This document discusses the process of formulating and clarifying a research topic. It describes various techniques for generating research ideas, such as examining strengths and interests, reviewing past projects, discussion with others, literature searches, and brainstorming. Key aspects of a research topic are identified, including ensuring it is interesting, feasible, and linked to theory. The document outlines turning a research idea into a question, aim, and objectives. Research questions should clearly state the purpose, aims provide overall direction, and objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. Developing a clear research topic is an important first step in the research process.
The document provides guidance on formulating a research question. It discusses identifying a research problem or opportunity and determining the unit of analysis. It also covers translating the research problem into a research question and formulating a hypothesis to be tested. Well-formulated research questions are answerable, specific, measurable, and linked to a theoretical framework. The goal is to develop a question that will focus the research and facilitate subsequent steps in the research process.
I’m a young Pakistani Blogger, Academic Writer, Freelancer, Quaidian & MPhil Scholar, Quote Lover, Co-Founder at Essar Student Fund & Blueprism Academia, belonging from Mehdiabad, Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan.
I am an academic writer & freelancer! I can work on Research Paper, Thesis Writing, Academic Research, Research Project, Proposals, Assignments, Business Plans, and Case study research.
Expertise:
Management Sciences, Business Management, Marketing, HRM, Banking, Business Marketing, Corporate Finance, International Business Management
For Order Online:
Whatsapp: +923452502478
Portfolio Link: https://blueprismacademia.wordpress.com/
Email: arguni.hasnain@gmail.com
Follow Me:
Linkedin: arguni_hasnain
Instagram : arguni.hasnain
Facebook: arguni.hasnain
1.lecture 1 introduction to business research methodNazrin Nazdri
This document provides an introduction to research methods. It defines research as a formal, systematic process using scientific methods to investigate problems and expand knowledge. Research can be basic, seeking new knowledge, or applied, aiming to solve practical problems. Managers should understand research to make effective decisions. The document outlines scientific research principles like purposiveness, rigor, testability and generalizability. It describes the hypothetical-deductive research method involving defining a problem, developing hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data. Both deductive and inductive reasoning are used.
This document discusses various aspects of choosing a research topic, including:
- It is important to choose a topic you are interested in that is complex yet compelling. The topic should set the stage for your future research career.
- Generating ideas from course materials, news, the internet, advisors and literature. Attributes of a good topic include being feasible within the given resources and timeframe, and being worthwhile and providing new insights.
- Narrowing a topic by asking questions to refine the focus. Choosing a researchable question that is fact-based, relevant and action-oriented to provide direction for the research process.
The document discusses scientific research and the hypothetico-deductive method. It defines research as a systematic, objective inquiry to solve problems. Scientific research focuses on gathering data through logical steps to analyze problems and draw valid conclusions. The key aspects of scientific research are that it is purposeful, rigorous, testable, replicable, precise, objective, generalizable, and parsimonious. The seven steps of the hypothetico-deductive method are to identify a problem, define hypotheses, determine measures, collect data, analyze data, and interpret results. Other research methods include case studies and action research.
This document provides an introduction to research for managers. It defines research as the process of thoroughly studying and analyzing a problem to find solutions. Good managerial decision making involves properly identifying issues, relevant factors, necessary information gathering, drawing appropriate conclusions, and implementing results. The document outlines types of business research including applied research to solve current problems and basic research to generate general knowledge. It discusses advantages and disadvantages of using internal versus external researchers/consultants. Finally, it stresses the importance of ethics in business research for all parties involved.
The document provides an introduction to business research. It defines business research as the systematic and objective process of generating information to aid business decisions [1-2]. The scope of business research helps decision-makers investigate problems objectively across different functional areas like finance, operations and marketing using similar research methods [1-3]. Research is classified based on its purpose, intended use, time dimension, and techniques [1-4]. Basic research expands knowledge while applied research solves real problems [1-5, 1-6, 1-7]. Research techniques include quantitative and qualitative methods [1-9]. Business research supports the managerial decision process and evaluation [1-11, 1-12]. Determining when
The document discusses research methods and processes. It provides definitions of research from various sources that emphasize research as a systematic process of gathering data to increase understanding and knowledge. The document also outlines different types of research, the general research process involving 8 steps, and describes the planning process as a 5 stage cyclic model involving initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closing.
