selection of research topic
TRANSCRIPT
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Learning objectives1. Examine the importance of a research
programme2. Describe different types of research topics.3. Understand the rationale in selecting a
research topic4. List the criteria for selecting a research topic.5. Identify and select your own topic for
research based on certain guidelines.
Lesson-2
LESSON TWO
SELECTION OF RESEARCH TOPIC
Problem Identification
• Why research is required?– Difference or discrepancy between what it is and
what it should be;– Reason for this difference is unclear (research
question);– There can be more than one possible and
plausible answer to the question (or solution to the problem).
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Types of Research Topic
• Unanswered question
• Unsolved question• Concern• Query• Statement of
inquiry
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• Personal interest• Social problem• Testing theory• Prior research• Program evaluation• Human service
practice• Minorities in
research
Criteria for Selecting a Topic• Relevance:
– The topic you choose should be a priority problem: Questions to be asked include:• How large or widespread is the problem?• Who is affected?• How severe is the problem?
• Avoidance of duplication: Investigate whether the topic has been already researched
• Feasibility: Consider the complexity of the problem and the resources you will require to carry out the study.
• Political acceptability: It is advisable to research a topic that has the interest and support of the authorities.
• Applicability of possible results and recommendations• Urgency of data needed• Ethical acceptability – religious issues, racial conflicts,
cast problems Lesson-2
Scales for Rating Research Topics
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Factor Rating1 2 3
Relevance Not relevant Relevant Very relevant
Avoidance of duplication
Sufficient information already available
Some information available but major issues not covered
No sound information available on which to base problem-solving
Feasibility Study not feasible considering available resources
Study feasible considering available resources
Study very feasible considering available resources
Political acceptability Topic not acceptable Topic somewhat acceptable
Topic fully acceptable
Applicability No chance of recommendations being implemented
Some chance of recommendations being implemented
Good chance of recommendations being implemented
Urgency of data needed Information not urgently needed
Information could be used but a delay of some months would be acceptable
Data very urgently needed for decision-making
Ethical acceptability Major ethical problems Minor ethical problems No ethical problems
Rating Sheet
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Criteria for selecting a research topic
Proposed Topic
Social Problem 1 Social Problem 2 Social Problem 3
RelevanceAvoidance of duplicationFeasibility
Political acceptabilityApplicability
Urgency of data neededEthical acceptability
Total
Limitations in Deciding a Research Project
• Time constraint• Financial considerations• Anticipating and avoiding
problems• Equipment limitations• Views of Supervisor• Cost Vs. Benefit• Lack of understanding of the
problem perspective• Lack of knowledge on related
theories• Social environment
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