Research and Intellectual Property

• Research involves systematic investigation and study of materials to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
• Intellectual property pertains to creations of the mind, like inventions, designs, brand names, or artistic works.
• The four main types of intellectual property are patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

The Research Process

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

Characteristics of Research

• Empirical research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
• Logical research is valid if it measures what it intends to measure.
• Cyclical research starts with a problem and ends with a problem, in a repeating process.
• Analytical research uses proven analytical procedures in gathering data.
• Critical research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
• Methodical research is conducted systematically without bias.
• Replicable research design can be repeated to arrive at valid and conclusive results.

Qualities of a Good Researcher

• Curious researchers are determined to investigate the intricacy of things.
• Efficient researchers produce the intended result in the least amount of time, effort and resources.
• Logical researchers follow procedures identified by the scientific method.
• Effective researchers foresee errors and address them immediately.
• Active researchers always responds to the challenges of the modern world.
• Practical researchers find ways to use given and locally available resources.
• Cost-effective researchers produce good results without costing a lot of money.
• Honest researchers display a high level of intellectual honesty and the real facts; they are not swayed by expectations.

Qualitative Research

• It is a scientific method of observation to gather non-numerical data and refers to meanings, concepts, characteristics, metaphors, symbols, and descriptions of phenomena.
• The purpose of qualitative research is to promote a deep, holistic understanding of a particular phenomenon.

Characteristics of Qualitative Research

• Naturalistic Inquiry studies a person or group in their natural setting.
• Inductive Analysis allows the researcher to immerse themselves in a subject.
• Holistic Perspective views the whole as greater than the sum of its parts.
• Qualitative Data is detailed with thick description, captures personal perspectives and experiences, and is often the result of direct quotations.
• Personal Contact and Insight involves direct contact with the people, the situation, and phenomenon under study.
• Dynamic Systems are not concerned with having straightforward, right, or wrong answers.
• Unique Case Orientation states every study is special.
• Context Sensitivity requires the researcher to be sensitive to the cultures, traditions, and beliefs of others.
• Empathetic Neutrality requires the researcher to be non-judgmental when compiling findings.
• Design Flexibility allows the researcher to continue research on other topics or questions that emerge from initial research.

Types of Qualitative Research

• Phenomenological Study seeks to find the essence or structure of an experience, situation, or phenomenon and focuses on lived experiences.
• Ethnographic Study is the collection and analysis of data about cultural groups or minorities.
• Historical Study is concerned with the identification, evaluation, and synthesis of data from past events.
• Case Study is an in-depth examination of an individual, a group, or an institution.
• Grounded Theory Study involves comparing collected units of data against one another until categories, properties, and hypotheses that state relations emerge.

Ethical Considerations

• These are a set of principles that guide research designs and practices and include concepts like:
  • Voluntary participation
  • Informed consent
  • Anonymity
  • Confidentiality
  • Potential for harm
  • Results communication
• Ethics generally deals with beliefs about what is right or wrong to conform to accepted professional practice.

Potential Sources

• Conducting qualitative research involves gathering information from various sources like:
  • Surveys
  • Interviews
  • Participant observation
  • Archival records
  • Focus groups

Research Title

• Plays a crucial role in:
  • Attracting readers
  • Communicating the research topic
  • Facilitating information retrieval
  • Setting expectations
  • Enhancing credibility
  • Promoting communication and recognition within the academic community

4 Parts of a Research Title

• Goal- What you want to discover.
• Independent- The focus and the issue at hand, affecting other variables while standing alone.
• Dependent Variable- Includes areas relevant to the respondents and is affected by the independent variable.
• Locale- The specific area where the study is conducted.

Chapter 1

• A typical research paper, thesis, or dissertation often includes 6 key sections that provide an introduction to the study and set the stage for the rest of the document.
• Introduction: This section provides an overview of the research topic, its importance, and relevance.
• Theoretical Background: Provides the necessary theoretical foundation for understanding and interpreting results (the backbone of the study).
• Statement of the Problem: Articulates the specific research problem or question (the heart of the study).
• Significance of the Study: Discusses the importance and potential contributions of the research.
• Scope and Limitations: Defines the scope of the study (what’s included and excluded).
• Definition of Terms: Provides definitions and clarifications of key terms and concepts used in the study.
• SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound