Unit 1 - Introduction to Research

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Questions and Answers

Which recommendation emphasizes the importance of having a manageable scope for a research topic?

  • Exploring diverse interests
  • Reading extensively about the topic
  • Identifying a theoretical basis
  • Developing a doable topic (correct)

What is the benefit of reading broadly about a research topic according to the recommendations?

  • It allows for replication of previous studies
  • It offers interdisciplinary perspectives (correct)
  • It guarantees success in publishing
  • It helps in finding funding opportunities

What key aspect does a theoretical basis provide for a research project?

  • A context for analyzing results (correct)
  • A method for data collection
  • A way to avoid potential challenges
  • A guaranteed successful outcome

What is an essential characteristic of a good research topic?

<p>It should be very specific and focused. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to choose a research topic that holds personal interest?

<p>It sustains motivation over the project's duration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to choose the correct methodology for research?

<p>Methodological errors can lead to proposal rejection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the recommendation to 'find a niche' imply for researchers?

<p>They should look for unique contributions to a field (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended strategy for sourcing research materials?

<p>Utilizing academic journals and university libraries. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an important factor when considering a research topic, according to the challenges outlined?

<p>It should be flexible enough to evolve over time (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can students effectively narrow down their research topics?

<p>By seeking out recent publications within their subject area. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Dr. Stephanie Cawthon suggest about the scope of research in a dissertation?

<p>One cannot change the world with a single research project (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge faced when selecting a methodology?

<p>Finding participants for studies can be difficult. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge researchers may face according to the content?

<p>Choosing a research topic that is too broad (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a broad topic lead to difficulties in research proposals?

<p>Specificity often leads to a deeper exploration of the subject. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a student prioritize when formulating their research methodology?

<p>Clarity and specificity in the methods to be employed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when selecting a research topic?

<p>Selecting a topic that is too broad or vague. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is essential for a good research topic to ensure it is easily understood?

<p>Clarity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a well-defined research topic help a researcher avoid?

<p>Double-barreled impressions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a source of research topics?

<p>International travel experiences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The language of a research topic should be characterized by all EXCEPT which of the following?

<p>Technical jargon (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of an ambiguous research topic?

<p>Confusion in formulating hypotheses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which quality should a research topic prioritize to enhance its effectiveness?

<p>Directional clarity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you find your research topic poorly phrased?

<p>Seek assistance from an experienced individual (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a successful research topic?

<p>Easy to understand (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Choosing the right research topic

Selecting a suitable research topic that aligns with available resources (time, money, people), interests, and potential contribution to the field.

Developing a doable topic

Identifying a research topic that is manageable with available resources.

Gathering information on the topic

Reading extensively about the topic to understand various perspectives and existing work.

Establishing theoretical framework

Finding a theory or set of theories to support your research and provide context for your findings.

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Maintaining interest in the topic

Selecting a topic that keeps you engaged throughout the entire research process, which involves at least a year.

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Identifying a unique contribution

Seeking a research angle that offers a new perspective or insight to the field.

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Adapting the research focus

The ability to change your initial research focus as needed based on new ideas or feedback from experts.

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Seeking expert feedback

Actively gathering input from experts to refine your research topic and improve its focus and effectiveness.

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Research Topic

A specific area of study within a broader field, often including a detailed and well-defined problem or question.

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Methodology

The system of methods a researcher uses to collect, analyze, and interpret data to answer research questions.

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Research Questions

Clearly defined queries that guide the research and determine the strategy for collecting and analyzing data to answer those queries.

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Research Materials

Academic sources – including journal articles, books, and other credible publications – relevant to the study’s topic

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Appropriate Topic

A specific and focused research topic that can be investigated thoroughly, including the necessary data for investigation.

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Correct Methodology

Research methods appropriate for answering the research questions and collecting relevant data.

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Academic Journals

Specialized publications focusing on in-depth research studies and analyses related to a particular field of study.

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Participants

Individuals involved in a research study, crucial for collecting data to verify or disprove a hypothesis.

