Research Techniques End-of-Module Exam Summary PDF

**Research Techniques** **End-of-Module Exam** A screenshot of a test Description automatically generated I should have 40 minutes for the Research Techniques Part: 20 min. Data Commentary, 20 min the rest of exam. - Multiple choice - Gap fills - Ordering of sentences in a Paragraph -...

**Research Techniques** **End-of-Module Exam** A screenshot of a test Description automatically generated I should have 40 minutes for the Research Techniques Part: 20 min. Data Commentary, 20 min the rest of exam. - Multiple choice - Gap fills - Ordering of sentences in a Paragraph - Data Commentary **Referencing, citations and quotations (Week 1, Week 2)** [Here are some common text components]  [Citations in the text] Ein Bild, das Schrift, Kalligrafie, Text, Grafiken enthält. Automatisch generierte BeschreibungThis is the APA model. It indicates where I have my information's from that are used in the text. **[Avoid plagiarism by referencing and quoting correctly. Week 4]** There are **two ways** to use implement a source in your own text: +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **Summary and citation** | **Quotation and citation** | +===================================+===================================+ | a. We use this the most | a. We can\'t to this a lot | | | | | b. You have read something and | | | then you want to put it in | | | your text | a. **Use quotation marks plus | | | reference** | | | | | | | | a. **Must use your own words | | | when you\'re summarizing. Use | a. Here you copy the exact same | | them as far as possible** | sentence as in the text | | | | | |  | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ You either use your own words and do a citation or you do a quotation with the exact same words. (A citation must always be added to show the source according to APA style). The citation makes it clear to readers that you have read (book/ journal etc.) and borrowed the idea of it. Ein Bild, das Text, Screenshot, Schrift, Dokument enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung Example:  At the end it is crucial to create a reference list including all the citations and references together, listed up. Ein Bild, das Text, Schrift, Screenshot, weiß enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung **[Compile a reference list. Week 4]** Citations are linked to a list of references at the end of your work. Including some details:  Ein Bild, das Text, Screenshot, Schrift, Reihe enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung **References** - From where we got our information. - This is the end of our paper, list of articles, **texts that is used** - **Reference list only includes information that we really used in our proposal = we refer to something** A text that I'm reading can also have references. If I don't find the original, I'll have used the **"secondary reference".**  [Exam question: What are the reasons for references:] a. Show that we did read the information. b. Allow readers to find the source. c. Avoid plagarism. **[Use APA citation style. Week 4]** Check on the document in week 4. - Book references - Report references - Journal article references - You Tube video references - Blog post references - Conference presentation references - Edited book chapter references **[Reference systems]** How do we need to construct it; depends on university ZHAW: **APA** - How do we do citation - How do we write the reference list **We must follow this system** **[Use summarizing and paraphrasing to avoid plagiarism (Week 5)]** *For the exam it is important to understand the difference!* **Summarizing** **Paraphrasing** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Summarizing** condenses the main ideas of a text into a shorter version. **Paraphrasing** rephrases the text in your own words without changing the original meaning. **Summarizing** [What is needed for a good summary:] Ein Bild, das Text, Schrift, weiß, Screenshot enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung [Stages of summarizing, could be in the exam] **Paraphrasing** *You take a sentence and change as much as you can with your own words. (Leave the main idea ofc.)* Ein Bild, das Text, Screenshot, Schrift, Dokument enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung [Techniques for paraphrasing]  **Plagiarism (Recognize and evaluate degrees of plagiarism) Week 4** Plagiarism = When you steal information. It means taking ideas or words from a source without giving credit (acknowledgement) to the author. - Even if you read a text and write it in your own words it\'s still plagiarism - We must use 4 - 5 sources in our text (Research Proposal) - Whenever you use someone's **ideas** you need to show it in the text. - **It must be clear what is your idea and what isn\'t** In academic work, ideas and words are seen as private property belonging to the person who first thought or wrote them. Reasons why students must avoid plagiarism include: - Plagiarism exists then when we use sources that aren't ours without any quotations and citations. - Plagiarism can also be accidental, i.e. when the author's name is misspelled. **[Avoiding plagiarism by summarizing and paraphrasing]**  **Summarizing** **Paraphrasing** ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We make it shorter, and we use our own words. You use all the information, but you put it in your words. You keep all of it **[Evaluate credibility of sources. Week 4]** *Are my found sources useful?