9.1 - Research methodology: Research Process Flashcards
Planning for research
Formulating a research proposal
IRP relevance: Project plan
What it should include:
- Plan
- A question/ hypothesis
- Overview of the selected research methodologies
- Time frame
- Summarizing the intended area of research and then outlining the complete process.
Planning for research
Managing resources
IRP relevance: Project plan
Evaluate what resources you have and develop a plan for managing and monitoring them.
Resources can include things such as time, money and materials.
A good way to manage resources:
- Keep a diary or log of the resources and what you’re doing each day.
Conducting research
- Accessing sources of data
- Collecting and recording
- Documenting actions and issues
Conducting research
Accessing sources of data
IRP relevance: Literature review + Primary methodology
- Knowing how to access data and where to source it is the best way how to conduct research to support your question/hypothesis.
- It is very important to access data that’s recent and allocating to the specific group the researcher is studying.
Conducting research
Collecting and recording
IRP relevance: Literature review + Primary research
Collecting:
- The process of undertaking primary and secondary research in order to collect information.
- Using primary research methodologies e.g. interviews and questionnaires
- Using secondary research methodologies e.g. case studies, literature reviews, observations.
- Results from research should be unbiased.
Recording:
- Record data effectively therefore, it is easy to revisit it and use it in your analysis.
- You will find your recording much easier if you are organized e.g. project dairy.
Conducting research
Documenting actions and issues.
IRP relevance: Project diary
If something unforeseeable goes wrong, presents as ‘proof ’ of everything that has occurred.
By documenting the issues that arise, you will also find you can more effectively undertake research in the future (learn from any mistakes)
Interpreting research
- Presenting research findings
- Analyzing research results
- Drawing conclusions from research
Interpreting research
Presenting research findings
IRP relevance: Results
- You can present the information graphically in the form of tables, graphs, diagrams and charts and can also present it textually in the form of a report.
- Quantitative and qualitative information
Interpreting research
Analysing research results
IRP relevance: Analysis
- Breaking down your findings so you can gain a better
understanding of the bigger picture. - Comparing the quantitative and qualitative in primary and secondary data.
- In the analysis you are to find themes / reoccurring issues:
- Similarities
- Differences
- Issues
- You are to also draw conclusions (implications)
Interpreting research
Drawing conclusions from research
IRP relevance: Conclusion / recommendations
Addressing the; Overall answer to your topic question:
- Hypothesis – was it right or wrong?
- Recommendations, who do you want to read your project, what do you want to educate them about
- Limitations (barriers) to the project E.g. time restrictions, sample size was too small…