research topic-(02).pptx
TRANSCRIPT
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In the beginning is the problem. A
problem is an intellectual stimuluscalling for an answer in the form of
scientific inquiry
(Nachmias, 1990, p. 55).
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Whether the problem identified requires a scientific
investigation depends on three conditions:
1. There should be a perceived difference or
discrepancybetween what exists and the ideal or
planned situation;
2. The reason(s) for this difference should be unclear(so that it makes sense to develop research
questions); and
3. There should be more than one possible answer to a
question or more than one solution to the problem.
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The most important factor to remember is that
the subject must be of interest to you.
The subject must be achievable; i.e. accessiblewithin time and monetary limits.
Ideally it should allow you to utilize your insight,
knowledge, and contacts without limiting your
access due to ethical problems.
The research topic must also be focused to
facilitate a dissertation of the required length, but
not so much that it overwhelms you.
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Identifying the attr ibutesof a good research topic
Generating ideasthat help select a suitable topic
Turning research ideasinto research projects:
o Writing research quest ions and ob ject iveso Importance of theory
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Capability: is it feasible?
Are you fascinatedby the topic?
Do you have the necessary research skills?
Can you complete the project in the timeavailable?
Will the research still be currentwhen you finish?
Do you have sufficient financialand otherresources?
Will you be able to gain access to data?
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Appropriateness: is it worth doing?
Will the examining institute's standards be met? Does the topic contain issues with clear links to theory?
Are the research questions and objectives clearly stated?
Will the proposed research provide fresh insights into the
topic? Are the findings likely to be symmetrical?
Does the research topic match your career goals?
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And - if relevan t
Does the topic relate clearly to an idea
you were given -
possibly by your organisation ?
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Useful Techniques
Rational thinking Creative thinking examining your strength * keeping an ideas
and interest notebook
looking at past project titles * exploring personal
preferences using
past projects* discussion * relevance tree
* searching the literature: * brainstorming
articles in academic journals
reports
books
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Useful techniques
Using the Delphi technique:
Brief the group about research idea,
ask them to generate independently up to three specific
research ideas based on the original research idea with
justification,
collect from them the so developed research ideas and
redistributein an unedited form amongst all group-
members.
Repeat the above cycle so that group-members improve
their own contributionin light of what others have said.
Repeat the cycle till the time that group reaches on some
consensus on the research idea;this either follows a similar cycle or group
discussion, voting or some other method.
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Useful techniques
Conducting a preliminary study
This may consists of a review of some of therelevant literature,
informal discussion with people who have
experience of and knowledge about the research
topic/area, having good understanding of thehost organization, research population and
research site, and practically doing a small test
study.
Continually testing out your ideas Integrating ideas
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Useful techniques
Jankowicz (2000) suggests working up andnarrowing downapproach, meaning that classifying
research idea first into its area, then its field and
finally the precise aspect in which researcher is
interested. An example is:Improving research culture in BZU campus.
Improving M Phil PhD research programs
How scholars can be motivated to avoid plagiarism in
their research assignments?
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If you do notknow where youare going, anyroad will takeyou there.
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Write research questions, e.g.
Consistent with expected standards
Able to produce clear conclusions
Able to generate new insights
At the right level (beware of research questions thatare too easy or too difficult)
Not too descriptiveNote: begin with one general focused question that
originates in you; this may lead to several moredetailed questions or the definition of researchobjectives.
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Writing research objectives Check your examining bodys preferences for stated
objectives
Use a general focus research question as a base to
write a set of research objectives
Objectives are more generally acceptable to the
research community as evidence of the researchers
clear sense of purpose and direction
Objectives are likely to lead to greater specificity than
research or investigative questions
Research objectives require more rigorous thinking,
and use of more formal language
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Phrasing research question as research objective:
an example
Research question: How scholars can be motivated
to avoid plagiarism in their research assignments?
Research objective: To identify compelling factors
forcing scholars to plagiarize in their research
assignments?
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Research objectives must be
SMART
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Timely
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Problem situation: Market determinants for safe drinking water
Discrepancy: Majority of the households should have safe drinking
water facility, but only a few do have it.
Research question: What factors can explain this difference?
Possible answers:
Service-relatedfactors, such as forgetting to adequately inform and
involve the population, bottlenecks in the supply, etc.
Population-relatedfactors, such as situations where community
members lack understanding of the relationship between disease
and safe water or have other problems, for example due to
poverty, which they consider more important.
Physical factors/ecosystems, such as hard soil, or land subjected tofrequent flooding.
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LETS DISCUSS THE TOPICS SELECTED BYVARIOUS GROUPS
The team leaders of the groups are invited
to come forward and present the topic
selected by their group.
The class is requested to provide their input
on the topics selected, in light of the
ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD RESEARCH TOPIC
on Slides 7-9
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Capability: is it feasible?
Are you fascinated by the topic?
Do you have the necessary research skills?Can you complete the project in the time available?
Will the research still be current when you finish?
Do you have sufficient financial and other resources?
Will you be able to gain access to data?
Appropriateness: is it worthwhile?Will the examining institute's standards be met?
Does the topic contain issues with clear links to theory?
Are the research questions and objectives clearly stated?
Will the proposed research provide fresh insights into the topic?
Are the findings likely to be symmetrical?
Does the research topic match your career goals?
Relevancy
Does the topic relate clearly to an idea
you were given - possibly by your organisation ?
ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD RESEARCH TOPIC