Research Proposal Choosing a Research Topic. What is a research proposal A proposal is a written presentation of an intended research specifying the problem,

Research ProposalResearch ProposalChoosing a Research Topic

What is a research What is a research proposalproposalA proposal is a written

presentation of an intended research specifying the problem, the method and resource implication of the study.

It is an overview of the intended research describing the research problem, objectives, scope, literature review and methodology to be employed.

Choosing a research topicChoosing a research topicA topic is a subject to be researched,

analyzed and interpreted.It is thematic statement of what the

research is all about.It may arise as a problem to be

solved or as an issue to be better understood.

It may involve conditions which the researcher wants to improve, difficulties to be eliminated, or questions for which immediate answers are needed.

Choosing a topic..Choosing a topic..Start by identifying a wide area of interest

or concern and then narrow that area to a manageable set of research questions.

A good research topic will focus the direction of research and position the central concept of the research at an early stage.

A research topic should have a subject and an object, and should define the variables and population of the study in a brief statement or phrase of about 12 words

It is a concise and specific statement that encompasses succinctly all the essential elements of the study.

Choosing…Choosing…First step in identifying research

topic is to identify a broad problem that is closely related to ones’ interest or professional goals. Examples◦Web 2.0 and Social media◦ Information literacy◦ Informetrics and web-ometrics The researcher now seeks out specific

research problems. A research topic should clearly indicate

what is to be investigated (subject and object) as well as where the study will be conducted.

Sources of research topicsSources of research topicsPersonal experiences: a topic can

be suggested from ones’ experiences and personal observations.

Deduction from existing theories: theories are general principles whose applicability to specific problems or situations are not known until empirically tested.

Through research one can determine whether the generalizations embodied in the theory can be translated into specific recommendations for practice.

Sources…Sources…Formal needs assessment: A careful

assessment of needs may reveal problems that may require research to solve.

Literature sources: Most completed researches contains recommendations for further research. A research topic may result from such recommendations.

A researcher may also wish to replicate another study.

Replication may be to check trends or change over time; check generalization and validity of findings; correct faulty methodology.

Factors to consider in Factors to consider in choosing a topicchoosing a topicPersonal interest in the topic ( likely to

motivate the researcher).Importance of the researchTime available. A good topic should be able

to be accomplished within the given time.Research skills. The researcher should

consider whether she/he has the necessary skills required for the study.

The cost. It is necessary to consider the cost of conducting and reporting a study and be sure it will be accommodated.

Ethical issues: some topic may raise ethical issues which the researcher may not easily overcome.

Formulation of the title Formulation of the title The title should then be planned

and formulated wellFor title page should follow the

GSREC guidelines.Title on top, followed by Full Names

of researcher; the award for which the proposal is intended ( Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment for the requirements of the Degree of---; Date of submission

Chapter One: Introduction Chapter One: Introduction The purpose of the introduction is to

provide a basis of the study.It provides the background and the

setting required to put the research problem in context.

The first part of your introduction is to provide a global overview and historical dimension of the topic to be investigated.

This should then be narrowed down to the area of the study.

IntroductionIntroductionBackground of the study – should provide

conceptual and contextual setting of the study.

Conceptual setting: The researcher should provide literal definitions which should be obtained from various authoritative sources.

Various authors may provide different definitions and this informs the reader of the meaning of the terms or variables.

The second definition is working definition where the researcher provides a working definition in context of the study.

Conceptual settingConceptual settingThe working definition may be adapted

from a range of literal definitions. The researcher should justify why he/she has adapted a working definition.

Operational definitions: It is important to give operational

definitions to clarify exactly what meaning a researcher attaches to a concept in context of the study.

This may be provided at the beginning or end of chapter one.

Contextual SettingContextual SettingThe researcher describe each

variable showing the problems associated with each and exposing the gaps in the context of the study.

Example?

Research ProblemResearch ProblemA statement of the problem refers to what

the researcher has identified as existing in literature, theory or practice.

It is a condition which needs to be probed and a solution found.

It may arise from issues, difficulties, current practices or problems that need to be solved or better understood.

It may arise from existing theories related to current social and political issues, practical situations or personal experiences.

Research ProblemResearch ProblemIt may be a state of affairs that need to be

changed, system not working as it ought to.

Difficulties to be eliminated.A research problem is therefore a need or

discrepancy that can only be solved through collection and analysis of data.

It is a discrepancy between desired status and actual status.