* Those are the five requirements we need to look at, when evaluating sources: +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **Timeless** | It wasn\'t written too long ago. | | | | | | - We need up to date | | | information. | +===================================+===================================+ | **Authority** | Authority of the writer. Who has | | | written this article, paper. | | | | | | - \"A professor or a | | | stranger.\" | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **Audience** | Who is the paper intended for? | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **Relevance** | The information must be relevant | | | for the paper we\'re writing. | | | | | | - Select just the important | | | information. | | | | | | - Does the article relate to my | | | topic. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **Perspective** | Opinions of the writer, we don\'t | | | want a scientific paper with | | | clear opinions just facts | | | | | | Is it a paper or a blog? - It | | | must be something published in a | | | scientific journal | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ **Paper structure (Week1)** [Structure of a Research Paper/ Thesis] - Title page - Table of Contents - List of Figures - **Introduction** - **Theoretical Framework (Literature review, Methodology)** - **Results (Findings and Discussion)** - **Conclusion** - List of References - Appendices [Structure of short essays] - Introduction - Main body - Conclusion [Structure of longer essays and reports may include] - Introduction - Main body - Literature review - Case study - Discussion - Conclusion - References - Appendices [Dissertations and journal articles may have] - Abstract - List of contents - List of tables - Introduction - Main body - Literature review - Case study - Findings - Discussion - Conclusion - Acknowledgements - Notes - References - Appendices [In addition to these sections, books may also include] - Foreword - Preface - Bibliography/ Further reading Ein Bild, das Text, Screenshot, Schrift, Zahl enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung  **Literature Review/ Book Review (Week 5)** *We find the literature review in the theoretical framework.* Ein Bild, das Text, Screenshot, Schrift, Informationen enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung  - In the literature review you sum up what recently published work to show what is already known about your topic. But also, you **indicate** the existing gap which you want to fill with your own research thesis. [Book review] Ein Bild, das Text, Screenshot, Schrift, Dokument enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung **Paragraph structure (Week 6)** [Basic Organizing of Paragraphs] +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **What is a paragraph?** | **Definition**: A paragraph is a | | | section of writing focused on a | | | single idea, made up of multiple | | | sentences. | +===================================+===================================+ | **What is the normal length of a | **Structure**: Typically, one | | paragraph?** | idea per sentence. The number of | | | sentences per paragraph can vary | | | (usually up to 4 - 5 sentences). | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **Is there a standard structure | At the beginning there's usually | | for paragraphs?** | an Introduction/ = Topic sentence | | | it shows the idea of the | | | paragraph. | | | | | |  | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **How are ideas within a | Linking words like \"However,\" | | paragraph linked together?** | \"Furthermore,\" \"In addition,\" | | | \"This,\" and \"That\" help to | | | connect ideas within the | | | paragraph. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ A close-up of a text Description automatically generated [Structure:] **[Exam]**: They will give me mumbled sentences and I must put them into order! - **The structure is not always the same (always topic sentence).** - Mostly they give me the topic sentence and I have then to continue by numbering the rest in order. [Example:]  [Develop and support ideas within a paragraph.] **Argument and Discussion** - *Analyze conflict views of a topic and engage with them.* - Benefits, Drwabacks, Discussion **Language of Discussion** Avoid personal phrases such as "*in my opinion"* or "*actually, I think".* A yellow marker on a white paper Description automatically generated - **General view** (multiple sources), **Counter view** (Critical voice, describes opposition towards other paragraph)., **Own view** (Conclusion). [Use cohesive devices to link ideas within a paragraph/ to link individual paragraphs] **Link ideas within a paragraph: (**Use linking words/ phrases) **Cohesion**: Join a text together with reference words. (he, she, theirs) and conjunctions (but, then). **Exam: Use reference words to avoid repetition.** - In the exam I may have a text and need to add these references.  - **Important remember**: **[This is because]** (students often say "**[That is because]" but it's not nice**). **Conjunctions**: Linking words A close-up of a text Description automatically generated **Important for Data Commentary!!!