Research Problem and Proposal Chapter TWO

Chapter objectives Students able to: Explain research design Explain research problem Formulate researchable research questions Explain research proposal Write a research proposal

Research Desgin It is the entire design of the research project It is said as the research proposal It involves deciding on all aspects of the research process That includes Philosophical assumption Research method Data collection techniques Data analysis Publication outlet if possible It matters to get your proposal accepted or rejected

Research Process Problem Liter., Theory Data Interpretation Propositions/ Hypothesis Data Collection & Analysis Research Design

Design research process How to Knowledge Process Iterations Theory Inference Identify Problem & Motivate Define Problem Show Importance Define Objectives of a Solution What would a Better Artifact Accomplish? Design & Development Artifact Disciplinary Knowledge Metrics, Analysis Demonstration Find Suitable context Use Artifact to Solve problem Evaluation Observe How Effective, efficient Iterate Back to design Communica-tion Scholarly Publications Professional Publications

Comparison of research methods Quantitative Qualitative Design science Explanation, prediction Explanation, description Motivated to solve problems Test/Modify theories Build theories Prescriptive – has heuristic nature Known variables Unknown variables Large sample Small sample Small sample, case based Standardized instruments Observations, interviews Observation, interviews, etc Deductive Inductive

Step 4: Cont’d Quantitative Qualitative Design science Statistical generalization Analytic generalization Replicable to similar problems in similar contexts Use numbers Use texts Texts, codes and drawings Standard instrument to validation No standard instrument, triangulation Pragmatic validity Objective Truth Subjective truth Subjective Truth ??? Linear Process Iterative

choice of a suitable problem is difficult Research Problem A problem in simple words is some difficulty experienced by the researcher in a theoretical or practical situation E.g. What is the fastest algorithm for multiplication of two n-digit numbers? choice of a suitable problem is difficult

Sources to a Research Problem Know the field Study of Relevant Literature on the Subject Discussions with persons having rich practical experience in the field of study Daily problems Technological changes

Selecting a Research Problem Get from Literature and then replicate the research with modifications – population, geography, method, etc Apply an existing technique to a new domain such as borrowing from engineering Population gravity Model from Physics Gravity Model Address Contradiction and Ambiguity Challenge existing Findings

Things to know about R. Problem Is the problem interesting? Is it new? Will it add to knowledge? Is it feasible? Has anyone else a prior claim to it?

Good Qualities of Research Problem Research statement written clearly Problem stated in grammatically complete sentences. Problem has clearly stated limitations Statement has potential for leading to important results. The statement will lead to the analysis of data. The problem is focused enough to lead to an answer with reasonable effort.

Cont’d Be sure that the topic chosen is neither too vague nor too broad in scope. Define any special terms that must be used in the statement of your problem. Problem has been reviewed by someone else who provided feedback.

Research Question After discussion your research problem, state your problem as a research questions in the form of interrogative Example What is the impact of ICT on the organization? How do Intranet affects organizational structure? How do overcome security risks in cl0ud computing?

Conditions for Successful Research Question Importance Immediate Application Feasibility or Amenability Availability of Data Availability of Other Facilities e.g. laboratory facilities Experience in the Research Problem

Research objective Research objective is the end result of the research process. It is the output of the research Do you to develop a theory, an artifact, etc should be stated in your research objective RQ- what is the impact of ICT on organizational structure Objective To identify the different impacts of ICT on the organization But to review literature, to analyze the system, to undertake system modeling, etc are not good objectives

Research Proposal

Structure of Research Proposal Title Abstract Introduction Research Problem Research Objective Literature Review Research Method Significance of the Study Research Budget Research Schedule Bibliography

Title It should be concise and descriptive. For example, the phrase, "An investigation of . . ." could be omitted. Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship, because such titles clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. Think of an informative but catchy title. An effective title not only pricks the reader's interest, but also predisposes him/her favorably towards the proposal. E.g. change without change

Abstract It is a brief summary of approximately 300 words. It should include the research question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any), the method and the main findings. Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures, the sample and any instruments that will be used.

Introduction The introduction typically begins with a general statement of the problem area, with a focus on a specific research problem, to be followed by the rational or justification for the proposed study. The introduction generally covers the following elements: State the research problem, which is often referred to as the purpose of the study. Provide the context and set the stage for your research question in such a way as to show its necessity and importance. Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing.

Cont’d Briefly describe the major issues and sub-problems to be addressed by your research. Identify the key independent and dependent variables of your experiment. Alternatively, specify the phenomenon you want to study. State your hypothesis or theory, if any. For exploratory or phenomenological research, you may not have any hypotheses. Set the delimitation or boundaries of your proposed research in order to provide a clear focus. Provide definitions of key concepts. (This is optional.)

Method It is the road map of your research process This section describes the research design, research population, Design of data collection instruments, data collection methods such as interview, survey, computer databases (as in for data mining), photograph, etc data analysis Quantitative – statistical methods frequency, linear regression, etc Qualitative – open coding (inductive and deductive) Design science such as requirement modeling, design models, statistical tools

Design Science research - Example What procedures to follow to design the new artifact For example for Software Development? Describe how you collect the Requirement? From whom you want to collect Focused group, interview, questionnaire How you structure your requirement like class diagram or other tools What algorithm you want to develop Which language to use for your algorithm What you evaluate your design solutions? With which population group? Why you select that One? How long? Justify all your selection by citing other authors for using similar method to solve or its appropriateness

Results Obviously you do not have results at the proposal stage. However, you need to have some idea about what kind finding you get from your research. Describe the expected research or design outputs It is used to evaluate your success or failure

Failure to Proposal Writing Failure to provide the proper context to frame the research question. Failure to delimit the boundary conditions for your research. Failure to cite landmark studies. Failure to accurately present the theoretical and empirical contributions by other researchers. Failure to stay focused on the research question.

Cont’d Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research. Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues. Too much rambling -- going "all over the map" without a clear sense of direction. (The best proposals move forward with ease and grace like a seamless river.) Too many citation lapses and incorrect references. Too long or too short. Slopping writing.

Bring proposal title and short description of your problem for Next class Assignment I