Research proposal structure

Click to edit Master subtitle style

Template offers structure but research also requires a critical & creative way of thinking...

Research Methods 1

11

Learning by doing not just thinking!

n

Task : explain how to tie your shoelaces in 4 lines (40 words)

Research Methods 1

22

We must use other skills to develop research. Use :

n

Abstract Conceptualising Concrete experience Active experimentation Reflective observation

Research Methods 1 33

Learning outcomes
n n

Design and develop a research proposal Be prepared for independent study

Be informed of research undertaken by others Reflect on other modules and the proposal

Research Methods 1

44

Keys to your Research Proposal.

n

Design researchable questions Design research methodology appropriate for their chosen research problem

Critique the research of others

Research Methods 1

55

2 Attributes of successful research

n

(A D Jankowicz, Business Research Methods, 3rd ed, Thomson Learning, 2000)

Research Methods 1

66

Generating & Refining ideas

n

n n

Examine recent trends or issues: tertiary and internet sources Brainstorming: Spider map, relevance tree, concept mapping Use a questions: What? When? Why? Who? How? Where? Note good ideas Self-analysis: determine strengths and weaknesses
Research Methods 1 77

A Research template
1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Working Title Research Context Contribution of your study (research questions/Objectives) Your Literature review Inductive or deductive thinking? Research Philosophy Research Methods (instruments) Your ethical considerations (sample) Resources needed Research Methods Timescale /plan of work 1

88

The Research Process

Research Methods 1

99

Concept Mapping

Research Methods 1

1010

What factors may influence your topic?

n n

n n

n n n

Do I know sufficient about the subject? Will the dissertation add value or generate new insights? Are the resources available? Am I comfortable with the concepts and techniques required? What standards are required (e.g. ethics)? Is sufficient time available? What are the perceived problems?

Research Methods 1

1111

SMART research objectives

n n n

Distil the focus for your study Guides your research methodology More purity and less unwanted byproducts

Research Methods 1

1212

Research objectives :SMARTIES

n n n n n n n

Specific Measureable Achievable Realistic Time horizon Interconnected Substantive

Research Methods 1 1313

What is being done here? To do use verbs!

Research Methods 1

1414

Research objectives do something! To...

n n n n n n n

To To To To To To To

measure assess test identify isolate, pinpoint establish, verify explore

Research Methods 1 1515

Deductive versus Inductive thinking..

Research Methods 1

1616

Traditional deductive research process

Research Methods 1

1717

Deduction always generates hypotheses that are tested

n

H1: am lectures are attended by significantly less students than pm lectures H2: The time of lecture has no effect on student attendance

Research Methods 1

1818

To summarise

Research Methods 1

1919

Induction
n

To explore from the specific to arrive at the generic Building NOT testing Mixed approaches

Research Methods 1

2020

We all use inductive thinking unconsciously

n

I have jumped a red light Everybody jumps red light?

Research Methods 1

2121

Your Philosophy guides research strategy

Research Methods 1

2222

Positivism (Realism)
n

n n n n

Objective reality, positive verification of a theory by observation Senses & empirical based Mostly deductive Knowledge must be testable Validity & reliability are key

Research Methods 1

2323

Critical Realism
n

n n n

2 stage interface - natural and social senses (perception) Not just reliant on sense data Greater flux than physical world Social (human) structures can reflect and change actions that produced structure
Research Methods 1 2424

Phenomenology
n

n n

n n

The essence or idea of a thing (phenomena) what it really is Subjective dimension Perception, memory, signification brings meaning Central problem of qualia Scientific methods still can be used
Research Methods 1 2525

What is this ?

Research Methods 1

2626

Skills for Critique of Literature sources:

Research Methods 1

2727

C
Methods Strategies Approaches Philosophies Time Horizon

Data Analysis

Click to edit Master subtitle style

Research Methods 1

Research Methods
n

Reflect previous elements of research process Questionnaire /survey / interview/observation/focus group? Qualitative vs. quantative

Research Methods 1

2929

Common problems
n n n n

Being too generic in approach Poor prior methodology Cannot access data Asking questions that will not generate new insights (not valid) Too many issues within questions!

Research Methods 1

3030