UNIT 1

Definition and importance

• Research is a systematic and organized process of inquiry aimed at generating new
knowledge, insights, and understanding about a particular subject or phenomenon.
• Research involves the systematic collection, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of
data or information to answer specific questions, test hypotheses, or explore
relationship s between variables (Zohrabi, 2013).
• Research is of paramount importance as it serves as the catalyst for expanding
human knowledge, fostering innovation, and addressing a myriad of challenges across
diverse domains.
 Role of Research in Various Fields and
Disciplines
• Science
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Other Fields
 RESEARCH PROCESS
• Defining research objectives and questions
• Formulating hypotheses
• Selecting appropriate research methods
• Designing research studies
• Collecting and analyzing data
• Interpreting and reporting findings
 DEFINING RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
AND QUESTIONS
• Defining research objectives and questions is a crucial step in any
research endeavor. It sets the foundation for the entire study, guiding
researchers in their pursuit of knowledge and providing a clear
direction for their investigations. Research objectives outline the
specific goals that researchers aim to achieve through their study
(Ary, Jacobs, Irvine, & Walker, 2018).
 Research objectives should appear in the introduction of
your research paper, at the end of your problem statement.
They should:
• •Establish the scope and depth of your project
• •Contribute to your research design
• •Indicate how your project will contribute to existing
knowledge paper
 A. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

• A research problem can be defined as a statement

regarding a specific area of interest, a problematic
situation requiring improvement, a challenge to be
resolved, or a perplexing query that exists within scholarly
literature, theoretical frameworks, or practical
applications. It serves as an indication that there is a
necessity for comprehensive and purposeful exploration.
 There are four general conceptualizations of a
research problem in the social sciences:
• Casuist Research Problem - this type of problem relates to the
determination of right and wrong in questions of conduct or conscience by
analyzing moral dilemmas through the application of general rules and the
careful distinction of special cases.
• Difference Research Problem- typically asks the question, "Is there a
difference between two or more groups or treatments?" This type of
problem statement is used when the researcher compares or contrasts two or
more phenomena.
• Descriptive Research Problem - typically asks the question, "What is...?"
with the underlying purpose to describe a situation, state, or existence of a
specific phenomenon.
• Relational Research Problem - suggests a relationship of some sort
between two or more variables to be investigated. The underlying purpose is
to investigate qualities/characteristics that are connected in some way.
 Different Kinds of Research

• Basic Research - This type of research is conducted to increase

fundamental knowledge and understanding of a subject without any
immediate practical application. It aims to explore theories, principles, and
concepts.
• Applied Research - Applied research is conducted to solve specific,
practical problems or to address real-world issues. Its goal is to apply the
knowledge gained through basic research to develop useful applications.
• Quantitative Research - This type of research involves the collection
and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns, correlations, and
relationships. It uses statistical methods for data analysis
• Qualitative Research - Qualitative research focuses on gathering non-
numerical data, such as opinions, feelings, and perceptions, to gain
insights into people's behaviors and experiences. It often involves
techniques like interviews, focus groups, and observations.
• Experimental Research - In experimental research, researchers
manipulate variables to observe cause-and-effect relationships. It involves
the use of control groups and random assignment to test hypotheses.
• Non-Experimental Research - Non-experimental research does not
involve manipulating variables but instead, it focuses on observing and
analyzing existing conditions or relationships.
• Descriptive Research - Descriptive research aims to describe and
document characteristics of a particular phenomenon or group. It does
not involve manipulation or hypothesis testing.
• Exploratory Research - Exploratory research is conducted when there is
limited information available about a topic. Its purpose is to gain a better
understanding and generate initial insights.
• Correlational Research - Correlational research examines the
relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. It
determines whether changes in one variable are related to changes in
another variable.
• Longitudinal Research - Longitudinal research involves studying the
same group of participants over an extended period, allowing researchers
to observe changes and developments over time.
• Cross-Sectional Research - Cross-sectional research collects data from a
diverse group of participants at a single point in time to compare
different groups or phenomena.
• Action Research- Action research is conducted by practitioners or
professionals to address specific problems within their own organization
or community. It involves collaboration and iterative problem-solving.
• Historical Research - Historical research involves studying past events and
analyzing historical records to understand patterns, causes, and consequences of
events.
• Case Study Research - Case study research focuses on in-depth analysis of a
single individual, group, or situation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the
subject.
• Ethnographic Research- Ethnographic research involves immersing researchers
in a particular cultural or social group to understand their perspectives behaviors,
and practices.
 Research Ethics

