Introduction to Research

Chapter 5

Identifying Sources and Areas

for Research Undertaking
Chapter 5

Identifying Sources and Areas for Research

Undertaking
Introduction

Research is very broad that can be broken down into several categories. There are several
sources of research: primary, secondary, tertiary, documentary and online sources.

Specific Objective
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

- Identify sources for research and researchable areas

Duration
Chapter 5: Identifying Sources and Areas = 1 hour
for Research Undertaking (1 hour discussion)

Lesson Proper

Sources for Research Understanding

Research is very broad that can be broken into several categories:
1. Primary sources are published original writings, reflections and reports that can be
found in periodicals, monographs, conference proceedings, books, theses and
dissertations.
2. Secondary sources are published writings and reports that analyze, critique or report on
a primary source and can be found periodicals and reference books.
3. Tertiary sources are indexes, dictionaries, guides and bibliographies/references that aid
the researcher in using primary and secondary sources.
4. Nondocumentary sources are unpublished forms of communication and information,
which can include interviews, conversations with professionals, students and other
experts in the field.
5. Online searching. It is seen as information on the internet through major search engines
such as Google, Yahoo and Bing.

• Reliability of sources
Many sources of information are available. Knowing if the information can be trusted can
be difficult. The following are some criteria to consider the reliability of the source.

1. Where was the research published?

Researchers trust and use research published in credible peer – reviewed scientific
journals. Experts have reviewed studies published in these journals to make sure they
are of high quality.
2. How does new information fir with what is already known?
Each research study contributes to an existing body of knowledge. More weight can be
given to findings that support and build on the findings of the other research. One study
 alone is never enough to make a case, it only gives direction about what new research
is needed.
3. How does finding influence research?
The ability to report study results without personal bias, is an important consideration
when conducting research. When reading an article from a funded research project, you
must consider whether the funders of this research had anything to gain by the results.
When research is paid for by a source that does not have an interest in the results,
funder’s expectation or preferences were less likely to have influenced the results.

Areas of Research Interest

Selecting a researchable area is one of the most important aspects of social research.
There are processes considered at the start. Kumar (1996) suggested a set of exercises in
developing a research project.

Step 1: Select a broad area of study that interests you.

Example:
o School environment
o Academic Performance
o Parental involvement

Step 2: Having selected an area, analyze it in order to identify its sub – problems. Some sib –
areas are:
Example:
o Academic performance and school environment
o Academic performance and parental involvement

Select only a sub – area that would be possible to study within the constraints of time
resources and expertise. One way to select your sub – area is to start the process of elimination.
Select the sub – area you are very interested in.

Step 3: From the above sub – areas, select a sub – area in which you would like to conduct
your study.

• Here are Some Areas of Research Interest (The Teaching Council, 2015)
1. The Continuum of Teachers Education
Examples of possible research topics under this heading:
o The professional portfolio
o The career entry phase, including induction and probation
o Continuing professional development including, individual, school system
o Standards of teaching, knowledge, skill and competence across the
continuum

2. Teaching in a Changing Society

Examples of possible research topics under this heading:
o Teaching for diversity, inclusion and special educational needs
o Teaching for citizenship and moral development
o Developing, creative, lifelong learners
o Using ICT for teaching, learning and assessment
 3. Pedagogy
Examples of possible research topics under this heading:
o Effective teaching of literacy and numeracy
o School curriculum policy development and evaluation
o Assessing for learning/formative assessment
o Pedagogical approaches and perspective on learning

4. Teaching as a Profession
Examples of possible research topics under this heading:
o Perceptions of teacher professionalism
o Perceptions of the role of the teacher
o Collegiality in teaching
o The development of teaching as a profession (national and international
trends)

5. Core Education Principles and Policy Issues

Examples of possible research topics under this heading:
o Supply of and demand for teachers
o Partnership within education
o Reconceptualization of the education system towards an improved teaching
and learning experience

References/Additional Resources/Readings

• Kumar, R. (1996). Research Methodology: a step-by-step guide for beginners.

Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Addison Wesley Longman.

• The Teaching Council, 2015