This document provides an introduction to business research. It defines research as the process of finding solutions to problems through study and analysis. Business research aims to systematically investigate and solve specific problems encountered in the workplace. There are two types of business research: applied research which aims to solve current problems, and basic or fundamental research which aims to build general knowledge. Research is important for managers to help solve issues related to areas like human resources, marketing and production. While internal researchers have advantages like knowledge of the organization, external consultants provide fresh perspectives but at a higher cost. Research must be conducted ethically to benefit the organization and protect participants.
This set of slides explains the process of defining and refining the 'problem statement' in social and economic sciences. Also, it sheds light on the components of 'research proposal'. It is (Lecture 3(A)) the companion lecture of my earlier uploaded lecture on this topic (i.e., Lecture 3(B)) of this module.
This document summarizes key aspects of research philosophies and methodologies based on the Research Onion model. It discusses three philosophies outside the onion - ontology, epistemology, and axiology. For each layer of the onion, it defines important research concepts like objectivism, constructivism, positivism, deductive approaches, inductive approaches, and specific methodologies like experiments, surveys, case studies, grounded theory, ethnography, and archival research. The document provides concise yet thorough explanations of these fundamental elements to consider in planning and conducting research.
This document provides information about research methodology sessions, assignments, and upcoming events. It includes schedules for sessions from April to June covering topics like sampling, ethical clearance, literature reviews, and exams. Assessment criteria are outlined for the research proposal and ethical clearance assignments which are due in May. The document previews content on sampling techniques and exercises from a textbook chapter. It also provides guidance on sampling considerations, the ethical clearance process, and presenting the research proposal during the next session from May 3-7.
The document discusses defining research problems and developing problem statements. It covers identifying broad problem areas in organizations, gathering preliminary information through primary and secondary data, reviewing existing literature, and clearly stating the research problem. The problem statement should be relevant, feasible, and interesting. It establishes importance, creates reader interest, and shows how the study adds to literature. Examples are provided of properly structured problem statements that introduce the general research area, specify the research gap, and investigate a clear problem or research question.
The slides will help you in knowing the components of research design in brief what is research design, components of research design, differnt types of research design
Here are the answers to your questions:
1. FINER criteria of a good research question are: Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant.
2. A null hypothesis is a statistical hypothesis that predicts that no relationship exists between two variables.
3. The types of relationships that may exist between two variables are: positive, negative, or no relationship.
4. Read around comes first before read into. Read around gives a broad overview of the topic area, while read into involves an in-depth review.
5. The literature review is often called the "mother of the research" as it helps identify gaps and formulate the research question.
6. If we
Chapter 3 The Research Process: The broad problem area and defining the pro...Nardin A
The document discusses the research process and developing a problem statement. It begins by explaining that a broad problem area refers to an overall situation where research is needed, and provides examples of broad problems that could be observed in a workplace. It then discusses how to collect preliminary data through secondary sources to understand the context and existing research. A literature review should identify important variables and previous findings related to the problem. The goal is to narrow the broad problem into a clear, precise problem statement that is relevant, feasible and interesting to research. Finally, it provides examples of properly formatted citations and references.
A research proposal outlines a research project and provides information on key elements such as the research question, methodology, and ethical considerations. It connects the proposed research to existing literature and discusses the importance and viability of the research topic. Important components of a research proposal include the introduction of the research topic and why it is being studied, a literature review, research design outlining the methodology and methods of data collection/analysis, and consideration of ethical issues. The proposal should also include sections on aims/objectives, conclusions/recommendations, and references. A good title reflects the well-defined aims of the research in a concrete manner.
Business research methods involve systematically collecting and analyzing data to increase understanding of business topics and issues. Research aims to expand existing knowledge through logical reasoning using both inductive and deductive approaches. It provides accurate, real-world data through controlled experiments and natural observations. Business research scope includes production, personnel, marketing, financial, materials, general, and banking management to aid decisions in areas like new product development, job design, consumer behavior, and economic conditions.
This chapter discusses the different types of research questions and hypotheses used in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Qualitative research uses central questions and subquestions that are broad and exploratory, while quantitative research employs specific questions or hypotheses about relationships between variables. Mixed methods combines qualitative and quantitative questions in a way that directly addresses how the two forms of data will be mixed or integrated.