It is a discrepancy which is not understood but for which possible solution exist through research.

How do you identify a How do you identify a research problem?research problem?The following may probe some

thoughts:Issues attracting attention that need

investigation.Unanswered questionsMissing linksImbalancesUnsatisfactory state of affairsProblems of adjustment to

technological advances

Stating the research problem Stating the research problem (Statement of the Problem)(Statement of the Problem)State it in very clear, precise and non-

ambiguous terms.1. Describe the ideal: this is a

description of things as they should be. A description of expected performance, status, conditions or relationships between the variables if everything were to work according to plan.

The researcher should provide authoritative sources to reinforce the idea of relationships.

Statement of …Statement of …2. Describe the actual performance,

status, conditions or relationships as they are on the ground.

This is referred to as defining the problemThe researcher should analyze the

problem in occurrence, intensity, distribution and other measures for which data is already available.

The aim is to gather as much relevant information about what is currently known about the problem.

Statement of..Statement of..One need to review literature, examine

current statistics, seek educated opinions from people concerned with the problem.

The description of the actual focus should focus on the object (dependent variables) of the study.

For example, a researcher should describe:◦ Incidences and prevalence of the problem◦Geographical areas affected by the problem ◦Characteristics of the people affected by

the problem.◦Possible solutions or what can be done

3. 3. Describe the discrepancy Describe the discrepancy between the ideal and the between the ideal and the actual practiceactual practiceThis is the discrepancy that form

the basis of investigation. This discrepancy is the problem. Step 1, 2, 3 should be described in separate paragraphs in that order.

The problem is therefore the difference between the ideal and actual statuses.

If the actual and the ideal are the same then there is no problem.

A Well Stated Problem A Well Stated Problem Should:Should:Clarify what is exactly to be solved or

be determinedShould be written in a clear and non-

technical language.Should identify the area of concernContain the variables and the target

population to be studied.Restrict the scope of the study to a

specific questions or hypotheses.Be feasible and amenable to research.

Well stated..Well stated..Not raise or overlook ethical

concernsBe original: a good problem

should be original and not duplicating what has already be solved.

Be significant: it should result in advancement of knowledge and therefore should make useful contribution to body of knowledge.

Purpose or aim of the Purpose or aim of the studystudyThe purpose or research aim is the general

intention of research. It identifies the goal of the study.

It elaborate the title of the study by presenting a quick overview of the study itself.

It link the title with the research problem through a brief and specific terms.

The purpose statement establishes the direction of the study by capturing in a single line or paragraph the essence of the study.

Purpose…Purpose…It provides a specific and accurate

synopsis of the overall intent or aim of the study.

It must be precise and concise A good statement should:Clearly mention the central concept

being explored.Provide a general definition of the

central conceptSpecify the variables and relationships

between them

Purpose..Purpose..Describe the unit (respondents)

of the studyDescribe the expected output of

the study.

Specific ObjectivesSpecific ObjectivesResearch objectives, questions and hypothesis

have the same characteristics but different wordings.

Objectives state the intentions of the study while research questions ask the intentions of the study, while hypotheses suggest a relationship.

Objectives are specific aims or goals arising directly from purpose of the study.

They are the statements of intended specific outcomes that specify more directly what the researcher is going to do.

They are breakdown of the purpose into small manageable units.

Characteristics of good Characteristics of good objectivesobjectives1. Objectives should be S.M.A.R.T- Specific,

measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound(i) An objective is specific if it communicates very clearly and explicitly, the intended outcome of the study. It should be short, concise, precise with a clear focus. (ii) An objective is measurable if it is stated in terms of an outcome that can be observed or measured. The researcher should therefore use active verbs to describe action such as find out, determine, describe, establish.

Characteristics of good Characteristics of good objectivesobjectives(iii) An attainable objective has two

yardsticks: feasibility and manageability. An objective is feasible if it can be answered through collection of data. An objective is manageable if it can be accomplished within the constraints of available resources such as finance, equipment, manpower and time.

(iv) An objective is Realistic if it has reasonable level of difficulty. It should neither be too hard nor too simple

(v) An objective is Time Bound when it can be accomplished within the available time.

Characteristics..Characteristics..2. Clearly indicate the target

population, that is where the study will be conducted.

3. Clearly indicate the variables to be investigated and the relationship between them.

Research QuestionsResearch QuestionsResearch questions and hypotheses

are usually used alternately. If questions are posed, hypotheses should not be stated at the same time.

