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…