Week 2 Learning Material (20240828000042).pptx

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH Course Code: IEP116 | IE Capstone Project 1 Section: 4IE-A | 4IE-B | 4IE-C | 4IE-D  WHAT IS RESEARCH Research simply seeks the answer of certain questions which have not been answered so far and the answers depend upon human efforts. Research is...

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH Course Code: IEP116 | IE Capstone Project 1 Section: 4IE-A | 4IE-B | 4IE-C | 4IE-D  WHAT IS RESEARCH Research simply seeks the answer of certain questions which have not been answered so far and the answers depend upon human efforts. Research is simply the process of arriving as dependable solution to a problem through the planned and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data. The term “Research” consist of two word Research = Re + Search Wherein: Re = again and again Therefore, research means to observe the Search = Find out something phenomena again and again from different dimensions. TYPES OF RESEARCH INTRODUCTION OF RESEARCH PURPOSIVE NOMENCLATURE OF RESEARCH The Purposive Nomenclature of Research refers to classifying research based on its purpose or objective. This classification helps to understand the intent behind conducting the research, guiding researchers in choosing the appropriate methodologies, and determining the potential impact of the research findings.  PURPOSIVE NOMENCLATURE OF RESEARCH 1. Fundamental Research Fundamental research, also known as basic or pure research, is a type of research that seeks to enhance the general body of knowledge in a particular field without necessarily having a specific practical application in mind. The primary goal of fundamental research is to explore and understand basic principles, theories, and processes that can eventually lead to new discoveries or advancements in science and technology. Key Characteristics of Fundamental Research: Theory-driven: Fundamental research is often motivated by a desire to understand underlying mechanisms, principles, or theories. It is less concerned with immediate practical applications and more focused on contributing to the theoretical foundation of a field. Exploratory: This type of research aims to explore uncharted areas of knowledge, often leading to new questions and areas for further study. Long-term Impact: While the results of fundamental research may not have immediate practical use, they often serve as the foundation for future applied research, leading to significant technological or practical advancements over time. Methodical: Fundamental research is systematic and rigorous, following established scientific methods to ensure that findings are reliable and valid.  PURPOSIVE NOMENCLATURE OF RESEARCH 2. Applied Research Applied research is a type of research that focuses on solving practical problems and finding real-world applications for scientific knowledge. Unlike fundamental research, which is aimed at expanding theoretical understanding, applied research is directly concerned with developing solutions, improving processes, or creating new products and technologies that address specific needs or challenges. Key Characteristics of Applied Research: Problem-solving Focus: Applied research is driven by the need to solve a particular problem or meet a specific goal. The research questions are often framed around practical issues that require immediate solutions. Real-world Application: The findings from applied research are intended to be implemented in real-world settings, making them directly relevant to industry, government, healthcare, or other practical domains. Goal-oriented: The research is typically guided by clear objectives, with the aim of producing results that can be applied to improve existing practices or develop new ones. Interdisciplinary: Applied research often draws on knowledge from multiple disciplines to address complex problems, making it a collaborative effort between experts in different fields.  PURPOSIVE NOMENCLATURE OF RESEARCH Examples of Applied Research: 1. Healthcare: Developing new drugs or treatment protocols to cure or manage diseases. 2. Engineering: Creating more efficient energy systems or environmentally friendly technologies. 3. Education: Designing educational programs or interventions to improve learning outcomes. 4. Business: Conducting market research to develop new products or improve customer satisfaction. 5. Agriculture: Developing new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests or climate change.  PURPOSIVE NOMENCLATURE OF RESEARCH 3. Action Research Action research is a participatory and iterative method of research that involves actively engaging with a specific problem or issue in a real-world setting, with the goal of both understanding and improving it through intervention. Unlike traditional research methods that may be more observational or theoretical, action research is highly collaborative, involving the researchers, stakeholders, and participants working together to identify issues, develop solutions, implement changes, and assess the outcomes. Key Characteristics of Action Research: Participatory: Action research is collaborative, involving those affected by the issue (such as community members, employees, or students) in the research process. This ensures that the research is grounded in real-world experiences and perspectives. Iterative: The process of action research is cyclical, involving repeated cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. This allows for continuous refinement and adaptation of interventions based on what is learned in each cycle. Problem-solving: The primary goal is to address a specific problem or improve a situation, with research and action occurring simultaneously. Context-specific: Action research is typically focused on a particular context, such as a specific organization, community, or classroom, with findings that are directly applicable to that setting.  