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Clear Research Topic

A topic that is easy to understand, has a single straightforward interpretation, and sets the direction for your research.

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Well-Defined Topic

A topic that is phrased precisely, avoids ambiguity, and is easy to interpret. It helps in setting clear research objectives and hypotheses.

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Ambiguity in Research

When the research topic has multiple interpretations, leading to confusion and difficulty in formulating objectives and hypotheses.

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Simple Research Language

Using straightforward terms to avoid confusion and ensure clear understanding of the research topic by everyone.

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Bias in Research Topic

Introducing unintended or deliberate prejudice or favoritism into the research topic, impacting objectivity.

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Titling Research

Following established rules and guidelines while naming your research topic, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

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Double-Barreled Topic

A research topic that tries to address two separate issues at once, making it difficult to manage.

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Study Notes

Unit 1 - Introduction to Research

  • Research is a way of examining one's practice within most professions
  • It's a critical examination of professional work
  • It's a systematic examination of observed information to find answers
  • Research is used to understand content, write essays, review literature, and plan and conduct projects.
  • It requires good library skills, an eye for detail, and an inquisitive mind
  • It involves critical thinking and thinking outside conventions
  • Research explores global, regional, and local issues
  • It strengthens knowledge and experience;
  • Research is generating knowledge about the world
  • Research employs systematic observation, classification, and interpretation of data
  • Research results are presented in a form allowing others to access methods and outcomes.
  • Research seeks solutions to problems or answers to questions.
  • Meaningful research questions indicate expected answers.
  • Research is a structured enquiry to solve problems using acceptable scientific methodologies.
  • The scientific method involves asking a question, forming a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, collecting data, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions to gain new knowledge or test existing knowledge.
  • Research is about generating new knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

  • Discuss the need for doing research
  • Explain what research is
  • Discuss the role of research in society
  • Differentiate Thesis vs Feasibility Study
  • Enumerate the characteristics of research
  • Describe the research process and difficulties in research
  • Cite sources of research topics

Course Materials

  • Research is a critical examination of professional work, involving questioning practices and systematically examining information to find answers.
  • Research is used in courses, essays, and projects.
  • Essential research skills include good library skills and being detail-oriented and inquisitive.
  • Critical thinking and innovative ideas are crucial for successful research.

Importance of Research

  • Research helps support truths, discover phenomena, deduce meaning, make informed decisions, and improve teaching methods.
  • It allows for improvements in business, organizations and policies.
  • Research is important in contributing to existing and new knowledge.

Characteristics of Research

  • Empirical - based on observations and experimentation
  • Systematic - follows a specific procedure
  • Controlled - only the tested variable is changed
  • Hypothesis-based - assumptions guide the investigation
  • Analytical - critical analysis of data
  • Objective, unbiased, and logical (all findings are based on empirical data)
  • Quantitative or statistical methods - Data transformed into numerical measures and analyzed statistically

The Research Process

  • Research systematically discovers something new by gathering data.
  • This requires defining research questions, hypotheses or assumptions, conducting surveys or experiments, and analyzing the results.

Difficulties in Research

  • Choosing the right topic:
    • Consider available resources and time
    • Topic should be specific, and relevant
    • The chosen topic should sustain interest throughout the research process
    • It should offer a new or original contribution/perspective to the field
  • Choosing the right methodology:
    • Methodology should directly address research questions
    • Select a clear and precise methodology (qualitative vs quantitative)
    • Methodology should be applicable and sustainable
    • Researchers should determine if they have the necessary skills to employ the selected methodology or recruit a research team.
  • Getting institutions/participants to participate:
    • Difficulty in gaining access due to sensitivity, controversy, or institutional procedures.
    • Finding suitable participants for studies; finding participants matching criteria
  • Dealing with research data:
    • Analyzing the research's collected data
    • Avoiding bias
    • Ensuring the proper methodology is reflected.

Thesis vs Feasibility Study

  • Thesis: An academic research required for an academic degree
  • Employs hypothesis testing & is based on empirical data, documented, and presented
  • Feasibility study examines the practical application of a research concept

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