details of research project

2. A research project is a scientific investigation, usually using
scientific methods, to achieve defined objectives.
Some research projects aim at testing and refining existing
knowledge, others at creating new knowledge

3. A research topic is a subject or issue that a researcher is interested in
when conducting research. Choosing a research topic is an ongoing
process by which researchers explore, define and refine their ideas.
 The topic must be narrow and focused enough to be interesting, yet
broad enough to find adequate information.
 Choose the topic that is manageable
 Use Brainstorming technique to generate ideas about the topic
 Find the topic where there is unresolved controversy, a gap in
knowledge or an unrequited need
 Read a wide range of materials like journals, industry publications,
articles etc. to find a topic.
 Being aware of current issues in the chosen topic helps to formulate
the research problem easily

4. A Research Proposal is simply a structured, formal document that
explains what is being researched (i.e. the research topic), why it is being
researched (i.e. the purpose), and how it is being investigated (i.e. the
research approach)
The purpose of the research proposal is to convince the researcher’s
supervisor, committee or university that the research is suitable (for the
purpose intended) and manageable

5. A Research Problem is the starting point for any research. It should
have the following characteristics:
 It should be stated clearly and concisely
 It should be significant, but not trivial or copy of previous work
 It should be delineated in order to limit its scope to practical
investigation
 It should enable to obtain the information required to explore the
problem
 It must be possible to draw conclusions related to the problem
 A research problem is typically a question; it also can have sub-
questions

6. Objectives of the study should reflect the problem statement and hence
should be drawn from it.
Research Objectives describe what a researcher is trying to achieve and
explain why the pursuance of that research is needed. They summarize
the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus on research.
Objectives should:
• Establish the scope and depth of the project
• Contribute to the research design
• Indicate how the project will contribute to existing knowledge

7.  A Hypothesis states the predictions about what the research will
find. It is a tentative answer to the research question that has not
yet been tested.
 A hypothesis should be based on existing theories and knowledge. It
also has to be testable, which means the researcher can either
accept or reject it through scientific research methods (such as
experiments, observations and statistical analysis of data).
 A hypothesis forms the basis for collection of data and thereby
further analysis.

8. Research methodology explains how a researcher intends to carry out
the research. It's a logical, systematic plan to resolve a research
problem.
It addresses the issues like type of research to be conducted
(Quantitative, Qualitative or Mixed), type of sampling method
(Random or Non-random) to be used, data collection methods
(Interviews, surveys, observations etc.), data analysis method to be
employed (simple percentages, tests of significance etc.)

9.  Time frame refers to the time needed to complete each
part of the project
 It is very important that the time estimates are realistic;
because the allocation of resources need to be coordinated.
 All aspects of project must be included in the time frame.
 The longer a project takes, the expensive it becomes;
however a hastened project may not yield reliable results.