RESEARCH

by Jordan L. Valente
PA 299

DEFINITION
RESEARCH can be defined as the search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, with an open mind, to establish novel facts, usually using a scientific method.

Research
aims to discovering, interpreting, and the development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge on a wide variety of scientific matters of our world and the universe.

Research
is a hunt for the truth; getting to know a subject by reading up on it, reflecting, playing with the ideas, choosing the areas that interest you and following up on them.

Basic Research
(fundamental or pure research)
has as its primary objective the advancement of knowledge and the theoretical understanding of the relations among variables. exploratory and often driven by the researcher s curiosity, interest, and intuition; conducted without any practical end in mind, although it may have unexpected results pointing to practical applications. provides the foundation for further, sometimes applied research. Research is a subset of invention.

Basic Research
Pure basic research is experimental and theoretical work undertaken to acquire new knowledge without looking for long-term benefits other than the advancement of knowledge. Strategic basic research is experimental and theoretical work undertaken to acquire new knowledge directed into specified broad areas in the expectation of useful discoveries; provides the broad base of knowledge necessary for the solution of recognized practical problems

Scientific Research
application of the scientific method, a harnessing of curiosity. provides scientific information and theories for the explanation of the nature and the properties of the world around us; makes practical applications possible.

Applied Research
original work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge with a specific application in view. undertaken either to determine possible uses for the findings of basic research or to determine new ways of achieving some specific and predetermined objectives.

Experimental Development
systematic work, using existing knowledge gained from research or practical experience, that is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, or to improving substantially those already produced or installed.

Historical Research
the techniques and guidelines by which historians use primary sources and other evidence to research and then to write history. The question of the nature, and indeed the possibility, of sound historical method is raised in the philosophy of history, as a question of epistemology.

Research is NOT
just information gathering. A student reading information about the Millennium Development Goals is not doing research. rearranging facts. A student writing a report on behavior of prisoners on death row is not research. a sales pitch. A new improved toothpaste developed after years of research is rarely if ever real research.

Characteristics of a Good Research

The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts be used. The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit another researcher to repeat the research for further advancement, keeping the continuity of what has already been attained. The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results that are as objectives as possible.

Characteristics of a Good Research

The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design and estimate their effects upon the findings. The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and the methods of analysis used should be appropriate. The validity and reliability of the data should be checked carefully.

Characteristics of a Good Research

Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and limited to those for which the data provide an adequate basis. Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced, has a good reputation in research and is a person of integrity.

Characteristics of a Good Research

1. GOOD RESEARCH IS SYSTEMATIC - It is structured with specified steps to be taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the well defined set of rules. 2. GOOD RESEARCH IS LOGICAL - It is guided by the rules of logical reasoning and the logical process of induction and deduction are of great value in carrying out research.

Characteristics of a Good Research

3. GOOD RESEARCH IS EMPIRICAL - The research is related basically to one or more aspects of a real situation and deals with concrete data that provides a basis for external validity to research results. 4. GOOD RESEARCH IS REPLICABLE - This characteristic allows research to be verified by replicating the study and thereby building a sound basis for decisions.

Literature Review Research Problem

a GOOD research paper is composed of

Objective of the study Hypotheses Theoretical Framework Variables Design Sample Data Collection Analysis and Interpretation Findings and Suggestion Conclusion Limitation Bibliography

Literature Review
The Literature review states the relevance of the research carried out and it is a source of proving that the research being carried out is highly relevant and there are examples of previous research conducted in the same discipline. The researcher must review a sufficient amount of literature. The presented literature must not differ from the researcher's position. The literature review must critically appraise the previous works stating the strengths and weakness.

Literature Review
The literature review must critically appraise the previous works stating the strengths and weakness. It is often suggested that the literature review must be taken from published resources and it must be current.

Literature Review
The literature review must critically appraise the previous works stating the strengths and weakness. It is often suggested that the literature review must be taken from published resources and it must be current.

Research Problem
This is the starting point of a research. The problem must be stated clearly and the research must be carried out focusing on this problem and arrive at a solution for the problem. If the research problem is not clear, the entire research paper will be out of focus. The researcher must provide a good argument for significance. The problem statement must be indicated.

Objective of the study

After the problem is identified clearly, then the objectives of the study must be framed. The objective must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reliable, Time bound. It must pertain to the study made and must be oriented towards solving the problem stated.

Hypotheses
The objectives then have to be stated as hypotheses. The researcher must provide sufficient information to determine what the hypotheses were and whether it is specific, testable etc.

Theoretical Framework
It is very much essential to specify a theoretical framework. The framework must fit the problem. All relevant variables must be included. The concepts must be defined clearly from a theoretical standpoint. The framework will be very much helpful in arriving at the relationship among the variables.

