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GKA2043 Week3
GKA2043 Week3
RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
Beginning The Research Process
The Process
Research and Knowledge
Theory or Research?
Conceptual and Research Framework
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Problem
Generalisato
n
Hypotheses
Theory
Data
Analysis
Research
design
Data
collection
Measurement
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Research Problem
(problem
presentation)
Research Design
Sample/respondent
Data
Measurement
Analysis
Writing (completing
the report/thesis)
Action
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Choice of Topic
Researcher must ask question, is the topic
worth pursuing and is it practical?
A research topic is not a research problem.
It is usually broader and more general than
a research problem.
Research question is addressed when a
researcher moves from a more general
research topic (macro perspective) to a
more specific area (micro perspective).
Research problem
Research Problem
Important elements
of each step
Selection, analysis
and statement of the
research problem
- Problem
identification
- Prioritizing
problems
- Analysis
- Justification
What information is
available?
Literature review
Why do we want to
Formulation of
carry out the
research objectives
research? What do we
hope to achieve?
- General and
specific objectives
- hypothesis
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Questions you must
ask
Important elements
of each step
- Variables
- Types of study
- Data collection
techniques
- Sampling
- Plan for data
collection
- Plan for data
processing and
analysis
- Ethical
considerations
- Pre-test or pilot
study.
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Questions you must
ask
Work plan
- Human resource
- timetable
What resources do we
need to carryout the
study? What resources
do we have?
Budget
- Material support
and equipment
- money
- Administration
- Monitoring
- Identification of
potential users
Proposal summary
- Briefing sessions
and lobbying
Theory of research?
Theory before research? present
knowledge/theory allows for structuring of
the research problem so that the
researcher knows what to look for, what
factors are relevant and what hypotheses
should be tested empirically.
Research before theory? when solving
the problems, the researcher will make
use of available knowledge to explore the
theory.
Figure above shows both arrows between two strategies, indicating that when applying
present insights to specific problems, new observations and new questions may give
rise to a search for new explanations, methods or techniques.
Appropriateness: Is it worth
while?
Is the topic fit the specifications and meet the standards set
by the examining institution?
Does your research topic contain issues that have a clear
link to theory?
Are you able to state your research question(s) and
objective(s) clearly?
Will your proposed research be able to provide fresh
insights into this topic?
Does your research topic relate clearly to the idea you have
been given?
Are the findings for the research topic likely to be
symmetrical; that is, of similar value what ever the outcome?
Does the research topic match your career goal?
Variable
(Objective
impressions and can
be measured)
- Amount of salary
- Salary is distributed
to employees via a
salary committee.
- Allocation of salary
- Procedures of
distributing salary
Table above shows that before any concepts are used in any research they
must be translated into measurable terms called variable.
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produce.
Defines a set of different set of activities.
Contains the descriptions of research outputs and research
activities.
A collection of things to ask and things to observe in
particular contexts.
Includes processes for integrating research/data from other
practice areas as well as specific methodologies for making
meaning of the raw research.
conclusion