Writing Research Proposals Overview of the Research Process

What is Research? Each of us conducts research projects in our daily lives ( e.g. buying a car, cellphone) General definition is “finding answers to questions in an organized and logical and systematic fashion”

Why research? The best research comes from a need to know. The best research has as its purpose enhanced understanding. The best research begins with a careful, detailed process of developing a valid, researchable question that YOU need to answer.

Definition of Research A systematic process based on the scientific method in order to answer a question The scientific method is a process that uses an organized structure to formulate questions and determine answers in a research project

Key Steps of Scientific Method 1. Generate a hypothesis or ask a research question 2. Observation or data collection 3. Testing the hypothesis through data analysis 4. Conclusions 5. Compare results to previous established theory

Research Process Statement of Problem Hypothesis or formulating a research question Review of literature Measurements Sample selection Data analysis

Statement of the Problem A. some problem needs to be solved B. State problem in the introduction and rationale for their importance C. Start thinking about the problem now

Hypothesis or a Research Question Hypothesis is a prediction of what is expected to occur The hypothesis is tested with some form of experiment Not all studies test hypothesis

Review of the Literature Collection and summary of prior studies that are relevant to the hypothesis or research question The focus should be the determination of what this study will add to what is already known

Measurements Key terms in the problem statement should be defined clearly ( e.g. height measured in inches or centimeters ) Operationalization of concepts by the researcher in order to be observed, measured and understood by others

Sample Either a group of people or data sets Identify & select individuals for the study Obtaining permission Gather information by observing behavior or asking questions

Instrumentation Tools that collect and measure data The selection of tools depends the type of research Tools should be reliable and valuable

Data Analysis Use of statistical techniques to summarize and interpret research results The main objective is to answer the research questions or test the hypothesis Conclusions are drawn and interpreted based on analysis results

Drawing Conclusions Conclusions should relate back to the focused research question. You can evaluate how successful you have been in achieving your research objectives, and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the research. You may also want to make recommendations for further research.

Conclusion 1. Research is not just about the collection of data. Data collection is important, but it is simply part of a wider process – the research process. 2. The research process follows 7 steps: statement of the problem, formulating the research question, reviewing the literature, measurements, sample collection, analysing data, and drawing conclusions. 3. Relating your project to the research process will allow you to develop and answer your research question in a logical and systematic manner.

Thank you!