Lecture series

KURSUS
KAEDAH PENYELIDIKAN DALAM PTV
M a s t e r P e n d . T e k n i k a l & Vo k a s i o n a l U T H M | S e m e s t e r 2 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 2
Presented by:

TS DR
AINI NAZURA PAIMIN
Faculty of Technical & Vocational Education
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
 Important topics:

RESEARCH PROPOSAL: - Types of Proposal → Research needs

- Abstract/Executive summary
Where to Starts? - Background of problem/research
- Problem statement
- Proposal development strategies
- The do’s and don’ts
Types of Research/Research Paradigm

POSTPOSITIVISM CONSTRUCTIVISM
Verify & Predict
Understand & Interprete
Determination
Theory development
Empirical observation
(Qualitative)
Theory verification
(Quantitative)

Change-oriented
Problem-centered Empowerment oriented
Consequences of action Policy/political improvement
Mixed method (Usually Qualitative but
(Quali + Quanti) also
PRAGMATISM Quantitative)
ADVOCACY
 Types of Research/Research Paradigm

Determining Learning Styles

(Kinesthetic/Visual/Verbal)
POSTPOSITIVISM CONSTRUCTIVISM
Verify & Predict
Investigating Learning Orientation Understand & Interprete
Determination
(Deep/strategic/surface) Theory development
Empirical observation
(Qualitative)
Investigating causal-effect Theory verification
relationship (TRA Theory) (Quantitative)

Think Emotion Intention

Change-oriented
Example of research: Problem-centered Empowerment oriented
a) Visual comfort study among adult Consequences of action Policy/political improvement
learner… Mixed method (Usually Qualitative but also
b) Evaluating stakeholders’ (Quali + Quanti) Quantitative)
perspectives on … PRAGMATISM
c) Evaluating community acceptance ADVOCACY
on vaccination program..
Types of Research/Research Paradigm

POSTPOSITIVISM CONSTRUCTIVISM
Verify & Predict
Understand & Interprete
Determination
Theory development
Empirical observation
(Qualitative)
Theory verification
(Quantitative)

FRGS/ERGS grants:
Change-oriented
Problem-centered For example:
Empowerment oriented
Consequences of action a) A new integrated approach of …
Policy/political improvement
Mixed method b) Exploring school-based learning for
(Usually Qualitative but also
(Quali + Quanti) inclusive…
Quantitative)
PRAGMATISM
ADVOCACY
 Types of Research/Research Paradigm

POSTPOSITIVISM CONSTRUCTIVISM
Verify & Predict
Understand & Interprete
Determination
Theory development
Empirical observation
(Qualitative)
Research outcomes provide answers to Theory verification
research problem. (Quantitative)
E.g., Students attrition in engineering
program Change-oriented
Example of grant: Problem-centered Empowerment oriented
a) FRGS: Development and Validation of an Consequences of action Policy/political improvement
Integrated Approach of ----- Mixed method (Usually Qualitative but also
b) FRGS: Development of STEM Teacher (Quali + Quanti) Quantitative)
Competency Model
PRAGMATISM
ADVOCACY
Types of Research/Research Paradigm

POSTPOSITIVISM CONSTRUCTIVISM
Verify & Predict
Understand & Interprete
Determination
Theory development
Empirical observation
(Qualitative)
Theory verification
(Quantitative)

Change-oriented
Problem-centered
Empowerment oriented
Consequences of action
Policy/political improvement
Mixed method
(Usually Qualitative but also
(Quali + Quanti)
Quantitative)
PRAGMATISM
ADVOCACY
International grants:
Community awareness and behavior
change: Gender integration, social inclusion,
youth empowerment
Example, Action research:
a) Best practice strategies on the
implementation of RPL …
b) Developing a Guideline for Blended
Learning..
Type of Research Grants
 A Good Proposal
• A good proposal is
• clear,
• concise,
• focused,
• structured and
• backed up by recent evidence/references.
ABSTRACT/EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction Research Methodology

purpose

Expected Impact of Keywords

Findings research

Components of Abstract
 Example of Executive Summary
(Please include the problem statement, objectives, research methodology, expected
output/outcomes/implication, and significance of output from the research project)
Higher education is currently moving towards education 4.0 where learning processes are designed to be more
flexible. Therefore, producing autonomous and intrinsically motivated learners are highly desirable since hybrid
learning approaches became dominant and students can be easily demotivated and distracted over loads of life
Introduction and study commitments during their learning processes. Many issues are being discussed related to constraints
Research purpose faced by B40 students during the hybrid learning implementation therefore, understanding how students
experience learning, persist and engage themselves throughout the learning processes and ultimately achieve
learning goals is seen as vital.

