Technical Writing and Presentation Skills in IT

Introduction to Research

Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of the phenomenon under study.

It is the function of the researcher to contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon and to communicate that understanding to others

Systems analysts act as:

Outside consultants to businesses. Supporting experts within a business. As change agents.

Analysts are problem solvers, and require communication skills. Analysts must be ethical with users and customers.

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2005 Pearson Prentice Hall

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The analyst must be able to work with people of all descriptions and be experienced in working with computers Consultant Supporting Expert Agent of Change

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2005 Pearson Prentice Hall

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Problem solver Communicator Strong personal and professional ethics Selfdisciplined and self-motivated

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2005 Pearson Prentice Hall

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Action Research Applied Research Qualitative Research Quantitative Research Pure Research

Action research is a methodology that combines action and research to examine specific questions, issues or phenomena through observation and reflection, and deliberate intervention to improve practice.

Applied research is research undertaken to solve practical problems rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge sake.

Quantitative research is research concerned with the measurement of attitudes, behaviours and perceptions and includes interviewing methods such as telephone, intercept and door-to-door interviews as well as self-completion methods such as mail outs and online surveys.

Qualitative research is research undertaken to gain insights concerning attitudes, beliefs, motivations and behaviours of individuals to explore a social or human problem and include methods such as focus groups, indepth interviews, observation research and case studies.

Pure Research is a type of research that seeks new knowledge.

Exploration Description Explanation

Reliable Valid Accurate Credible Generalized Empirical Systematic Controlled

Reliable. Reliability is the repeatability of any research, research instrument, tool or procedure. If any research yields similar results each time it is undertaken with similar population and with similar procedures, it is called to be a reliable research

Valid. Validity is the strength with which we can call a research conclusions, assumptions or propositions true or false. Validity determines the applicability of research.

Accurate. Accuracy is also the degree to which each research process, instrument and tool is related to each other. Accuracy also measures whether research tools have been selected in best possible manner and research procedures suits the research problem or not.

Credible. Credibility comes with the use of best source of information and best procedures in research.

Generalized. Generalizability is the extent to which a research findings can be applied to larger population.

Empirical. It is the nature of research which, means that the research has been conducted following rigorous scientific methods and procedures.

Systematic approach is the only approach for research. No research can be conducted haphazardly.

Controlled. In real life experience there are many factors that effect an outcome. A single event is often result of several factors. When similar event is tested in research, due to the broader nature of factors that effect that event, some factors are taken as controlled factors while others are tested for possible effect.