Research and Intellectual Property

• Research is a systematic investigation into materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
• Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, including inventions (patents/utility models), designs, brand names (trademarks), or literary and artistic works (copyrights).
• The four main types of intellectual property are patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

Research Process:

• Select a general problem
• Review the literature of the problem
• Formulate questions
• Collect data
• Analyze and present or display data
• Interpret the findings and state conclusions or generalizations regarding the problem

Characteristics of Research:

• Empirical: Based on direct experience or observation
• Logical: Valid measures what it intends to measure
• Cyclical: Starts with a problem, ends with a problem
• Analytical: Uses proven analytical procedures
• Critical: Exhibits careful and precise judgment
• Methodical: Conducted without bias using systematic methods
• Replicable: Procedures are repeated to enable valid results

Qualities of a Good Researcher:

• Curious: Investigates the intricacy of things
• Efficient: Produces results with minimal waste of resources
• Logical: Follows procedures identified to the scientific method
• Effective: Foresees and addresses errors
• Active: Responds to modern challenges
• Practical: Uses available resources, including local materials

Qualitative Research Overview:

• A scientific method of observation to gather non-numerical data.
• Focuses on meanings, concepts, characteristics, metaphors, symbols, and descriptions of phenomena.
• Promotes a deep, holistic understanding of a particular phenomenon.

Characteristics of Qualitative Research:

• Naturalistic Inquiry: Studies a person or group in its natural setting
• Inductive Analysis: Allows the researcher to immerse themselves in a subject
• Holistic Perspective: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
• Qualitative Data: Detailed descriptions, inquiry in depth, direct quotations
• Personal Contact and Insight: Direct contact with the subject is important
• Dynamic Systems: Not concerned with straightforward answers
• Unique Case Orientation: Every study is special
• Context Sensitivity: Sensitive to the cultures, traditions, and beliefs of subjects
• Empathic Neutrality: Non-judgmental compilation of findings
• Design Flexibility: Can continue to research on new topics that emerge

Types of Qualitative Research:

• Phenomenological Study: Seeks the essence of an experience, situation, or phenomenon, focusing on lived experiences
• Ethnographic Study: Collects and analyzes data about cultural groups or minorities, aiming to show perceptions of a group
• Historical Study: Identifies, evaluates, and synthesizes data from past events
• Case Study: In-depth examination of an individual, group, or institution, seeking answers to why something occurs
• Grounded Theory Study: Compares collected data to develop categories, properties, and hypotheses

Ethical Considerations:

• Principles that guide research designs and practices.

• Voluntary participation

• Informed consent

• Anonymity

• Confidentiality

• Potential for harm

• Results communication

• Ethics in research aligns with beliefs about what is right or wrong and conforms to accepted professional practice.

Potential Sources:

• Conducting qualitative research involves gathering information from surveys, interviews, participant observations, archival records, and focus groups.

Research Title

• Plays a crucial role in attracting readers and communicating the research topic.
• Facilitates information retrieval, sets expectations, enhances credibility, and promotes recognition.

Four Parts of a Research Title:

• Goal: The direction and objective of the study
• Independent: The focus or issue at hand
• Dependent Variable: Areas relevant to respondents
• Locale: The specific area where the study is conducted

Chapter 1 Sections:

• 1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the research topic, its importance, and relevance.
• 2. Theoretical Background: Provides the necessary theoretical foundation for understanding and interpreting results.
• 3. Statement of the Problem: Articulates the specific research problem or question.
• 4. Significance of the Study: Discusses the importance and potential contributions of the research.
• 5. Scope and Limitations: Defines the scope, specifying what is included and excluded.
• 6. Definition of Terms: Provides definitions of key terms.

• SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound