‘The formulation of a research proposal is a process’. Discuss this statement and analyse the key stages of this process. Use examples of research from your subject area or area of interest to illustrate your arguments.
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When formulating a research proposal, most scholars agree with Robson’s (2011) assertion that there is no consensus, nor indeed a universal formula, concerning the process(es) involved. Accordingly, this paper argues that formulating a research proposal is not a linear process, but represents a more untidy and (re)iterative procedure, contingent upon the context of the research and researcher (Punch 2006). With this in mind, and the limited scope of this paper to discuss these issues in their entirety, subject matter concerns the author’s grant to research occidentalism in Southeast Asia. The paper comprises three main sections, representing three fundaments of the design process: formulating the research question; grounding research within existing theory and literature; finally, choosing appropriate methods. It concludes by reflecting upon the issues discussed and what this reveals about doing research.
When formulating a research proposal, most scholars agree with Robson’s (2011) assertion that there is no consensus, nor indeed a universal formula, concerning the process(es) involved. Accordingly, this paper argues that formulating a research proposal is not a linear process, but represents a more untidy and (re)iterative procedure, contingent upon the context of the research and researcher (Punch 2006). With this in mind, and the limited scope of this paper to discuss these issues in their entirety, subject matter concerns the author’s grant to research occidentalism in Southeast Asia. The paper comprises three main sections, representing three fundaments of the design process: formulating the research question; grounding research within existing theory and literature; finally, choosing appropriate methods. It concludes by reflecting upon the issues discussed and what this reveals about doing research.
0 évaluation0% ont trouvé ce document utile (0 vote)
116 vues7 pages
‘The formulation of a research proposal is a process’. Discuss this statement and analyse the key stages of this process. Use examples of research from your subject area or area of interest to illustrate your arguments.
When formulating a research proposal, most scholars agree with Robson’s (2011) assertion that there is no consensus, nor indeed a universal formula, concerning the process(es) involved. Accordingly, this paper argues that formulating a research proposal is not a linear process, but represents a more untidy and (re)iterative procedure, contingent upon the context of the research and researcher (Punch 2006). With this in mind, and the limited scope of this paper to discuss these issues in their entirety, subject matter concerns the author’s grant to research occidentalism in Southeast Asia. The paper comprises three main sections, representing three fundaments of the design process: formulating the research question; grounding research within existing theory and literature; finally, choosing appropriate methods. It concludes by reflecting upon the issues discussed and what this reveals about doing research.
The formulation of a research proposal is a process.
Discuss this statement and analyse the key
stages of this process. Use examples of research from your subject area or area of interest to illustrate your arguments.
Introduction When formulating a research proposal, most scholars agree with Robsons (2011) assertion that there is no consensus, nor indeed a universal formula, concerning the process(es) involved. Accordingly, this paper argues that formulating a research proposal is not a linear process, but represents a more untidy and (re)iterative procedure, contingent upon the context of the research and researcher (Punch 2006). With this in mind, and the limited scope of this paper to discuss these issues in their entirety, subject matter concerns the authors grant to research occidentalism in Southeast Asia. The paper comprises three main sections, representing three fundaments of the design process: formulating the research question; grounding research within existing theory and literature; finally, choosing appropriate methods. It concludes by reflecting upon the issues discussed and what this reveals about doing research. Formulating a research question It is well established that research questions are fundamental to the structure of the research proposal. They act as a referral point and reminder of the problems needing to be solved. Contrary to perceiving this process as one needing to be overcome and then left alone, one should constantly verify each stage of the design against the research question, ensuring coherence and consistency throughout the research proposal (Punch 2006). This process of referral prevents, or at least limits, confusion which could arise from the vast amount of questions being asked (Miles and Huberman 1994). For instance, this authors Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) 1+3 proposal asked: What is the relevance of the idea of the West in contemporary political discourse in Malaysia and Singapore? Referral back to this question reminded the researcher of the qualitative, discursive mode of analysis reinforcing the idea that sometimes, it is merely a question of logic (Punch 2006). The formulation of the research question is itself a variable process. Researchers either operate from the specific to the general (inductive) or from the general to the specific (deductive). This authors research proposal employed a deductive approach, involving constant trimming down (Punch 2006) of the subject matter, so as to foster a manageable and feasible project (see Figure 1). There are clear, logical links between the different levels of abstraction, providing a strong framework for the write-up of the project (Punch 2005).
