Opinion / Columnist
Brilliant research paper guide for academics
17 Sep 2018 at 14:06hrs | Views
For those who are doing their post-graduate studies of carrying out certain research, this can be of use even in term papers. What do you mean when say a researcher? Research is systematic study or investigation to establish key facts and then reach new conclusions. It is critical to carry out research to establish a "problem in depth" and then solution. The synonyms of research are investigation, experimentation, testing, exploration, analysis, fact-finding, examination and scrutiny. It is important to carry out researches so that one can establish the "REAL" facts and what is needed on the ground and what should be applied. Research can also be considered as a careful systematic study regarding a particular problem or concern. It can also be regarded as systematic inquiry of a particular problem. Inductive research methods are used to describe certain phenomenon whilst deductive methods are used to observe phenomenon.
Most researchers have a challenge they don't understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative research. Basically it is key to understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative research is primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain understand of the following, opinions, motivations and other certain background checks. It provides the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research. Qualitative Research is also used to uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into the problem. Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some common methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual interviews, and participation/observations. The sample size is typically small, and respondents are selected to fulfil a given quota.
Quantitative research is used to quantify certain methods by way of generating of numerical data that can be transformed into usable statistics. Quantitative collection methods includes various forms of surveys such as mobile and paper surveys.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Research can be classified from three perspectives: 1. application of research study 2. Objectives in undertaking the research 3. Inquiry mode employed Application: From the point of view of application, there are two broad categories of research: - pure research and - applied research. Pure research involves developing and testing theories and hypotheses that are intellectually challenging to the researcher but May or may not have practical application at the present time or in the future. The knowledge produced through pure research is sought in order to add to the existing body of research methods.
Applied research is done to solve specific, practical questions; for policy formulation, administration and understanding of a phenomenon. It can be exploratory, but is usually descriptive. It is almost always done on the basis of Basic research. Applied research can be carried out by academic or industrial institutions. Often, an academic institution such as a university will have a specific applied research program funded by an industrial partner interested in that program. Objectives: From the viewpoint of objectives, a research can be classified as -descriptive -correlational -explanatory -exploratory .Descriptive research attempts to describe systematically a situation, problem, phenomenon, service or programme, or provides information about , say, living condition of a community, or describes attitudes towards an issue. Correlational research attempts to discover or establish the existence of a relationship/ interdependence between two or more aspects of a situation. Explanatory research attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship between two or more aspects of a situation or phenomenon. Exploratory research is undertaken to explore an area where little is known or to investigate the possibilities of undertaking a particular research study (feasibility study / pilot study). In practice most studies are a combination of the first three categories. Inquiry Mode: From the process adopted to find answer to research questions – the two approaches are: - Structured approach - Unstructured approach Structured approach: The structured approach to inquiry is usually classified as quantitative research. Here everything that forms the research process- objectives, design, sample, and the questions that you plan to ask of respondents- is predetermined.
HISTORICAL APPROACH TO RESEARCH
The process of learning and understanding the background and growth of a chosen field of study or profession can offer insight into organisational culture, current trends and future possibilities. There are steps that should be followed to achieve a reliable result. Recognition of a historical problem. There is need to identify the background. There is need to gather relevant information. It leads to forming hypothesis that tentatively explain relationships between historical factors. The rigorous collection and organisation and analysis of the most pertinent collected evidence. Conclusions are key in the historical background.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A TOPIC FOR RESEARCH?
The ability and desire to come up with a research topic is critical in any given research assignment. It gives direction and helps to narrow down the tone of the research. When deciding a topic for research there are few things that you must put into consideration. You need to brainstorm for ideas. You also need to choose a topic that you understand and background checks. You also need to formulate thesis statement. When we talk of brainstorming for ideas you are looking at the following areas such as strong opinion on a current social or political controversy. Questions can also be raised, do you have a personal issue, problem or interest that you would like to know more about? Do you have a research paper due for a class this semester?
BRILLIANT METHODOLOGIES
The methods section describes actions to be taken to investigate a research problem and the rationale for the application of specific procedures or techniques used to identify select, process and analyse information applied to understanding the problem, thereby, allowing the reader to critically evaluate a study's overall validity and reliability. TIPS ON HOW TO COME UP WITH A SUCCESSFUL RESEARCH
One needs to select a topic carefully. It's very critical because it guides you how you want to conduct your research. Sources must be also critical. You need to look for proper sources that will help you to build a good hypothesis. On the other note sources also should be reliable and factual. You need to write drafts that will be sketchy and they will guide you before you come up with a final document. It's literally good to use a proper library. Library is key on research. You need to brainstorm the outline. After in-depth you need to proceed to write an outline. Consult advisors and subject librarians for assistance in identifying your research topic/need. Formulate research ‘action plan' or strategy before beginning your literature research. Identify key words and phrases related to your topic; refine throughout the literature research process. Seek current research, but don't forget value of pioneer works. Choose reliable/authoritative sources. Also, review current journals in your field often to learn about the latest research trends. Abstract, introduction, and conclusion: Read first, will help you determine if article is useful to you. Familiarize yourself with the preferred reference style in your field. Consider visiting the Writing Commons for assistance with writing/synthesis. Adopt academically honest practices early and throughout the research/writing process.
