research methods lecture 2
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Research MethodsLecture 2
March 20, 2013RS and GISc
Institute of Space Technology
Summary Last Lectures
• Definitions?• Why Research?• Application of Research?• Characteristics of Research?• Types?
Research Process
Today’s Topic is
Scientific Research • Consists of an investigation that:
– seeks answers to a question– systematically uses a predefined set of
procedures to answer the question– collects evidence– produces findings that were not determined in
advance– produces findings that are applicable beyond
the immediate boundaries of the study
Research ProcessPhase I Phase II Phase III
Deciding Planning Undertaking
HOW COLLECTINGWHAT
Research Question to Answer?
Gather evidence Required Info.
Formulate Research Problem
Conceptualize research design
Data collection instrument
Select Sample
Write proposal
Collect data
Process data
Write research
report
Considerations in formulating problem
Research Design: Functions
Method s& Tool: Data Collection
Sampling theory and designs
Data processing Methods
Principal of scientific research
Variables and hypotheses
Validity and reliability of research tool
Contents of research proposal
Study designs
Literature Review
Field test of
research tool
Editing of data
Operational steps
Required Knowledge
Req intermediary
steps
Phase I
1. Formulating a research problemHow to find a topic?• Research being done in your institution• Read a review paper• Make a list of unanswered questions• Pick problems - neither too easy not too
hard –why?
Phase II: Planning Research Study
1. Conceptualizing a research design2. Constructing Instrument for Data
Collection 3. Selecting a Sample4. Writing a Research Proposal
Conceptualizing a Research Design• To explain how you will find answers to your research
questions? Or
• To set out specific details of your enquiry• Use of appropriate methods• Includes:
– Study design– Logistical arrangement– Measurement procedures– Sampling strategy– Frame of analysis– Time frame
Constructing Instrument for Data Collection
• Anything that becomes means of collecting information for your study is ‘research tool’ or ‘research instrument’– Observation forms– Interview schedules– Questionnaire– Inter guides– Etc.
Selecting a Sample
• Accuracy of finding largely depends upon the way you select your sample
• Objective is to minimize, within the limitation of the cost, the gap between the values obtained from sample and population
Writing a Research Proposal• Put everything together to provide adequate
information about your research study• Tells about research problem and how you are
planning to investigate• Main function is to detail the operational plan for
obtaining answers to research question• Ensures the validity of the methodology to obtain
answers accurately and objectively• Requirements may vary
A Research Proposal Must Tell
• What you are proposing to do• How you plan to proceed• Why you selected the proposed strategy
Contents of Research Proposal
• Statement of objectives• List of hypotheses• Proposed study design• Setting for study• Proposed research instrument(s)• Info regarding sampling size and sampling design• Data processing procedures• Outline of proposed chapters of report• Study problems and limitations• Proposed time frame
Phase III: Conducting a Research Study
1. Collecting data2. Processing and displaying data3. Writing a research report
Collecting Data
• Many methods used to gather information• In this phase you actually collect data
Processing and Displaying Data
• The way you analyze the collected information
• Depends on– Type of information– Way you want to communicate your findings
Writing a Research Report• Last step• Most difficult (for many)• Inform the world
– WHAT YOU HAVE DONE/.DISCOVERED!!!!• If you are clear about the whole process you will be clear
about what to write• Should be written in academic style• Divided in chapters/sections (depending on themes)
'People are often impressed when they find out that you are "doing research". They may even want to know more. If you have ever been in this situation, you will know how embarrassing it can be if you are unable to explain clearly what you intend to study. Such embarrassment can be multiplied a thousand-fold if your interrogator is, say, a smart professor you have never met before. How are you to respond?‘
(Silverman, 2010, p. 83)
THANK YOU…
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