Business Research Methods - Identification of Research Problem, Literature Re...SOMASUNDARAM T
This document provides information on researching and defining a research problem. It begins by defining a research problem and explaining the purpose of a problem statement. It describes identifying a research problem through literature reviews, discussions, and rephrasing. The document also covers types of research problems, characteristics of a good statement, and techniques for defining a problem. Finally, it discusses identifying a problem through deductions from theory, interdisciplinary perspectives, and practitioner interviews.
The document discusses research methods and focuses on data collection techniques. It describes various research designs including case studies, surveys, experiments, and others. It provides details on surveys and experiments. The document also discusses population and sampling, variables, and research timeframes. Additionally, it covers primary and secondary data and data collection methods like interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires. Questionnaire design including open-ended, closed-ended, and other question types are explained. Coding responses is also mentioned.
The document discusses research methods and data collection techniques. It describes different research designs including case studies, surveys, experiments, and other types. It then focuses on surveys, explaining what they are, that they collect quantitative data, and can be descriptive or explanatory. The document also discusses experiments, case studies, and other key elements of research design such as independent and dependent variables. It explores various data collection methods like interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, and the advantages and disadvantages of different question types.
This document discusses research topics, purpose, and products. It defines research and lists its key characteristics. Research is conducted to create new knowledge, solve problems, validate intuitions, and improve methods. The outcomes or products of research can include new theories, models, analyses, and unexpected findings. Choosing a research topic involves considering feasibility and available resources. The purpose should be clearly explained and justified, and the potential products or contributions of the research should be evaluated.
Ph.D. -Research methodology tools techniques, research publication and ethics...kalailakshmi
This document provides an overview of research methodology. It defines research and describes its key features and significance. The document outlines different types of research such as exploratory vs conclusive research, applied vs fundamental research, qualitative vs quantitative research, conceptual vs empirical research, and cross-sectional vs longitudinal research. Research objectives and characteristics are also discussed. The summary concludes with a description of key research approaches like quantitative and qualitative approaches.
This chapter provides an introduction to research fundamentals and terminology. It defines what research is, discusses the purpose and features of good research, and outlines the nature and scope of research studies. Key terms covered include research techniques, methods, and methodology. The chapter establishes that research is undertaken to solve problems, make decisions, and gain knowledge. It also notes some limitations of research and rules for researchers to follow, such as keeping the research problem and budget in mind.
Problem formulation in_social_science_researchInaam Akhtar
This document discusses problem formulation in social science research. It states that properly defining the research problem is the most important first step. Some key aspects discussed include identifying potential research topics and problems through reviewing literature, observing phenomena, theories, and other sources. Components of a good research problem are identified as having an individual/group with a difficulty, objectives, alternative means of achieving objectives, and an environment where the problem occurs. Techniques for selecting a problem include choosing topics not overly researched and formulating specific research questions. The purpose, types (what, why, how), and techniques for developing good research questions are also outlined.
This document provides an overview of research methodology in architecture. It defines research and discusses the meaning, objectives, characteristics, and significance of good research. The document outlines the types of research such as basic, applied, experimental and non-scientific research. It also describes the research cycle and some common problems faced by researchers, such as a lack of resources or self-clarity regarding the research topic. Theories in research are discussed, including the differences between deductive and inductive approaches.
20130928_Developing a Research Proposal.pdfOsmanAli92
Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge". It involves the collection, organization and analysis of evidence to increase understanding of a topic, characterized by a particular attentiveness to controlling sources of bias and error.
Research method ch04 research topic and designnaranbatn
This document discusses research problem and design. It defines a research problem as the heart of a research project and must be researchable and lead to discovery. A research problem can be divided into sub-problems for clarity. Descriptive and experimental designs are described. Descriptive design involves observation and description while experimental design tests relationships through manipulation of variables. Both have advantages and disadvantages for research. The document also discusses topics like surveys, case studies, and qualitative vs. quantitative research.
This document outlines a course on research methods. The course is worth 1 credit unit and involves 15 hours of theory. Students will be assessed through quizzes, assignments, and an exam. The course will cover topics such as formulating research questions, reviewing literature, research designs, data collection methods, writing research papers, and research ethics. It will teach students to understand different types of research and how to conduct academic research and present their findings. The overall aim is to provide an overview of research methods and skills for designing and conducting research studies.
Research is an important process that involves investigation and discovery. It aims to find new information, test theories, and solve problems. There are several steps to effective research:
1. Choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to your field of study. Consider problems in your community that could be addressed.
2. Brainstorm potential research questions and ideas. Make sure the topic is original and significant. It should be focused enough to study within the given time frame.
3. Prepare for research by understanding the problem and designing a plan to study it. Consider the availability of data, methods, and financial resources needed to conduct the research.
This document outlines a research methods course taught by Sherzad Ali Ismael in the Community Medicine Department at a College of Medicine. The 15-hour course covers topics such as formulating research questions, reviewing literature, research designs, data collection methods, writing research papers, and research ethics. Students will be assessed through quizzes, assignments, and a final exam. The goal of the course is to help students understand different types of research methods and conduct their own academic research.
Mba604 course materials lecture (RESERCH METHODOLOGY BY NTANSI MAX)balanjo elvis berinyuy
This document provides an overview of research methodology topics presented by Ntangsi Max Memfih. The key points covered include:
- Defining research, methodology, and the basic steps of conducting research using a problem-solving approach.
- Discussing scientific inquiry, including the characteristics of scientific methods and different models of scientific inquiry.
- Explaining the first step of research as problem identification, including determining a well-defined general problem and expressing it clearly.
The document provides information on fundamental aspects of research methodology taught across multiple lecture sessions.
The document provides an overview of the course contents for a research methods in management course. The course is divided into 5 sections that cover various topics related to the research process including research design, data collection methods, sampling, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. The sections will provide information on conceptualizing research problems, designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting results, and communicating findings in a written report. References are also provided for additional resources on research methodology.
This document provides an overview of research methodology in public health and life sciences. It discusses key concepts like the meaning of research and health systems research. It outlines the importance of research, roles of health research, and desirable qualities of researchers. It also covers research phases, types of research like descriptive vs analytical and qualitative vs quantitative. It discusses classifying health research and finding research problems. The document aims to introduce important foundations for conducting research in public health.
This document outlines the basics of scientific research methods. It discusses what research is, the features that distinguish research from other activities, and the objectives and motivations for conducting research. The document also describes the process of conducting research, which includes conceptualization, contextualization, data collection and analysis, and reporting conclusions. Finally, it discusses research design techniques and how they involve sampling design, observational design, and statistical design to structure the research process.
This document provides an overview of research methodology and philosophy. It defines research and discusses the purpose and motivation for conducting research. The document outlines the research continuum model and differentiates between research and development. It also describes the research onion model and key steps in the research process, including formulating the research problem statement, developing hypotheses and objectives, and considering research designs both qualitative and quantitative. The goal is for learners to understand research philosophy and strategies for aligning research with organizational goals.
The document defines research and different types of research. It discusses business research as seeking to predict and explain phenomena in the ever-changing business environment to improve business performance and lives. Applied research aims to solve practical problems, while basic research acquires knowledge. Pedantic, popularist, puerile and pragmatic science are discussed in terms of their rigor and relevance. Learning outcomes include identifying good research topics and generating ideas, expressing topics as questions and aims/objectives, and understanding the role of theory.
Similar to 2 formulating & clarifying research topic2 (20)
This document discusses measures used to describe the central tendency and dispersion of a frequency distribution. It describes the arithmetic mean, median, and mode as measures of central tendency and their advantages and disadvantages. Measures of dispersion discussed include range, variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and standard error. The choice of central tendency measure depends on the distribution shape, and the mean is most useful for statistical tests while the median is unaffected by outliers.
This document contains a series of exercises related to biostatistics and research methods. It includes exercises on categorizing variables, designing a questionnaire, different sampling methods like simple random sampling, systematic random sampling, stratified sampling and cluster sampling. It also includes exercises on ordering and presenting data in frequency distribution tables, calculating measures of central tendency and dispersion, the normal distribution and confidence intervals. The final exercises are on the chi-square test and t-test, including examples of applying these statistical tests to compare groups.
The document provides guidelines for writing a research protocol, including developing clear objectives, outlining the methodology, addressing ethical considerations, and formatting the protocol. An effective protocol clarifies the research question and plan, guides team-based research, and allows for critical review. Key sections include the introduction stating the problem and rationale, methods describing the design, participants, and analysis, and references supporting the information provided. Attention to detail in the protocol is important to properly plan and communicate the study.
The p-value represents the probability of obtaining a test statistic at least as extreme as the one that was actually observed, assuming the null hypothesis is true. A confidence interval provides a range within which the population mean is likely to fall. The variance measures how far data points are spread out from the mean and is calculated as the sum of squared deviations from the mean divided by the sample size minus one. The coefficient of variation allows for more meaningful comparison of distributions with different magnitudes than just comparing standard deviations. The standard error of the sample mean represents the variability of the sample mean as an estimate of the true population mean.
This document provides practice exercises for an introduction to research in information studies course. It includes questions on defining statistical terms, computing descriptive statistics like mean, median and mode for sample data, generating frequency distributions and histograms, hypothesis testing, and constructing confidence intervals. The exercises cover topics like measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability distributions, sampling distributions, and both descriptive and inferential statistics.
This document contains examples of various statistical analyses exercises involving:
1. Categorizing variables as numerical or categorical.
2. Designing a questionnaire and explaining how to enter data.
3. Different sampling methods like simple random sampling, systematic random sampling, stratified random sampling, and cluster sampling.
4. Presenting data in order arrays, frequency distribution tables, and calculating measures of central tendency and dispersion.
5. Explaining the normal distribution and calculating percentages.
6. Calculating confidence intervals and using the chi-square and t-tests to analyze data.
One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) compares the means of multiple groups, such as patients with different types of sickle cell disease. ANOVA assesses how much of the overall variation in the data is explained by differences in group means versus differences within groups. If the between-groups variation is large compared to the within-groups variation, then the group means are likely different. ANOVA extends the two-sample t-test to compare more than two groups and provides an F-statistic to test the hypothesis that all group means are equal. Key assumptions are normality of data and equal variances across groups.
The chi-square test is used to determine if differences in frequencies observed in qualitative variable categories are statistically significant or likely due to chance. An example compares influenza rates in a vaccine vs placebo group in a clinical trial. The expected and observed frequencies are calculated. The chi-square test statistic is greater than the critical value, so the null hypothesis that the vaccine and placebo have the same influenza proportion is rejected. Therefore, the difference is likely due to the vaccine's effectiveness rather than chance.
The t test can be used to compare sample means to population means, compare means between independent samples, or compare readings within a single sample taken at different times. It involves testing a hypothesis about whether two means are statistically significantly different. The document provides examples of applying the t test to compare a sample mean to a population mean, compare means between independent male and female samples, and compare blood pressure readings within a single sample taken before and after treatment.
This document discusses measures of central tendency and dispersion used to describe frequency distributions. It describes the four key properties: central tendency, dispersion, skewness, and kurtosis. For measures of central tendency, it defines and compares the arithmetic mean, median, and mode. For measures of dispersion, it explains the range, variance, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and standard error of the sample mean. It provides advantages and disadvantages of each measure.
Stat 4 the normal distribution & steps of testing hypothesisForensic Pathology
The document discusses the normal distribution and statistical hypothesis testing. It notes that the normal distribution is also called the Gaussian distribution, and has equal mean, median and mode. It then discusses how much of the data falls within standard deviations of the mean for the normal distribution. The document also covers confidence intervals for means, the steps of statistical hypothesis testing including assumptions, hypotheses, significance levels and tests, and different statistical tests used for numerical and categorical data like t-tests, ANOVA, regression and correlation.
This document discusses methods for organizing and summarizing data, including ordered arrays, frequency distributions, and frequency polygons. An ordered array lists values from smallest to largest. A frequency distribution groups observations into class intervals to summarize the data, with 6-15 intervals typically used. Sturge's rule provides a formula for calculating the number of intervals. The width of intervals should be equal if possible. A example frequency distribution table with age data in intervals is provided. Figures also demonstrate a success rate by college graph and frequency polygon displaying age data.
This document discusses correlation and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). It investigates the linear association between body weight and plasma volume in 8 subjects. The correlation coefficient (r) between weight and plasma volume is calculated to be 0.76, indicating a strong positive correlation. A t-test shows this correlation is statistically significant. Values of r range from -1 to 1, where higher positive or negative values indicate stronger linear relationships.
Statistics is the science of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to draw conclusions. There are two main types of data: data from measurements and data from counts. Data can come from various sources like records, surveys, experiments, and external reports. Biostatistics analyzes data from biological sciences and medicine. Variables are characteristics that can take different values and are either quantitative (measured) or qualitative (categorical). Variables can be random, continuous, discrete, independent, or dependent. Samples are subsets of populations used for statistical analysis. Common random sampling methods include simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling, and cluster sampling.
