chapter 4, conceptualizing a research study

Conceptualizing a Research Study

Lecture for 16 January 2017


• Reference– Almeida, Adelaida B., Gaerlan, Amelita, A., and

Manly, Norita E. Research Fundamentals: From Concept to Output. Quezon City, Philippines. Adriana Publishing. 2016.


• The research process has 3 phases:1. Conceptual phase2. Empirical phase3. Interpretative phase


• Components of the research process1. Conducting a thorough search of the peer-

reviewed literature2. Finding a research mentor and other

collaborator3. Considering methodology and study design4. Assessing feasibility


1. Finding your focus– Which aspects of your discipline interest you

most?– What have you observed that you have questions

about?– What articles have you read that have raised

questions in your mind?


2. What are the gaps in literature?– By topic (What is not being looked at?)– Methods (What is not being done?)– Populations (Who is not being studied?)– Comparisons (Who is not being compared?)


3. Where to start?– Read– Detailed literature searches– Attend seminars, conferences and presentations– Discuss subject area with peers– Listen and ask questions


4. Refining research topics– Discuss with fellow researchers– Discuss with stakeholders– Assess what is most critical to learn– Assess research sources available


5. Questions to ask yourself– Is this a good idea?– Who cares?– Can it be addressed using appropriate research

methods?– Will it stimulate interest by others and the

sponsors?– Is it feasible/practical/doable?– Is it fundable?


• Writing the research title– Does the title describe what the study is all about?– Does the title contain high specificity level?– Is the title academically phrased and is not

verbose?– Is the title within the twelve (12) substantive word

requirement of the American Psychological Association (APA)?


• Writing an introduction– What is the problem?– Why is it a problem?– How it should be solved?– Why it should be solved?– What is the purpose of the study?


• Writing an introductionWhat is

the problem?

Why is it a problem?

How it should be solved?

Why it should be solved?

What is the

purpose of the study?


• What is a statement of the problem?– A statement of the problem is a concise

description of the issues to be addressed by the researcher.


• Why do a background study?– In addition to gaining general knowledge about

your topic area, your goals are to determine the current state of knowledge and to become familiar with current research.

chapter 4, conceptualizing a research study

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