The research process András István Kun

Different disciplines Research methodology is a supporting discipline Different disciplines have different paradigms Only the substance of research is similar

Empirical generali-zations The Wheel of Science Theories Empirical generali-zations Hypo-theses Obser-vations

In other words: practical and theoretical science do not exist in separation. They should mutually: Build on each other Strengthen each other 'There is nothing more practical than a good theory' Lewin (1952) Theory: new ideas for understanding and conceptualization suggesting maps and potential ways of solution Practice: providing key information and facts in a detailed and coherent manner

The „research journey” (I) Deciding what (II) Planning how (III) Actually doing

An 8 step model of research processes Formulating the research problem (specification) Conceptualizing (valid, workable, manageable) Constructing an instrument for data collection Selecting a sample (sampling) Writing a research proposal Collecting data Processing data Writing a report

Finding a good research topic Topic: the wide or general problem + our approach (it is NOT the research question, yet) Interesting and motivating Feasible (knowledge, resources, time, connections, ethics) Timely, even when finished (at least until it will be defended) Theoretically grounded, and also provide contribution to theory Can be translated into research questions/aims/hypotheses Symmetrical for all potential outcomes Appropriate challenge level Accepted by the institution/buyer Contributes to the researcher’s career and/or development

Generating research ideas Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

Some more hints Mind mapping You can find hints on further research in literature (at the end of the studies) One should always have a B plan (a second best topic). If the good idea is not coming, consider changing the broader topic area.

An example how to explore your preferences via examining past projects Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

Brainstorming Defining the problem Asking for questions Recording suggestions (no evaluation) Reviewing suggestions Analysing suggestions

How to decide? What am I interested in (motivation)? What kind of work would I like to do (methods)? What am I capable of (knowledge)? What resources can I get an access to? (data!) What help can I get (everything)? (Who do I like to be my supervisor?) Do you like to join a larger research group or program ?

Purposes of reseach Exploration: familiarizing with the topic/area/etc. Description Searching for correlations OR Explanation Idiographic (for one or a few cases) Nomothetic (looking or factors accounting for a large part of of the variation of a phenomenon)

Nomothetic causality Correlation / association Time order Nonspuriousness Necessary and sufficient causes Spurious - hamis

Difference between qualitative and quantitative research Empiricist (sensation) Flexible/open/unstructured To describe variation, situation, issue… Fewer cases Wider focus (multiple issues) To explore Narrative Quantitative: Rationalism (reason) Rigid/predetermined/structured Quantification Greater sample Narrow focus To explain Statistical methods, analytical

Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

Finding a good supervisor/consultant Is it necessary? Should have: Knowledge, skills Capacity Motivation/interest Can provide help with contacts, resources… Personality Ways to find: Offered topics/titles Literature review Course lecturers Networking How to get accepted? Do have at least one good esearch proposal Do have more than one ideas

Refining the research idea Decision supporting techniques Discussions Preliminary research: literature, pilot research Integrating ideas

Conceptualization Fuzzy and imprecise notions (concepts) are made more specific and precise. (specification of the concepts) „What do you mean on…” type questioning. Dimensions: a specifiable aspect of the concept. Indicators: an observation considered as a reflection of a varible we wish to study.

What can a researcher measure? Direct observables Indirect observables Constructs

Units of analysis Individuals Groups Organizations Documents Social interactions and artifacts

Time dimension Cross-sectional studies Longitudinal studies Trend studies Cohort studies Panel studies

The research question / aim Must be derived from the reseach problem Clear definitions, concepts are needed This is what will be answered during the research (through this we will contribute to the understanding of the problem) Must be one or a few. We can use subquestions if necessary. Needs on the research method and the data are drawn from the questions. The research aim is a translation of the question.

Questions vs. aims Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

The Goldilocks test A research question must not be Too big Too small Too hot

General focus research question examples Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

Hypotheses Hypothetical answers to the research questions Can be supported or rejected through the research Not always necessary, but can help

The role of theory “Nothing as practical as a good theory” (Lewin) Provide guidence and hints: question, hypotheses, method, … What makes a theory: Concepts, definitions, terms Relationships between the concepts Logical reasoning Limitations Our contribution to the theory: Testing Developing

The research proposal Why? A help throughout the research project To gain resources There is no ultimate structure for research proposals. A general structure: Title Background Introduction/Motivation Literature Review Specifying the Problem/Question/Hypotheses/Aim/Topic Research design: data needed, data-collection method, data analysis, ethical issues Schedule (Gantt chart), budget, resource planning Expected outcomes References

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