lawson
Chapter 16 – Practical Issues
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Topics covered in the chapter
The different types of research that you may undertake as a student.
Some of the initial considerations that you should make about your research proposal.
Some of the issues that you may need to consider when trying to gain collaboration.
The role of your tutor or supervisor in your research proposal, if required.
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Research and transferable skills (slide 1 of 2)
The skills you can develop from undertaking research include:
To demonstrate familiarity with core knowledge.
To evaluate core knowledge, its strengths, weaknesses and omissions.
To create a suitable methodology to achieve a series of research objectives.
To describe, analyze and interpret data using appropriate techniques.
To draw appropriate conclusions from evidence.
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Research and transferable skills (slide 2 of 2)
To produce a complex piece of work which demonstrates a grasp of vocabulary of the subject and deploys a range of skills of written expression.
To decide on and implement action plans.
To manage time effectively to achieve goals.
To use appropriate IT resources independently.
To deliver a paper or presentation which succeeds in communicating a series of points effectively.
To produce creative and realistic solutions to complex problems.
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Initial considerations (slide 1 of 3)
Your research topic:
Is it focused enough? Avoid making it too broad.
Is it realistic? Will you get the co-operation you need?
Is it related to your program of study?
The background:
Is there a well-defined theoretical background?
What theories or models are you going to use?
Have you defined your concepts?
How will you measure these concepts?
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Initial considerations (slide 2 of 3)
Research Design:
What design will you use?
What type of data will you collect?
What methods do you anticipate using?
Can you justify your methodology?
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Initial considerations (slide 3 of 3)
Sampling:
Who will be your sample?
What is your desired sample size?
How will you choose them?
Have you got confirmed access to your sample?
General:
Have you got the collaboration/access you need?
Do you have the appropriate skills to do the research?
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What characterizes a good piece of research?
Your understanding of existing knowledge, the use of existing ideas, and the development of your own research question or hypothesis statement from relevant literature, based upon logical argument and rational thought.
The use of an appropriate methodology to collect valid and reliable data with which to answer that question or statement.
The critical analysis and interpretation of your data.
The development of sound conclusions.
The associated transferable skills.
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Gaining collaboration and access
Be realistic.
Gain support as soon as possible.
Provide detail:
What is the rationale behind the research?
What is the expertise of the researcher?
What are the benefits for the organization?
What is the anticipated methodology?
What is the timescale of the research?
Will the organization view the report before it is submitted?
Will a copy be available to them afterwards?
How will confidentiality be ensured?
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The role of your tutor, if required
Not to write the project for you…
To guide and advise on issues, such as:
Recommendation of suitable references.
Developing aims and objectives.
Advice on research instruments, e.g. questionnaire/interview schedule.
Advice on planning/scheduling your work.
Debate about theoretical issues.
Making personal contacts.
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Common faults in student research
Poor time management.
The research question or hypothesis statement is too broad.
The research is too descriptive.
Not acknowledging the whole of the research process.
Drawing conclusions not based upon evidence.
Use of limited sources.
Lack of objectivity.
Poor presentation.
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Summary
There are a number of key issues that you must consider.
One key issue is that of gaining collaboration.
You need to be realistic in terms of your chosen partners.
Use your tutor or supervisor appropriately. They are not there to do the research for you – but they can ensure that you are on the right track and give useful advice.
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