Research Methods (Technical Writing CS212)
Transcript of Research Methods (Technical Writing CS212)
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Research Methods(Technical Writing CS212)
Lecture 7
Abdisalam Issa-Salwe
Taibah UniversityCollege of Computer Science & Engineering
Computer Science Department
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Topic List 21. Definition of research
2. Research key-terms
3. Research process views
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Definition of Research
Research is an original investigation
undertaken in order to gain knowledge
and understanding (HEFCE)
Good researcher is the one who strugglesto find out what the right questions mightbe.
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Asking the right questions Original investigation
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Research Ideas
Where Do Ideas for ResearchOriginate? A research project is theoutgrowth of 4 factors:
The Researcher
The Academic Environment
The LiteratureThe broader Culture
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Four Goals of Research/Four ResearchDesigns
1. Observational
2. Correlational
3. Experimental
4. Quasi-experimental
1. Describe
2. Predict
3. Understand
4. Create Change
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Formulating a Research Question
The research question: a veryspecific, narrowly focused question,often a piece carved out of a biggertopic.
Consult the literature to see what aspectsof the topic have already beenresearched.
Carefully word the research questionto be precise and concise.
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Choosing a Research Design
The nature of the research question willdetermine the type of research designto use.
A research design is aplan foranswering a research question.
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Research Key-Terms
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Research key-terms: knowledge, originality, andcontribution
Relation between the three research constituents:
Original investigation
Gaining knowledge Contribution into knowledgemay lead
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Knowledge
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Data Information
Knowledge
analyze
Wisdom
what?
ability to practice
how?
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Originality
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Exploring the unknown
Exploring the unanticipated
The use of data
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Research Process Views
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Sequential a series of activities performed one after
another:
1. Select a research topic;
2. Decide on an approach;
3. Plan how you will perform the research;
4. Gather data and information;
5. Identify the broad area of study;
6. Analyze and interpret these data;
7. Present the results and findings;
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Research Process Views (cont)
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Generalized identical to the sequentialprocess but not all stages are necessarilyapplicable.
Circulatory part of a continuous cycle ofdiscovery and investigation.
Evolutionary research must evolve andchange over time, not necessarily followinga defined circulatory pattern or repeating the
same forms of analysis and interpretation.
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Reasoning Methods
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Deductive reasoning top-down approachdirected from the more general to the more
specific.
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Reasoning Methods (cont)
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Inductive reasoning bottom-up approachdirected from the more specific to the moregeneral.
Inductive reasoning bottom-up approachdirected from the more specific to the moregeneral.
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A Theory
Theory is a set of ideas, formallystated, that seeks to explain howan aspect of nature works.
Research cannot prove a theory,
only support it. Why is this so?
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3 Functions of a Theory Research findings then reflect backupon the
theory, supporting it or suggesting a need formodification.
To EXPLAIN a phenomenon or aspect ofbehavior.
To ORGANIZE existing knowledge about aphenomenon.
To GENERATE HYPOTHESES
(PREDICTIONS) about a phenomenon, tobe tested through research.
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What is a good theory?
One that is
Parsimonious
Clear & precise
Logical
Generates hypotheses for research
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Does All Research Test a Theory?
Not necessarily:
Most published research reports arenottests of a particular theory.
Researchers do attempt to refer to
and include theories in their write-up.
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Predicting An Outcome
Not only does the researcher have tocommit to a very specific question,he/she may have to commit to apredicted outcome for your study.
This prediction is the researchhypothesis.
Research that is purely descriptive
doesnt need to state an hypothesis.
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The Research Hypothesis
An hypothesis is a formalpredictionof the studys outcome (what will befound).
It is an educated guess, based oneor more of the following:
Particular Knowledge Area Theories
Researchers observationsPrevious published research
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Proceeding to Test the Hypothesis
Proceeding to Test the Hypothesismeans answering the researchquestion
Concepts must be defined in termsthat are observable and measurable.
This function is achieved throughcreating operational definitions for
the concepts.
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Operational Definitions
An operational definition transformsan abstract concept into somethingmeasurable, like scores on a test.
How many operational definitionsexist for a single concept?
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Variables
A variable is: an aspect of reality thatvaries in its value or dimension (eithernaturally or because the researchercaused it to vary.)
Concrete variables: language aspect,duration (time) to finish the project,number of the research group, etc.
Abstract variables: anxiety, motivation,communication style
Operational definitions of concepts givethe researchers the variables for thestudy.
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Two Types of Variables
Researchers work with variables in
2 different ways:
1. Variables can be measured.
2. Variables can be manipulated
(experimental designs only).
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Independent & Dependent Variables
Independent Variable: a variablethat is manipulated in an experiment toprovide participants with differentexperiences. (Not all designs useindependent variables)
Dependent Variable: a variable thatis measured in an experiment in orderto see any effects of the independent
variable.
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Reference
Mohammad Alsuraihi, TechnicalWriting, CS212 Course notes, TaibahUniversity, Madinah, KSA
Abdisalam Issa-Salwe, Teaching Notes,College of Computer Science and
Engineering, Taibah University,Madinah, KSA.