Research Foundations and New Knowledge

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Questions and Answers

Why is existing knowledge essential for interpreting new knowledge?

It should always be challenged.

It makes new knowledge irrelevant.

It provides a foundation for understanding and significance. (correct)

It replaces the need for any new research.

What can influence a researcher's perception of new knowledge?

The number of references in a research paper.

The date of publication of the new research.

The length of the existing literature.

Their educational background and previous findings. (correct)

How can researchers demonstrate the originality of their work?

By focusing solely on recent studies.

By reproducing existing knowledge in their findings.

By citing numerous unrelated studies.

By identifying gaps in existing knowledge. (correct)

Which of the following statements about textbooks and research papers is correct?

Textbooks are generally easier to read than research papers. Signup and view all the answers

What role does literature surveying play in developing new knowledge?

It provides context and evidence for the significance of the new knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does not typically contribute to establishing a strong foundation for new knowledge?

Personal beliefs and biases of the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge when reading research papers compared to textbooks?

Research papers present complex ideas without background context. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred from the need to reference existing knowledge in new research?

A strong backing of existing knowledge enhances the credibility of new claims. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial for a literature review to elucidate how and why certain technical developments occurred?

To support comprehensibility of the current research endeavor Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of an effective literature review?

It summarizes known information and identifies gaps Signup and view all the answers

What should a researcher avoid in conducting a literature review to ensure quality?

Drawing hasty conclusions from the data Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the first expectation a supervisor has from a research student?

A comprehensive literature survey Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of an efficient literature review?

Eliminating areas that might be of interest Signup and view all the answers

What does a good literature review need to do about reported results that are inconclusive or contradictory?

Analyze them to understand the inconsistencies Signup and view all the answers

What process does identifying major topics or subtopics in a literature review typically follow?

Categorizing citations according to concepts Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect should be emphasized in a literature review to provide a comprehensive overview?

The underlying relationships between key concepts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

New Knowledge Within Existing Knowledge

New research relies on existing knowledge; interpretation and importance depend on context.
Researcher’s background influences perception of new knowledge, shifting from indifference to excitement.
Existing knowledge establishes the context to highlight existing problems, making new knowledge significant.

Importance of Literature in Research

Knowledge derived from extensive literature review provides context, significance, and originality.
Foundation of existing knowledge enhances the credibility of new findings, making them less susceptible to challenge.
Textbooks generally contain established knowledge while research papers present newer discoveries.

Role of Textbooks and Research Papers

Textbooks are designed for instructional purposes, guiding readers from basics to advanced concepts.
Research papers assume prior knowledge and target experts, presenting concise new information.
Navigating research papers requires referencing earlier works to understand current topics.

Conducting an Effective Literature Review

Literature reviews must demonstrate how new research builds on existing studies, clarifying the relevance of current work.
A thorough literature survey highlights the theoretical progression and identifies gaps, thus recommending future research directions.
Focus on concepts rather than individual authors fosters a more comprehensive understanding.

Essentials of a Good Literature Review

Avoid hasty conclusions; investigate references for underlying assumptions and context.
Summarize existing knowledge, key concepts, and relationships among them.
Highlight inconsistencies or shortcomings in previous research, emphasizing inconclusive results.
Provide compelling justifications for further research in the field.

Two-Step Process for Literature Review

Identify major topics or concepts relevant to the research subject.
Categorize relevant sources (articles, patents, websites) under appropriate concepts or subtopics, utilizing organized methods for clarity.

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Description

This chapter explores the interplay between new and existing knowledge in the realm of research. It emphasizes the importance of a solid foundation of knowledge to ensure that new insights are well-supported and effectively interpreted, considering the researcher's background and perceptions. Join us as we delve into the complexities of knowledge construction in research.