Formulating and Clarifying Research Topics

1. Formulating and Clarifying Research Topics

2. Objectives • Generate ideas that will help in the choice of a suitable research topic • Identify the attributes of a good research topic • Turn research ideas into a research project with clear research question(s) and objectives.

3. Introduction • Alice asks the Cat “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to walk from here?” • “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat • “I don’t much care where,” said Alice • “Then it doesn’t matter which way you walk,” said the Cat. (Alice’s Adventure in the Wonderland)

4. Introduction Formulating and clarifying research topics is: • A starting point of a research project • Time-consuming • Generating research ideas • Then turning them into research questions and objectives.

5. Attributes of a good research topic A good student graduation research: • Meet the examining body’s requirements • Linked to theory • Ensuring symmetry of potential outcomes • You are capable of undertaking • E.g., You might not be able to develop a foreign language skills in a project’s life time • Capability is also affected by your ability to find the time and financial resources to undertake the research • Access to any data you might need to collect • One that excites your imagination. • Matching your career goals

6. Generating research ideas Rational thinking technique: • Examining your own strengths and interests • Looking at past projects • Discussion • Searching the literature.

7. Generating research ideas Creative thinking technique: • Keeping a notebook of ideas • Exploring personal preferences using past projects • Relevant trees • Brainstorming.

8. Refining research ideas Delphi technique – using a group of people who are either involved or interested in the research idea to generate and choose a more specific research idea: • Briefing the research idea • Encouraging group members to seek clarification or more information • Asking each group member to generate up to 3 specific research ideas independently • Collect the research ideas and distribute them to all group members • A second cycle of the process • Subsequent cycle of the process until a concensus is reached (voting if necessary).

9. Writing research questions Begin with one general focus research question which flows from your research idea. Examples:

10. Writing research questions Lead to several more detailed research questions or the definition of research objectives. Examples:

11. Writing research objectives Greater specificity than the research questions. Examples:

12. The importance of theory • ‘A formulation regarding the cause and effect relationships b/w two or more variables, which may or may not have been tested’ • If A is introduced, B will be the consequence • e.g., Marketing manager may theorize that the introduction of loyalty cards by a supermarket will lead to customers being less likely to shop regularly at a competitor supermarket

13. Your project • Any Question? • Starting point: research topics • Preliminary study • Brainstorming and discussions • Resources needed • Writing up the research proposal • Approval and undertaking • Defense and submission • Celebration.

14. Good luck!