** - It is widely believed/ There appears to be - In addition, / However/ Furthermore/ Consequently - But above all - This/ Increasingly - Such as - But/ and - Although - For instance, - In other words - Neither/ nor - Because/ yet **Exam: Fill in the right conjunction into a text.** **There are six main types of conjunctions:** +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+ | **Additio | **Result* | **Reason* | **Opposit | **Example | **Time** | | n** | * | * | ion** | ** | | +===========+===========+===========+===========+===========+===========+ | - Furth | - Thus | - Since | - Howev | - For | - Then | | ermore | | | er, | insta | | | | - As a | - As | | nce, | - Subse | | - Furte | resul | | - On | | quently | | r | t, | - Becau | the | - For | | | | | se | other | examp | | | - Addit | - There | | hand | le, | | | ionally | fore | | | | | | | | | - Never | - In | | | - In | - Conse | | theless | other | | | addit | quently | | | words | | | ion | | | - Yet | | | | | - Hence | | | - Such | | | - Moreo | | | - But | as | | | ver | | | | | | | | | | - Altho | | | | - and | | | ugh/ | | | | | | | While | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Neith | | | | | | | er/ | | | | | | | Nor | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Despi | | | | | | | te/ | | | | | | | In | | | | | | | spite | | | | | | | of | | | +-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------+  **Link individual paragraphs:** A white paper with black text Description automatically generated **Qualitative and quantitative research (Explain basic difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods) (Week 2)** **Research Methods**: [(They like to ask this in the exam)] We differentiate between qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Both are important for gaining different kinds of knowledge. - Quantitative studies rely on numerical or measurable data (numbers) - Data that is measured: I create a questionnaire; I create a graph and need to analyze it (Data Commentary: Analyze figure). - Qualitative studies rely on personal accounts or documents that illustrate in detail how people think or respond within society (words). - Having interviews (with managers, etc....)  [Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research:] **Quantitative research:** Ein Bild, das Text, Screenshot, Schrift, Reihe enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung **Qualitative research:**  - The questions aren't formulated as yes or no, you really need to understand the topic. You either can work with a **mono method**, using only one of those two methods, or you can combine them together and thus answer your research question with **multiple methods** (the two together). **Academic language (Week 2)** [Language/ Expressions/ Phrases used in a research proposal:] +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ | Introduction | Research Objectives | Method | +=======================+=======================+=======================+ | - Recent research | - The goal of this | - Will be conducted | | has shown | study is to | | | | identify | - Will be carried | | - This in turn | | out | | leads to | - Further it will | | | | draw conclusions | - Are chosen | | - However, this | about | because | | assumes | | | | | - Since no similar | - A questionnaire | | - The current study | research has been | will be developed | | will focus | carried out, the | | | | current study | - Data analysis | | - This paper | aims to | will use | | intends to | | | | demonstrate | - Furthermore, the | | | | result of this | | | | study will be | | | | valuable to | | +-----------------------+-----------------------+-----------------------+ **Appropriate academic style (Week 7)** - Use appropriate academic style. - Avoid repetition (also cohesion, conjunction) - Use caution in writing to avoid making statements that can be contradicted. - Use academic verbs and verbs of reference. **Style** **Style of formal writing** - No abbreviations/ contractions (IT\'S = IT IS= - Formal vocabulary - Objective, impersonal - No slang - Caution -- use tentative language (unemployment *may* cause crime -- *not absolute statement*) - Be specific, precise (dealing with facts & figures) - Avoid Repetition, Redundancy - Don\'t be personal (not unfortunately, luckily etc.) - Avoid \"get\" phrases - Avoid \"like\" and \"such as\" - Not be too idiomatic - Don\'t write like the way you speak *(kids, boss -- use children, manager)* - Passive voice - Use synonyms - Avoid complicated expressions of gender **Avoid the following:**  Phrasal verbs are being seen as informal: Verb + preposition - Bring in - Talk out **Avoiding repetition and redundancy** - To avoid repetition, we use synonyms. - Don't repeat the same idea. A white background with black text Description automatically generated **The use of caution** *It is dangerous in an academic text to make absolute/ blunt statements.* - May be, it is possible, Could be like that  A paper with text and x Description automatically generated  **Academic Vocabulary** *Verbs and Adverbs* **Exam: Maybe match or tick the synonyms ()** [Examples:] **Verb** **Synonym** ---------------------- ------------------------------------ To adapt Modified To arise Occur To conduct Carry out To clarify Further explain To characterize Have features of concentrate Focus To be concerned with Deal with To demonstrate show To discriminate Distinguish To establish To found To exhibit To show To focus on Concentrated on/ looked at closely To generate To create To hold Be true To identify Pick out To imply Suggest To interact Work together **Use verbs of reference** We use this often in academic writing when we are citing, not just "said". **Exam: Fill in the right reference verb.