Methodology This study will use a single case study design approach for collecting qualitative data based on a specific
WHO
- Sample interview protocol. A total of at least 24 outstanding B40 students from any programs offered at MTUN
universities (UTHM, UTeM, UniMAP and UMP) will be interviewed. Study data will be analysed using Atlas-Ti
- location WHERE software.
- Research procedure HOW
& Analysis
This study will develop a study engagement framework to describe effective learning behaviours of successful
B40 students towards fostering greater academic resilience and better online learning experiences of the
students by understanding key educational and motivational theories and studying approaches during the hybrid
Expected WHAT learning based on the Trilogy of Mind concepts. The purpose of developing this framework is to promote a
Findings deeper understanding of the possible meaning that will be discovered from the lived experiences of the B40
student in their efforts to ensure study success during the COVID19 pandemic.

The information gathered can help stakeholders such as the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, universities,
Impact of lecturers and students themselves to consider and re-evaluate the existing education programs and policy,
WHAT training and implementation practices, encouraging students’ self-reflection and identifying supports where
research possible to improve the quality of services and students learning experiences while heading towards long term
improvement and ensuring educational quality in higher education.
 Problem statement
(Gaps in research)
Common issues:
• Many researchers only discuss issues in the ‘Problem Statement’.
• Researchers are confuse the difference between Research Background
and Problem Statement.

FACT:
Issues is not similar to “problem statement”.
It is a ‘symptom to a problem’/ ‘root cause’/’research gaps’.
 Example
• Issue: COVID-19 patients increases world wide. Huge numbers of
populations effected.
• Evidence: Statistics shows that the numbers increase tremendously especially
in Europe and Asian countries (MOH, 2021)
• Implication : Caused a significant threat to public health, death rate – post
effect to COVID-19 patient (respiratory, organ failure) (WHO, 2021).

Problem statement
To date, we haven’t found specific treatment/ Research needs to
We have produces vaccines, but the side effect of it is be conducted to --
unknown
RESEARCH GAPS
LITERATURE REVIEW
Comparison of findings
(agreement/disagreement)
Contribution of the research
Limitations of the research
(Gaps in the research)
RESEARCH GAPS
(Problem Statement in Introduction)
Posit your own research
E.g., There is a need to conduct this study since
previous studies only provide limited information
on…
A
Creates a space for
B your research
E.g., Most studies have been
D E conducted in the Westener’s
C context
Justify your topic &
methodology
E.g., This research is seen relevant because less
research has been conducted using qualitative study.
…
 How to write Problem Statement
• Step 1: Provide information about recent trends/research patterns in the
area of study.
• E.g.; Many studies have been conducted in many educational contexts which provide evidences to the
relationship between variables in the TAM model such as Perceive Usefulness, Perceive ease of use, Attitude
and Intention.
• Step 2: Made and argument about any gaps found in the research.
• E.g.; However, less research has been conducted to understand the relationship between Attitude and Intention
and, Intention and Actual Behaviours. Among the few research, the findings showed inconsistence findings
about the relationship between Attitude and Intention which reflects that teachers’ acceptance on the use of
technology are context and system dependant.
• Step 3 : Emphasise the need/relevance/important of this research
• E.g.; Therefore, this study is initiated to better understand the relationship between teachers’ attitude and
intention to use the DELIMA system in the context of Malaysian education to better understand teachers’
acceptance of the system at secondary schools. → (POSTPOSITIVISM perspective, theory verification)
 Research Content Structure (RCS)
Evidence Implication
Provide evidences State the implication
Fact
Pelajar gagal
Statistics program
Report findings Kejuruteraan

From Literature Pelajar Kewangan/

- Article review Sokongan fakulti Insentif
Factors/Causal factor
(Ali, 2019;
- Journal/proceedings (Hadgraft, 2020) (Aminah, 2020) (Latent Variable)
Ahmad, 2021)

Construct
Problem (Measured Variable)
statement
Pengetahuan Minat Kemahiran V4

Research
Postpositivism / Constructivism/ Pragmatism / Advocacy
Method

EXPECTED RESEARCH OUTCOME: ________________________

 Research Content Structure (RCS)
Evidence Implication
Statistics shows that the numbers increase - a significant threat to public health,
tremendously especially in Europe and Asian COVID19 - death rate increase
countries (MOH, 2021) Patients increase – post effect to COVID-19 patient (respiratory, organ failure)
worldwide (WHO, 2021).

From Literature
- Article review F3: Eco-system/
- Journal/proceedings
F1: Resident F2: Medicine Environment
Factors/Causal factor
(Ana, 2020) (Ref.) (Ref.) (Latent Variable)

Problem P1: Resident behaviour during MCO is not fully understood

Statement / residence level of acceptance to vaccine is unknown
knowledge attitude practice

P2: We haven’t found specific treatment/vaccine

produced less effective
P3: Less information about type of eco-system. Does
weather affects the growth rate of COVID19?

