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The research process

Explore the essential steps of the research process, from formulating a problem to writing a report, and learn how to refine your research idea and find a suitable topic. Discover the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and the importance of finding a good supervisor. This comprehensive guide will help you develop a successful research project and contribute meaningfully to your field.

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The research process

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  1. The research process András István Kun

  2. Different disciplines • Research methodology is a supporting discipline • Different disciplines have different paradigms • Only the substance of research is similar

  3. The Wheel of Science Theories Empiricalgenerali-zations Hypo-theses Obser-vations

  4. In other words: practical and theoretical science do not exist in separation. • They should mutually: • Build on each other • Strengthen each other • 'There is nothing more practical than a good theory' Lewin (1952) • Theory: • new ideas for understanding and conceptualization • suggesting maps and potential ways of solution • Practice: • providing key information and facts in a detailed and coherent manner

  5. The „research journey” • (I) Deciding what • (II) Planning how • (III) Actually doing

  6. An 8 step model of research processes • Formulating the research problem (specification) • Conceptualizing (valid, workable, manageable) • Constructing an instrument for data collection • Selecting a sample (sampling) • Writing a research proposal • Collecting data • Processing data • Writing a report

  7. Finding a good research topic • Topic: the wide or general problem + our approach (it is NOTthe research question, yet) • Interesting and motivating • Feasible (knowledge, resources, time, connections, ethics) • Timely, even when finished (at least until it will be defended) • Theoretically grounded, and also provide contribution to theory • Can be translated into research questions/aims/hypotheses • Symmetrical for all potential outcomes • Appropriate challenge level • Accepted by the institution/buyer • Contributes to the researcher’s career and/or development

  8. Generating research ideas Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

  9. Some more hints • Mind mapping • You can find hints on further research in literature (at the end of the studies) • One should always have a B plan (a second best topic). • If the good idea is not coming, consider changing the broader topic area.

  10. An example how to explore your preferences via examining past projects Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

  11. Brainstorming • Defining the problem • Asking for questions • Recording suggestions (no evaluation) • Reviewing suggestions • Analysing suggestions

  12. How to decide? • What am I interested in (motivation)? • What kind of work would I like to do (methods)? • What am I capable of (knowledge)? • What resources can I get an access to? (data!) • What help can I get (everything)? • (Who do I like to be my supervisor?) • Do you like to join a larger research grouporprogram?

  13. Purposes of reseach • Exploration: familiarizing with the topic/area/etc. • Description • Searching for correlations OR Explanation • Idiographic (for one or a few cases) • Nomothetic (looking or factors accounting for a large part of of the variation of a phenomenon)

  14. Nomothetic causality • Correlation / association • Time order • Nonspuriousness • Necessary and sufficient causes

  15. Difference between qualitative and quantitative research • Qualitative: • Empiricist (sensation) • Flexible/open/unstructured • To describe variation, situation, issue… • Fewer cases • Wider focus (multiple issues) • To explore • Narrative • Quantitative: • Rationalism (reason) • Rigid/predetermined/structured • Quantification • Greater sample • Narrow focus • To explain • Statistical methods, analytical

  16. Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

  17. Finding a good supervisor/consultant • Is it necessary? • Should have: • Knowledge, skills • Capacity • Motivation/interest • Can provide help with contacts, resources… • Personality • Ways to find: • Offered topics/titles • Literature review • Course lecturers • Networking • How to get accepted? • Do have at least one good esearch proposal • Do have more than one ideas

  18. Refining the research idea • Decision supporting techniques • Discussions • Preliminary research: literature, pilot research • Integrating ideas

  19. Conceptualization • Fuzzy and imprecise notions (concepts) are made more specific and precise. (specification of the concepts) • „What do you mean on…” type questioning. • Dimensions: a specifiable aspect of the concept. • Indicators: an observation considered as a reflection of a varible we wish to study.

  20. What can a researcher measure? • Direct observables • Indirect observables • Constructs

  21. Units of analysis • Individuals • Groups • Organizations • Documents • Social interactions and artifacts

  22. Time dimension • Cross-sectional studies • Longitudinal studies • Trend studies • Cohort studies • Panel studies

  23. The research question / aim • Must be derived from the reseach problem • Clear definitions, concepts are needed • This is what will be answered during the research (through this we will contribute to the understanding of the problem) • Must be one or a few. We can use subquestions if necessary. • Needs on the research method and the data are drawn from the questions. • The research aim is a translation of the question.

  24. Questions vs. aims Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

  25. The Goldilocks test • A research question must not be • Too big • Too small • Too hot

  26. General focus research question examples Source: Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill

  27. Hypotheses • Hypothetical answers to the research questions • Can be supported or rejected through the research • Not always necessary, but can help

  28. The role of theory • “Nothing as practical as a good theory” (Lewin) • Provide guidence and hints: question, hypotheses, method, … • What makes a theory: • Concepts, definitions, terms • Relationships between the concepts • Logical reasoning • Limitations • Our contribution to the theory: • Testing • Developing

  29. The research proposal • Why? • A help throughout the research project • To gain resources • There is no ultimate structure for research proposals. • A general structure: • Title • Background • Introduction/Motivation • Literature Review • Specifying the Problem/Question/Hypotheses/Aim/Topic • Research design: data needed, data-collection method, data analysis, ethical issues • Schedule (Gantt chart), budget, resource planning • Expected outcomes • References

  30. Thanks for your attention

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