Variables
The variables must be identified and must be appropriate to the problem. The variables identified must be measurable and interrelated.

Design
The research design must be specified correctly depending upon the nature of the research. The design must be appropriate to answer the research question. The research design must decide on the nature of the study, data collection technique, Qualitative and quantitative techniques, sample design, measurement, scales, questionnaire etc.

Sample
The sample size must be arrived using the various appropriate sampling techniques considering the total population. Various criteria must be considered while arriving at an appropriate sample.

Data Collection
The nature of the research will decide the method of data collection. Secondary data can be obtained from published sources. Primary data must be collected using various instruments. The instruments or other means for data collection must be described sufficiently. The data collection methods must be appropriate to the research and must be clearly described.

Analysis and Interpretation

The data collected must be analyzed. There are various analysis techniques and software packages available. The raw data collected will be converted into information in this section. The collected data is analyzed and interpretations are made.

Findings and Suggestion

Depending upon the variables and analysis, findings are made. Based on the findings made, suggestions are made to improve the situation.

Conclusion
The conclusion must suggest a solution for the problem being addressed in the research. The hypothesis stated must be concluded. The conclusion must cover all the objectives and conclude that the objectives are fulfilled.

Limitation
The limitations of the research must be stated explicitly. Most of the researches are time bound and the duration of the study must be made clearly. There will a lot of limitations in the study and must be stated here.

Bibliography
This includes the list of references made. Usually, Books, journals, magazines, Websites, articles etc used to approach the study are listed here.

The Research Process

Formation of the topic

Analysis of data

Test, revising of hypothesis Conclusion, iteration if necessary

Hypothesis

Gathering of data

Conceptual definitions

Operational definitions

Steps in the Research Process

Formulate your question

Get background information

Refine your search topic

Consider your resource options

Select the appropriate tool

Use the tool

Locate your materials

Analyze your materials

Organize and write

Compose your bibliography

Selection of a Research Topic

Where do we get our ideas from?
Advisor/ Committee members/ colleagues Reading literature/publications Library/internet Conferences/seminars Look what has been funded, who gets funded and by whom? Draw inspiration from anywhere you can What is a great idea?

Selection of a Research Topic

Where do we get our ideas from?

Need based Solving a problem that exists Something is unknown so fill in the gap He/she did it and I will repeat in my lab INNOVATIVE IDEA! Try to think big and out of the box!!!

Selection of a Research Topic 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Brainstorm for ideas Read general background information Focus on your topic Make a list of useful keywords Be flexible Define your topic as a focused research question Research and read more about your topic Formulate a thesis statement

The Research Plan

The research plan is the main part of a grant application describing a principal investigator's proposed research, stating its importance and how it will be conducted. A typical research plan has four main sections: Specific Aims Background and Significance Preliminary Studies and Progress Report Research Design and Methods

The Research Plan

The research plan should be written to address the following questions: What do you intend to do? Why is the work important? What has already been done? How are you going to do the work?

Specific Aims
The specific aims is a formal statement of the objectives and milestones of a research project in a grant application. The purpose of this section is to clearly and concisely describe what the proposed research is intended to accomplish. Should include specific research objectives. Should be hypothesis-based. Objectives should be obtainable within the proposed timeframe.

Specific Aims
Study aims should fit together in an overall framework. Study should be well-focused rather than broad and diffuse. One page is recommended for the specific aims section.

Background and Significance

The background and significance section states the research problem including the proposed rationale, current state of knowledge and potential contributions and significance of the research to the field. Critically evaluate existing knowledge, including background literature and relevant data. References should reflect an updated knowledge of the field. Specify existing gaps that the project is intended to fill.

Background and Significance

Discussion should convey the importance and relevance of the research aims. Highlight potential policy or practice impacts. Highlight why research findings are important beyond the confines of the specific research project (e.g., significance; how research results can be applied). Two to three pages is recommended for the background and significance section.

Preliminary Studies & Progress Reports

The preliminary results section describes prior work by the investigators relevant to the proposed project. In a new application, the preliminary results are important to establish the experience and competence of the applicant to pursue the proposed research project and to provide support for the study hypotheses and research design.

Preliminary Studies & Progress Reports

In a competing renewal application, this section becomes a progress report, describing studies performed during the last grant period. The progress report should include a summary of the previous application's specific aims and importance of the findings. Discuss how previous work leads to the current proposal. Emphasize how the previous work demonstrates feasibility of proposed methods.

Preliminary Studies & Progress Reports

If you do not have the required expertise for a specific methodology, enlist a collaborator or consultant (include a letter of support or agreement Section J of the Research Plan). Accuracy and overall presentation are important in figures, tables and graphs. Six to eight pages is recommended for the narrative portion of the preliminary studies and progress report section.

