Conducting a Research Project

Chapter 18

Identifying Research Questions

Research questions:
guide

the literature search limit the scope of the exercise guide decisions about what data must be collected guide the analysis of data guide the writing up of data reduce chances of going off in unnecessary directions and tangents

Research Question Characteristics

Should be clear and researchable. Should have some connection(s) with established theory and research. Research questions should be linked to each other. Project should have the prospect of being able to make an original contribution to the topic.

Managing Time and Resources

Work out a timetable detailing the different stages of the research Find out what, if any, resources are available for carrying out your research

Searching the Existing Literature

Through online bibliographical databases Journal articles and their bibliographies Library catalogue

Existing Literature

Literature should be explored to identify the following:

What

is already known about this area? What concepts and theories are relevant? What research methods and strategies have been employed in studying this area? Are there any significant controversies?

 Are

there any inconsistencies in findings relating to this area? Are there any unanswered research questions?

Why review the existing literature?

to

know what is already known about the area of interest

Existing Literature

To keep in mind when reading the existing literature

take

good notes, including details of the full citation of material develop critical reading skills

Preparing for Research

Do not begin your data collection until you have identified your research questions fairly clearly. Develop data collection instruments keeping your research questions in mind. Think about access and sampling issues.

If your research requires access to a closed setting, confirm the necessary permissions as soon as possible. Consider, if necessary, how you gain access to people. Consider whether there are possible ethical problems associated with your research methods.

Sampling considerations
Whom

do you need to study to investigate the research questions? How easy is access to sampling frame? What kind of sampling frame is feasible? Can this choice of sampling method be defended?

Doing Research and Analyzing Results

Keep good records. Become familiar with any hardware to be used in collecting your data. Do not wait until all your data has been collected to begin coding. Remember that transcribing takes time!

Become familiar with any data analysis packages Do not take any risks with personal safety

Writing Up Research
Start early Be persuasive Get feedback Avoid sexist, racist, and other prejudicial language

Structure Your Writing

Title Page Acknowledgements List of contents Abstract Introduction Literature review

Research methods Results Discussion Conclusion Appendices References