1. The research process
András István Kun

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

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

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

5. 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

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

7. Generating research ideas
Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

8. Some more hints Mind mapping Hints on further research in literature
One should always have a B plan (a second best topic).
If the good idea is not coming, consider changing the broader topic area.

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

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

11. 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 ?

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

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

14. 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

15. Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

16. Finding a good supervisor/consultant
Is it needed?
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?
Research proposal
Do have more than one ideas

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

18. 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.

19. What we can measure? Direct observables Indirect observables
Constructs

20. Units of analysis Individuals Groups Organizations Documents
Social interactions and artifacts

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

22. 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.

23. Questions vs. aims
Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

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

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

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

27. 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

28. 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

29. Thanks for your attention