**  - Claimed, Assumed/Presumed, Concluded, Blamed **Adverbs** A table with words and a white background Description automatically generated with medium confidence **Identify the parts of a research proposal and their purpose (Week 2)**  **Research proposal:** - Introduction - Research Objectives - Method - References [Introduction:] - A brief/ quick overview of what's my topic (not really in detail) - Emphasize that my topic is an area worth of study - What knowledge is already available, what has already been written (We already know this and I'm going to find out that...) - Establish why further research in this field is necessary +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Examples: | +=======================================================================+ |  | | | |  | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ **What is the broader topic (answer this in mine)** [Research Objectives:] - More specific, what do we want to know - Outline the questions you will be exploring trough your research - (Should relate to the introduction section, by illustrating how the existing gab will be filled) +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Examples: | +=======================================================================+ |  | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ **What research questions will be answered? (answer this in mine)** **What contribution will the current study make? (answer this in mine)** [Method:] There are different ways of getting important information. - What type of methods am I about to use (explain) - How will the data be analyzed. +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Example: | +=======================================================================+ |  | | | |  | | | |  | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ **What methods will be used to carry out the research? (**answer **this in mine)** [References:] - All the literature (existing research) that I have used, plan to use in my research - It is the listing (APA model) at the end Example: ---------- **Define the steps in identifying a research problem (Week 2)** 1. Find a **topic** that appears interesting to you, and you therefore want to learn more about it. 2. Find an area with a **research problem** (a gap that is existing and needs to be specified.) 3. Find and formulate a **research question** which indicates the specific research problem that is going to be specified. **formulate a research question (Week 2)** A **research question** addresses an area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a **gap that exists in scholarly literature**. (With my research I want to fill the gap that exists.)  **In my research proposal I must be specific** about my question. I need to focus on a specific time, destination etc. *Checklist* for a research question: Ein Bild, das Text, Screenshot, Schrift enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung Example: Ein Bild, das Text, Screenshot, Schrift, Reihe enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung **Consider and evaluate sources of information (Week 3)** - Carefully choose what you read - Asses the chosen material thoroughly and critically - Read the text intensively and make key points - Scan text for information you need (e.g. names) - Survey text features (e.g. abstract, contents, index) It's worth checking the following text feature before starting to read to decide whether its important. Author  ------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Publication date and edition Abstract [An abstract is a brief summary of a longer work, outlining its main aims, methods, results, and conclusions](https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/abstract/). It helps to decide if its worth reading the full article or not. Contents  Introduction of preface References  Biography Index  Abstracts help to decide if it's worth reading the full article or not. Ein Bild, das Text, Schrift, Screenshot, weiß enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung Even if I think a text is reliable it is still important to adopt a critical attitude towards it. Ask myself:  **Use effective online research techniques (Week 3)** Online research: Full details If you click here, you will get more information about the book, including the pages and summary contents. -------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Year Location  Holdings You must ensure that the internet source is trustworthy/ reliable and therefore a critical approach must be made.  - Always check if there are any reliable sources given. **Use reading skills to extract key information and take notes. (Week 5)** [Why make notes?] Ein Bild, das Text, Schrift, weiß enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung *What are the main reasons for note-making in academic work?