RESEARCH CLINIC SESSION 1 Committed Officials Pursuing Excellence in Research 27 June 2013

Our Session Objectives At the end of Session 1 Each of those who are completing/have completed research shall prepare a plan for publishing results Each of those who intend to undertake research starting tomorrow shall prepare a research proposal.

Now, let us group ourselves according to: A. With completed research in the last three years or with an on-going research B. With plans to undertake research starting tomorrow

For Group A Form sub-groups Share your research project with the sub-group members Research problem (main problem) Research design Significant findings Research skills learned Assign a member to present to the big group a summary of the sub-group sharing

For Group B Form sub-groups Discuss the following: At least 3 challenges/difficulties faced in your work now which may be answered by research Research skills you are confident to share with others Research skills you need to develop At least 3 reasons why you need to undertake research now Assign a member to present to the big group a summary of the sub-group sharing

The Literature Review: A Few Tips On Conducting It D Taylor, University of Toronto A literature review is an account of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. Benefits: enlarges your knowledge about the topic hones skills in information seeking develops critical appraisal skills

A literature review must do these things be organized around and related directly to the thesis or research question you are developing synthesize results into a summary of what is and is not known identify areas of controversy in the literature formulate questions that need further research

Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Quantitative Methods Preferences for precise hypotheses and definitions stated at the outset. Data reduced to numerical scores. Major focus on assessing and improving reliability of scores obtained from instruments. Assessment of validity with reliance on statistical indices. Qualitative Methods Preference for hypotheses and definitions that emerge as study develops. Data are typically narrative descriptions. Reliability of inferences is often assumed to be adequate. Validity is assessed through cross-checking sources of information (triangulation).

Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Quantitative Methods Preference for random techniques for obtaining meaningful samples. Preference for precise descriptions of procedures. Preference for design or statistical control of extraneous variables. Preference for specific design control for procedural bias (procedural and measurement integrity checks). Qualitative Methods Preference for expert informant (purposive) sample. Preference for narrative/literary descriptions of procedures. Preference for logical analysis in controlling or accounting for extraneous variables. Primary reliance on researcher to deal with procedural bias (yet, integrity checks are still critical).

Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Quantitative Methods Preference for statistical summary of results. Preference for breaking down of complex phenomena into specific parts for analysis. Willingness to manipulate aspects, situations, or conditions in studying complex phenomena. Qualitative Methods Preference for narrative summary of results. Preference for holistic description of complex phenomena. Unwillingness to tamper with naturally occurring phenomena. Fraenkel & N. Wallen (1996), How to design and evaluate research in education (3rd Ed.).

Mixing Research Methods Research in which the investigator collects and analyses data, integrates the findings, and draws inferences using both qualitative and quantitative approaches or methods in a single study or program of inquiry (Tashakkori and Creswell, 2007:4).

For Group B Identify three research topics Prepare specific research questions for each topic Determine the research design for each topic Indicate your data analysis tool for each topic

For Group A From the sample articles, How is the research problem presented? What are the major parts? What key questions are answered in each part? What other insights have you gained from reading the sample article?

Considerations in preparing a publication plan / research proposal

Proposal Evaluation Criteria Kelley, Bennett and Moore, 2002 How well does the Title introduce the study? This criterion is not formally rated, but it is considered in the overall evaluation process. How well does the Abstract describe the research study? Are the Research Questions adequately defined? Does the Rationale justify the purpose for the study and/or place it within the context of current theory and practice?

Evaluation Criteria cont. Is the Methodology clearly described and well matched to the research questions? Is the Analysis of Data adequately described, or a plan of analysis is presented, if the study is in progress. Are the Findings clearly identified? Are the Implications for future research, classroom practices, or policy discussed?

Important Factors to Consider Prepare the abstract carefully. Rejected proposals often have confusing abstracts that dont match the body of the paper. Provide some context for your research. Clearly state your research questions and indicate why they are of importance. A direct link to previous research is helpful. Make sure that the methodology you use is appropriate for the research questions youve identified. Inappropriate methodology often results in the rejection of the proposal.

Factors to Consider cont. In the methodology section, carefully describe the sample characteristics, the measures employed in the study, and the relevant procedures. If your research is in progress make sure that you state this and provide a brief timeline for completion.

Assignment Group A Prepare a research publication plan Parts: Activities, timeline, results/outputs Group B Prepare a research proposal Parts: Context, Research questions, research design, data analysis plan

Thank you and MABUHAY