1. 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)

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

3. Today’s Topic is
Research Process

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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?

8. Silverman 20102

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. 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

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

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

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

19. 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)

20. '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)