Research Fundamentals: Characteristics and Selection

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Questions and Answers

What should researchers do with their first or second attempts at writing until their research is complete?

Edit them thoroughly

Ignore them completely

Throw them away immediately

Keep them for reference (correct)

What is the primary focus when starting a research study?

Determining research methods

Collecting data

Formulating hypotheses

Establishing the purpose of the study (correct)

Which of the following best describes a hypothesis?

A definite conclusion drawn from data

A tentative proposition subject to verification (correct)

A descriptive statement about research findings

An untestable assumption about a variable

How can hypotheses help a researcher?

They provide a framework for testing relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which source is NOT commonly associated with formulating research questions?

Financial predictions Signup and view all the answers

What stage follows establishing the purpose of your study?

Developing researchable questions Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'researchable questions'?

Questions that can be investigated through systematic inquiry Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of creating research objectives?

They should evolve as the research progresses Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of a good research problem?

It must be interesting to maintain researcher engagement. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is considered most important when selecting a research problem?

The researcher's interest in the topic. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary for a research problem to be researchable?

To ensure it can be investigated through data collection and analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good research problem?

It should be applicable in a business context. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'manageability' refer to in the context of selecting a research problem?

It should align with the researcher's skills and available resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential when developing a hypothesis for a research study?

It should be derived from preliminary research or observations. Signup and view all the answers

In research planning, what is the significance of writing a research diary?

It documents the research process and reflections along the way. Signup and view all the answers

What should a research schedule aim to accomplish?

Outline a realistic timetable that the researcher can adhere to. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step you should take when beginning to research a topic?

Look for similar research using Google Scholar. Signup and view all the answers

When refining a research topic, what is suggested as a good strategy?

Reduce your list to two topics and select one of them. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use synonyms or alternative keywords when searching for research?

To find different perspectives on the same topic. Signup and view all the answers

What tool can be used to digitally organize notes for research?

Note-making software that comes with a mobile device. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your first research attempt is not effective?

Revise your approach and try a more focused angle. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a research topic become impractical during preliminary investigations?

Confidential information may be needed for completion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested benefit of identifying notes with tags?

To find information easily in the future. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a result of overly broad research topics?

Research that is too complex or wide-ranging. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to stick to your timetable while conducting research?

To avoid any form of procrastination Signup and view all the answers

What should be included when explaining the academic significance of a study?

The rationale and possible solutions to problems Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice for maintaining a research diary?

Use the diary to track progress throughout the research process Signup and view all the answers

In planning a research project, what is the first step in the checklist?

Draw up a shortlist of topics Signup and view all the answers

When considering the benefits of research to society, what should be highlighted?

The impact on the field of specialization Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component to include when reformulating deadlines during research?

Evaluating the initial time estimates for accuracy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of using a research log?

It tracks the evolution of ideas and progress Signup and view all the answers

To ensure a project remains focused, what is recommended when reviewing ideas and questions?

Revise the list and keep only applicable items Signup and view all the answers

What is one main responsibility of a researcher concerning ethical guidelines?

To ensure they are aware of any legal requirements or restrictions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes informed consent?

An ongoing process involving communication about the research study Signup and view all the answers

Why is obtaining informed consent ethically necessary for researchers?

It respects individuals' autonomy and protects their rights Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers do to ensure informed consent is meaningful for participants?

Ensure participants have time to read and understand the implications of the study Signup and view all the answers

How can a researcher maintain confidentiality and anonymity for participants?

By using codes or pseudonyms to protect participants' identities Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the informed consent process is true?

It includes elements of recruitment like ads and flyers Signup and view all the answers

What should researchers keep in mind regarding promises made to participants?

All promises made should be carefully considered and kept Signup and view all the answers

What should a researcher do at the topic selection stage?

Consult with their supervisor to refine and outline the topic Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characteristics of a Good Research Problem

A good research problem is interesting, researchable, significant, manageable, and ethical.
Interesting research problems keep the researcher engaged throughout the process.
Researchable problems are those that can be investigated through data collection and analysis.
Significant research problems contribute to the understanding and improvement of educational theory and practice.
Manageable research problems are suitable for the researcher's skills, resources, and time constraints.
Ethical research problems do not cause harm or embarrassment to participants.

