9.1 - Research methodology: Research Process

Question 1

Planning for research

Formulating a research proposal

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Planning for research

Managing resources

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Conducting research

Answer 3

• Accessing sources of data
• Collecting and recording
• Documenting actions and issues

Question 4

Conducting research

Accessing sources of data

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Conducting research

Collecting and recording

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Conducting research

Documenting actions and issues.

Answer 6

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)

Question 7

Interpreting research

Answer 7

• Presenting research findings
• Analyzing research results
• Drawing conclusions from research

Question 8

Interpreting research

Presenting research findings

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Interpreting research

Analysing research results

Answer 9

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)

Question 10

Interpreting research

Drawing conclusions from research

Answer 10

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…