10 Questions
What is the primary consideration when selecting a research topic?
Choosing a topic that is of particular interest to you
What is a characteristic of a well-written research topic?
It describes the variables of interest and important characteristics of participants
What is a common source of research topics?
Previous studies that can be replicated
What is a limitation of library searches in identifying research topics?
They are not efficient ways to identify research topics
What is a characteristic of theories in research?
They are organized bodies of concepts, generalizations, and principles
What is the primary purpose of electronic mailing list services?
To facilitate communication among members
What is a characteristic of a good research topic?
It is interesting, researchable, significant, ethical, and manageable
What is a critical characteristic of a good hypothesis in quantitative studies?
It is based on a sound rationale
What is an example of an inductive hypothesis?
How do the undergraduate students in AIU view the causes of low grades?
What is the purpose of a deductive hypothesis?
To provide evidence that supports, expands, or contradicts aspects of a given theory
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.
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.
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