Scientific Research and Topic Selection

Scientific Research and Choosing a Research Topic

• The seminar covered what constitutes scientific research and how to select a research topic.
• Scientific research encompasses organizing the social world, establishing logical arguments and predictions related to social concepts, and recognizing interpretations based on various experiences and interactions.
• Research differentiates between understanding past events (from which knowledge for the present and future can be inferred), current events (analyzed with prior knowledge to understand and predict), and the unknown future.
• All research focuses on observable events that can be interpreted using logical analysis of the social world.

Defining Research Events, Actors, and Context

• Event Definition: A precise definition of the social field within the research scope (research corpus).
• Actor Definition: Clearly identifying a representative actor/organization for the research.
• Context Definition: Determining the specific moment and geographic location, with data relevant to the actor/event. This defines when, where the research is conducted.
• The subject of research, "what" should be clearly defined and the actors/organizations studied, "who" and when and where, "when" and "where." Empirical relevance should be considered.

Justifying Research Choices

• Justification is crucial. Why is the subject relevant? Why are specific distinctions and categories used? Why a particular actor/event? What pertinent information about this context can be obtained from the event/actor, and is the context relevant to study or observation? Precisely define the means of observation.

Reliable Knowledge and Interpretation

• Scientific research addresses fundamental questions about reality's form and nature.
• Epistemological questions explore the knower's relationship with that which can be known and objective detachment.
• Methodological questions focus on how the inquirer can discover what can be known using suitable methods determined beforehand.

Reliable Knowledge and Interpretation (cont.)

• Key criteria for reliable knowledge and interpretation include scientific credibility, replicability, transparency of protocols, generatability, verifiability, and freedom from values.

Empirical Research

• Empirical research involves collecting and analyzing literature-based premises, using either a confirmatory or contradictory approach.
• Confirmatory studies strengthen the confidence in premises, while contradictory (refutation oriented) studies help identify potential flaws or inconsistencies.
• Research findings often rely on observations and empirical evidence.

Selecting a Research Topic

• Select a broad area of interest and focus on a specific topic.
• Analyze general concepts to specific, relevant areas for future and timely investigation.
• Ensure sufficient literature is available to support the chosen area of research.
• Access reliable databases to gather relevant information.
• Be flexible and open to new research areas.
• Set clear time-frames for the research project to achieve its objectives.
• Formulate a concise and clear thesis statement after the literature review with a focus on the research objective.

Research AI Tools

• The presentation listed some useful AI tools and research software like scholar.google.com, perplexity.ai, harzing.com/resources/publish-or-perish, and app.humata.ai.