Research Clinic Session 1

1. Research ClinicSession 1 CommittedOfficialsPursuingExcellencein Research 27 June 2013

2. Our Session Objectives At the end of Session 1 • Each of those who are completing/have completed research shall prepare a plan for publishing results • Each of those who intend to undertake research starting tomorrow shall prepare a research proposal.

3. Now, let us group ourselves according to: • With completed research in the last three years or with an on-going research • With plans to undertake research starting tomorrow

4. For Group A • Form sub-groups • Share your research project with the sub-group members • Research problem (main problem) • Research design • Significant findings • Research skills learned • Assign a member to present to the big group a summary of the sub-group sharing

5. For Group B • Form sub-groups • Discuss the following: • At least 3 challenges/difficulties faced in your work now which may be answered by research • Research skills you are confident to share with others • Research skills you need to develop • At least 3 reasons why you need to undertake research now • Assign a member to present to the big group a summary of the sub-group sharing

6. The Literature Review: A Few Tips On Conducting ItD Taylor, University of Toronto • A literature review is an account of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. • Benefits: • enlarges your knowledge about the topic • hones skills in information seeking • develops critical appraisal skills

7. A literature review must do these things • be organized around and related directly to the thesis or research question you are developing • synthesize results into a summary of what is and is not known • identify areas of controversy in the literature • formulate questions that need further research

8. Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Quantitative Methods • Preferences for precise hypotheses and definitions stated at the outset. • Data reduced to numerical scores. • Major focus on assessing and improving reliability of scores obtained from instruments. • Assessment of validity with reliance on statistical indices. Qualitative Methods • Preference for hypotheses and definitions that emerge as study develops. • Data are typically narrative descriptions. • Reliability of inferences is often assumed to be adequate. • Validity is assessed through cross-checking sources of information (triangulation).

9. Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Quantitative Methods • Preference for random techniques for obtaining meaningful samples. • Preference for precise descriptions of procedures. • Preference for design or statistical control of extraneous variables. • Preference for specific design control for procedural bias (procedural and measurement integrity checks). Qualitative Methods • Preference for expert informant (purposive) sample. • Preference for narrative/literary descriptions of procedures. • Preference for logical analysis in controlling or accounting for extraneous variables. • Primary reliance on researcher to deal with procedural bias (yet, integrity checks are still critical).

10. Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Quantitative Methods • Preference for statistical summary of results. • Preference for breaking down of complex phenomena into specific parts for analysis. • Willingness to manipulate aspects, situations, or conditions in studying complex phenomena. Qualitative Methods • Preference for narrative summary of results. • Preference for holistic description of complex phenomena. • Unwillingness to tamper with naturally occurring phenomena. Fraenkel & N. Wallen (1996), How to design and evaluate research in education (3rd Ed.).

11. Mixing Research Methods • Research in which the investigator collects and analyses data, integrates the findings, and draws inferences using both qualitative and quantitative approaches or methods in a single study or program of inquiry (Tashakkoriand Creswell, 2007:4).

12. For Group B • Identify three research topics • Prepare specific research questions for each topic • Determine the research design for each topic • Indicate your data analysis tool for each topic

13. For Group A • From the sample articles, • How is the research problem presented? • What are the major parts? • What key questions are answered in each part? • What other insights have you gained from reading the sample article?

14. Considerations in preparing a publication plan / research proposal

15. Proposal Evaluation CriteriaKelley, Bennett and Moore, 2002 • How well does the Title introduce the study? This criterion is not formally rated, but it is considered in the overall evaluation process. • How well does the Abstract describe the research study? • Are the Research Questions adequately defined? • Does the Rationale justify the purpose for the study and/or place it within the context of current theory and practice?

16. Evaluation Criteria cont. • Is the Methodology clearly described and well matched to the research questions? • Is the Analysis of Data adequately described, or a plan of analysis is presented, if the study is in progress. • Are the Findings clearly identified? • Are the Implications for future research, classroom practices, or policy discussed?

17. Important Factors to Consider • Prepare the abstract carefully. Rejected proposals often have confusing abstracts that don’t match the body of the paper. • Provide some context for your research. Clearly state your research questions and indicate why they are of importance. A direct link to previous research is helpful. • Make sure that the methodology you use is appropriate for the research questions you’ve identified. Inappropriate methodology often results in the rejection of the proposal.

18. Factors to Consider cont. • In the methodology section, carefully describe the sample characteristics, the measures employed in the study, and the relevant procedures. • If your research is “in progress” make sure that you state this and provide a brief timeline for completion.

19. Assignment • Group A • Prepare a research publication plan • Parts: Activities, timeline, results/outputs • Group B • Prepare a research proposal • Parts: Context, Research questions, research design, data analysis plan

20. Thank you and MABUHAY • dadsruth@gmail.com • 09176271163