PURPOSIVE NOMENCLATURE OF RESEARCH The Action Research Cycle: 1. Identifying the Problem: The process begins with identifying a problem or issue that needs to be addressed. This often involves collaboration with those who are directly affected by the issue. 2. Planning: Based on the identified problem, a plan of action is developed. This plan outlines the steps to be taken, the interventions to be tested, and the methods for collecting data. 3. Acting: The planned intervention is implemented in the real-world setting. This step involves taking concrete actions to address the problem. 4. Observing: The effects of the intervention are carefully monitored and documented. This might include collecting data through surveys, interviews, observations, or other methods. 5. Reflecting: After observing the outcomes, the researchers and participants reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and why. This reflection informs the next cycle of action research, where the plan is refined or adjusted based on the findings.  OTHER TYPES OF RESEARCH 1. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH is a type of research that aims to describe the characteristics, behaviors, or conditions of a particular group, event, or phenomenon. It focuses on answering questions like "what," "where," "when," and "how," but it does not delve into "why" things happen. The primary purpose of descriptive research is to provide a detailed, accurate picture of a situation or group without trying to infer causal relationships or test hypotheses. Key Characteristics of Descriptive Research: Non-experimental: Descriptive research does not involve manipulating variables or conducting experiments. Instead, it focuses on observing, recording, and analyzing data as it naturally occurs. Objective: The goal is to gather factual information that provides an accurate depiction of the subject being studied. Quantitative or Qualitative: Descriptive research can use quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, statistics) to describe numerical data or qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, case studies) to describe patterns and themes in non-numerical data. Cross-sectional or Longitudinal: Descriptive research can be cross-sectional (studying a population at one point in time) or longitudinal (studying a population over an extended period).  OTHER TYPES OF RESEARCH Common Methods Used in Descriptive Research: Surveys and Questionnaires: Collecting data from a large group of people to describe their characteristics, behaviors, opinions, or attitudes. For example, a survey could be used to describe the demographics of a population or their preferences for a particular product. Observational Studies: Observing and recording behaviors or conditions in their natural setting without intervention. For instance, researchers might observe how people interact in a public space to describe social behaviors. Case Studies: An in-depth examination of a single individual, group, event, or organization to describe specific characteristics or phenomena. For example, a case study might describe the unique features of a successful business model. Document Analysis: Reviewing and analyzing existing records or documents to describe trends, patterns, or other relevant details. This could include analyzing historical records, media content, or organizational reports.  OTHER TYPES OF RESEARCH 2. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH is a systematic investigation that primarily focuses on quantifying data, phenomena, or variables. It involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns, relationships, or trends, and to test hypotheses. The goal of quantitative research is to generalize findings from a sample to a larger population, making it highly valuable for decision-making, policy development, and theory testing. Key Characteristics of Quantitative Research: Objective Measurement: Quantitative research relies on objective, numerical measurements to ensure that the data is unbiased and replicable. Structured Methods: It uses structured tools like surveys, questionnaires, and experiments with predefined questions or protocols to gather data. Statistical Analysis: The data collected is subjected to statistical analysis to identify patterns, test relationships, and determine the significance of results. Hypothesis Testing: Quantitative research often starts with a specific hypothesis that is tested through the data collected. The hypothesis can either be supported or refuted based on the statistical analysis. Large Sample Sizes: To ensure the results are generalizable, quantitative research typically involves large sample sizes that are representative of the population being studied.  