T1-INTRO TO RESEARCH.pdf

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTI ON TO RESEARCH Miss Hikmah Mohamad Idi  LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of this topic, students should be able to: i. Recognize some basic concepts of research and its methodologies. ii. Select and define appropriate research problem and parameters. iii....

TOPIC 1 INTRODUCTI ON TO RESEARCH Miss Hikmah Mohamad Idi  LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of this topic, students should be able to: i. Recognize some basic concepts of research and its methodologies. ii. Select and define appropriate research problem and parameters. iii. Prepare a project proposal (to undertake a project). iv. Organize and conduct research (minor project) in a more appropriate manner.  What is 1RESEARCH ?  Definition: 1 An organized and systematic data, based on critical scientific inquiry or investigation into a 2 specific problem, undertaken with the objective of finding answers or solutions to it. systemic date , 3 specific problem finding answers or solutioes.  Research is any activity undertaken to & increase our knowledge.- & ↑ It is the systematic investigation of a problem, issue or question. Good and quality research is guided by the systematic research process.  The Hallmarks of Good Research Serve a purpose and is relevant: Clearly focussed and scoped Scientific (depends on context) Uses appropriate techniques & methods of data collection Findings are presented as objectively as possible Conclusions are based on the findings Sources of information and ideas are clearly attributed Conclusions are based on the findings Sources of information and ideas are clearly attributed  Types of Research i. Basic Research: Research done with the intention to generate more - - knowledge and understanding of the phenomena that - = - - - occur and to build theories based on the research results. - - - The researcher has careful control of the conditions. - - -  Types of Research ii. Applied Research: Research done with the intention of applying the results of its finding to solving specific problems currently being - experienced in the organization. Has direct value to practitioners but in which the researcher - has limited control over the research setting. - 2RESEARCH PROCESS  1 Identify Problem / Idea 2 Reviewing Literature 3 Construct Research Question, Objective, Hypothesis 4 Choose Research Design 5 Deciding on the Sample Design 6 Prepare Research Proposal 7 Conduct Pilot Study 8 Collect Data 10 Major Steps in 9 Analyze Data Research Process 10 Writing Up Research Report 3RESEARCH PROPOSAL  A research proposal is a systematic write up written form before it is carried out. It is like a blueprint of a building plan before the construction starts. Writing a research proposal is both science and art. A good research proposal is based on scientific facts and on the art of clear communication. Contents of a Research Proposal 1. Introduction 1.1 Background 1.2 Problem Statement 1.3 Research Questions 1.4 Research Objectives 1.5 Hypothesis 1.6 Significance of the study 1.7 Limitations of the study 2. Literature Review 3. Methodology 3.1 Population/sample 3.2 Instrument 3.3 Data collection procedure 3.4 Data analysis method 3.5 Pilot study 4. Gantt Chart 5. References 6. Appendices 1. Introduction 1.1 Background Write the area of research in which your work belongs. Provide information to the research topic. 1.2 Problem statement When you start a research, you have a question that you need to be solved by the research. Give a description of the problem. 1.3 Research questions specific inquiry which the research seeks to provide a response to helps you to clearly define a path for the research process 1.4 Objectives State your research expectations you hope to accomplish. 1.5 Hypothesis a statement of expectation or prediction that will be tested by research. 1.6 Significance of the study Why your research is important and what contributions will it give to the field. State how your findings CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE and WHY it is IMPORTANT that the research be carried out. 1.7 Limitation of the study It is not possible to include ALL aspects of a particular problem. STATE WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED! SPECIFY THE BOUNDARIES of your research. 2. Literature Review 2.1 Definition of main concepts / variables 2.2 Previous studies on main variables Shows that you are aware of the literature study that is required in your research area. Shows that you have the theoretical knowledge in your chosen research area By reviewing related literature at this stage, it will make you: aware of other similar work which has been done. expose methodologies that have been adopted and which you may use or adapt. provide sources of information that you do not have yet.  3. Methodology 3.1 Population / sample 3.2 Instrument 3.3 Data collection procedure 3.4 Data analysis method 3.5 Pilot study Describe data that you will use in the research, the methodology to be adopted and justify your choice of methodology Inform readers kinds of data going to be collected research procedure (interviews? observations? questionnaires?) If outside organisations involved, explain how you are going to get hold of the data. If existing methodology is not to be used, explain why you need to use an adapted methodology. ❖ Gantt chart ❖ References ❖ Appendices Gantt chart 4 PILOT STUDY  Pilot Study After articulating the hypothesis, the next step involves conducting the experiment / research study Pilot study is the mini-version of the main study. Respondents who were involved in the pilot study will not be included in the actual study. Pilot study can be conducted in the sense of practical skills. After pilot study, you can review and modify the methods, instruments or other documentation The outcome of the pilot study shall be recorded in “pilot study” section in your Methodology chapter. 5 RESEARCH REPORT Contents of a Research Report A research report consists of total of six chapters (includes chapters 1 to 3 of research proposal) and three additional chapters. 1. Introduction 2. Literature Review 3. Methodology 4. Results/Findings 5. Discussion 6. Conclusion References Appendices