Lecture 7

Research Methods
(Technical Writing CS212)

Abdisalam Issa-Salwe Taibah University College of Computer Science & Engineering Computer Science Department

Topic List
1. 2. 3.

Definition of research Research key-terms Research process views

Definition of Research
Research is an original investigation undertaken in order to gain knowledge and understanding (HEFCE) Good researcher is the one who struggles to find out what the right questions might be.
Asking the right questions
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Original investigation
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Research Ideas
Where Do Ideas for Research Originate? A research project is the outgrowth of 4 factors:
The The The The Researcher Academic Environment Literature broader Culture

Four Goals of Research/Four Research Designs

1. 2. 3. 4.

Describe Predict Understand Create Change

1. 2. 3. 4.

Observational Correlational Experimental Quasiexperimental

Formulating a Research Question The research question: a very specific, narrowly focused question, often a piece carved out of a bigger topic.
Consult the literature to see what aspects of the topic have already been researched.

Carefully word the research question to be precise and concise.

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Choosing a Research Design

The nature of the research question will determine the type of research design to use. A research design is a plan for answering a research question.

Research Key-Terms
Research key-terms: knowledge, originality, and contribution Relation between the three research constituents:
Original investigation

Gaining knowledge

may lead

Contribution into knowledge

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Knowledge
Data analyze what? Information

Knowledge

ability to practice how?

Wisdom

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Originality
Exploring the unknown Exploring the unanticipated The use of data

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Research Process Views

Sequential a series of activities performed one after another: 1. Select a research topic; 2. Decide on an approach; 3. Plan how you will perform the research; 4. Gather data and information; 5. Identify the broad area of study; 6. Analyze and interpret these data; 7. Present the results and findings;
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Research Process Views (cont)

Generalized identical to the sequential process but not all stages are necessarily applicable. Circulatory part of a continuous cycle of discovery and investigation. Evolutionary research must evolve and change over time, not necessarily following a defined circulatory pattern or repeating the same forms of analysis and interpretation.
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Reasoning Methods
Deductive reasoning top-down approach directed from the more general to the more specific.

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Reasoning Methods (cont)

Inductive reasoning bottom-up approach directed from the more specific to the more general.

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A Theory
Theory is a set of ideas, formally stated, that seeks to explain how an aspect of nature works. Research cannot prove a theory, only support it. Why is this so?

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3 Functions of a Theory
Research findings then reflect back upon the theory, supporting it or suggesting a need for modification. To EXPLAIN a phenomenon or aspect of behavior. To ORGANIZE existing knowledge about a phenomenon. To GENERATE HYPOTHESES (PREDICTIONS) about a phenomenon, to be tested through research.

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What is a good theory?

One that is Parsimonious Clear & precise Logical Generates hypotheses for research

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Does All Research Test a Theory? Not necessarily: Most published research reports are not tests of a particular theory. Researchers do attempt to refer to and include theories in their write-up.

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Predicting An Outcome
Not only does the researcher have to commit to a very specific question, he/she may have to commit to a predicted outcome for your study. This prediction is the research hypothesis. Research that is purely descriptive doesnt need to state an hypothesis.
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The Research Hypothesis

An hypothesis is a formal prediction of the studys outcome (what will be found). It is an educated guess, based one or more of the following:
Particular Knowledge Area Theories Researchers observations Previous published research

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Proceeding to Test the Hypothesis Proceeding to Test the Hypothesis means answering the research question Concepts must be defined in terms that are observable and measurable. This function is achieved through creating operational definitions for the concepts.

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Operational Definitions
An operational definition transforms an abstract concept into something measurable, like scores on a test. How many operational definitions exist for a single concept?

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Variables
A variable is: an aspect of reality that varies in its value or dimension (either naturally or because the researcher caused it to vary.) Concrete variables: language aspect, duration (time) to finish the project, number of the research group, etc. Abstract variables: anxiety, motivation,
communication style

Operational definitions of concepts give the researchers the variables for the study.
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Two Types of Variables

Researchers work with variables in 2 different ways:
1. 2.

Variables can be measured. Variables can be manipulated (experimental designs only).

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Independent & Dependent Variables

Independent Variable: a variable that is manipulated in an experiment to provide participants with different experiences. (Not all designs use independent variables) Dependent Variable: a variable that is measured in an experiment in order to see any effects of the independent variable.
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Reference
Mohammad Alsuraihi, Technical Writing, CS212 Course notes, Taibah University, Madinah, KSA Abdisalam Issa-Salwe, Teaching Notes, College of Computer Science and Engineering, Taibah University, Madinah, KSA.

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