OTHER TYPES OF RESEARCH Common Methods Used in Quantitative Research: Surveys and Questionnaires: These are widely used to collect data from a large number of respondents. The questions are typically closed-ended, allowing for easy quantification of responses. For example, a survey might ask participants to rate their satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 5. Experiments: Controlled experiments are conducted to determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables. For instance, a researcher might manipulate one variable (like the dosage of a drug) to observe its effect on another variable (like patient recovery rates). Correlational Studies: These studies examine the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. For example, a correlational study might explore the relationship between study time and academic performance. Secondary Data Analysis: Researchers analyze existing data sets, such as census data or health records, to extract new insights or test hypotheses.  OTHER TYPES OF RESEARCH 3. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH is a type of research that focuses on exploring and understanding the meaning, experiences, and perspectives of participants in a particular context. Unlike quantitative research, which relies on numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative research is concerned with gathering rich, detailed descriptions and insights through non-numerical data. It is often used to explore complex phenomena, generate hypotheses, and understand the "why" and "how" behind certain behaviors, decisions, or experiences. Key Characteristics of Qualitative Research: Exploratory Nature: Qualitative research is often used when little is known about a phenomenon or when the researcher seeks to understand the deeper meanings and underlying motivations behind people's actions or beliefs. Subjectivity and Context: It acknowledges the subjective nature of human experiences and aims to understand how individuals interpret and make sense of their world. The research is context-specific, meaning that findings are often deeply tied to the environment or situation in which the study takes place. Flexible Methods: Qualitative research methods are flexible and open-ended, allowing for adjustments as the study progresses. The research design may evolve as new insights emerge. In-depth Data: The focus is on collecting detailed, rich data that provide a deep understanding of the subject matter. This often involves smaller, more focused sample sizes compared to quantitative research. Non-numerical Data: Data collected in qualitative research are typically in the form of words, texts, images, or observations rather than numbers.  OTHER TYPES OF RESEARCH Common Methods Used in Qualitative Research: Interviews: In-depth, semi-structured, or unstructured interviews are commonly used to gather detailed personal accounts and insights from participants. For example, a researcher might conduct interviews to explore how patients experience chronic illness. Focus Groups: A focus group involves a moderated discussion with a small group of participants, allowing for the exploration of collective views and group dynamics. This method is often used in market research to gather opinions on a product or service. Observations: Researchers may observe participants in their natural environment to gain insights into behaviors, interactions, and contexts. For instance, observing classroom interactions to understand teaching methods and student engagement. Case Studies: A case study involves an in-depth examination of a single individual, group, event, or organization to explore a particular phenomenon. This method is used to generate a comprehensive understanding of a specific context. Content Analysis: This involves analyzing texts, documents, or media to understand the themes, patterns, and meanings within them. For example, analyzing news articles to explore media representations of climate change. WRITING THE INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER OF YOUR THESIS CHAPTER 1  INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER GUIDELINES: Writing the introduction of a research paper or thesis is crucial for setting the tone and providing the necessary context for your work. Here are some guidelines to help you craft an effective introduction: 1. Start with a Broad Context Introduce the Topic: Begin with a general introduction to the area of research. Provide some background information that highlights the significance of the topic. Importance of the Topic: Explain why the topic is important in the field of study or in real-world applications. This helps to justify the relevance of your research. 2. Narrow Down to the Research Problem Identify the Research Gap: Discuss the existing literature briefly and point out the gap or problem that your research addresses. This could be an unanswered question, a new perspective, or a problem that has not been sufficiently explored. State the Research Problem: Clearly articulate the research problem or hypothesis. This is the specific issue or question that your research will address. 