Research Methods Overview

Research Methods Proposal

• Research proposal aims to present and justify a research study.
• It outlines the need for the study and how it will be conducted.
• A well-structured proposal includes persuasive evidence that a research need exists.
• It details the methodology, consistent with professional/academic field requirements.
• It provides anticipated outcomes and/or benefits from the study.

Research Process

• A research process involves several stages.
• Planning phase activities include defining a broad study area, formulating a research topic, deciding on the research approach, and formulating the research plan.
• Effectuation phase activities include collecting data, analyzing and interpreting data, and presenting findings.

What is a Research Problem?

• A research problem is an issue requiring investigation.
• It's a situation needing change or addressing existing concerns.
• Research problems can include areas of concern, conditions needing improvement, difficulties requiring elimination.
• Problems also include questions requiring answers.

Statement of the Problem

• The statement outlines the issues for the research study.
• It identifies the research problem's core.
• It should include a clear statement that the problem exists and evidence to support this.
• It should provide evidence of an existing trend leading to the problem.
• The statement clearly defines major concepts, terms, and the setting where the problems occur.
• It details probable causes related to the problem.
• The statement should be specific and feasible.

Formulating a Research Topic

• The goal is to narrow a broad topic area into a specific research question or questions.
• Choose a topic genuinely of interest to you.
• Avoid topics simply because they seem easy.
• Start with topics that caught your interest in a course.
• The chosen topic should be focused and specific.
• The scope should be appropriate to the course requirements and have potential for original contributions.
• Start with a clear question or problem that can be explored and make a significant impact.

Sources for Research Topics

• Journals, books, dissertations in your field.
• Conference proceedings, workshops, presentations.
• Recommendations on future research.
• Courses.
• Workplace interactions.
• Expert consultations.
• Online library resources.

Factors in Formulating a Research Topic

• Significance (importance) of the topic.
• Feasibility (time, resources, availability of data, difficulty of study, cost).
• Ethical considerations (whether the topic is appropriate and will not cause harm).

Research Topic Title

• Capture the essence of the research project.
• Describe exactly the nature of the study's main element.
• Be informative, relevant, and capture the reader's attention.
• Keep the title concise.
• Avoid technical terms or jargon.
• Avoid asking a question in the title.

Formulating a General Research Topic

• Identify an area of interest (personal).
• Examples: ADHD, and its relationship to a specific area.
• Identify available populations and settings for the study.
• Examples: ADHD elementary children and schools.
• Consider issues within the area of interest to be studied.
• Examples: Academic achievements, reading comprehension in children with ADHD.
• Identify a worthwhile research question.
• Examples: Reading comprehension in ADHD children; No prior studies, ethical (no harm to participants).

Examples of Research Topics

• Mechanism of chromium carcinogenicity and toxicity.
• Effectiveness of garlic and grape oil as alternative anticoagulants.
• Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for induction of labor (systematic review/meta-analysis).
• Effect availability of floral resources on plant-pollinator interactions.
• Genetic variation/phenotypic plasticity of ash, rowan, and silver birch.
• Drought resistance in Acer species. Etc...

Factors in Choosing a Research Topic

• Novelty: Choose a topic that hasn't been extensively studied. Look for gaps/areas needing further investigation.
• Interest: The topic should be of genuine interest to you. This ensures dedication and thorough research.
• Relevance: The research's results must have practical value to the researcher and relevant others in the field. This means the findings can improve practices or solve present difficulties.
• Feasibility: Is the topic manageable in terms of time, resources, and researcher expertise? Consider availability of data.
• Researchability: Can data be collected and analyzed to answer the research question? Is ethical treatment in place?

Rationale

• A rationale explains why a research question/study is needed.
• It answers the need for the research.
• It details the justification, significance, and novelty of the study.

Research Questions

• Key questions driving the research investigation.
• Examples include: Correlation between factors. Prevalence of certain conditions.
• Use clear, specific, and actionable language.
• Should be related to objectives of the study.

Objectives

• Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for the study.
• Outline the actions to achieve the desired results.
• Align with the research question.

Associated factors of Healthy Lifestyle in the Bahamas

• Rationale: Health intervention programs to address the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the Bahamas.
• Identifying factors and related patterns of lifestyles which contribute to a healthier living.
• Objective: Analyse and identify determinants associated with healthy lifestyles in The Bahamas.

Developing a Research Question

• A good research question is critical for the research process and logically guides the research project.
• The research question concisely summarizes the subject and focus of investigation.

Defining a Good Question

• Importance, specificity, interest (to the researcher), answerability, and logical ordering of questions
• Considerations for identifying a good research question include previous research, unique research areas, considering 'how' and 'why' questions.
• Evaluating the research question involves determining relevance, potential interest to others, researchability, feasibility, measurable results, and whether the scope is too broad or too narrow.

Defining Good Questions : Criteria

• Importance (for the research field).
• Specificity (clear focus/avoid vagueness).
• Interest (the researcher's personal drive),
• Answerability (with the available methodology),
• Logical Ordering of Questions.

Formulating a Research Question

• All research stems from a derived question; often sparked by reading, experiences.
• Questions ideally have relevance, interest, and a specific focus. Avoid broad questions. Start with a broader question and narrow it as the research advances.

Answerability of Research Questions

• Type I error: asking the wrong question; result of poor planning, or previous research gaps/flaws.
• Type II error: asking a question not worth answering - not important to the study goal, has no substantial answer, or produces no meaningful result.

Criteria for Good Research Questions: Feasible Elements , Interesting Elements

• Adequate number of study subjects.
• Available technical expertise.
• Affordability of time and resources.
• Manageability of the scope (within the limitations of the study).
• Interest of the researcher (and others in the area),
• Novelty: adds something new to existing knowledge. (Confirms, extends or provides new findings relevant to current scientific understanding)

Structure of a Research Proposal

• Title: Clear, informative, catching.

• Abstract: Brief overview of the project.

• Background: Introduction, location in literature, and time period of the study.

• Problem statement: The research issue.

• Significance (Rationale): Importance and contribution to the field.

• Objectives: Specific goals of the research and intended study population, variables, and interrelationships.

• Literature Review: Defines context of the research, the area studied.

• Methodology: Explains research design and methodology used, operationalizing concepts. This includes subjects, sampling/selection, and recruitment methods.

• Data analysis: Expected statistical analysis and interpretive approach to results.

• Ethical considerations: Informed consent, human subject approval process, and debriefing procedures.

• Budget: If applicable.

• Work Schedule: Timeline, Gantt chart.

• References: cited properly.

• Appendix: Supplementary materials (e.g., interview questions).

This quiz covers essential components of research methods, including the formulation of research proposals, the stages of the research process, and defining research problems. Participants will explore how to effectively outline a study and the significance of well-structured methodologies.