Research Methodology/Techniq - Session 2

Research methodology is a critical component of academic inquiry and professional investigation, providing the tools and framework to systematically explore, analyze, and interpret information. In a world where information is abundant, knowing how to approach research with precision and rigor is invaluable. This presentation on "Research Methodology" is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in meaningful research, fostering both critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

The field of research methodology encompasses a wide range of techniques and approaches, each tailored to different types of inquiry. Whether one is engaged in scientific, social, or business research, understanding the appropriate methodology is fundamental to ensuring the accuracy, relevance, and impact of the findings. This presentation begins by addressing the foundational principles of research, from understanding the role of the researcher to identifying research problems, formulating hypotheses, and defining variables.

Furthermore, we delve into the different types of research methods—qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods—and discuss when and how to use each effectively. Qualitative research, with its focus on exploring and understanding human behavior and the reasons behind it, differs significantly from quantitative research, which seeks to quantify variables and uncover patterns through statistical analysis. Mixed methods research combines both approaches, providing a more comprehensive view of complex problems. We explore the unique strengths and weaknesses of each approach, helping learners make informed decisions about the best methods for their specific research objectives.

The presentation also covers key elements such as research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis. Each of these components plays a crucial role in ensuring that the research process is coherent, consistent, and capable of producing reliable results. Learners will be guided through the steps involved in designing a research project, from choosing a research topic to defining a clear methodology and executing the research plan.

Ethical considerations are another vital aspect of research methodology. Conducting research ethically not only ensures the integrity of the research process but also protects the rights and dignity of participants. We emphasize the importance of obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and avoiding bias throughout the research process.

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, digital tools and software for data collection and analysis have become increasingly important. This presentation also touches on the use of modern technologies, including data management software and online survey tools, that facilitate more efficient and accurate research processes.

1. Research
Methodology

2. Topics
What is research and types of research
How to formulate a research question
Literature review and its purpose
Research Design
Data collection
Data Analysis

3. Steps:
Firstpriority-formulateyourquestion.
Figureout-howyouaregoingtoanswerit:
Howothershaveansweredit?
Howdoesyourproposalfitinwithwhatothershavedone?
Howwillyouknowwhenyouhaveansweredit?
Presentyouranswer.

4. Research Question
Something you want to know about your discipline, or about a specific area
within your discipline.
Not a topic, fragment, phrase, or sentence.Itends with a question mark.
Clear and precisely stated.It is not too broad, nor is it too narrow.
Open-ended, as opposed to closed.It cannot be answered in a sentence or
phrase.

5. Examples of Research questions
Is television going to survive in digital eye or will it become obsolete
like digital camera?

6. Examples of Research questions
Does negative news interest people more than positive
news?

7. Examples of Research questions
What are the factors motivate young people to commit violence?

8. Examples of Research questions
Whatfactorscontributetoalowturnout
among women voters in elections in rural areas?

9. Examples of Research questions
Dostudentsthinkaboutthecareeroptionsfirst
before choosing education or careers come
second?

10. Examples of Research questions
Does exercise improve the quality of sleep?

11. Research Question
An "angle‟ for your research can come from insights stemming
from:
personal experience
established theory
observations
contemporary issues
engagement with the literature

12. Research question
A research question should be:
Clear
Focused
Concise
Complex
Arguable
You should ask a question about an issue that you are genuinely
curious about.

13. Clear
Unclear: Why are social networking sites harmful?
Clear:Howareonlineusersexperiencingoraddressing
privacy issues on such social networking sites as Instagram
and Facebook?
Which social networking site? (Instagram and Facebook)
Type of harm (privacy issues)
Who gets harm? (users)

14. Focused
Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment from global
warming?
Focused: How is glacial melting affecting penguins in Antarctica?
So broad (Can‟t answer in college level paper)
specific cause (glacial melting)
specific place (Antarctica)
specific group affected (Penguin)

15. Complex
Toosimple:HowaredoctorsaddressingdiabetesinIndia?
AppropriatelyComplex:Whatarecommontraitsofthosesufferingfrom
diabetesinIndia,andhowcanthesecommonalitiesbeusedtoaidthe
medicalcommunityinpreventionofthedisease?
Simplequestion(iflookeduponline,yougetansweredimmediately.Noroleof
analysis)
Complexonerequiresignificantinvestigationandevaluation.

16. Literature review
Thereviewoftheliteratureisdefinedasabroad,
comprehensive,in-depth,systematic,andcritical
reviewofscholarlypublications,unpublished
scholarlyprintmaterials,audiovisualmaterials,
andpersonalcommunications.

17. PurposesofLiteraturereview
Determineifproposedresearchisactuallyneeded.
Evenifsimilarresearchpublished,researchersmightsuggestaneedforsimilarstudiesor replication.
Narrowdownaproblem.
Itcanbeoverwhelminggettingintotheliteratureofafieldof
understandwhereyouneedtofocusyourefforts.
study.Aliteraturereviewcan help you
Generatehypothesesorquestionsforfurtherstudies.

18. Purposes of Literature review
Background knowledge of the field of inquiry
Facts
Eminent scholars
Parameters of the field
The most important ideas, theories, questions andhypotheses.
Knowledge of the methodologies common to the field and a feeling for
their usefulness and appropriateness in various settings.

19. Literature review
Locate different types of resources.
Decide which resources might be
suitable.
Select most appropriate resources.
Revise research questions if necessary

20. Literature review purpose

21. Save the information
Keep a record of the literature you collect.
Recordwhereandwhenyouretrieved
the information.