3. Formulate Research Objectives and Questions Research Objectives: Define the main objective of your research. This should be a clear and concise statement that reflects what you aim to achieve. Research Questions: Break down the main objective into specific research questions that your study will seek to answer. These questions should guide your methodology and analysis.  INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER GUIDELINES: 4. Highlight the Research Significance Contribution to the Field: Explain how your research contributes to the existing body of knowledge. Discuss the theoretical or practical implications of your findings. Impact: Mention any potential impact your research could have, whether it be advancing academic knowledge, informing policy, or improving practice in a specific area. 5. Define the Scope of the Study Scope and Delimitations: Outline the scope of your research, including the specific aspects you will focus on and any boundaries you have set for the study. This helps manage expectations and clarifies what is and isn't included in your research. Limitations: Acknowledge any limitations in your study. This could include factors like sample size, methodological constraints, or potential biases. 6. Provide an Overview of the Research Structure Chapter Outline: Briefly describe the structure of your research paper or thesis. Summarize what each chapter or section will cover, giving the reader a roadmap of your work.  INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER GUIDELINES: 7. Maintain Clarity and Focus Be Concise: Ensure your introduction is clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary details and keep your writing focused on the key points. Logical Flow: Ensure that your introduction flows logically from the general context to the specific research problem, and then to your objectives and significance. 8. Engage the Reader Interest and Motivation: Write in a way that captures the reader's interest. Your introduction should motivate the reader to continue exploring your research. Use of Language: Use clear and precise language. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences that might confuse the reader. 9. Revise and Refine Continuous Improvement: Revise your introduction as you progress with your research. Sometimes, the focus or direction of your research may change, and your introduction should reflect these updates. Seek Feedback: Consider getting feedback from peers, mentors, or advisors to ensure that your introduction is effective and comprehensive. TIPS ON SELECTING RESEARCH PROBLEM 1. Identify Your Area of Interest Passion and Curiosity: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Research can be a long and demanding process, so it's essential to pick something you are passionate about. Relevance to Your Field: Ensure that the topic is relevant to your field of study or professional goals. This can enhance your expertise and open up future opportunities. 2. Review Existing Literature Explore Current Research: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature in your area of interest. Identify what has already been studied and where there might be gaps or unexplored areas. Look for Controversies or Debates: Sometimes, research problems arise from disagreements or debates within the field. These can provide rich opportunities for investigation. 3. Consider the Practical Implications Real-World Relevance: Think about the practical applications of your research. Choose a problem that has the potential to make a real-world impact, whether in policy, practice, or industry. Stakeholder Interests: Consider the interests of relevant stakeholders (e.g., businesses, communities, governments) when selecting your problem. Addressing a problem that is significant to these groups can increase the relevance of your research. TIPS ON SELECTING RESEARCH PROBLEM 4. Assess Feasibility Resource Availability: Consider the resources you have at your disposal, including time, funding, access to data, and expertise. Make sure the problem you choose is one that you can realistically address with the resources available to you. Scope of the Problem: Ensure that the problem is neither too broad nor too narrow. A broad problem can become unmanageable, while a narrow problem might not provide enough material for a comprehensive study. 5. Seek Originality Unique Contribution: Aim to select a problem that allows you to make an original contribution to the field. This could involve exploring an under-researched area, applying a new methodology, or offering a fresh perspective on an existing issue. Innovative Approaches: Look for ways to innovate within your chosen problem. Can you apply new technologies, theories, or methods to an existing problem? QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU TO CLARIFY YOUR RESEARCH PROBLEMS 1. Is the problem interesting? It is better to work on something that interests you. 2. Is the problem new? Choose a problem that is relatively new but has not been fully studied. 3. Will the study add to knowledge? You must be convinced that by doing the study you will contribute new knowledge. 4. Is the problem feasible? Choose problems that you can manage, those that can be feasibly undertaken. 