1. The document discusses various types of pancreatic cysts including pseudocysts, congenital cysts, and neoplastic cystic tumors.
2. It outlines benign cystic neoplasms like serous cystadenomas and malignant mucinous cystic neoplasms.
3. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is discussed as the fourth leading cause of cancer death which often has KRAS and p16 mutations and a desmoplastic response.
The document describes the anatomy, histology, embryology, congenital anomalies, and types of pancreatitis of the pancreas. It notes that the pancreas has exocrine and endocrine components. It also lists the main congenital anomalies as agenesis, pancreas divisum, annular pancreas, and ectopic pancreas. The document provides details on the pathogenesis, morphology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of both acute and chronic pancreatitis.
This document summarizes liver diseases including α1-antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disorder causing liver and lung disease. It also describes intrahepatic biliary tract diseases like primary and secondary biliary cirrhosis. Benign liver tumors like hemangiomas and adenomas are outlined as well as primary malignant tumors such as hepatoblastoma and angiosarcoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma is discussed in depth, including risk factors, morphology, clinical features, and prognosis. Metastatic liver tumors from other primary cancers are also noted.
1. Liver cirrhosis is the end stage of many chronic liver diseases and is characterized by diffuse hepatic fibrosis and parenchymal nodule formation.
2. Liver abscesses can be caused by parasitic or pyogenic infections and present as solitary or multiple lesions on gross and microscopic examination.
3. Alcoholic liver diseases include fatty liver, alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), and alcoholic cirrhosis, progressing from steatosis to necroinflammation and fibrosis.
1. Liver lies in right hypochondrium and divided in to right and left lobes.
2. Microarchitecture : liver is divided into 1 to 2 mm hexagonal lobules.
3. There are four methods for liver biopsy.
4. Most hepatic infections are viral in origin.
5. In fulminant hepatitis hepatic insufficiency progresses from onset of symptoms to hepatic encephalopathy within2 to 3 weeks.
1. The gallbladder can be divided into three parts and lacks two layers. It may also have congenital anomalies.
2. Common gallbladder disorders include cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.
3. Extrahepatic bile duct disorders include stones, infections, and atresia in infants.
4. Tumors of the biliary tract include both benign and malignant types such as adenomas and adenocarcinomas.
2. Generate ideas that will help in the choice of
a suitable research topic;
Identify the quality of a good research topic;
Turn research ideas into a research question,
aims (s) & objectives.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 2
3. Independent part of the research (Done by
students only)
Choose something to maintain the interest.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 3
4. Research Research Research Research
idea Question Aim (s) Objectives
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 4
5. Interested to the researcher.
Capability to undertake the research. (Access
to the data)
Feasible.
The topic can be linked to the theory.
Clearly defining & relating research questions
and objectives.
Consider your career goals.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 5
6. RATIONAL THINKING CREATIVE THINKING
Examining your own Keeping a notebook of
strengths and interests ideas
Looking at past project Exploring personal
titles preferences using past
Discussion projects
Searching the literature Relevance trees
Scanning the media. Brainstorming
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 6
7. Examining your own strengths and
interests:
a topic in which you are likely to do well
have some academic knowledge
Think about your future.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 7
8. Looking at past project titles
Thesis and dissertations.
How to read? Scan!
Noted down any title which grab your attention
Think of new ideas!
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 8
9. Discussion:
Colleagues, friends and university tutors are
all good sources of possible project ideas
“ideas can be obtained by talking to
practitioners and professional groups” (Gill
and Johnson 2002).
Record any idea during discussion.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 9
10. Searching the literature:
Sharp et al. (2002) discuss types of literature that
are of particular use for generating research ideas:
▪ articles in academic and professional journals;
▪ reports;
▪ books.
Of particular use are academic review articles.
Searching for publications is only possible
when you have at least some idea of the area
in which you wish to undertake your research.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 10
11. Scanning the media.
Stories which occur everyday in the newspapers in
both traditional print and online versions, may
provide ideas which relate directly to the item.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 11
12. Keeping a notebook of ideas
noting down any interesting research ideas as you
think of them and, of equal importance.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 12
13. Exploring personal preferences using past projects
Past project reports from your university
Raimond (1993) suggests that you:
▪ Select six projects that you like. For each of these six projects,
note down your first thoughts in response to three questions:
▪ What appeals to you about the project?