A question becomes a research question if it cannot be answered unless fresh data is collected on it.

Research questions are derived from the objectives

Research QuestionsResearch QuestionsAvoid questions that require YES?NO

answers. Questions of ‘how’ and ‘why’ are preferred.

Ensure that questions and objectives are systematically and consistent.

Ensure that all the variables in the objectives are included in the question.

How does promotion affect motivation of library staff in Public Universities?

HypothesisHypothesisThey are declarative statements on the

relationships between two or more variables on the nature of some phenomenon.

They form the elements of for testing to enable the researcher make an opinion about certain phenomenon being investigated.

This involves testing of the variables in order to make meaningful conclusions.

A well stated hypothesis should:Be testableBe clear and precise

Good hypothesisGood hypothesisIndicate both the independent

and dependent variables and the relationship between them.

Be based on theory. Some evidence is necessary.

Null and Alternative Null and Alternative HypothesisHypothesisHypothesis may be stated either in null (non-

directional) form symbolized as (H) or in alternative (directional) form symbolized as (H)

A null hypothesis states that there is no relationship between the variables being studies.

A literary Null hypothesis is concept oriented and provides no direction. It states that that there is no relationship between the concepts (there is no relationship between socio-economic status and librarians’ performance).

These are broad concepts that need to be defined.

Null HypothesisNull Hypothesis An operational hypothesis is

operational but provides no direction, for example:

There is no relationship between students study hours and their performance in Universities.

There is no relationship between basic salary and motivation of library staff in private universities in Kenya.

Alternative HypothesisAlternative HypothesisReferred to as directional hypothesis and it

states a relationship between the variables being investigated.

A literary directional (alternative) is a concept oriented and provides direction.

Social-economic status of university librarians in Kenya influences their performance.

Operational directional (alternative) hypothesis is operational and provides direction.

Health schemes affects motivation of university librarians.

Hypothesis..Hypothesis..Research hypothesis are derived

from research objectives.They express the relationship

between the variables in the study.

Significance of the studySignificance of the studyThis refers to the relevance of the study in

terms of academic contributions and practical use of the findings.

It explain contribution of the study to researchers, practitioners and policy makers.

What are implications or applications of the findings to:

The community that have been studied.Policy makers at national levelPractitioners at national/international levelResearchers

Significance..Significance..Rationale/justificationWhy and how the study will

contribute to scholarly researchWhy and how will the study help

to improve policyWhy and how the study will help

improve practice.

Scope of the studyScope of the studyThe scope is also referred to as

delimitations of the study.It is the description of the boundaries

of the study in terms of content, methodological and geographical coverage, time of the study

Theoretical FrameworkTheoretical FrameworkA theory is a set of properly argued ideas

intended to explain a phenomenon. A theoretical framework is descriptive

while conceptual framework is diagrammatical (indicating relationship between IV and DV).

Theoretical framework is an examination of the existing theories in relation to the research objectives.

It refers to a set of interrelated variables, definitions and propositions that present a systematic view of a phenomenon.

Steps in presenting your Steps in presenting your theorytheoryName the theory and its’ sourceIndicate where the theory has been used

and who used it.Describe the prepositions or hypothesis

in the theory.Explain the variables in the study.Discuss the implication/application of the

theory to the study.Mention the competing theories in the

same area and why they are inadequate for this study.

Steps….Steps….Mention the weaknesses of the theory

indicating how This will help to justify the choice of the

theory for the study.This study will be informed by (name the

theory) advanced by…. (name the author and other relevant related information). The theory was used by… (name the people who have used the theory and where). The theory postulates that (describe the propositions or hypothesis of the theory)…

Conceptual FrameworkConceptual Framework Is a scheme of concepts which the researcher will

operationalize in order to achieve the objectives. It is a schematic or a diagrammatic presentation of the theory.

The theory is presented as a model where research variables and the relationship between them are translated into a visual picture between independent extraneous and dependent variable

The independent variables are placed on the left and dependent variables on the right, separated by the extraneous variable at the centre.

Independent variables that are not related to the purpose of the study, but may affect the dependent variable are termed extraneous variables.

Where should theoretical Where should theoretical and conceptual Framework and conceptual Framework be placed?be placed?The theoretical and conceptual

framework may be placed in Chapter 2 immediately after literature review. It may also be placed as the last item of chapter 1.

Student should seek guidance from their supervisors.