Research Area: Occidentalism Research Topic: Narratives of occidentalism in Southeast Asia General Research Question: What is the relevance of the idea of the West in contemporary political discourse in Malaysia and Singapore? Specific Research Questions: 1. What are the dominant narratives which have informed key political thinkers, and how have these changed? 2. How have these narratives been employed to negotiate the relationship between Malaysia and Singapore, and between them and the wider Asian region? Figure 1: A deductive approach to question development
It is worth noting that, whilst the research question directs subsequent areas of the proposal, the question itself evolves through engagement with other factors, such as the literature review (Matthews and Ross 2010). The research question thus affects, and is affected by, various stages of the proposal. de Vaus (2001) further acknowledges the influence of external factors for instance, our insights can change as a result of consulting insiders or experts in the field, forcing us to question our knowledge in ways that hitherto may not have been possible. These points reinforce the notion that question development is messy, iterative and cyclical (Punch 2006: 25). In sum, question development is an integral part of the research design. It systematises the project, giving it structure whilst simultaneously keeping it within manageable boundaries (Punch 2005). Good questions indicate the type of data required for analysis (ibid), keeping the research and researcher focused throughout the project. Yet it remains a very complex process, and as the next section reveals, the questions asked are inherently linked to the theory within which key concepts are embedded. Theory and literature Determining the theoretical perspectives which guide your research affects: the nature of questions asked and method of analysis (Punch 2006); evaluation of that research, especially where funding is involved (Punch 2006; Lorion 1995); and the internal and external validity of the research (de Vaus 2001). Each of these issues are discussed in turn. This authors ontological beliefs are informed by constructionism, which emphasises the agency of individuals in the construction of their own reality (Kitchin and Tate 2000). The mode of analysis thus requires an investigation into the ways in which Malaysians and Singaporeans have constructed their own vision of the West to make sense of the world in which they live. Allied to this is an idealist epistemology, concerning the notion that reality is a social construction (Unwin 1992). Accordingly, in-depth interviews were chosen as the primary method of analysis, enabling an insight into their understanding of the world. Theory and literature are explicitly linked to the researchs original contribution to knowledge (Lorion 1995). Successful grantsmanship cannot be achieved without first substantively reviewing the state of the research field, for cutting edge knowledge is the primary aspect which necessitates funding (ibid). Indeed, Punch (2006) recognises the researchers responsibility to locate their research within previous work, allowing theoretical, historical and in the context of grantsmanship, financial justifications to be made for the study. Thus, where funding is involved, a critical examination of literature is required to justify the prioritisation of that research. Concerning the authors proposal, the body of literature surrounding occidentalism is itself sketchy, with case studies lacking in quantity. Competing theories have contributed toward an ambiguous concept which remains embryonic in development. Further, this body of literature has remained inherently tied to cultural studies material and disconnected from the realm of critical geopolitics (see Appendix 1 for research context). These two aspects reinforce the necessity of the authors research within a youthful theoretical field. de Vaus (2001) expounds the importance of achieving internal and external validity within research proposals. That this research has been designed to eliminate competing interpretations of occidentalism and thus minimise theoretical ambiguities, according to de Vaus (2001), reinforces the internal validity of the research. His ideals concerning external validity, however, necessitate further examination. He notes that, for research to be classified as externally valid, the results must apply more extensively (ibid). However this is an outdated view of modern research especially within occidentalism, which embraces the plurality of global culture (Bonnett 2002). There will never be a universal definition of occidentalism; different meanings of the West are particular to their localised contexts. Though the role of theory and literature is debatable (see Thomas 2002 for discussion of theorys restrictive effect on practice; see Punch 2005 for discussion of how literature shapes our perception of the topic), the general consensus is that they have a part to play within the research proposal. Review of these aspects shapes the questions which are asked and the methodologies which are formulated. Where funding is involved, this is essential in demonstrating how research will contribute to new knowledge (Lorion 1995). The next section discusses the interplay between research design and methods. Methods and research design Establishing the methods to be used is a fundamental aspect of the research proposal. Aspects to consider include: whether research will be qualitative or quantitative; the link between conceptual framework and method choice; and the level of