Background

1. Research:
The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts
and reach new conclusions.
a. What does systematic investigation means:
i.
Definitions
Scientific investigation is a quest to find the answer to a question using the scientific method.
In turn, the scientific method is a systematic process that involves using measurable
observations to formulate, test or modify a hypothesis. Finally, a hypothesis is a proposed
explanation for some observed phenomenon, based on experience or research.
ii.

Steps for Scientific Investigation

Scientific investigation generally include the following:

Difference between research proposal, research paper & research report?

i.

Research proposal:
A research proposal is intended to convince others that you have a worthwhile

research project and that you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it. Generally, a
research proposal should contain all the key elements involved in the research process and
include sufficient information for the readers to evaluate the proposed study.
A research proposal is a document written by a researcher that provides a detailed
description of the proposed program. It is like an outline of the entire research
process that gives a reader a summary of the information discussed in a project.
ii.

Research paper:
Research paper may refer to: Academic paper (also called scholarly paper), which is
published in academic journals and contains original research results or reviews
existing results or show a totally new invention. A research paper analyzes a
perspective or argues a point.
To analyze means to break a topic or concept down into its parts in order to
inspect and understand it, and to restructure those parts in a way that makes
sense to you. In an analytical research paper, you do research to become an
expert on a topic so that you can restructure and present the parts of the topic
from your own perspective
An argumentative research paper needs to support your stand on an issue. An
argumentative research paper is analytical, but it uses information as evidence
to support its point, much as a lawyer uses evidence to make their Case.

A research proposal involves the following four steps:

Selecting a research problem,

reviewing the literature,
Designing a study
Writing the proposal.

Selecting the problem: choose a topic that you are genuinely interested in. Read articles
from the psychological journals to become familiar with the research topic and to find out
how studies in that area are carried out. Take notes as you read the journal articles,
because you will need to refer to the journal articles when you are designing your own
study and writing your proposal. The research proposal is written in APA style, however, it
differs in two important ways from the research report. It is written in the future tense and
it does not include the results and discussion sections. The proposal should include these
sections: Title Abstract Introduction Method Expected Results References (Must have at
least 10 articles)

Problems with writing a research proposal often stem from a failure of

planning enough time for each of the four steps outlined above. It takes time to select a
problem and to conduct a literature review. Sometimes journal articles are not available in
the UNCC library and must be obtained through interlibrary loan. This procedure can take
several weeks. Writing an independent research proposal is a semester long project.

iii.

Research report:
A research report is one type that is often used in the sciences, engineering and
psychology. Here your aim is to write clearly and concisely about your research topic
so that the reader can easily understand the purpose and results of your research. The
most commonly used style for writing research reports is called "APA" and the rules
are described in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

What are the features of Good research study?

Objectivity: it must answer the research questions

Control: must control all variables. From selection to experimental treatment.
Generalisabilty: should get same result by using identical methodology
Free from personal biases: must be objectiove not subjective
Systematic
Reproductive