March 13, 2014 RS and GISc Institute of Space Technology Research Methods March 13, 2014 RS and GISc Institute of Space Technology The purpose of this course is not to convert you but to help you to speed along your ordained path’. (Silverman, 2010, p. 97)

Summary Last Lectures Definitions? Why Research? Application of Research? Characteristics of Research? Types? 1. Systematic investigation to find answers to a problem. (Burns 1972)

Today’s Topic is Research Process

Scientific Research Consists of an investigation that: seeks answers to a question systematically uses a predefined set of procedures to answer the question collects evidence produces findings that were not determined in advance produces findings that are applicable beyond the immediate boundaries of the study

Research Question to Answer? Research Process Phase I Phase II Phase III Deciding Planning Undertaking WHAT HOW COLLECTING Research Question to Answer? Gather evidence Required Info.

Field test of research tool . Considerations in formulating problem Data processing Methods Research Design: Functions Methods & Tool: Data Collection Sampling theory and designs Principal of scientific research Literature Review Formulate Research Problem Conceptualize research design Data collection instrument Select Sample Write proposal Collect data Process data Write research report Editing of data Field test of research tool Figure 2.2 of Text Book Study designs Operational steps Validity and reliability of research tool Variables and hypotheses Contents of research proposal Required Knowledge Req intermediary steps

Phase I Formulating a research problem How to find a topic? Research being done in your institution Read a review paper Make a list of unanswered questions Pick problems - neither too easy not too hard –why? 1. Deciding what to research?

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Phase II: Planning Research Study Conceptualizing a research design Constructing Instrument for Data Collection Selecting a Sample Writing a Research Proposal The basic logic of scientific methodology is the same in all fields but specific techniques and approaches vary depending on subject matter.

Conceptualizing a Research Design To explain how you will find answers to your research questions? Or To set out specific details of your enquiry Use of appropriate methods Includes: Study design Logistical arrangement Measurement procedures Sampling strategy Frame of analysis Time frame

Constructing Instrument for Data Collection Anything that becomes means of collecting information for your study is ‘research tool’ or ‘research instrument’ Observation forms Interview schedules Questionnaire Inter guides Etc. How you are going to collect data.

Selecting a Sample Accuracy of finding largely depends upon the way you select your sample Objective is to minimize, within the limitation of the cost, the gap between the values obtained from sample and population

Writing a Research Proposal Put everything together to provide adequate information about your research study Tells about research problem and how you are planning to investigate Main function is to detail the operational plan for obtaining answers to research question Ensures the validity of the methodology to obtain answers accurately and objectively Requirements may vary

A Research Proposal Must Tell What you are proposing to do How you plan to proceed Why you selected the proposed strategy

Contents of Research Proposal Statement of objectives List of hypotheses Proposed study design Setting for study Proposed research instrument(s) Info regarding sampling size and sampling design Data processing procedures Outline of proposed chapters of report Study problems and limitations Proposed time frame

Phase III: Conducting a Research Study Collecting data Processing and displaying data Writing a research report

Collecting Data Many methods used to gather information In this phase you actually collect data

Processing and Displaying Data The way you analyze the collected information Depends on Type of information Way you want to communicate your findings

Writing a Research Report Last step Most difficult (for many) Inform the world WHAT YOU HAVE DONE/DISCOVERED!!!! If you are clear about the whole process you will be clear about what to write Should be written in academic style Divided in chapters/sections (depending on themes)

'People are often impressed when they find out that you are "doing research". They may even want to know more. If you have ever been in this situation, you will know how embarrassing it can be if you are unable to explain clearly what you intend to study. Such embarrassment can be multiplied a thousand-fold if your interrogator is, say, a smart professor you have never met before. How are you to respond?‘ (Silverman, 2010, p. 83)