5. Has anyone else had a prior claim to it? You may not be able to claim credit for a research problem that has already been studied previously by other researchers, but you may be able to arrive at other findings.  RULES IN DEFINING A RESEARCH PROBLEM 1. Be sure that the topic you choose is neither too vague nor too broad in scope. 2. To make the problem clearer and more understandable, state it as a question that will require a definite answer. 3. Carefully state the limits of the problem, eliminating all aspects and factors that will not be considered in the study. Sometimes some thesis students are unable to exclude from the thesis certain aspects of the topic because of the feeling that they must consider everything about the thesis topic. Well, the more you are unable to delimit your study, the more likely you will not be able to do a good job of it. 4. Define any special term that must be used in the statement of the problem. FORMULATING THE OBJECTIVES OF YOUR STUDY Formulating the objectives of your study is a crucial step in the research process. Objectives provide clear and concise statements of what the study aims to achieve. 1. Understand the Research Problem Clarify the Research Problem: Before you formulate objectives, ensure that you have a clear understanding of the research problem. The objectives should directly address this problem and contribute to its resolution. Identify Key Issues: Break down the research problem into key issues or components. This will help you focus your objectives on the most critical aspects of the study. 2. Differentiate Between General and Specific Objectives General Objective: This is the broad goal of your study. It outlines what the research intends to achieve overall. The general objective should directly relate to the research problem and provide a clear direction for the study. Specific Objectives: These are more precise goals that break down the general objective into manageable parts. Each specific objective should be a clear, measurable outcome that contributes to achieving the general objective.  FORMULATING THE OBJECTIVES OF YOUR STUDY 3. Ensure Objectives are SMART Specific: Objectives should be clear and specific. Avoid vague language. Instead of saying, "To understand customer satisfaction," specify what aspect of customer satisfaction you will study, such as "To evaluate the impact of customer service on customer satisfaction." Measurable: Objectives should be measurable so that you can assess whether they have been achieved. For example, "To measure the increase in productivity following the implementation of a new workflow system." Achievable: Objectives should be realistic and attainable within the scope of your study. Consider the resources, time, and expertise available to you. Relevant: Objectives should be directly related to the research problem and contribute to solving it. Ensure that each objective aligns with the overall purpose of your study. Time-bound: If applicable, set a timeframe for achieving the objectives. This helps in keeping the research focused and on track. 4. Use Clear and Concise Language Action-Oriented: Use action verbs like "analyze," "evaluate," "compare," "assess," or "determine" to clearly indicate what the study will do. Avoid Ambiguity: Be specific in your wording to avoid any ambiguity. Clear language ensures that the objectives are easily understood by anyone reading the study.  FORMULATING THE OBJECTIVES OF YOUR STUDY 5. Align Objectives with Research Questions or Hypotheses Correspond to Research Questions: Each specific objective should correspond to a research question or hypothesis. This ensures that your study remains focused and coherent. Provide a Clear Path: The objectives should guide the methodology and analysis of your study. They should provide a clear path from the research questions to the conclusions. 6. Prioritize Objectives Logical Sequence: Arrange the objectives in a logical order, usually from the most basic to the more complex. This helps in structuring the research process. Focus on Key Areas: Prioritize objectives that are essential to solving the research problem. Avoid including too many objectives, as this can dilute the focus of your study. 7. Consult with Advisors or Peers Seek Feedback: Discuss your objectives with advisors, mentors, or peers to ensure they are well-formulated and aligned with the research problem. Feedback can help refine your objectives and make them more effective. 8. Revise as Necessary Refine Objectives: Be open to revising your objectives as you delve deeper into your research. Sometimes, initial findings or new insights can lead to a better understanding of the problem, requiring adjustments to your objectives. Ensure Consistency: Ensure that your objectives remain consistent with the scope, limitations, and overall aim of the study.  WHEN TO TEST A HYPOTHESIS You should test a hypothesis in the following situations: 1. Comparing Groups: When you want to compare two or more groups to see if there is a significant difference between them. For example, testing whether a new drug is more effective than the existing one. 2. Assessing Relationships: When you want to determine if there is a relationship between two or more variables. For instance, testing whether there is a correlation between study time and exam scores. 