Research can be seen as a series of linked activities moving from a beginning to an end. Research usually begins with the identification of a problem followed by formulation of research questions or objectives. Proceeding from this the researcher determines how best to answer these questions and so decides what information to collect, how it will be collected, and how it will be analysed in order to answer the research question. Show
1.2.1 Research process - linear representation [D] Described in this way the research process is given the impression of linearity, yet research investigation is often an iterative process whereby the process of conducting the research will give rise to new ideas which, in turn, feed back into the data collection and analysis stage. Decisions made early in the research process are often revisited in the light of new insights or practical problems encountered along the way. 1.2.2 Cyclical or iterative research process Source: unit author [D]
Source: unit author Regardless of the route taken subsequently, research should start with the problem and the research questions. If the intention of research is to answer your questions, it follows that choice of method should develop from your question: choose the method that can best provide the information you need to answer your research question given the resources available to you. This is one reason why it is very important to be clear as to what you are asking. As you can see there are numerous choices to be made within the research process. Planning your research involves the consideration of four overlapping themes.
These aspects of research planning can be represented as forming different layers of a research 'onion'. 1.2.3 The 'onion' diagram of research choices Source: unit author Each layer of the onion presents a different set of choices regarding research philosophy, research approach, method and so on. All research involves choices at all these levels, though these choices are not always made explicit. Choices further into the centre of the onion are often, but not always, contingent on those made further out. Compare the two different representations of research presented above (the 'research onion' and the animated diagrams of the research process). Note down the particular insights given by each diagram.Other considerationsChoices in research planning must also take into account the following:
Clarifying terminologyYou will notice when reading about research that different authors use an assortment of terminology to describe the stages of the research process. This can make reading around the subject somewhat confusing and unclear. You will commonly encounter the following terms, some of which may seem somewhat interchangeable.
The various ways in which approaches and designs are classified by authors are not always distinct, but overlap and can be used in different combinations. Consistent use of terminology is also complicated by overlap between some concepts or components of the research process (for example, according to our definitions below 'experiment' is both a research design and a research strategy). This reflects both the differing use of the same terminology and the fact that designs may be combined. This module will apply terminology according to the following definitions. 1.2.4 Research process terminology, module definitions Plan
Research approach
Research design
Research strategy
Data collection techniques
Source: unit author Which characteristic of research states that a research starts with a problem and ends with a problem?Cyclical – research starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
What are the characteristics of problem statement in research?What are the key characteristics of a statement of the problem?. It should address a gap in knowledge.. It should be significant enough to contribute to the existing body of research.. It should lead to further research.. The problem should render itself to investigation through collection of data.. What is the meaning of research starts with a problem and ends with a problem?Research starts with a problem and ends with a new problem
While we are doing this we may find the answer to the our original question but end up with more questions about the in-depth questions about the same topic or some other related topic.
Which characteristic of research is being referred to by the statement that research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher?Empirical research is research that is based on observation and measurement of phenomena, as directly experienced by the researcher.
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