Chapter 1

Research Methodology –
Introduction

PPS, UTeM

1

Research Methodology - Introduction


Introduction and Overview of Research



Definitions and
related terms



Characteristics of a good research

explanations

of

the

2

Research - Introduction
 You find a research idea when there is a gap in
the current knowledge or an unanswered
question that interests you.
•

The “Why” questions

•

Looks for explanations

•

Requires intelligence gathering first to provide data

•

Assesses information and critically evaluates it

•

Identifies where further data is required to provide
further information to answer the question

3

Research - Introduction
 Choosing the research topic
 Defining the research problem
 Critical review of the literature
 Research Design
 Various Research Tools
 Thesis Writing
 Research Management
 Research Ethics

4

Research - Introduction
 Creativity
 Open mind
 Curiosity
 Patience
 Persistence
 Positive Attitude
 Discipline and focus

5

Definition • Formalized method of collecting data to answer a question or solve a problem • Theory • – Explanation which unites a large body of facts – Relies on testable hypotheses Hypothesis/inference – – Premise. supposition Used to test or examine theories 6 .Research .

Research . A careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge (Advanced learners’ Dictionary) 7 . A systematized effort to gain new knowledge (Redman).Definition Research is a quest for knowledge through diligent search or investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of new knowledge. (WHO) Research is an art of scientific investigation.

Kerlinger 8 . controlled.Definition • Orderly procedure by which one increases knowledge which is in contrast to accidental discovery because it follows a series of steps designed to develop information . empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena .Andrew & Hildebrand • Systematic.Research .

g. Its literal meaning is: French To systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) in order to discover of new knowledge or expand and verify of the existing one (e.Research . Scientific Method 9 .law) To do so. theory .. it is required a .Introduction The word research derives from “recherche”.

Acceptability .Research .Deductive Reasoning Indicates the attempt to observe things as they are. acceptability inductive reasoning deductive reasoning Acceptability is judged in terms of the degree to which observations and experimentations can be reproduced.Inductive Reasoning . Reasoning from specific observations experiments to more general hypotheses theories and and Reasoning from theories to account for specific experimental results 10 .Scientific Method Scientific method is the method involves the concepts of : Objectivity . objectivity without falsifying observations to accord with some preconceived world view.

• A second characteristic of the good research is that your chances for success are increased when your view of nature approximates reality as closely as possible. When reality is approximated there is a good likelihood of success. the greater the likelihood of successfully unlocking some of the secrets of nature. “The closer our project comes to approximating reality.Characteristics of a Good Research • The most important characteristic of a good research is that it is testable.” Smith/Davis 11 .

Characteristics of a Good Research  Clearly defined purpose  Detailed process   Well planned research design   Providing procedures used to conduct the study Results should be as objective as possible Maintain high ethical standards  Being responsible and concerned for the welfare of the participants 12 .

Characteristics of a Good Research  Reveal limitations  Acknowledge shortcomings in the research  Adequate analysis  Method chosen is appropriate  Conclusions justified  Not over-generalizing  Findings/results presented clearly  Readily understood language 13 .

Characteristics of a Good Research • Theoretical Framework – Theory (integration of facts and ideas) – Hypothesis (testable prediction about the relationship between 2 or more variables) • Standardized Procedures • Generalizability from a Sample • Objective Measurement 14 .

Characteristics of a Good Research  Good research skills develop with continual testing. reviewing and criticism of your work and others  Conventional wisdom may critical. and its source  They need to ask – – – – not bear Are the facts right? Can data be found? Can the results be interpreted differently? 15 . impartial evaluation  Good researchers examine data critically  Both the data itself.

Characteristics of a Good Research Developing Research Skills • Development through – – – – – Practice Self assessment Feedback from peers Feedback from researchers 16 .

citing theory to clarify and support assertions • To acknowledge other views on a subject and put them into perspective • To write clearly. tersely and unambiguously • Ability to unearth reference material from a variety of sources such as – – – – Traditional abstracts of academic papers CD-ROM abstracts the Internet 17 .Characteristics of a Good Research Basic Research Skills Required • Ability to write technical papers • To be able to marshal facts into logical order • To present arguments well.

18 .Characteristics of a Good Research Basic Research Skills Required • The ability to questionnaires • The ability to design and conduct interviews • The ability to use statistical techniques • The ability to design experiments to test out hypotheses design and analyse “Quality work is never an accident”.

Problems in Good Research • Uncontrollable variables • Human tendencies • Time and money • Lack of computerization • Lack of scientific training methodology of research • Insufficient interaction between university research departments and business establishments • Lack of confidence on the part business units to give information • Lack of code of conduct in the of 19 .