methodological expertise required. The question of whether to embrace a qualitative or quantitative approach is essential to social science research. Albeit a major organising principle for some research (see Punch 2006 for discussion of the practicalities of each alternative), in other cases it is not. For instance, the authors choice was already shaped through the nature of the research question. As Punch (2006) notes, attempts to understand cultural behaviours almost always lead to a qualitative approach. This reflexive aspect of research design reflects the levels of interplay and dialogue between different stages of the research process. A conceptual framework, according to Punch (2005), develops naturally from the research question. Qualitative designs adopt a more variable framework, known as an unfolding research design (Punch 2006). In this respect the proposal should indicate how the design will unfold, allowing structure to emerge as the research progresses (ibid). The authors research proposal is qualitative and thus innately unfolding. Though it will involve interviewing a select group of contemporary political thinkers from Malaysia and Singapore, it was too early at the time of writing to acknowledge who these subjects may be (the research will be conducted in 2014). Consequently, this section of the proposal was left blank. This reflects the idea that research should be cutting edge, and as Lorion (1995) acknowledges regarding grantsmanship, grounded in forthcoming realms of enquiry. As with all aspects of the proposal, the role of the conceptual framework is contested. Robson (2011) advocates developing the framework before even the research question, establishing key constructs or relationships to be studied; these should face constant re-examination throughout the design process. Maxwell (2005: 33) adopts a broader conception of the term to engulf concepts, assumptions, expectations, beliefs and theories which guide research a more explicit connection between framework and theoretical context. Establishing the role of the framework may be futile, for all aspects of research are interrelated. Regardless, its value is in helping you select the most important data for analysis (Robson 2011). As regards the unplanned nature of qualitative research, a key question to ask concerns the level of methodological expertise which should be demonstrated. This point is especially prevalent within grantsmanship. For Herek (1995: 85), the challenge of grantsmanship involves choices about which variables to observe...to make these assumptions explicit, to examine them critically. This is a point of dispute, for the authors proposal certainly deviates from these aspects. In not explicitly acknowledging who will be interviewed, the researcher cannot be expected to make a critical examination of what the methodology will entail. Rather, Punch (2006: 55) exhorts the researcher to demonstrate a general idea of what technique(s) would be required, for methodology at the stage of the proposal is normally a question of logic over technicality. He does however advise the researcher to consult relevant institutional guidelines for clarification. Closer examination of ESRC research guidelines reveals that methodology does not play so great a part in 1+3 proposals. Under the section entitled Criteria and Guidance, the requirements read: A strong application will demonstrate an interest in and understanding of the proposed research area, its importance and wider context and the possible methodology and timescale (Economic and Social Research Council 2010: 6, emphasis added). The use of the term possible reflects that, in the temporal context of the PhD, the review panel accept that internal and external factors may affect or alter the methodology by the time research is conducted. In reflection, there is no denying the fundamentality of establishing methods in the proposal. Yet in context of the aforementioned, it is worth remembering Punchs (2006) view that so long as methods match the questions, ensuring the logic and validity of the proposal, there should be a level of fluidity in this process. The final section reflects upon the points covered in this paper. Conclusion The idea that formulating a research proposal is simply a process suggests a linear sense of progression, shifting from stage to stage to emerge with a detailed research framework. Yet as discussed, this conceals the multifaceted nature of doing research. In reality, processes of constant verification and validation must ensure coherence and consistency, reflecting levels of dialogue and dynamicity between all areas of the proposal. Each stage thus shapes and is (re)shaped by other factors at play in the proposal. For instance, the questions asked corresponded to the authors theoretical perspectives and in turn shaped the methods to be used, demonstrating the level of interplay between different stages. Accordingly, who you are plays a central role in the research process (Kirby and McKenna, 1989). There is no agreed way to doing research, involving strict conformation to universal norms and regulations; as Brewer and Hunter (2005) affirm, so long as the end product is good, it is irrelevant how the proposal emerged. Bibliography
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Herek, G. (1995). Developing a Theoretical Framework and Rationale for a Research Proposal in Pequegnat, W. and Stover, E. (Eds.) How to Write a Successful Research Grant Application: A Guide for Social and Behavioral Scientists New York: Plenum Press
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