Research Design & Methods

The purpose of the research design and methods section is to describe how the research will be carried out. This section is critical for demonstrating that the applicant has developed a clear, organized and thoughtful study design. Should provide an overview of the proposed design and conceptual framework. Study goals should relate to proposed study hypotheses.

Research Design & Methods

Include details related to specific methodology; explain why the proposed methods are the best to accomplish study goals. Describe any novel concepts, approaches, tools or techniques. Include details of how data will be collected and results analyzed. Consider required statistical techniques.

Research Design & Methods

Include proposed work plan and timeline. Consider and discuss potential limitations and alternative approaches to achieve study aims. Do not exceed 25 pages for Items A-D, including all table and figures.

General Considerations in Research

Research Objectives Feasibility Internal & External Validity Research Ethics

General Considerations in Research

Research Objectives The SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reliable, Time bound) criteria must be followed while framing objectives. The objectives must pertain to the study made and must be oriented towards solving the problem stated.

General Considerations in Research

Feasibility
1. Technology and system feasibility carried out to determine whether the company has the capability, in terms of software, hardware, personnel and expertise to handle the completion of the project. 2. Economic feasibility for evaluating the effectiveness of a new system, commonly known as cost/benefit analysis .

General Considerations in Research

a. Cost Based Study operating cost. development cost and

b. Time Based Study time required to achieve the desired ROI, benefits and future value of a project. 3. Legal Feasibility conflicts with legal requirements.

General Considerations in Research

4. Operational Feasibility to measure how the proposed system solves the problems, takes advantage of the opportunities identified during scope definition and how it satisfies the requirements analysis phase of system development. 5. Schedule Feasibility estimating how long the system will take to develop, and if it can be completed in a given period using some methods like payback period.

General Considerations in Research

Internal & External Validity
Internal Validity refers to the extent to which the investigator is able to control the different biases affecting the study and in the end, measures what he really intends to measure. External Validity refers to the extent to which the investigator is able to generalize the results of his study.

General Considerations in Research

Research Ethics refers to the moral principles guiding research from
its inception through to completion and publication of results and beyond. disciplines that study standards of conduct, such as philosophy, theology, law, psychology. method, procedure or perspective for deciding how to act and for analyzing complex problems and issues.

General Considerations in Research

Importance of Ethics in Research
1. Promote the aims of research such as knowledge, truth, and avoidance of error. Examples: fabricating, falsifying or misrepresenting research data. 2. Values that are essential to collaborative work such as trust, accountability, mutual respect and fairness. Example: guidelines for authorship, copyright and patenting policies and confidentiality rules in peer review.

General Considerations in Research

Importance of Ethics in Research
3. Accountable to the public for instance, federal policies on research misconduct, conflicts of interest, human subject protections and animal care and use are necessary in order to make sure that researchers who are funded by public money can be held accountable to the public.

General Considerations in Research

Importance of Ethics in Research
4. Public Support people more likely to fund research project if they can trust the quality and integrity of research. 5. Moral and Social Values such as social responsibility, human rights, animal welfare, compliance with law and health safety. Examples: Researchers who fabricate data and fails to abide by regulations and guidelines relating radiation.

General Considerations in Research

Codes and Policies for Research Ethics
1. Honesty strive for honesty in all scientific communications. 2. Objectivity avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer review, personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony and other aspect of research where objectivity is required. 3. Integrity keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of thought and action.

General Considerations in Research

Codes and Policies for Research Ethics
4. Carefulness avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your own work and the work of your peers. 5. Openness share data results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas. 6. Respect for Intellectual Property honor patents, copyrights and the other forms of intellectual property.

General Considerations in Research

Codes and Policies for Research Ethics
7. Confidentiality protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants submitted for publication, personnel records, trades or military secrets and patient record. 8. Responsible Publication publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to advance just your own career. Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication.

General Considerations in Research

Codes and Policies for Research Ethics
9. Responsible Monitoring help to educate, mentor, and advise students. Promote their welfare and allow them to make their own decisions. 10. Respect for Colleagues respect your colleagues and treat them fairly. 11. Social Responsibility strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social harms through research, public education and advocacy.

General Considerations in Research

Codes and Policies for Research Ethics
12. Non-discrimination avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or other factors that are not related to their scientific competence and integrity. 13. Competence maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise through lifelong education and learning. 14. Legality know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies.

General Considerations in Research

Codes and Policies for Research Ethics
15. Animal Care show proper respect and care for animals when using them in research. Do not conduct unnecessary or poorly designed animal experiments. 16. Human Subject Protection when conducting research on human subjects, minimize harms and risks and maximize benefits; respect human dignity, privacy and autonomy, take special precautions with vulnerable populations; and strive to distribute the benefits of research fairly.

Stealing from one source is plagiarism, while stealing from many is research.
Jacob Kraicer University of Toronto

Thank You!!!