2. What is Research
the systematic investigation into and study of
materials and sources in order to establish facts
and reality to reach new conclusions
What is Reality
Scientific Reality
Social Reality
Virtual Reality
Spiritual Reality
4. Steps of Research Process
Selection of area
Selection of topic
Crude research question
no answer
Refined research question
Research hypothesis, goals and objectives
Study design
Population & sampling
Variables confounding bias
Research tools
Pilot study
Work plan
Collection of data
Data management
Interpretation
Reporting
no need for study
answers found
Literature review
Ethical issues
7. Characteristics of good topics?
Interesting – keeps the researcher interested in it throughout the
research process
Researchable – can be investigated through the collection and
analysis of data
Significant – contributes to the improvement and understanding
of educational theory and practice
Manageable – fits the level of researcher’s level of research
skills, needed resources, and time restrictions
Ethical – does not embarrass or harm participants
8. Formal (nominal), defining with words
Example (epistemic), defining by example
Procedural (operational), defining a method to
recognize examples
Ways of Defining Research Problem
Steps Identifying Problem Considerations
Identify Interest
Dissect Magnitude
Select Expertise
Raise Question Relevance
Double check Availability of Data
Formulate Objectives Ethical Issues