Lecture #2: The

Research Process

DR ADANAN MAT JUNOH

FAKULTI KEPIMPINAN DAN PENGURUSAN
UNIVERSITI SAINS ISLAM MALAYSIA
 RESEARCH IS A CYCLIC
PROCESS

 Research is an extremely cyclic process. It

starts with identify the particular field, a
problem, design, gathered and analyzed
the data and ends with a solution to the
problem.
Stages of the Research Process
Problem Discovery
and formulation of
Discovery
research questions

Literature
Review Conclusions and
Report
Research
Design

Sampling Data Processing

and Analysis
Data
Gathering
Problem Discovery and Formulation
of Research Questions

What is the
problems
actually?
 RESEARCH PROBLEMS

 The hearth of the research project is a

problem (Leedy and Omrod, 2005)

 The research problem is the aspect the

researcher worries about, think about,
wants to find a solution for. 
 Research Problems

“The formulation of the

problem is often more
essential than its solution”

Albert Einstein
 Research Problem
.. Type of research problems
 Knowledge gap
– enhance understanding
– Develop new theory

 Industry/community Problems
– Actual problem in organization
-- For improvement/solution
Source of Research Problem
 Three major sources of research problem:-
 Theory
 There are many theories from which problems can
be drawn
 Personal experiences
 Reading, observation, sponsor, conference
 Replication
 A replication is not carried out identically with the
original but the original are altered. (Gay and
Airasian, 2000)
Examples of Research problems
 Training programs are not effective as
anticipated
 The sales volumes of a text book is not picking
up
 Youth not participate in learning program at the
mosque
 The relationship between reward and job
satisfaction based on the job satisfaction theory
or model
 Research Problems.. A
reminder!

 Don’t try to “solve the world problems ”

or “boil the ocean”.
Determine Research Problems
Area of interest

Problem

Research Questions

Topic
 The steps
1.Decide on the general area of study or
investigation
2.Narrow down the general are
3.Evaluate the potential/significant of the
problem
4.Develop a good problem statement and the
research question
5.Formulate the topic
 Example

Area of interest Dakwah

Participation amongst youth in
Problem Learning program at the mosque
is very low
1. Why youth not participate
Research Questions in learning programs

Barrier for learning

Topic
Amongst youth…
Take 5
 What is your area of
interest?
 Identify your problem
 Formulate your
research question
 Formulate your topics
Characteristics of good topics
 Interesting –hold the researcher interest throughout the
research process
 Researchable – can be investigated through the
collection and analysis of data
 Significant – contributes to the improvement and
understanding of knowledge and practice
 Manageable – fits the level of researcher’s, level of
research skills, needed resources, and time restrictions
 Ethical – does not embarrass or harm participants

(Gay and Airasian, 2000)

 Example
Formulate the
research
Question based on
the problem?

SOURCE: http://204.169.52.42/history/images/uncat_strike1.jpg
 Ethics in Research

 Ethics refers to the a code of conduct or

expected social norm while conducting
research (Sekaran, 2003)
 moral principles of right and wrong
 Ethical principles
 Research should be designed, reviewed and undertaken to ensure
integrity and quality

 Research staff and subjects must be informed fully about the

purpose, methods and intended possible uses of the research,
what their participation in the research entails and what risks if
any, are involved.

 The confidentiality of information supplied by research subjects

and the anonymity of respondents must be respected.
(Source: www.northumbria.ac.uk/static/powerpoint/ESRC_Ethics_Framework.ppt)
 Ethical principles
 Research participants must participate
in a voluntary way, free from any
coercion.
 Harm to participants must be avoided.
 The independence of the research must
be clear
(Source: www.northumbria.ac.uk/static/powerpoint/ESRC_Ethics_Framework.ppt)
 What is Good Research?
 Good research generates dependable data and
can be used reliably for managerial decision
making.
 Good research requires:-
 1. Problems and purpose clearly define
 2. Research design thoroughly planned
 3. High ethical standards applied
 4. Limitations frankly revealed
 5. Data adequately analyzed
 6. Finding and conclusion clearly explained
Thank You