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Writing A Good Doctorate Research A presentation by Awanis Ku Ishak, PhDSchool of Business ManagementCollege of Business

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What is a Doctorate Research Proposal?A solid & convincing framework of a Doctorate thesisUnderline the originality of the research.

Contains sufficient key elements involved in research project to enable readers to evaluate its viability.

Intended to convince others - a valuable research project & the researcher has the competence and work-plan to complete it.

Addresses following issues: What research the researcher wants to do? Who has done similar research? Why the researcher wants to do it ? and How the researcher is going to do it?

2BLUEPRINT OF PHD FRAMEWORK PRECONCEIVED PHD THESISINITIATE RESEARCH INTEREST IN CERTAIN PHENOMENON

Writing an effective research proposalPurpose:Justify and plan a research project.Show how the research project contributes to existing research.Demonstrate that the researcher understand how to conduct discipline-specific research in an acceptable time-frame.Audience:Academic advisors, committee and others

When should the research proposal be written?Preparation with the question of Why?Preferably within 1 year.A substantial amount of work has to be done before proposal can be written.Seek advice on draft proposal from supervisors and peers.

Writing an effective research proposaldefinitely NOT an Easy Task!

Common problems and mistakes:Unable to provide context to frame RQsUnable to delimit boundary of research issue(s)Unable to cite landmark studies undertaken so farUnable to present accurate theoretical background of studyUnable to focus the RQsUnable to develop coherent and persuasive argumentsToo much detailed or too much short on major issuesToo much rambling going all over without clear cut sense of directionIncorrect citation/references

Guidelines on writing an effective doctorate research proposal

Is an intellectual scholastic contract. Objective is to describe what the researcher will do, why it should be done, how to do it & what result to expect. Being clear from the beginning will ensure thesis completion in a timely fashion. Vague, weak or fuzzy proposal may lead to long, painful & often unsuccessful thesis writing. Clean & well thought-out proposal forms backbone of thesis. A good thesis proposal hinges on a good idea. Once you have a good idea, you can draft the proposal.

Mentally prepared during the process:Generate problem statement, research questions, research objectives.Deeply involved with the proposal development activities.Read and read.Take notes.Spend hours and hours looking for information.Making mistakes and learnfast.Write and rewrite many times.Having your writing and ideas criticized.Get confused, get afraid : Feeling confused and hopeless most of the times.Talk to supervisors, experts, fellows.SLEEPLESS NIGHTS!

SimplicityNo pretentious language, unnecessary jargon, double speak; cutting down unnecessary word.Read out loud (pronounce, say, read) = understand.Revise , revise, revise, revise, reviseConfident of the work.be able to defend proposal.Tips for successful proposal writing

The faster you finish the proposal and submit it the less time you have wasted thinking about writing it (in considering that you must have done an satisfactory proposal)

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During an effective proposal writing :Establish a writing schedule.Begin by free-writing. Keep a small notebook with you to write down relevant thoughts.Say parts of your writing into a recording device. Compose different parts in different computer files or on different index cards.Start with more clear cut sections first.

During an effective proposal writing Understand that the proposal will be negotiated--be prepared to revise!Think of the proposal as an introduction to your thesis or dissertation.Remember that your proposal is not meant to limit ideas, but to help you think practically.Ask colleagues to form a writing group.Talk to your advisor or supervisor!

Important information for writingAlways structure your work in advance.Know that you want to say before writing.Every sentence must contain one idea only.Each sentence must follow logically from the before: chain of ideas.Write in a way that is easy to read.Use simple language.Check spelling and grammar.Do not cut and paste from articles.

Avoid Plagiarism!Plagiarism is presenting someone elses ideas or words as though they were your own.Paying a detrimental consequences.Integrity / Ethical and Moral Issues.

Before start writing..Do I have the clear research questions?Have I read broadly and deeply in that area?Have I discusses the topic with peers?Have I enough time and fund to start? Do I feel support from my faculty, family and friends?

Components ofA Good Doctorate Research ProposalTitleIntroductionBackgroundProblem StatementResearch QuestionsResearch ObjectivesSignificance of the researchScope of ResearchLimitation of StudyOperational Definition of the Terms UsedReview of LiteratureLiterature ReviewHypotheses developmentResearch MethodsTheoretical Framework Research HypothesesResearch Design Population & Sample Sampling Technique Measurement / Instruments Data Collection ProcessReliability & Validity Data AnalysisFindingsDescriptive AnalysisDemographic ProfileVariable ScoreInferential AnalysisReference

Components of Research Proposal TitleOrient readers to a clear title for research.Be self-explanatory.Be brief.Language : simple & unambiguous.Be specific to a particular domain.Avoid bracket, arithmetic figures, etc.Key words to describe proposal.

It should be concise and descriptive. Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship, because such titles clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. However, if possible, think of an informative but catchy title. An effective title not only pricks the reader's interest, but also predisposes him/her favourably towards the proposal.

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Components of Research ProposalIntroduction / Background of The ResearchMost difficult partOpens dialogue between researcher and reader. Generally explain and indicate general scope of research.Necessary background for research problem. Brief but appropriate historical backdrop. Describe broad foundations of research - sufficient background for readers.Engage readers.

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Components of Research ProposalStatement of the ProblemSpecific condition that needs urgent attention and possible solution.Attempts to fill a gap in the existing knowledge that requires serious attentionPreferably concise and clear cut problem statement - short. Must generate questions for research to answer.Writing problem statement should consists of what, where, how, why, who, when.Cite scholarly references.

Statement of the ProblemAnswer the question: What is the gap that needs to be filled? and/or What is the problem that needs to be solved?State the problem clearly early in a paragraph.Consider framing the problem as a question.

