Introduction to Research Methods

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"

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.