Introduction to Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the 'Definition of Terms' section in a research study?

To outline the research methodology

To clearly define key terms related to the study (correct)

To summarize the research findings

To describe the significance of the study

Which phrase would be appropriate to indicate the restrictions of a research study?

The study consists of...

This study will focus on...

The study does not cover the... (correct)

It also involves the...

What type of variable is referred to as 'causes variables' in research?

Confounding variable

Control variable

Dependent variable

Independent variable (correct)

In what way should the results of the research analysis be presented according to the provided guidelines?

As a discussion supported by literature Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT included in the initial information format for research analysis?

Detailed Findings Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided in a research title?

Formulating it as an investigation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT part of Chapter I writing?

Literature Review Signup and view all the answers

Which question helps narrow down the research topic when writing the problem statement?

What effect does it have? Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of research in tourism and hospitality?

To systematically explore solutions to existing problems Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the title of a study that spans multiple lines?

It should follow an inverted pyramid format. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the tips for choosing a research topic?

Choose a topic that is widely discussed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following criteria is essential for a good thesis/dissertation?

The research must be original Signup and view all the answers

In a quantitative study, what must be clearly identified in the title?

The dependent and independent variables Signup and view all the answers

What aspect should a good research title NOT focus on?

Personal opinions of the researcher Signup and view all the answers

What should the purpose statement in a research study be?

Clear, specific, and achievable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following questions is useful for developing the statement of the problem?

How is the problem perceived by the community? Signup and view all the answers

What does business research primarily connect?

The organization to its business activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following steps is NOT mentioned in shaping a research topic?

Securing funding before starting the research Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the research requires stating the background of the problem?

Background of the Study Signup and view all the answers

How many articles/literatures should an undergraduate read to be knowledgeable on their topic?

20 articles Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a good researcher?

They should be a good investigator Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Introduction/Background section in a research study?

To introduce the research problem and its context Signup and view all the answers

What does the Statement of the Problem section primarily focus on?

Identifying and articulating the research problem Signup and view all the answers

In the context of a research study, what should the Significance of the Study section convey?

The relevance and value of the research findings Signup and view all the answers

What factors are typically included in the Scope and Delimitation of the Study?

Boundaries of the study in terms of subjects, area, and issues Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of formulating research questions?

They must relate to the researcher's interests and background Signup and view all the answers

How can a researcher effectively analyze the research problem?

By formulating a major problem and determining its sub-problems Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to clearly articulate a specific research problem?

To provide a clear focus for the research investigation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of authorities in the Introduction section?

To offer scholarly perspectives justifying the research Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Research?

Research is a systematic exploration of possible solutions to a problem
Research is based on problem solving and aims to provide answers to specific questions
Business research bridges the gap between an organization and its business activities by gathering information
The information gathered via business research is used to generate, refine and evaluate different business activities

Choosing a Research Topic

Read extensively to gain knowledge (20 articles for undergraduate, 50 for master's and 100 for doctorate)

Shaping a Research Topic

Find topics from classmates, faculty members, seminars, conferences, forums, journals, articles, theses and dissertations
Choose a topic you are passionate about
Choose a topic that will interest your audience
Choose a topic within your field of expertise
Consider feasibility, time, money, and other resources needed to complete the research

The Research Title

Formulate the title before starting the research, but refine and revise it as needed
The title must identify the subject, location, population involved, and time period of the study
The title should be broad enough to encompass all aspects of the study
Keep the title concise and brief
Avoid terms like “An analysis of,” “A study of,” “An investigation of”
If the title spans multiple lines, format it like an inverted pyramid with all words capitalized

Writing the Problem and Its Background

Provides context for the research study

Parts of the Problem and Its Background

Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Scope and Delimitation
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms

Writing the Background of the Study

State the problem's history
Identify the issue being addressed
Briefly explain the importance of the study
Answer these questions to shape the problem statement, purpose statement, and narrow the topic:
- What causes the phenomenon?
- Who is affected or involved?
- When does it occur?
- What effects does it have?
- How do various groups perceive the issue?
- What would make it better?
- What makes it effective?
- What is the relationship between the phenomenon and other factors?

Writing a Statement of the Problem

Articulate the main goal of the study.
Make the purpose statement clear, specific, and attainable.
Utilize questions like "what," "how," "why," and "to what extent."
Link the questions to the topic, problem statement, and purpose statement.
Craft clear research questions.
State research hypotheses.

Background of the Study

Provides context for the research study
Explains the importance of focusing on the program or project being evaluated or assessed in a particular research
Should include statements from experts or authorities explaining why the study is being conducted
Differentiates the specific problem being investigated from other issues

Statement of the Problem

Often arises in areas with management and leadership system difficulties
Must reflect the researcher's interest, background, and expectations
Yields findings that supply useful information in the area of investigation
Investigates the relationship between variables attempting to establish the extent of that relationship
Can be analyzed using a major problem and its sub-problems.
The general statement of the problem usually reiterates the title of the study

Significance of the Study

Demonstrates the value or importance of the research study
Enumerate the significant contributions of the study's findings
Contributions must be viewed from the perspective of target beneficiaries such as service providers, society, customers, professional practitioners, administrators, planners, etc.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

Defines the boundaries or coverage of the study in terms of subjects, facilities, objectives, area, time, duration, and the issues the research focuses on
Uses phrases like: "This study will focus on...," "The study consists of...," "The study covers the...," "It also involves the...."

Delimitation

Defines the limits of the study
Phrases used in delimitation: “The researchers limits this study…," "This study is limited to…," “The study does not cover the…," "This study does not seek to include…"

Definition of Terms

Defines crucial or key terms relevant to the study
Definitions should be clear and accurate, reflecting how the terms are used within the research
Definitions are based on operational meaning
Variables in the study should be defined accordingly
Operational Definitions: express the meaning of terms specifically as they are used in a particular field of study
Variables: elements with a fixed pattern that have varying quantities or qualities
Independent Variables: often called "cause variables"

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of research, including its definition, the importance of selecting an appropriate research topic, and tips for shaping an effective research title. Whether you're an undergraduate or pursuing a doctorate, this guide will help you navigate the research process.