This Week’s Topics What is research? Research ethics Choosing a topic Types of research Research Proposal

What is research? Re+search = repeat/do again/ and find/explore/investigate/study/examine Research = the scientific investigation of a phenomenon (case, problem, issue) to achieve systematically and with the support of data the answer to a question, the resolution of a problem, or a greater understanding of a phenomenon. Research = gathering information to answer a question that solves a problem.

Why do research? To learn To update info (what we already learned) To extend our knowledge

Ethics of Research Rules, constraints, principles Ethics = principles to follow when conducting research (SEE book page 286). Confidentiality (e.g., human subject protection) Author credit Plagiarism Inventing results Accuracy of results Misreporting sources or results

Initial Steps of Research Writing Step 1: Choose your topic Step 2: REFINE your topic Step 3: Find books and articles on your specific topic

Step 1 Choose your Topic Your topic should be appropriate, interesting, and manageable. State your topic as a question. For example, if you are interested in researching capital punishment, “Is the death penalty fairly administered in the U.S.?” Think about different aspects of your topic and pick one that is not too narrow or too broad. If your topic is too broad, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of material you find. If your topic is too narrow, you may be frustrated by the small amount of material that is available. Once you have chosen a topic, identify and write down the main concepts or keywords in your question. Try to think of synonyms and alternative terms.

Step 2: REFINE your topic Refine your broad research topic into a narrower, focused topic. The sooner you can develop a broad subject into a focused topic, the sooner you can shape your research into a final product. A general topic can be focused in many ways. If you are having trouble narrowing your topic, consider the following questions: • What do you already know about the topic? • Is there a specific time period you want to cover? • Is there a geographic region or country on which you would like to focus? • Is there a particular aspect of this topic that interests you? For example, public policy implications, historical influence, sociological aspects, psychological aspects, specific groups or individuals involved in the topic.

Step 3: Find Books and Articles on Your Specific Topic In-class workshop (ebrary and EBSCO). Identify main concepts or keywords of your topic. Check the dictionary for synonyms or alternative words of your topic keywords to be used in your search.

Research Topic The following steps can help: State your topic as a question. Identify the main concepts or keywords. Enter these terms in in research databases. Keep a list of resources as you go. Repeat this process until your topic begins to develop.

Assignment/Exercise The first and most important step in doing a research project is selecting the topic. This can rely on several factors, such as experience, background, and interest. 1. After you select your general topic, tell me why you chose this topic? (write 2-3 sentences). 2. Follow the steps discussed earlier (slide 7) on how to refine your topic and develop it into a more focused/narrow/specific topic. 3. Write down how and why you came up with this refined topic. 4. After you refine your selected topic, start looking up sources using PMU library materials.