3. Evaluating Changes Over Time: When you want to assess whether a change has occurred over time. For example, testing whether a new training program has improved employee performance compared to previous years. 4. Testing Predictions: When you have a theory or model that predicts certain outcomes, and you want to see if the data supports those predictions. For example, testing a model that predicts sales based on advertising spend. 5. Determining Effectiveness: When you want to test whether an intervention, treatment, or program has had the desired effect. For instance, testing whether a marketing campaign has significantly increased sales. 6. Validating Assumptions: When you need to validate the assumptions underlying a statistical model or approach. For example, testing the normality of data before applying parametric tests. 7. Making Decisions: When you need to make decisions based on data, such as whether to launch a new product, you might test a hypothesis to inform that decision.  DELIMITING THE STUDY Very often, research students fail to identify the boundaries of their research. It is important that you describe the limitations of your study. In other words, this section discusses the weaknesses of the study in terms of methodology and generalizability of the results to be obtained from the study. Most theses are limited by the size of sample, the locale of the research, and some other factors. These things must be pointed out so that the results could be interpreted appropriately. This section is also frequently referred to as the Scope and Limitations of the Study section  DELIMITING THE STUDY Here's how to effectively delimit your study: 1. Define the Scope Subject Matter: Specify the exact topic or aspect of the subject you will focus on. For instance, if your study is about the impact of social media on mental health, you might delimit it to focus only on young adults aged 18-25. Geographical Scope: Identify the location or region where your study will be conducted. This could be a specific country, city, or even a particular community. Time Frame: Determine the time period your study will cover. For example, you might analyze data from the past five years or focus on trends in a particular decade. Population: Clearly define the characteristics of the population you will study. This includes the demographics (e.g., age, gender, income level) and any specific groups or subgroups you will focus on. 2. Identify Exclusions What Will Not Be Studied: Clearly state what aspects or variables you will not examine. For example, if your study is on the effect of diet on academic performance, you might exclude other factors like sleep patterns or socioeconomic status. Reason for Exclusions: Provide a rationale for why certain areas or variables are excluded. This could be due to limitations in resources, time, or the scope of the research question.  DELIMITING THE STUDY 3. State the Delimitations Clearly Inclusion in Methodology Section: Include a clear statement of the study’s delimitations in the methodology section of your research paper or thesis. This helps readers understand the boundaries of your study from the outset. Clarity and Precision: Use clear and precise language when stating the delimitations. Avoid vague terms and be specific about what your study will and will not cover.  DEFINING TERMINOLOGIES Defining terminologies is an essential part of a research paper or thesis, especially in the introduction or methodology sections. This process involves explaining the key terms and concepts that are central to your study to ensure that readers understand them as you intend. Here’s how to effectively define terminologies in your research: 1. Identify Key Terms Critical Terms: Identify the key terms that are crucial to understanding your research. These might include technical terms, specialized jargon, or concepts that have specific meanings within your study. Ambiguous Terms: Include any terms that might be open to interpretation or that have different meanings in different contexts. Clarifying these terms ensures that all readers are on the same page. 2. Use Clear and Precise Definitions Concise Definitions: Provide clear, concise definitions. Avoid overly complex language, and ensure that the definitions are easy to understand. Operational Definitions: Define terms in the context of how they are used in your study. This might differ from their general or dictionary definitions. For example, if you are studying "motivation" among employees, specify what you mean by "motivation" in your research. Technical Terms: For technical or scientific terms, provide definitions that are accurate and reflect the usage in your field. You may cite standard references or previous studies to support your definitions.  DEFINING TERMINOLOGIES 5. Arrange Definitions Systematically Alphabetical Order: List the definitions in alphabetical order if they are included in a glossary or a section specifically dedicated to definitions. Logical Grouping: If certain terms are related, group them together and explain the relationships between them. This can help in understanding complex concepts that involve multiple related terms.  THANK YOU! Reference LIBRERO, F. R. (2012). WRITING YOUR THESIS (A Practical Guide for Students). Los Banos: Philippines by the UP Open University.