1. Ahmad Othman @2012 1 Module HOW TO START RESEARCH: An Introduction HOW TO START RESEARCH: An Introduction (GO)RESEARCH GO By Professor Ahmad bin Othman, PhD School of Architecture, Engineering and Built Environment City University College of Science and Technology

2. Ahmad Othman @2006 2 References Overview of Research ProcessResearch Process Demonstrate Ethical Standards Research TopicTopic (eg)eg Review Literature Research Design Research Tools Prepare Report Defend Proposal Start Example #1 Example #2 Problem Background Problem Statement ROs & RQs Operational Definitions Conceptual Framework End

3. The word research is derived from the Middle French "recherche", which means "to go about seeking", the term itself being derived from the Old French term "recerchier" a compound word from "re-" + "cerchier", or "sercher", meaning 'search'. [3] The earliest recorded use of the term was in 1577.Middle FrenchOld French [3]

4. Research has been defined in a number of different ways. A broad definition of research is given by Martin Shuttleworth - "In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge." [4] Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states - "Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue". It consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question. [5] The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research in more detail as "a studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws [4] [5]

5. Ahmad Othman @2006 5 Review Ethical Standards  Recognize possible risk (idealistic vs realistic)  Obtain consent  Maintain confidentiality  Facilitate recovery  Adhere to professional and legal standards  Act professionally and courteously  G eneral understanding of research processresearch process  FYP1 process flowprocess flow

6. Ahmad Othman @2006 6 Review Literature  Define the topic as clearly and precisely as you can  Contact the experts  Review secondary sources of information  Select relevant preliminary sources  Select key words  Use these key words to look up information  Prepare a bibliography  Obtain, examine, and analyse primary source, keeping detailed notes

7. Ahmad Othman @2006 7 Review Literature Education Adolescence Educational Research Quarterly Psychology American Journal of Pscychology American Psychologist Journal of Applied Psychology Business Accounting and Business Research Journal of Business Journal of Business Finance Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance Sociology American Journal of Sociology American Sociological Review International Journal of Sociology Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare Marketing Journal of Marketing Journal of Marketing Research International Journal of Research in Marketing Research in Marketing Political Science American Political Science Review Journal of Politics Political Research Quarterly Review of Politics Empirical Journals Within the Social Sciences

8. 0123456789 Timescale 1 scale = 4 months Thesis form PhD stages Background theory Focal theory Data theoryContribution Field of interest Possible topic Thesis proposal Pilot study Data collection Data analysis Writing up Maximumuncertainty Minimumuncertainty The PhD process as the progressive reduction of uncertainty Year 1Year 2Year 3

9. Ahmad Othman @2012 9 THANK YOU