Guidelines for Effective Research Titles

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Questions and Answers

What is a critical factor in selecting a research problem?

It must be difficult to research

It must align with popular topics

It should be lengthy and complex

It should be relevant to the researcher’s interests (correct)

Which element is NOT part of defining the scope of a research problem?

Geographical location of research

The aim of the study

Time period for data collection

The number of participants (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a criterion of a good research problem?

Measurable

Limited funding (correct)

Innovative

Cost effective

What is a necessary characteristic of data for a research problem to be deemed researchable?

Data must be available and accessible Signup and view all the answers

In formulating a research problem, which question is least important?

When will the research be published? Signup and view all the answers

What is one main characteristic of a good research title?

It predicts the content of the article. Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline is NOT recommended for writing a good research title?

It can contain words like 'An Analysis of'. Signup and view all the answers

What should a research title include to be effective?

The subject matter, location, and population involved. Signup and view all the answers

How should a good research title appear to the reader?

Intriguing and imaginative. Signup and view all the answers

When is it appropriate to revise a research title?

It can be revised and refined when necessary. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key duty of a research title?

To clarify what the article is about. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the ideal length of a research title?

It must be as brief and concise as possible. Signup and view all the answers

What type of words should be avoided in a research title?

Terms like 'An Investigation of' or 'A Study of'. Signup and view all the answers

What is one purpose of continuing with the present investigation in research?

To affirm or negate findings of other inquiries Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is essential for materials cited in research?

Materials must be relevant to the study Signup and view all the answers

When citing a journal article, which information is NOT typically included in the reference?

Country of publication Signup and view all the answers

In APA style, which of the following should be included when citing a book?

Edition (if specified) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of identifying studies that may be replicated or re-tested?

To affirm generalizations from prior studies Signup and view all the answers

Which citation element is NOT necessary when citing a website?

Publisher's name Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus when selecting materials for a research study?

Recency and objectivity of materials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a requirement for in-text citations according to APA guidelines?

Include the author's name and publication year Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of operational definitions in research?

To describe the observable characteristics of the study Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must be defined in the scope and delimitations of a study?

The unique terms used within the study Signup and view all the answers

When defining terms in a research paper, which guideline should be followed?

Acronyms should be fully spelled out on first use Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is essential for the population selection in research?

It must be large enough for generalizations Signup and view all the answers

What should the period of time in a study reflect?

A set duration relevant to the objectives of the study Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT typically included in the scope of a research study?

The personal biases of the researcher Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes conceptual definitions from operational definitions?

Conceptual definitions rely on theoretical frameworks Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline suggests the use of external resources for defining terms?

Sources like dictionaries and encyclopedias can be utilized Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended characteristic of a title in a research study?

It should contain important keywords. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific methods of research?

Preparing a marketing strategy Signup and view all the answers

How should a research title be formatted when it spans more than one line?

The title should be written like an inverted pyramid. Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration to ensure clarity in a research title?

It should be clear and concise. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the tone of a research title is true?

It must reflect the tone of the writing in the article. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a component of the SMART criteria?

Realistic Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when creating a catchy title for a research project?

Including ambiguous language. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the scientific method of research?

Determining the problem Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characteristics of a Good Research Title

A good research title should be concise, descriptive, and catchy.
It should accurately reflect the content of the research and not create false assumptions.
The title should be interesting enough to attract the reader's attention and be memorable.
It should also reflect the tone of the study, using appropriate language for the subject matter.
Including keywords relevant to the research can improve accessibility and visibility.

Guidelines in Writing the Title

The title is usually formulated before the start of the study, but can be revised later if necessary.
It should include the subject matter, location, population involved and the period when data was/will be gathered.
The title should be as brief and concise as possible, ideally with less than 15 words.
Avoid using phrases like "An Analysis of," "A Study of," or "An Investigation of."

Scientific Methods of Research

Determine the research problem
Formulate hypotheses
Conduct library research
Design the research study
Develop data-collection instruments
Collect data
Analyze the data
Determine implications and conclusions
Make recommendations

Research Problem

A research problem is a significant and challenging situation or a perplexing one translated into a question.
A good research problem should be:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Time-bound

Elements of a Research Problem

Why: The aim or purpose of the research
What: The subject matter or topic
Where: The location or place of the study
When: The period of time when data will be collected
Who: The population or respondents

Guidelines in Selecting a Research Problem

The researcher should choose the problem.
The problem should align with the researcher's interests and specialization.
The researcher should be competent in addressing the problem.
The problem should be financially feasible.
The problem should be researchable and manageable with:
- Accessible and available data that meets standards of accuracy, objectivity, and verifiability.
- Data that provides answers to the specific problem.
- A testable hypothesis that can be accepted or rejected.

Criteria of a Good Research Problem

The research should be enthusiastically pursued.
The research should be relevant to government initiatives.
The research should address the needs of patients and the public.
The research should be innovative and inventive.
The research should be cost-effective and have a return on investment.
The research should be measurable.
The research should be conducted within a specific timeframe.

Guidelines in Writing the Scope & Delimitations

Briefly state the general purpose of the study.
Outline the subject matter and topics studied.
Specify the location of the study where the data was gathered.
Identify the population from which the respondents were selected (this should be large enough for generalization).
Define the time period of the study.

Purposes of Literature Review

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the research topic.
To identify research gaps and areas needing further investigation.
To formulate research questions and hypotheses.
To identify relevant theories and concepts.
To discover appropriate research methods and instruments.
To identify potential difficulties that others have faced, which can save time, money, and prevent errors.
To pinpoint studies that can be replicated or re-tested to affirm or negate findings.

Characteristics of Materials Cited

Materials should be as recent as possible.
Materials should be objective and unbiased.
Materials should be relevant to the study.
Materials should be sufficient in quantity, not too few or too many.

By author or writer
By topic
By chronological order

How to Cite a Website

Include the author's name (if available).
Include the publication date.
Include the title of the page or article.
Include the website name.
Include the URL.

How to Cite a Book

Use APA Style:
- List the author's last name and initials, the year of publication, the title in italics, the edition (if specified), and the publisher.
- Add a DOI or URL if available.
Basic Works-Cited Entry:
- Include the author, title, publisher, and publication date.
In-Text Citation:
- Use the author's last name and year.
Reference List:
- Start with the author’s last name and initials, followed by the year.
- Write the book title in sentence case.

How to Cite a Journal

In-text citation:
- Include the author’s name and publication year in parentheses within the text.
Reference:
- Include the author’s name, article title, journal name, volume and issue numbers, page range, and URL or DOI in the reference list.

General APA Guidelines

Use a consistent format for referencing.
Ensure accurate and complete citations.
Use a reference manager to help organize citations.

Definition of Terms

Conceptual definition: Based on dictionaries, encyclopedias, and unpublished journals.
Operational definition: Based on observable characteristics and how the term is used in the study.

Guidelines in Defining Terms

Only define terms, words, or phrases with special or unique meanings in the study.
Define terms operationally, explaining how they are used in the study.
Base definitions on the characteristics of the term.
Draw definitions from sources like encyclopedias, books, magazines, newspapers, dictionaries, and other publications.
Keep definitions brief, clear, and unequivocal.
Spell out acronyms fully, especially if they are not commonly known, on their first appearance.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential characteristics and guidelines for crafting effective research titles. You'll learn how to create concise, descriptive, and engaging titles that accurately reflect your study. Improve your research writing by understanding the impact of a good title.