This is lesson 2 of the course on Research Methodology conducted at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

1. Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
P.B. Dharmasena
0777-613234, 0717-613234
dharmasenapb@ymail.com, dharmasenapb@gmail.com
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
P.B. Dharmasena
0777-613234, 0717-613234
dharmasenapb@ymail.com, dharmasenapb@gmail.com
https://independent.academia.edu/PunchiBandageDharmasena
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Punchi_Bandage_Dharmasena/contributions
http://www.slideshare.net/DharmasenaPb
LESSON
TWO
EMGT 3172 (1:15)
B.A. (Special) Degree Program
Monday 10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Hall: EML

2. Research Process
1. Formulating a research problem
2. Conceptualizing a research
design
3. Constructing an instrument for
data collection
4. Selecting a sample
5. Writing a research proposal
6. Collecting data
7. Processing data
8. Writing a research report
WHAT?
HOW?
ACTUALLY
DOING
Lesson-2
Planning
Conducting
Decision
At the end of last lesson

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Learning objectives
1. Examine the importance of a research
programme
2. Describe different types of research
topics.
3. Understand the rationale in selecting a
research topic
4. List the criteria for selecting a research
topic.
5. Identify and select your own topic for
research based on certain guidelines.
Lesson-2
LESSON
TWO
SELECTION OF RESEARCH TOPIC

4. Problem Identification
• Why research is required?
– Difference or discrepancy between what it is and
what it should be;
– Reason for this difference is unclear (research
question);
– There can be more than one possible and
plausible (apparent) answer to the question (or
solution to the problem).
Lesson-2

5. Types of Research Topic
• Unanswered
question
• Unsolved
question
• Concern
• Query
• Statement of
inquiry
Lesson-2
• Personal interest
• Social problem
• Testing theory
• Prior research
• Program evaluation
• Human service
practice
• Minorities in
research

6. Criteria for Selecting a Topic
• Relevance:
– The topic you choose should be a priority problem: Questions to be
asked include:
• How large or widespread is the problem?
• Who is affected?
• How severe is the problem?
• Avoidance of duplication: Investigate whether the topic has been
already researched
• Feasibility: Consider the complexity of the problem and the resources
you will require to carry out the study.
• Political acceptability: It is advisable to research a topic that has the
interest and support of the authorities.
• Applicability of possible results and recommendations
• Urgency of data needed
• Ethical acceptability – religious issues, racial conflicts, cast problems
Lesson-2

7. Scales for Rating Research Topics
Lesson-2
Factor Rating
1 2 3
Relevance Not relevant Relevant Very relevant
Avoidance of
duplication
Sufficient information
already available
Some information
available but major
issues not covered
No sound information
available on which to
base problem-solving
Feasibility Study not feasible
considering available
resources
Study feasible
considering available
resources
Study very feasible
considering available
resources
Political acceptability Topic not acceptable Topic somewhat
acceptable
Topic fully acceptable
Applicability No chance of
recommendations
being implemented
Some chance of
recommendations
being implemented
Good chance of
recommendations
being implemented
Urgency of data needed Information not
urgently needed
Information could be
used but a delay of
some months would be
acceptable
Data very urgently
needed for decision-
making
Ethical acceptability Major ethical problems Minor ethical problems No ethical problems

8. Rating Sheet
Lesson-2
Criteria for selecting
a research topic
Proposed Topic
Social Problem 1 Social Problem 2 Social Problem 3
Relevance
Avoidance of
duplication
Feasibility
Political
acceptability
Applicability
Urgency of data
needed
Ethical acceptability
Total

9. Limitations in Deciding a Research Project
• Time constraint
• Financial considerations
• Anticipating and avoiding
problems
• Equipment limitations
• Views of Supervisor
• Cost Vs. Benefit
• Lack of understanding of the
problem perspective
• Lack of knowledge on related
theories
• Social environment
Lesson-2