Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary consideration when selecting a research topic?
What is the primary consideration when selecting a research topic?
What is a characteristic of a well-written research topic?
What is a characteristic of a well-written research topic?
What is a common source of research topics?
What is a common source of research topics?
What is a limitation of library searches in identifying research topics?
What is a limitation of library searches in identifying research topics?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a characteristic of theories in research?
What is a characteristic of theories in research?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of electronic mailing list services?
What is the primary purpose of electronic mailing list services?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a characteristic of a good research topic?
What is a characteristic of a good research topic?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a critical characteristic of a good hypothesis in quantitative studies?
What is a critical characteristic of a good hypothesis in quantitative studies?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an example of an inductive hypothesis?
What is an example of an inductive hypothesis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of a deductive hypothesis?
What is the purpose of a deductive hypothesis?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Selecting a Research Topic
- Identify a general subject related to your area of expertise and interest to select a research topic.
- A well-written topic describes the variables of interest and important characteristics of participants.
Sources of Research Topics
- There are five main sources of research topics: theories, personal experiences, previous studies, electronic mailing lists, and library searches.
- Theories are organized bodies of concepts, generalizations, and principles that can be studied to determine their applicability or generalizability.
- Personal experiences and concerns can lead to useful and personally rewarding studies.
- Previous studies can be replicated by changing some feature from the original study.
- Library searches are not efficient for identifying research topics, but are valuable after a topic has been identified.
- Electronic mailing lists, blogs, and social media can keep researchers updated on what others are investigating.
Characteristics of Good Research Topics
- A good research topic is interesting, prompts the interest of readers.
- A good research topic is researchable, allows for collection and analysis of data.
- A good research topic is significant, its solution contributes to improving the educational process.
- A good research topic is ethical, does not harm participants in any way.
- A good research topic is manageable, considering current research skills, available resources, time, and other restrictions.
Definition and Purpose of Hypotheses in Quantitative Studies
- A hypothesis in a quantitative study is formulated based on theory or literature review.
- A good hypothesis has a sound rationale, is a reasoned prediction, not a wild guess.
- A good hypothesis states clearly and concisely the expected relations or differences between variables in measurable terms.
- A well-stated and well-defined hypothesis must be testable.
Types of Hypotheses
- An inductive hypothesis is a generalization made from a number of observations (data), used in exploratory research/qualitative research.
- A deductive hypothesis is derived from theory, aimed at providing evidence that supports, expands, or contradicts aspects of a given theory, used in quantitative research/confirmatory research.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Discover the first step in selecting a research topic, including identifying a general subject and its relation to your area of expertise. Learn about the five main sources of research topics, including theories, personal experiences, and more.
