Research Methods and Design

1. Research Methods and Design The Research Process

2. The Research Process There are 8 stages to the research process. Each stage is important, but some hold more significance than others.

3. Stage 1: Selection of Topic This stage will take up most, if not all of your time in the beginning is that of selecting a topic and developing a preliminary research question and set of objectives. The selection of your research question is a crucial stage An inappropriate topic or question will often lead to irretrievable difficulties later in the research.

4. Stage 1: Selection of Topic Cont. It is unlikely that you will develop a final question and set of objectives at this stage of the research process.

5. Stage 2: Reviewing the Literature This is essentially consists of critically reading, evaluating and organizing existing literature on the topic to assess the state of knowledge in the area. During this stage you should aim to become an “expert” in your field of research. Reading widely may also alert you to other helpful factors, such as previous methodologies adopted by others on a similar topic.

6. Stage 3: Development of Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks While reading literature, you should be continually developing and refining your theoretical and conceptual frameworks. This is a vital part of the research process The conceptual framework defines and organizes the concepts important within the study.

7. Stage 4: Clarification of the Research Question Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the process will initially become a circular process. Continuously investigating the strength of the research question leading to rejected questions for the following examples: - The question lacks sufficient focus - The conceptual framework has identified problems in either defining and/or measuring the appropriate concepts.

8. Stage 4: Clarification of the Research Question Cont. - There are too many moderating or intervening variables. - The project is unfeasible in terms of complexity, access, facilities or resources.

9. Stage 5: Research Design • Once the focused research question has been ascertained, the next stage is to consider two questions: 1. What data do I need to collect to answer this question? 2. What is the best way to collect this data?

10. Stage 5: Research Design Cont. Two questions broken down: What overall research design should I use? Cross-sectional, experimental, or longitudinal. Will I need to collect primary data, or will there be suitable secondary data to use? What methods to use? Interviews, questionnaire surveys, etc.

11. Stage 5: Research Design Cont. Who should participate in the research, and how will I gain access to them? What are the exact procedures that I should adopt in my data collection to ensure reliability and validity?

12. Stage 6: Data Collection Once the issues identified in stages 4 and 5 have been addressed, you should have a clear idea of what data to collect, and how to collect it. You have to consider which methodology to choose, and which methods to utilize within the methodology.

13. Stage 7: Data Analysis and discussion of the findings The data collected is stage 6 needs to be analyzed to provide answers to you research question. Methods of data analysis should always be related to the objectives of the research. In your discussion of the results, reference should also be made back to the literature reviwed.

14. Stage 7: Data Analysis and discussion of the findings Cont. Do they support the literature? If not, what are the possible reasons why? A common fault is not to refer back to the literature reviewed.

15. Stage 8: Drawing Conclisions This should relate back to the focused research question. The answer of the research question should be clearly stated. Evaluate how successful you have been in achieving your research objectives. Highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the research. Recommendations for further research.

16. The 8 Stages of Research

17. Assignment 3 After reviewing the power point and class discussion, re-asses your research question. Make any corrections needed. Write a reflection paper (1 Page) discussing what changes you made and how it has affected your research question.