* a. To prepare for essay writing  [Note making methods.] Ein Bild, das Text, Schrift, Screenshot, weiß enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung [Effective note making] For your personal, create your personal style to better understand a text even after months.  **Recognize how contrasting sources are presented. (Week 5)** [Referring to sources] Ein Bild, das Text, Schrift, weiß, Algebra enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **Important** | +=======================================================================+ | It can happen that information is found in multiple sources. They all | | need to be mentioned. | | | | - It is best to go to the original and rewrite it into the research | | proposal. | | | | | | | | - The sources need to be credible. | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ [Taking a critical approach]  - There are different texts describing different points of view, for my academic writing it is crucial to understand and know both parts. **Active and Passive. (Week 8)** - Use passive voice for a more impersonal and formal style. A close-up of a paper Description automatically generated +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | **Active** | **Passive** | | | | | **Focuses on the people who were | **Focuses on the action itself | | involved.** | and NOT the people involved.** | +===================================+===================================+ | - **Agent**: The subject | - **Agent**: The action is | | performs the action. | performed on the subject. | | | | | - **Cause**: Emphasizes who or | - **Cause**: Emphasizes the | | what is doing the action. | action or result, sometimes | | | omitting the doer. | | - **Example**: \"The chef | | | cooked the meal. | - **Example**: \"The meal was | | | cooked (by the chef).\" | | | | | |  | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ A list of parts with black text Description automatically generated **Important: Keep the same tense!** **Present Tense** - **Active**: \"The chef cooks the meal.\" - **Passive**: \"The meal is cooked by the chef.\" **Past Tense** - **Active**: \"The chef cooked the meal.\" - **Passive**: \"The meal was cooked by the chef.\" **Future Tense** - **Active**: \"The chef will cook the meal.\" - **Passive**: \"The meal will be cooked by the chef.\" **Prepositions. (Week 8)** - Use correct prepositions (linked with nouns, adjectives and verbs).  Often students get confused because Prepositions change the meaning of a sentence rapidly. A close-up of a note Description automatically generated - **Of/ to/ from/ on/ in/ within/ Among** (large group)** and** - **In** respect **of** - **With** respect **to** **Exam: Maybe fill the right preposition in a text** **Punctuations. (Week 8) - Satzzeichen** - Use correct punctuation especially in quotations.  **Capital letters** A white page with black text Description automatically generated **Commas** - Comma use is partly a matter of individual style. Necessary comma usage: 1. **After introductory words or phrases**: a. However, b. In conclusion, 2. **Add information in the middle of the sentence**: c. Certain crops**,** for instance, are... 3. Before some conjunctions (linking words): d. XXY**, and** 4. **Listing** 5. **Finishing direct speech** e. "XXY"**,**... 6. **To show contrasting elements:** f. It was well written, but... I'll need to write a **Data Commentary** of about 150 -- 180 words. It is important for me to understand the Instruction/ question given and execute the data commentary correctly. Therefore, I need to pay attention to the **instruction words**.   **Select the correct visual depending on information they need to convey. (Week 11)** **There could be a question about visuals in the exam.** **Where do we write a Data Commentary:** A diagram of a research process Description automatically generated - We write it in the research paper (In Results (Findings and Discussion)). - Collect the data which we found during the research and display it in figures, describe it in the Data Commentary. **Structure:**  **Interpret visual data and comment on the main features (Week 11)** Diagram Structure --------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------- Table Statistical display  Map Location-small scale Pie chart Proportion  Flow chart Sequence of process Line graph Changes in time  Bar chart Comparison Plan Location -- small scale  Scatter graph/ plot Relation between two sets of variables **Recognize the main components in a data commentary (Week 11)** +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | **Remember 3 things: we need to cover for content.** | +=======================================================================+ | 1. **Introduce the visual** (Location statement + Summary Statement) | | | | The figure shows.... | | | | - 1 Sentence | | | | 2. **Highlight key features** (Highlighting Statement) | | | | Biggest number, smallest number. Mention other things in between | | | | - 2-3 sentences | | | | | | | | - Specific Numbers, %, Approximately, more than half, less than | | | | 3. **Offer an interpretation** | | | | Why are the data categorized like this. Interpret yourself and | | describe the relation. | | | | - Think of something based on common sense | | | | - 2-3 sentences | | | | | | | | - *Hedging*: May be, could, it appears, it seems | | | | **Formal vocabulary** | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+