20 .Problems in Good Research • Difficulty of adequate and timely secretarial assistance • Poor library management and functioning • Difficulty of timely availability of published data. • Ignorance • Research for the sake of research-limited practical utility though they may use high sounding business.

Characteristics of Good Researchers • Enthusiastic • Open-minded • Common sense • Ability to assume other roles • Self-confident • Creative and inventive • Effective communicator • Attentive to details • Possesses integrity and honesty • Ethical • Accepting of valid criticism • Address real-world issues 21 .

by analyzing the facts or information already available. situation or a group (or) describing the state of affairs as it exists at present.TYPES OF RESEARCH  Descriptive vs Analytical Research Descriptive Research is a fact finding investigation which is aimed at describing the characteristics of individual. 22 . Analytical Research is primarily concerned with testing hypothesis and specifying and interpreting relationships.

Fundamental Research which is also known as basic or pure research is undertaken for the sake of knowledge without any intention to apply it in practice. 23 . It is undertaken out of intellectual curiosity and is not necessarily problem-oriented.TYPES OF RESEARCH Applied vs Fundamental Research Applied Research or Action Research is carried out to find solution to a real life problem requiring an action or policy decision.

Qualitative Research is a nonquantitative type of analysis which is aimed at finding out the quality of a particular phenomenon. 24 .TYPES OF RESEARCH  Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Research is employed for measuring the quantity or amount of a particular phenomena by the use of statistical analysis.

TYPES OF RESEARCH Conceptual vs Empirical Research Conceptual Research is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. Empirical Research is a data based research which depends on experience or observation alone. 25 . It is aimed at coming up with conclusions without due regard for system and theory.

frequency with which it occurs and the possible solutions for it..  Longitudinal Research – Research carried on over several time periods.  Diagnostic Research – It is also called clinical research which aims at identifying the causes of a problem.  Experimental Research – It is designed to assess the effect of one particular variable on a phenomenon by keeping the other variables constant or controlled.Some other types of research.  One-time Research – Research confined to a single time period. 26 .

 Historical Research – It is the study of past records and other information sources. to generate new ideas or to make a precise formulation of the problem. about which the researcher has little or no knowledge. It is aimed to gain familiarity with the problem. Some other types of research. Hence it is also known as formulative research. with a view to find the origin and development of a phenomenon and to discover the trends in the past. . Exploratory Research – It is the preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem.. inorder to understand the present and to anticipate 27 the future.

Chapter 2 Choosing the Research Topic 28 .

provide a list of possible topics…  Personal interest & experience: supervisor’s major or interest your  Literature review: recently published books or journals suggest undiscussed questions for research. narrowing it and formulating questions. assign a particular topic. 29 . Identify a general subject  Instructor or supervisor may specify a broad area of study.Choosing the Research Topic • Topic selection involves identifying a general subject.

etc. • Relevance to the aim of the funding agency. • Amenability of the problem to investigation.Choosing the Research Topic Selection of research topic should be based on • Magnitude of the problem and its impact • Urgency of the need for a solution. • Chances of success. • Feasibility of the approach. 30 .

Sources • Avoid topics which may induce strong reactions. availability of resources • A small piece of an important topic or a small piece of an area that attract you. manage  Nonsystematic Sources  systematic Sources ability. avoid topics which are overly ambitious (motivated) and overly challenging • Importance and interest.Choosing the Research Topic . 31 .

Choosing the Research Topic . Everyday Occurrences • The people and/or situations one encounters daily provide some of the best possibilities for research. Inspiration usually comes more easily after one has been working on a particular problem for some time.Sources • Nonsystematic Sources Inspiration • Ideas that pop into one’s mind from (seemingly) nowhere. Coincidence • Refers to those situations where we look for one phenomenon but find another. 32 . Serendipity – Accidental thought.

– A failure to replicate a previous finding raises additional questions that only continued research will be able to answer.Choosing the Research Topic .Sources • Systematic Sources Research ideas from systematic sources are carefully organized and logically thought out – Past Research • A careful survey of the research done in a specific area will highlight any knowledge gaps or unanswered questions in that area. 33 .

34 . Classroom Lectures • Lectures often include a systematic review of the relevant literature on a particular topic and as such are a good source of research ideas.Choosing the Research Topic .Sources • Systematic Sources Theory • The guidance function of a theory provides an endless panorama of projects for researchers who take the time and trouble to master the theory and understand its implications.

where and how it can be obtained and the form in which it was published. monthly. of 35 . providing the year. place or publication. presented according to the author’s name & subject.Sources Systematic Sources . name. index – indices or indexes: published quarterly.Reading the literature Types of reference works: 1. annually or bi-annually. Bibliographies: list of related publications and other materials 3. Collections of abstracts: summaries journal articles and other literature. 2.Choosing the Research Topic .