Components of Research Proposal Problem Statement = Research Question = Research ObjectiveProblem StatementConsider framing the problem as a question.Then transform the research questions into research objectives.Research QuestionBrief, Relevant, Focused, Arguable.The spine of the proposal.Research ObjectivesConcise, clear-cut, expressed in simple language, precise, self-explanatoryDistinctive, quantifiable , measurableTwo types of objectives : general/broad/overall; specific

Addressing the national context problemDiscuss theoretical, methodological, and / or practical contribution.State the practical and/or theoretical importance of the proposed research on the phenomenon / problem to the outside world and / or the knowledge.Bridging the knowledge gaps.Explain the usefulness or benefits of the study to both the outside world and the research community.Affected stakeholders

Components of Research ProposalRationale/ Justification/ Significance of the Research

Components of Research Proposal Scope Of Research & Limitation of the ResearchOperational Definition of the Terms UsedScope and limitations of the ResearchBoundaries of the researchAspects and issues addressedShortcomings of the research resource and time constraints

Operational definitions of terms usedClear-cut meaning of the terms used.

Components of Research ProposalLiterature ReviewLR serves several pertinent functions: Ensures no "reinventing the wheel .Recognition to previous researchers who laid the groundwork.Exhibit researchers knowledge of research problem.Reveals researchers understanding of theoretical and research issues related to research question Shows researchers ability to critically evaluate relevant literature information Indicates researchers ability to integrate and synthesize existing literature Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the conceptual framework for proposed research Convinces reader that the proposed research will make a significant and substantial contribution to the literature

Components of Research ProposalLiterature Review

Writing the literature review allows researcher to understand:How other scholars have written about the topic.The range of theories used to analyze materials or dataHow other scholars connect their specific research topics to larger issues, questions, or practices within the field.The best methodologies and research techniques for the particular topic.

Components of Research ProposalLiterature ReviewSituates the current study within a wider disciplinary conversation. Illustrates the uniqueness, importance of and need for your particular project.Justifies methodological choices. Demonstrates familiarity with the topic and appropriate approaches to studying it.

Components of Research ProposalLiterature Review

An Effective Literature Review shouldFlesh out the background of your study.Critically assess important research trends or areas of interest. Identify potential gaps in knowledge.Establish a need for current and/or future research projects.

Research HypothesisProposition subject to verificationMay be null, accepted, rejectedGuide/lead the research

Research FrameworkThe theoretical framework is the viewpoint or angle from which the researcher approaches. Graphic explanation of the proposed research.Usually is established from certain underpinning theory.Components of Research Proposal Research Framework and Research Hypotheses

Components of Research Proposal Research MethodologyHow researcher plans to tackle the research problem. Describes work plan and activities necessary for completion of research project.It should contain sufficient information for the reader to determine whether methodology is sound For quali - there are no well-established and widely accepted ways in qualitative analysis, your method section needs to be more elaborate than what is required for quantitative researchData collection process in qualitative research has a far greater impact on the results as compared to quantitative research. Mixed method, Quanti, Quali

Components of Research ProposalResearch MethodologyResearch frameworkResearch philosophyResearch design quantitative or qualitativePopulation and samplingSampling techniquesInstruments / measurementsData collection techniques & proceduresReliability / validityStatistical tools/techniques to be usedData processing, analysis, interpretation techniquesData/information presentation techniquesDo contact statistician

What does the methodology section do?Shows the reader how it is being set for looking answers to the research question.It should reflect the capability of research worker to complete the research work.The proposed methods must be appropriate to the type of research work.

Components of Research Proposal Research MethodologyFor quantitative studies, the method section typically consists of the following sections: Design -Is it a questionnaire study or a laboratory experiment? What kind of design do you choose? Subjects or participants - Who will take part in your study ? What kind of sampling procedure do you use? Instruments - What kind of measuring instruments or questionnaires do you use? Why do you choose them? Are they valid and reliable? Procedure - How do you plan to carry out your study? What activities are involved? How long does it take?

Tips on Drafting MethodologyBreak down your methodology into subsections.In the physical sciences, these sections may include subjects, design, apparatus, instrumentation, process, analysis, etc.In the social sciences, these sections may include selection of participants, interview process, profiles, interpretive and analytic framework, methods of qualitative analysis, etc.In the humanities, these sections may include scholarly research, archival research, theoretical orientation, etc.Remember that your methods section may also require supporting literature.Anticipate and pre-empt the audiences methodological concerns.Acknowledge major problems.Justify your approach by showing how benefits outweigh potential problems.

Components of Research Proposal References / BibliographyRelated references of the researchFollow APA technicalities in writing bibliography/referencesTo be presented in alphabetic orderTo be presented in classified manner viz., manuscripts, books, journals, commission reports, newspapers, etc.

Timeline/Plan of WorkSome things to keep in mind:Consult your supervisor.Be aware of important dates for submitting and defending dissertations. Do not be overly ambitious.Remember that your proposed timeline demonstrates your awareness of the various elements of the study (approval, travel; design, testing, and length of experiments; negotiation of entry into the study site; purchase of necessary equipment; drafting; redrafting).

BibliographyThe Learning Centre at the University of South Wales. Thesis proposals. http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/thesis1.html.Mauch, J.E. and Park, N. (2003). Guide to the successful thesis and dissertation. Ch. 3 and 4.University of California-Berkeley. Dissertation proposal workshop. http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/DissPropWorkshop.University of Queensland Learning Support Centre. Well into it: End of first year. http://www.sss.uq.edu.au/linkto/ phdwriting/fr_phsta.html.Qais Faryadi (2012). How to Write Your PhD Proposal: A Step-By-Step Guide. American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 2(4) 111.