This document outlines the key points from a seminar on research methods and data analysis. It defines research as exploring solutions to problems by studying situational factors. Research is conducted for various reasons such as to explore unknown areas, understand complex variables and relationships, and solve problems. The document differentiates between basic research, which develops new knowledge through exploration, and applied research, which applies existing knowledge to solve practical problems. It also contrasts quantitative research, which uses numerical data and statistical analysis, and qualitative research, which explores non-numerical data through methods like interviews. The document lists the standard elements of a scientific research report and discusses the type of research expected from students.

1. SEMINAR 1
BY
DR AZMA ASNAWI SHAH B. HJ. ABD.
HAKIM
Research Method
&
Analysis Data

2. Objectives:
 Understand what is research
 Understand why we do research
 Differentiate between basic and applied research
 Understand quantitative and qualitative research

3. What is research?
 Everyone is researching everyday.
- Personal observations, mental models, theories, bias,
prejudices and beliefs.
 To better understand the world around us in the hope that we
can improve the human condition;
 Individual capacities
 Group capacities
 National capacities
“A process of finding solution to a problem after a studying and
analysis of the situational factors” (Sekaran & Bougie, 2013).

4. Why Do Research?
1. Explore things we don’t know
 risky to think we know all
 testing what we know
2. To understand the variables/dynamics
 social world is complex
 figuring out what the elements are
 to prevent biases, popular beliefs
3. To examine the relationships between them
 think are not what they seem
 interactions are dynamic and complex
 to solve everyday problems, seek better methods, predict and
avoid problems

5. Basic research vs. Applied research
Basic research:
 discovery, exploration, understanding, explanation.
 Developing new knowledge.
E.g. Understanding the concept and meaning of “melepak”
Applied research:
 prediction, forecasting, productivity improvement, outcome
enhancement.
 It takes existing knowledge to solve problems
E.g. Evaluating the impact of cozy and private parks on
“melepak” phenomenon in Selangor.

6. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Quantitative:
 Assumes objective social reality
 Social reality is relatively constant across time and space
 Sees causal relationships among social phenomena from a
mechanistic perspective
 Use numerical data and accuracy; data collected through survey;
using methods such as questionnaire and analyzed using
statistical tests. (Kumar et. al,2013, p.19)

7. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Qualitative:
 Social reality is constructed by its participants
 Human intentions play major role in explaining causal
relationships among social phenomena
 Use non-numerical data; to explore and understand people’s
beliefs, experiences, attitudes, behavior and interactions
 through methods such as in-depth interviews or focus group
discussions . (Kumar et. al,2013, p.19)

8. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Quantitative Qualitative
Studies human behavior in natural or
contrived settings.
Studies human actions in natural
settings.
Analyzes social reality into variables. Makes holistic observations of the total
context within which social action
occurs
Uses preconceived concepts and
theories to determine what data will
be collected
Discovers concepts and theories after
data have been collected.

9. What is Scientific (systematic) Research?
 Purposive : specific objective
 Testability : can be verified
 Rigour : great care in examination
 Replicability : others can repeat it
 Precision & confidence : definitional clarity
 Objectivity : researcher’s biases are reduced or
removed
 Generalisability : can be applied to similar cases
 Parsimony : identification of the major causes or
consequences

10. What kind of research is required from students?
 Original – preferred but not required
 Empirical / experimental – primary data collection, fieldwork
 To some extent analytical – relationship between variables with
possible cause –effect
 Scientific – testable, verifiable
 Demonstrates the one’s understanding of research elements and
processes
 Possible within 2 semester: 1 semester for planning and another
for fieldwork and writing up (20 weeks)
# More details in Dissertation Guide V 1.0

11. Standard Elements of a Research Report
1. Title of the research proposal
2. Statement of the problem / Problem Statement
3. Research questions and objectives
4. Scope of the study
5. Significance of the study
6. Literature review

12. Standard Elements of a Research Report
7. Research methodology
 research design
 population, sample, sample size and
 sampling
 unit of analyses
 measurement
 data collection
 data analysis
8. Findings
9. Discussion & conclusions
10. References (MLA / APA)
11. Appendices