Research Methods: Basic Research Concepts

• The presentation is about basic research concepts
• The course is research methods and scientific writing
• Rosni Lumbantoruan, ST., M.ISD., PhD is the instructor

Outline of Topics

• Basic research concepts
• Logical thinking concepts
• Research methods and methodology concepts
• Research process concepts

Basic Research Concepts

• Basic Research consists of definition, objectives, nature/characteristics, paradigm, stages and output

Definition of Research

• Systematic process to find something, using scientific methods with defined procedures and rules occurring over a relatively long period
• Systematic and objective activities of data collection, processing, analysis, and presentation to solve a problem, test a hypothesis, or develop general principles

Research Objectives

• Explaining a phenomenon.
• Predicting something in the future.
• Explaining solutions to a problem
• Interpreting something being investigated

Nature of Research

• Empirical: Based on observation, experiment or experience
• Experiences can be expressed as data or information with data leading to analysis which leads to knowledge
• Systematic: Involves scientific identification of a problem, searching or reviewing available information, data collection, data analysis, and deriving a conclusion

Research Paradigms

• Positivist focuses on finding cause-and-effect relationships and uses the scientific method to form hypotheses, collect data, and prove them
• Postpositivist focuses on the relationships between variables that can be influenced by conditions outside the research scope and provides results in probability, without needing alternative explanations
• Constructionist develops theories based on given data, where results are context specific
• Transformative considers the political nature of research, including diverse groups to understand if research results apply to all groups

Stages of Research

• The research process contains the following stages:
• Problem
• Literature Collection
• Problem Formulation
• Methodology design
• Data Collection,
• Data Analysis
• Results of the research
• Refine hypothesis

Research Activities

• Identifying Problems.
• Reviewing Information
• Collecting Data
• Performing Analysis
• Summarizing Results and Conclusions

The Research Process Involves

• Identifying research problems
• Preparing a literature review
• Generating annotated bibliographies
• Adhering to scientific inquiry
• Following the General Model of Scientific Inquiry.

Identifying a Research Problem

• Determine the research problem (selecting a research topic) through guidance and discussions with colleagues
• Conduct a literature review, to derive significant conclusions and solve problems in the related subject area
• Represent the research problem in the form of descriptions or questions

Topic Selection

• Find and use the following references: Papers, Journals, Scientific Writing Workplace/study environment (lecturers, colleagues, supervisors).
• Use content from conferences which discusses trends for a topic

Preparing a Literature Review

• Select a topic of interest to formulate a research proposal
• Pick keywords (from general statements) to search for literature
• Read and define 'specific keywords' (specific statements) that may still benefit from being further detailed
• Find literature based on specific keywords
• Choose papers that strongly support the determination of research questions and the composition of the research design
• Determine expected contributions like theoretical and practical benefits

Annotated Bibliography

• An annotated bibliography is a summary of each paper and its relevance to the research topic to facilitate conducting research, writing reports, and composing papers

Scientific Investigation is Important

• Because it increases knowledge, explains topics more thoroughly, increases literacy and culture, and provides more ideas
• Scientific investigation is implemented in research methodology

General Model of Scientific Investigation

• State general problems
• Conduct a literature
• Mention specific problems
• Methodology design
• Collect data
• Analyze data
• Report results
• Filter hypothesis

Research Output

• Research outputs include research reports, technical reports/manuscripts, theses/dissertations, books, scientific papers, patents, and product/innovation results

Presentation about basic research including definition, objectives, nature, paradigm, stages, and output. Research is a systematic process using scientific methods to solve a problem or test a hypothesis. Research objectives include explaining phenomena and predicting outcomes.