▪ What is good about the project?
▪ Why is the project good?
▪ Select three projects that you do not like. For each of these three
projects, note down your first thoughts in response to three:
▪ What do you dislike about the project?
▪ What is bad about the project?
▪ Why is the project bad?
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 13
14. Relevance trees:
use of relevance trees is similar to that of mind
mapping (Buzan 2006).
Example:
▪ Community Medicine
▪ Research Methods
Study types;
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 14
15. Brainstorming
a problem-solving technique on many business
and management courses, can also be used to
generate and refine research ideas.
It is best undertaken with a group of people.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 15
16. Brainstorming
To brainstorm, Moody (1988) suggests that you:
▪ Define your problem
▪ Ask for suggestions
▪ Record all suggestions, observing the following rules:
▪ No suggestion should be criticized or evaluated in any way before all
ideas have been considered
▪ All suggestions, however wild, should be recorded and considered
▪ As many suggestions as possible should be recorded
▪ Review all the suggestions and explore what is meant by
each.
▪ Analyze the list of suggestions and decide which applied to
you most as research ideas and why?
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 16
17. Capability: is it feasible?
Appropriateness: is it worthwhile?
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 17
18. Capability: is it feasible?
Is the topic something you are really interested in?
Do you have, or can you develop the necessary
research skills?
Is it achievable within the available time?
Is it achievable within the financial resources?
Can you access to the data?
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 18
19. Appropriateness: is it worthwhile?
Is the topic meet the standards set by the
institution? (HMU)
Is the research topic contain issues that have a
clear link to theory?
Able to state your research question and
objectives clearly?
Will the proposed research be able to provide a
clear understanding of the topic?
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 19
20. “Role of exercise ECG test in coronary artery
disease”.
“Role of exercise ECG test in determining the
extent of coronary artery disease in
comparison to coronary angiography”.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 20
21. Writing research questions (RQ):
A research question:
▪ state the purpose of your research project
▪ guides you through the process of research.
Reflects the aim (objectives)/ or the purpose of
the study.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 21
22. RESEARCH IDEA RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Health Education & How does the use of
Internet. health/ medical websites
affect education of people?
How the informed consent
Ethics & Surgery is taken from preoperative
women undergo Caesarian
section?
Motivation & Use of drugs What are the factors
determine the use of drugs
made by (X) company?
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 22
23. Research aims;
Aim is to try to achieve something. (Oxford Dictionary)
Use your research question as a base from which
you write a set of research aim.
Aims are more generally acceptable to the
research community as evidence of the
researcher’s purpose and direction.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 23
24. Research objectives:
The aim is the overall driving force of the research
and the objectives are the means by which you intend
to achieve the aims.
Maylor and Blackmon (2005) recommend that personal
objectives may be added to the list of research objectives.
(E.g. Stat. software)
Objectives should be SMART:
▪ S (Specific)
▪ M (Measurable)
▪ A (Achievable)
▪ R (Realistic)
▪ T (Timely)
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 24
25. RESEARCH QUESTION RESEARCH AIM RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
How does the use To determine the To measure the
effectiveness of the use proportion of doctors
of health/ medical have internet access at
of health/ medical
websites affect home &/ or office.
websites on doctors’
education of health education levels
doctors? in--from the period
between-- & --.
To measure the
How the informed To describe the frequency of women
consent is taken process of who give informed
from preoperative preoperative informed consent .
consent among To know the
women undergo demographic profile of
women undergo CS in
Caesarian section? women undergo CS.
– from– to --.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 25
26. The process of formulating and clarifying
your research topic is the most important
part of your research topic.
Generating and refining research ideas makes
use of a variety of techniques
Clear research questions, based on the
relevant literature, will act as a focus for the
research that follows.
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 26
27. Identify a research idea in your field of
interest, turn it into a research question, a
research aim (s) and objectives.
Write down in a an MS word in English
language.
Send your assignment within 2 weeks, from
(11/12/2012 -25/12/2012) to the following
email address:
sherzad.ali@med.hmu.edu.iq
Research Methods-Sherzad Ali Ismael- MODULE 2: Formulating & clarifying research topic 27