Cedric D. Murry

APT Instructor of

Applied Technology in research and development.

DO’S AND DON’T PRESENTATION PRESENTED

BY:

The Selection of a Research Design

Review of the Literature

The Use of Theory

Writing Strategies and Ethical Consideration

The Introduction in the Designing of the Research

The Purpose Statement

Research Questions and Hypotheses

Quantitative Procedures

Qualitative Procedures

Mixed Methods Procedures

OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION

THE SELECTION OF A RESEARCH DESIGN

Theory and research are equally important to the process of accumulating knowledge through the scientific method (Bringle, 2003; Bringle & Hatcher, 2000). The process can begin at different points on the diagram (Figure 1). It may start with a preliminary theory that, through the deductive process,

generates testable hypotheses that are evaluated through research, the results of which produce decisions about the theory (e.g., supported,

refuted, need to revise). Alternatively, specific observations may be used to generalize principles that are conceptually developed into a theory that then guides subsequent research that evaluates research questions and

deduced hypotheses.

Do: Make sure you do specific observations which may be used to generalize principles that are conceptually developed into theory.

Don’t: Don’t make assumptions on one point, this theory begin at differents points.

THE USE OF THEORY

WRITING STRATEGIES AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

A literature review may be purely descriptive, as in an annotated bibliography, or it may provide a critical assessment of the literature in

a particular field, stating where the weaknesses and gaps are, contrasting the views of particular authors, or raising questions. Such a

review will not just be a summary but will also evaluate and show relationships between different material, so that key themes emerge.

Even a descriptive review however should not just list and paraphrase, but should add comment and bring out themes and trends.

Do:•Do backup your work. You need to have at least 2 copies of your work so it won't disappear when(not if) you have a malfunction

Don’t: •Don't put your name in the upper right header or use running titles.

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Design research can be done during any phase of the design process. It requires a specific way of thinking to reason from your design question to

conclusions relevant for your design process. Many different research approaches can be

applied during a design process. However, the global manner of setting up a study is usually very

similar.

THE INTRODUCTION IN THE DESIGNING OF THE RESEARCH

The purpose statement builds on the knowledge gap in the problem statement. Describe what new knowledge the study will produce. This is not the specific content or answer but

rather the type of knowledge that will be produced. The should directly address the knowledge gap in the problem statement. Then describe what will someone be able to do

better once they have the findings from this study? The generic purpose of a research study is to produce new

credible empirical knowledge and insights.

Do: clarify the type of knowledge to be generated by the study.

Don’t: Make assumptions

THE PURPOSE STATEMENT

An important first step toward providing a sound conceptual foundation for your research project is the

development of solid research questions and hypotheses. This process typically begins with a preliminary review of the existing literature for your topic. A research question poses a relationship between two or more variables but

phrases the relationship in terms of some question.

Do: A well researched and thought out question will help focus your ideas and ensure you are collecting the

appropriate data.

Don’t: Never skip the first step.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES

In quantitative research, your goal is to determine the relationship between one thing (an independent variable) and another (a dependent or outcome variable) in a population. Quantitative

research designs are either descriptive (subjects usually measured once) or experimental (subjects measured before and after a treatment). A descriptive study establishes only associations

between variables. An experiment establishes causality. Quantitative research deals in numbers, logic and the objective,

focusing on logic, numbers, and unchanging static data and detailed, convergent reasoning rather than divergent reasoning.

Do: The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability.

Don’t: Wait to run a experiment.

QUANTITATIVE PROCEDURES

Qualitative research is a broad field of inquiry that uses unstructured data collection methods, such as observations or documents to find themes and

meanings to inform our understanding of the world. Qualitative research tends to try to uncover

the reasons for behaviors, attitudes and motivations, instead of just the details of what,

where and when. Qualitative research can be done across many disciplines, such as social science,

healthcare and business. To do qualitative research, there are some steps you can follow.

QUALITATIVE PROCEDURES

Mixed methods researchers use and often make explicit diverse philosophical positions. These positions often are referred to as dialectal stances that bridge post positivist

and social constructivist worldviews, pragmatic perspectives, and transformative perspectives (Greene,

2007). For example, researchers who hold different philosophical positions may find mixed methods research to

be challenging because of the tensions created by their different beliefs (Greene, 2007). However, mixed methods

research also represents an opportunity to transform these tensions into new knowledge through a dialectical

discovery.

MIXED METHODS PROCEDURES

http://www.bartneck.de/2009/04/22/introduction-design-research/#sthash.6pXFJF3E.dpuf

Research Methodology, A step-by-step guide for beginners, by Ranjit Kumar, published by Sage Publications Ltd. (ISBN 0 7619

6213 1).

Moustakas, C., 1994. Phenomenological research methods. Sage publications.

RESOURCES/REFERENCE