods

definition of research

deductive inductive

research method chamaru