Research Topic-(02).pptx

8/14/2019 Research Topic-(02).pptx

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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

Research Topic-(02).pptx

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