RESEARCH IN GENERAL

-Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyse information

to increase understanding of certain topic or issue
-Three general steps:
a. Pose a question
b. Collect data to answer the question
c. Present and answer to the question

(Refer to Creswell, J.W. (2003). Research Design: Qualitative,

Quantitative, and Mixed-Methods Approaches)

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

Why is research important
Adds to our knowledge and understanding
- strive for continual improvement
- fill a void in existing knowledge
- confirm or disconform
Improves practice
- it suggests improvement for practice
- new ideas
- evaluate approaches
Informs policy debates
- conversation about important issues
- positive environment
Common Problems in Research
•The results sometimes show only contradictory or vague findings –
unclear declarative sentence
•Data gathered is questionable – data collection procedures
•Participants are not properly selected
•Instruments consist of vague and ambiguous questions
•Inappropriate methods of analysing the data
•Inarticulate statements of the research problem
Scientific Method
1.Identify a problem that defines the goal of research
2.Make a prediction that resolves the problem
3.Gather data relevant to the prediction
4.Analyse and interpret the data – to see whether it supports the
prediction and resolves the question

(Refer to Leedy & Ormond, 2001. Practical Research: Planning

and Design)
Think about a problem in your area and
discuss:
1.What is the problem?
2.Why the problem need to be studied?
3.What is the expectation?
4.Is there any prediction, assumption, or question?
5.Who will the participants be?
6.What types of data you will need to address the prediction or
expectation?
Process of Research
1. Identifying a research problem
2. Reviewing the literature
3. Specifying a purpose for research
4. Collecting data
5. Analysing and interpreting the data
6. Reporting and evaluating research
Identifying a research problem
1. Specifying a problem
2. Justify
3. Suggesting the need/importance to study
By using your problem, discuss the issue, justify it and
suggest why the study is needed
Reviewing the Literature
1.Locating resources
2.Selecting resources
3.Summarising resources

Using the same problem, locate where the resources, identify

how the selection process of the resources, and the activity of
summarising the resources
Specifying a Purpose for Research
1. Identifying the purpose statement (major intent or
objective)
2. Narrowing the purpose statement to research questions or
hypotheses (major focus, participants, location/site)
By using the problem, identify the purpose of the study by
constructing research questions or hypotheses
Collecting Data
1. Selecting individuals to study
2. Obtaining permission
3. Gathering information

By the same problem, identify your respondents, and how the

process of obtaining the data is going to be carried out
(method or procedure)
Analysing and Interpreting Data
1. Breaking down the data
2. Representing the data
3. Explaining the data
(Tables, figures, pictures, texts – summarise it, explain the
conclusion in words)
Think about how your data will be analysed and
interpreted, before you can start to analyse and
interpret them
Reporting and Evaluating Research

1. Deciding the audiences

2. Structuring the report
3. Writing the report

Think back of the purpose of your study, the report

writing format, the language, and the process of
presenting the whole process of your study
Ethical Issues
1.Respecting the rights of participants – the participants have the
rights to know about the research, anonymity, confidentiality
2.Honouring research site – gaining permission, gatekeepers
3.Reporting research fully and honestly – show respect, plagiarism,
useful findings
Thank you very much for
your attention…