Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra

Open University, Nashik

Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.)

Research Portfolio
2006-2007
Dnyangangotri, Govardhan, Near Gangapur Dam,
Nashik – 422 222
 (0253) 2231714, 2231715
Fax : (091) (0253) 2231716
Web Site : ycmou.com

1 Name of the Researcher

2 PRN
3 Subject of MPhil MPhil (…………………………………………….)
4 Registration Period
5 Name of the Study Center
6 Study Center Code
7 Title of the Research Project

8 Name of the Guide

Signature of the Student Signature of the Guide

How to write the Research Portfolio

• The objective of Research Portfolio is to monitor and document the progress of the
research work. The portfolio is also useful for the examiner to evaluate the research
work. It is also supposed to enforce discipline and punctuality in the work carried out by
the researcher.
• The good research is systematic, logical and empirical. Hence, the researchers are advised to
plan their work systematically and fill the information in the appropriate “headings of work”
given on the following pages.
• The researcher should preserve the original copy of the portfolio while another copy should
be submitted to the study center along with the Project Report.

1. Problem Selection: Give details on how the topic for investigation was selected.

2. Statement of the problem: Formalize and write the problem in clear statement.
Formalize Hypotheses if any.

3. Literature Survey: The objectives of literature review are to make the researcher
aware of existing work on the topic under investigation so that new knowledge can be
added to the existing one. The literature review will help you to know theories, if any,
related to your topic. It will enable you to understand strengths, weaknesses, omissions
or bias in the earlier work.
Review the literature and write down the details of work already done. Also
write details of related theories.

4. Theorization of Research Topic: During literature review, you will find that the
problem under investigation has its roots in a number of theories. Study agreements and
disagreements among various authors on the major issues related to your topic. This will
help you to build a theoretical framework required for carrying out research. A
conceptual framework makes it clear how you structure your thinking and the process
undertaken in context with your research work. It explains various factors that comprise
your topic. It will suggest a suitable research methodology and approaches to analyzing
data.
As you study deeper into the literature, the theoretical framework may change
and take more concrete shape. The framework will help you in sorting out useful
information related to your problem. Without developing a theoretical framework, you
will not be able to develop a focus in your literature survey.
For the fresher, it may sound paradoxical that until you go through the literature
you cannot develop a theoretical framework and until you have developed a theoretical
framework, you cannot effectively review the literature. The easy way is to read some

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 literature and try to develop a framework. Initially the framework may appear to be
fuzzy. However, as you read more on your related topic, the framework will start getting
good shape.
Write down brief details of theoretical framework which you have
developed.

5. Operationalization : Operational definitions are essentials to research. They will

help you to measure abstract constructs and allow you to move from the level of
constructs to the level of observation on which the science is based.
Write down operational definitions of concepts, terms and variables used in
your research.

6. Research Design / Chapterization : A research design is a plan, structure and

strategy of investigation. The plan is the complete scheme or a blueprint which includes
an outline of what the investigator will do. Hence you are advised to plan your research
work and proceed accordingly. Select a method or strategy suitable for your research
topic(e.g. survey, experimental, case study, action research, design and creation,
ethnography etc.).
Write down details of research methodology adopted. Give details regarding
data to be be gathered, method of generation of data, from where the data will be
gathered etc. Also provide the list of major chapters in which the research work
will be reported.

7. Data Generation / Collection: A data generation method is the means by which

you produce data. The data can be either quantitative or qualitative. There are many data
generation or collection methods (e.g. interview, observations, questionnaire, documents
etc.) available for the researcher. You may use one or more types of methods of data
generation. The choice depends on the research methodology.
Write down details of population, sample size, sampling method, and
instruments to be used for data collection.

8. Analysis: Quantitative data are in numerical form and are analyzed using various
statistical techniques. Qualitative data generally take the form of words, audio, video,
descriptions, observations, impressions etc.
Write down the details of data analysis carried out by you including details
of techniques used.

9. Interpretation and Conclusion: After you complete data analysis, the next step is
to interpret findings in context of the research problem. In quantitative research,
statements are made to accept or reject the hypotheses. In qualitative research,
interpretations and explanations are given in narrative form.
Write down details of your findings and conclusions you draw from them.

10. Bibliography: Write down the list of major sources from which literature survey was
carried out.

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11 Self Evaluation of research work: The following questions will help you to
evaluate your research work and ensure its quality.
A) Is your research problem or research question clearly stated?
B) What type of literature sources have you used?
C) What referencing system have you followed?
D) Are you able to explain the theories related to topic under investigation?
E) Are research methodology and data generation/collection methods clearly defined?
F) What kinds of quantitative/qualitative data were analyzed?
G) In case of quantitative analysis, can you justify the choice of statistical methods
used?
H) In case of qualitative analysis, what themes and relationships were identified?
I) Do you use visual aids to explain data and its analysis?
J) Are the processes starting from topic selection to final outcome clearly summarized
and understood by you?
Write down answers to the above questions.

12.Time table for MPhil project work: Before you start your work, you should
prepare your study plan and detailed timetable in the following format.

Activity Date Remarks

Selection of guide
Selection of Topic
Project Proposal
Literature survey
Formation of Hypothesis, if any
Research design / chapterisation
Data generation / collection
Analysis and interpretation
Report writing
Submission of project

13.Record of Meetings of the Researcher with the Guide: During the period of
your research work, you are supposed to meet you guide at least eight times and discuss
you research work. This will enable your guide to provide guidance and monitor the
progress of your research work.
Write down brief details of the discussions carried out in each meeting in the
following pages.

Meeting 1-8
Summary of Discussions
Signature of the Guide
Date