OUTCOME RESEARCH: ________________________

 Research Content Structure (RCS)
2 Evidence Implication 3
1 State the implication
Provide evidences
Fact
Statistics AN ISSUE
Report findings

4
From Literature
- Article review Factor 1 Factor 2 Factor 3 Factors/Causal factor
- Journal/proceedings (Ref.) (Ref.) (Ref.) (Latent Variable)

8
Research 5 6 7 Construct
(Measured Variable)
Problem
V1 V2 V3

9 Research aims/purpose
Research
Postpositivism / Constructivism/ Pragmatism / Advocacy
Paradigm

develop
Research Paradigm: Postpositivism
Example of Problem statement: Resident behaviour during MCO is not fully
understood / residence level of acceptance to vaccine is unknown

(Cognition) (Affection) (Conation) Human

Beliefs Attitude Intention Behaviour

Influence
Feedback
The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)
Source: Fishbein, M., & Ajzen, I. (1975). Belief, Attitude, Intention, and Behavior :
An Introduction to Theory and Research Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley
 STUDENTS LEARNING ORIENTATION
Deep
Approach

Cognitive Study Process

Surface Affective Questionnaire
Approach (Beliefs on (Attitude)
strategy) (SPQ)
Strategic
Approach

Elements of study TRA theory Instrument

*deep approach learning significantly predicted study performance of students

at an Australian university, while students who left the program had a greater
tendency towards surface learning
 METHODOLOGY
PARTICIPANT INSTRUMENT
QUESTIONNAIRE

R-SPQ- 2F
Final year Engineering students Inventory

132 135
Five (5) items of Deep Approach construct
Malaysian students Australian students
Reliability : Deep Strategy , α = 0.77

8 8 Question 1 : What factors/tools/strategy have you

found to be useful in helping you succeed in
Malaysian students Australian students
INTERVIEW

LOCATION
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
University of Melbourne Australia
engineering?
Question 2 : What have been some of the challenges
that influenced your study performance? How did you
overcome this?

What are the research paradigm/ orientation?

PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGIES
 TIPS AND STRATEGIES
• Research title – Explicit and sounds interesting
Model Baharu Fasilitasi Ulang-laku Residivis Menggunakan Pendekatan Kerangka PARIHS
ke Arah Membentuk Residivis Berintegrasi Masyarakat dan Berpendidikan Sepanjang
Hayat. (FRGS Grant)
• Research experts – relevant to the area of research
• Impact statement – Refers to recent policy
E.g.; Sustainable Development Goal (2030),
Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama 2030 (WKB2030)
Sample selection – Based on allocation given
 Example of Impact Statement
i. Komuniti:sebagai rujukan masyarakat untuk bersama-sama meningkatkan
kesedaran penghuni penjara supaya ulang-laku residivis dapat dikekangkan.

ii. Ekonomi: sebagai rujukan kepada pihak JPM untuk menyemak semula PPI
jika perlu ditambah baik supaya dapat meningkatkan ketahanan mental dan
fizikal bekas penghuni penjara agar kekal berada di pangkuan masyarakat.

iii. Negara: sebagai rujukan KDN untuk merangka strategi yang lebih bermakna
untuk merealisasikan agenda negara seiring dengan Teras Strategik 7
Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama 2030 (WKB2030) berkaitan dengan
Modal Sosial iaitu menangani peningkatan positif bagi indeks pencegahan
jenayah dan anti dadah serta Teras Strategik 3 iaitu Modal Insan.
 THE DO’S & DON’TS
• They don’t describe the research problem/problem statement
• Their introduction (executive summary) is too long
- citation of text that are less relevance
- explanation not focusing of main idea of research
• To many ‘gossiping’ (no reference)
• Proposal doesn’t fit with stakeholder’s interest.
 THE DO’S & DON’TS
• Concepts highlighted in title is not being explained in the
introduction
• A well written Executive summary is very important.. First
screening point by evaluator.
• Their paragraphs are too long
- SHORT → direct to the point/theory/topic,
- CONCISE → how well you can relate idea with LR
- SOLID →flow of story well organized & well-managed
• There is no flow.
• Use to many synonyms
 MAIN REASONS FOR PROPOSAL
REJECTION
• PROPOSAL DOES NOT FIT FOR THE GRANT
Tips: Check the main focus of the research for the specific grants.
• POORLY WRITTEN
Tips: Send your proposal for editing and proofreading from
a language expert
• WEAK PRESENTATION- INCONSISTENCY
Tips: Be consistent in each terminology used throughout the papers
 MAIN REASONS FOR PROPOSAL REJECTION
• OUTDATED LITERATURE REVIEW
• Tips: Use the most recent research – up to 10 years of publication
• NO SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION SHOWED
• Tips: Highlight the implication of the study in the abstract and conclusion
• UNETHICAL/OVERCLAIMS AND JUSTIFICATIONS
Tips: Avoid use ‘not’, ‘in---’ instead use ‘less’
Can you think specific words in Bahasa Malaysia?
‘paling’, ‘sangat’, ‘amat’, ‘selalu’..
• EXPECTED SOLUTIONS PROVIDED DID NOT MEET CLIENT EXPECTATION
• OVER BUDGET
THANK
YOU