RESEARCH PROCESS
A research process is similar to undertaking a journey. There are two key important decisions, and these are what you want to find about and how to go about finding their answers. The following are steps in research process and these are formulating the research problem, extensive literature review, developing the objectives, preparing the research design including the sample design, collecting the data, analysis of data, generalisation and interpretation and finally preparation of the report.
Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo writes in his personal capacity as an academic writer, researcher. He is studying for a PHD in Development studies. He can be contacted at tinamuzala@gmail.com
Most researchers have a challenge they don't understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative research. Basically it is key to understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative research is primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain understand of the following, opinions, motivations and other certain background checks. It provides the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research. Qualitative Research is also used to uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into the problem. Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some common methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual interviews, and participation/observations. The sample size is typically small, and respondents are selected to fulfil a given quota.
Quantitative research is used to quantify certain methods by way of generating of numerical data that can be transformed into usable statistics. Quantitative collection methods includes various forms of surveys such as mobile and paper surveys.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Research can be classified from three perspectives: 1. application of research study 2. Objectives in undertaking the research 3. Inquiry mode employed Application: From the point of view of application, there are two broad categories of research: - pure research and - applied research. Pure research involves developing and testing theories and hypotheses that are intellectually challenging to the researcher but May or may not have practical application at the present time or in the future. The knowledge produced through pure research is sought in order to add to the existing body of research methods.
Applied research is done to solve specific, practical questions; for policy formulation, administration and understanding of a phenomenon. It can be exploratory, but is usually descriptive. It is almost always done on the basis of Basic research. Applied research can be carried out by academic or industrial institutions. Often, an academic institution such as a university will have a specific applied research program funded by an industrial partner interested in that program. Objectives: From the viewpoint of objectives, a research can be classified as -descriptive -correlational -explanatory -exploratory .Descriptive research attempts to describe systematically a situation, problem, phenomenon, service or programme, or provides information about , say, living condition of a community, or describes attitudes towards an issue. Correlational research attempts to discover or establish the existence of a relationship/ interdependence between two or more aspects of a situation. Explanatory research attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship between two or more aspects of a situation or phenomenon. Exploratory research is undertaken to explore an area where little is known or to investigate the possibilities of undertaking a particular research study (feasibility study / pilot study). In practice most studies are a combination of the first three categories. Inquiry Mode: From the process adopted to find answer to research questions – the two approaches are: - Structured approach - Unstructured approach Structured approach: The structured approach to inquiry is usually classified as quantitative research. Here everything that forms the research process- objectives, design, sample, and the questions that you plan to ask of respondents- is predetermined.
HISTORICAL APPROACH TO RESEARCH
The process of learning and understanding the background and growth of a chosen field of study or profession can offer insight into organisational culture, current trends and future possibilities. There are steps that should be followed to achieve a reliable result. Recognition of a historical problem. There is need to identify the background. There is need to gather relevant information. It leads to forming hypothesis that tentatively explain relationships between historical factors. The rigorous collection and organisation and analysis of the most pertinent collected evidence. Conclusions are key in the historical background.
The ability and desire to come up with a research topic is critical in any given research assignment. It gives direction and helps to narrow down the tone of the research. When deciding a topic for research there are few things that you must put into consideration. You need to brainstorm for ideas. You also need to choose a topic that you understand and background checks. You also need to formulate thesis statement. When we talk of brainstorming for ideas you are looking at the following areas such as strong opinion on a current social or political controversy. Questions can also be raised, do you have a personal issue, problem or interest that you would like to know more about? Do you have a research paper due for a class this semester?
BRILLIANT METHODOLOGIES
The methods section describes actions to be taken to investigate a research problem and the rationale for the application of specific procedures or techniques used to identify select, process and analyse information applied to understanding the problem, thereby, allowing the reader to critically evaluate a study's overall validity and reliability. TIPS ON HOW TO COME UP WITH A SUCCESSFUL RESEARCH
One needs to select a topic carefully. It's very critical because it guides you how you want to conduct your research. Sources must be also critical. You need to look for proper sources that will help you to build a good hypothesis. On the other note sources also should be reliable and factual. You need to write drafts that will be sketchy and they will guide you before you come up with a final document. It's literally good to use a proper library. Library is key on research. You need to brainstorm the outline. After in-depth you need to proceed to write an outline. Consult advisors and subject librarians for assistance in identifying your research topic/need. Formulate research ‘action plan' or strategy before beginning your literature research. Identify key words and phrases related to your topic; refine throughout the literature research process. Seek current research, but don't forget value of pioneer works. Choose reliable/authoritative sources. Also, review current journals in your field often to learn about the latest research trends. Abstract, introduction, and conclusion: Read first, will help you determine if article is useful to you. Familiarize yourself with the preferred reference style in your field. Consider visiting the Writing Commons for assistance with writing/synthesis. Adopt academically honest practices early and throughout the research/writing process.
RESEARCH PROCESS
A research process is similar to undertaking a journey. There are two key important decisions, and these are what you want to find about and how to go about finding their answers. The following are steps in research process and these are formulating the research problem, extensive literature review, developing the objectives, preparing the research design including the sample design, collecting the data, analysis of data, generalisation and interpretation and finally preparation of the report.
Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo writes in his personal capacity as an academic writer, researcher. He is studying for a PHD in Development studies. He can be contacted at tinamuzala@gmail.com
Source - Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo
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