Factors to Consider in Selecting a Research Problem

Interest: Passion and genuine interest in the topic are crucial due to the time commitment and effort involved.
Expertise: Possessing a sufficient level of knowledge in the research area is essential.

Getting Started with Research

Conduct preliminary research using Google Scholar to see if similar studies have already been done.
Formulate your research topic as a question when searching online.
Explore similar keywords or synonyms to enhance your search results.
Consider exploring Twitter and LinkedIn for connections with researchers in your field.

Refining Your Research Topic

Narrow down your research topics to two or three choices.
Start making notes and brainstorming ideas around your chosen topic.
Use tags or categories to organize your notes for easier retrieval.
This note-taking process helps clarify your thoughts and refine your research focus.
You can also use a digital note-taking tool if that's more convenient.
It is important to assess whether your chosen topic is manageable and realistic within your timeline.

The Purpose of the Study

Define the purpose of your research objectively.
Write down your initial ideas and ask critical questions about your research objectives to help clarify your purpose.

Hypotheses, Objectives and Researchable Questions

A hypothesis is a testable proposition that can be verified through further investigation.
Hypotheses can be seen as guides that point the researcher towards the most effective methods for studying the problem.
Many hypotheses are based on hunches or assumptions that the researcher has about relationships between different variables.
Hypotheses often involve statements about relationships between variables, providing a framework for testing the initial hunch.
Research questions can be generated from:
- Personal interest or experience
- Existing theories
- Previous research literature
- Practical problems or issues

Academic, Scientific and/or Innovation Significance

Your research study should have value beyond personal gain, contributing to the field of specialization and benefiting society as a whole.
Highlight the sectors that will benefit from your research findings and explain the rationale, relevance, and timeliness of your study.
Identify potential solutions to existing problems or improvements to unsatisfactory conditions.
Explain who will benefit from your research and how they will benefit.
Explain potential implications, such as causes of the problems your research examines and the good points of a system that deserve continuation or improvement.

Writing as you Go Along and The Research Diary

Writing should be an ongoing process, beginning from the initial planning and topic selection stages.
Maintain a research diary, research log, or research notebook throughout your research journey.
This can be a physical notebook or a digital file, depending on your preference.
Keep your research notes organized and accessible, backing them up regularly.
Your research diary serves as a record of your progress and will be invaluable when you write your final report.

Planning The Project Checklist

Draw up a shortlist of two to three research topics.
Develop a list of questions, ideas, and potential problems related to each topic.
Select a specific research focus.
Refine your list of key questions and eliminate overlap.
Outline your initial project plan, ensuring clarity about the purpose, focus, data requirements, and data collection methods.
Consult with your supervisor about your topic selection and project outline.
Keep detailed records of discussions and agreements made during supervisory tutorials.

Ethics and Integrity in Research

Be aware of any legal requirements or restrictions related to your research.
Familiarize yourself with ethical guidelines, codes of practice, and protocols that pertain to your research area.
Always obtain informed consent from research participants.
Ensure participants thoroughly understand the informed consent process and its implications.
Guarantee confidentiality and anonymity for research participants, never breaking any promises made to them.

Informed consent involves informing potential research participants about the key elements of the study and what their participation entails.
It is a crucial element of ethical research involving humans.
It is an ongoing process that begins with recruitment materials like flyers, advertisements, and emails.

It is an ethical requirement that demonstrates respect for individuals.
It ensures that participants are fully and accurately informed about the study and what their participation would involve.
It demonstrates that participants comprehended the provided information.
It verifies that their decision to participate is voluntary.
It is vital for protecting the rights, safety, and well-being of research subjects.

It goes beyond merely signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF).
It is an ongoing process, beginning with recruitment materials that provide information about the study.
It should be reviewed and discussed continuously throughout the study's duration for ethical research practices.

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Description

Explore the key characteristics that define a good research problem, including interest, significance, and manageability. Learn how to select a research topic that aligns with your expertise and ethical considerations. This quiz will guide you in laying a solid foundation for your research journey.