Choosing the Research Topic . 6. Up-to-date 36 . Yearbooks: present books about specific years in the past 7. Encyclopedia: give introductory information about subjects. Dictionaries: 5. Unpublished papers: conference papers or manuscripts circulated among colleagues for discussion.Sources Reading the literature Types of reference works: 4.

journal of pragmatics. journal of linguistics.Sources Reading the literature Types of reference works: 8. 37 . explain concepts more systematically than research papers do. Textbooks: a good introductory survey. Research monograph: single author’s theory or viewpoint about a topic. Journals: a collection of papers published regularly as language. 10.Choosing the Research Topic . applied linguistics. 9.

physical properties. thermal. 38 . and may necessitate superficial treatment of the subject. luxury etc.. lifetime. safety.Choosing the Research Topic – Idea Generation Narrow down the topic • What is the right size of the topic that is sufficient for a MSc / PhD thesis? E. Fuel consumption.g.  A broad topic can not give sufficient direction to research. Choose an alternating automotive body material (PhD Thesis) – It involves to study the material in its mechanical.

will yield inadequate  A too technical topic may demand knowledge you cannot acquire in the time allotted.Choosing the Research Topic – Idea Generation  A broad topic can not give sufficient direction to research. Machine translation… 39 . and may necessitate superficial treatment of the subject.  A narrow topic information.

Choosing the Research Topic .Focusing Analysis of example • Acquisition of English vocabulary – too broad • Who are the learners? Vocabulary in speaking or writing? How you go about the research? Interview. questionnaire? 40 .

Focusing Read the literature review and discuss with researchers • Researching a general topic and deciding the research focus through literature review.Choosing the Research Topic . (not studied different from others in one or more aspects) • Discuss with classmates your supervisor or or is of or your 41 . …read to examine whether it worth investigating. Read the abstracts papers relevant to your topic. • If it is motivated by personal experience observation.

Choosing the Research Topic . or original research 42 .Focusing Why examine past research? • Learn what is already known • Learn about various variables that have been evaluated • Learn what theories have been proposed • Discover a question you want to investigate • Decide on replication. replication with extension.

Choosing the Research Topic . what are the implications of the research findings if the hypothesis is or is not confirmed? 43 .e.Focusing Developing a research question • Survey the research literature • Read the actual article. not just the abstract • What do you really want to know? • Is your interest relevant to the improvement of the quality of life for human beings? I.

data-collection & data-analysis.Focusing Formulating questions • General question: as a blueprint that provides the direction for your research but they are not specific enough to be answered. • Specific question: derived from the general questions. directly related to the details of research procedures such as subject collection.Choosing the Research Topic . 44 .

45 .Choosing the Research Topic .Focusing Expansion of a small set of questions Topic focus General Q1 General Q2 General Q3 Specific Specific Specific Qs Qs Qs It is better to answer few questions thoroughly than many Qs superficially.

Choosing the Research Topic Factors to be considered • Some fields of research involving empirical or descriptive research.g. 46 . • E. the topic may be stated as a hypothesis. Students composing on computers write differently than they do when composing by hand. • After…you may find this hypothesis is wrong.

Choosing the Research Topic Factors to be considered 1: The task with which students are most familiar would be performed with the highest accuracy while… 2: The task which was most unfamiliar and difficult for subjects would generate language with the highest degree of complexity. 3: The task which was most familiar to subjects might be performed with the highest degree of fluency… 47 .

Choosing the Research Topic Problems in formulating questions No research idea: never expect teacher to choose a topic for you your Personal experience. attending conferences and talking with other researchers classify the questions to show the logical relationship between general and specific questions 48 .

Choosing the Research Topic Factors to be considered Variable Is a term ascribed to the characteristic being investigated. blood pressure. Independent variable The variable which is assumed to determine the values of the dependent (response) variable. For example. For example. blood pressure could be deemed to respond to changes in age. blood group. and can take any value in a reasonable range. age of patients being studied. For example. Dependent variable The variable which is assumed to respond to the values of the independent (explanatory) variable. 49 . blood pressure could be deemed to respond to changes in age.

the appropriate units of analysis are easy to select. or events under study--the entities that we want to say something about. Frequently. things. 50 .Choosing the Research Topic Factors to be considered Unit of Analysis Units of analysis are the persons.

The Research Puzzle CORPORATE INFORMATION LIBRARY REPOSITORIES STUDENTS HUMAN RESOURCES RESEARCH FINANCE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUNDING BODIES RESEARCHERS 51 .

The Research Puzzle BENCHMARKIN G& DATA COMPLIANCE REPORTING ETHICS & SAFETY CONTRACTS RESEARCH QUALITY GRANTS RESEARCH RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREES R&D INNOVATION & IP RESEARCH OUTPUTS 52 .