أساسيات طرق البحث

Introduction to Research Methods

• Research methods are crucial for organizing and presenting ideas in academic writing.
• This involves a systematic approach to investigate a phenomenon or problem, leading to meaningful conclusions.
• The process includes collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to achieve the intended objectives.
• Academic writing relies on a specific method, encompassing sequential phases, each contributing to the subsequent stages.

Difference between Research Methods and Research Methodology

• Methodology entails applying research methods, whilst a method is a set of general scientific principles used to solve problems and discover truths.
• Methodology describes procedures established by researchers, such as observation, critical thinking, and inference, for linking and interpreting variables.
• Researchers must justify their methodology choices.

Research Types

• Academic Research: Involves research conducted in universities and academic institutions, divided into:
  • Undergraduate Research: Similar to reports, designed to train students in self-reliance and analysis.
  • Graduate Research: Includes master's theses and doctoral dissertations, requiring a structured timeframe for producing novel contributions to the field.
  • Faculty Research: Conducted by university professors for promotions or conference participation.

Research Content/Material

• Traditional libraries are essential, although the internet provides supplementary information through research summaries, book/thesis content, and facilitating interactions between researchers.

Methods of Note-Taking

• Method 1 (Cards): Categorize different materials (e.g., book, article), recording source details (author, title, chapter, page).
• Method 2 (Notebook): Organize according to research plan; structured like a folder.
• Method 3 (Photocopying): For necessary pages or sections that cannot be easily copied.
• Method 4 (Annotation): Note pages, but lacking in organization, indicating needing the full book,

Selecting Material for the Research

• After gathering materials, selection becomes crucial.
• Research should follow the planned structure (e.g., introduction, body, bibliography).
• Prioritize impactful information, focusing on core ideas, logical reasoning, and appropriate presentation.
• Exclude irrelevant content and use citations for referenced material.

Note-Taking Procedures

• Footnotes: vital for understanding material, avoid excessive length or repetition.
• Citations: Include author's name, title, chapter details, edition details, publication location, and year. For Master's/Ph.D. theses, include the issuing university and publication status.
• Use the correct citation format to ensure accuracy.
• Online Sources: Fully document online sources by including the website address, author, and article title; include "without date (b.t)" if no date is available.

Citation Guidelines

• Citations should follow established rules and maintain consistency.
• Include source information (i.e., author, book title, place, and year) to avoid plagiarism and acknowledge the contributions of others.

Research and Documentation in the Digital Era

• Modern Note-Taking Procedures include digitization methods like Modelmage (image format) and Texte (text format), leading to PDF documents for storage and dissemination.

Research Methodologies

• Research Methods signify sequential steps taken by a researcher to compile a rigorous research study.

Common Research Qualities

• Objectivity: Maintaining objectivity without personal bias.
• Methodological Precision and Clarity (Selection & Scope): Adherence to established research principles with a limited number of variables for thorough analysis and complete coverage.
• Intellectual Honesty: Crediting sources.

Characteristics of a Researcher

• Proficiency in general and specialized research methods.

• Natural aptitude for research.

• Ability to select, outline, critique, debate, and comprehend concepts.

• Intellectual curiosity, honesty, and commitment essential.

Research Types

• Academic Research: Categories are:
  • Undergraduate Research: Concise reports.
  • Graduate Research: Master's and doctoral level works.
  • Faculty Research: For promotions or conference participation.

Different Types of Research

• Academic Research: University-level, further categorized into undergraduate, graduate, and faculty work.
• Other Research: Could be for promotions, conferences etc.

Historical Research

• Historical Background: Essential for understanding the evolution and interconnectedness of events.
• Historical research focuses on timelines, events, and relationships.
• Researchers should be cognizant of the historical context.

Historical Research Methodology

• Researcher Traits: Clear-thinking, organized, well-informed individual adept at classifying, connecting, and interpreting events and actions in time and space.

• Essential Researcher qualities: Objectivity and freedom from personal biases or predilections.

• Understanding of Historical Context: Broad perspective and avoidance of myths or inaccuracies.

• Flexibility: Open to feedback and modifying approaches based on emerging evidence.

• Comprehensive Knowledge: Across various fields—especially within the researcher's specialization.

• Analytical Skills: Extracting coherent information from potentially disorganized data.

• Concise Communication: Expressing core ideas clearly and concisely.

Historical Research Methods & Tools

• Languages: Proficiency in original languages of source material (e.g., original documents, translations).

• Philology (Historical Linguistics): Understanding changes in language usage over time.

• Paleography: Deciphering ancient scripts/handwriting helps in accurately interpret historical documents.

• Diplomatics: Expertise in interpreting historical documents, noting paper/ink details, stamps, etc for verification.

• Numismatics: Study of coins, especially those with historical significance.

• Geography: Insight into the physical environment's impact on historical events.

• Literature: Understanding of historical context for literature and analysis of works through proper interpretation.

Manuscripts

• Manuscripts encompass handwritten documents, letters, and texts.
• Manuscripts are analyzed by comparing various versions, ensuring accuracy, and providing contextual introductions and conclusions with a bibliography focusing on the subject of the manuscript.

Digitization of Manuscripts

• Techniques such as Modelmage (image-based), Texte (text-based), and PDF format for ease of access and distribution are used.

Textual Research

• Different approaches, as exemplified by analysis of style.
• Style analysis aims to discern unique characteristics and stylistic distinctions in the language/writing.
• Various approaches to analyze text, such as comparing or contrasting aspects across different texts.

Comparative Methods

• Comparing and contrasting literary styles or genres or thematic elements across different texts/periods to determine influences and similarities.

Phenomenological Approach

• This focuses on subjective experiences rather than external factors.
• Describing the elements of conscious experience and their interrelationships.
• Detailed study through the analysis of conscious experience, and the relationships among these experiences.

Semiotic Approach

• Semiotics (Semiology): Study concerning signs, symbols, and related concepts in relation to language and culture.

Discourse Analysis

• Discourse analysis: Understanding/interpreting underlying/hidden meanings and symbols.

Textual Analysis

• Texts in their entirety are examined, considering several components.

• Analyzing the structure of a text may include identifying a text’s imagery and tone and focusing on stylistic components.

Methodological Significance

• Importance of methods lies in uncovering aesthetic values within texts, dissecting elements to reveal meaning and structure.
• Use of analysis through levels (sound, word, sentence, meaning), identifying patterns of deviation.

Bibliography/References

• A comprehensive list of sources used throughout the research study.