Research ethics is a vital part of any study, ensuring that researchers

prioritize the well-being and rights of people, animals, and the
environment. It involves being honest, transparent, and respecting
the privacy of participants.
• Informed Consent and Participant Rights
• Confidentiality and Data Protection
 IDENTIFYING A RESEARCH TOPIC

• A good research topic or problem is crucial for a

successful study. It guides researchers, keeps the study
focused, and helps identify gaps in knowledge. With the
right topic, researchers stay motivated and contribute
meaningfully to their field.
 Criteria in the Selection of a Research
Topic
• The Interest and Ability of the Researcher
• Importance
• Novelty (usually the gap)
• Time
• Cost
• Dangers or Hazards
• Availability of an Adviser
FORMULATING RESEARCH TITLE

• Research title of an article holds immense

significance as it captures readers’ attention and
effectively communicates the essence of the study.
It acts as a powerful instrument for drawing in
potential readers, editors, and fellow researchers
 Components Techniques for Writing
Effective Research Titles
• Clarity and Conciseness – The main purpose of a research title is to provide a
concise and clear overview of the study. It is important to avoid using too much
technical jargon, acronyms, or abbreviations that may confuse readers.
Examples for Clarity and Conciseness
• Example 1: “Social Media Usage and Adolescent Mental Health: A Longitudinal
Study”
• Example 2: “Examining the Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity in Coastal
Ecosystems”
Reflecting the Essence- An effective research title should capture the main
objective or research question of your study. It should give readers a glimpse of
the core theme and scope of your research.
Examples for Reflecting the Essence
• Example 1: “Unveiling the Role of MicroRNA-155 in Breast Cancer
Progression: An In-depth Analysis”
• Example 2: “Investigating the Relationship between Sleep Duration and
Cognitive Function in Elderly Adults”
Keyword Optimization- Identify keywords or key phrases that represent the main
subject matter of your research and skillfully integrate them into the title. However, be
careful not to overuse keywords, as it may compromise readability and appeal.
Examples for Keyword Optimization
• Example 1: “Machine Learning Approaches for Sentiment Analysis in Social
Media: A Comparative Study”
• Example 2: “Exploring the Catalytic Activity of Nanostructured Platinum for
Hydrogen Fuel Cells”
Engaging and Intriguing -To capture the attention of potential readers, your
research title should be engaging and intriguing.
Examples for Engaging and Intriguing
• Example 1: “Unraveling the Secrets of the Universe: Dark Matter and Its
Elusive Nature”
• Example 2 “Beyond the Looking Glass: An Exploration of Virtual Reality
as a Therapeutic Tool for Anxiety Disorders”
 Iterative Refinement
• Writing an effective research title often requires an iterative process of refinement. Begin by
generating multiple title options and then evaluate each one based on clarity, conciseness,
relevance, and appeal.
• Example 1: “Investigating the Impact of Music Education on Academic Performance: A
Quantitative Analysis”
Refinement: “The Harmonious Connection: Unveiling the Influence of Music Education on
Academic Achievement”
• Example 2: “Exploring the Link Between Exercise and Mental Well-Being: A Cross-sectional
Study
Refinement: “Exercise as Medicine: Unraveling the Relationship Between Physical Activity and
Mental Well-being"