Research

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Week 4 - Projects

Researching, Critiquing, Presenting and Report Writing Skills

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Projects

Part 1: Two Types of Research

Part 2: Doing the Secondary Research

Part 3: Doing the Primary Research

Part 4: Preparing Critiques

Part 5: Writing the Research Report

Part 6: Doing Oral Presentations

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Part 1: Two Types of Research

Secondary Research

Primary Research

Projects

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PART 1: Two Types of Research

Secondary Research

Information that you can find easily from various sources:

Newspapers, the internet, books, magazines, etc

Primary Research

Information that you need to create on your own:

Surveys, Focus Groups, Observations, Interviews,

Creating Case Studies, etc

Primary and Secondary Research

Which type of research do you do first?Secondary Research

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Part 2: Secondary Research

Types of secondary research materials

Keyword searches

Time management

Projects

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STATISTICS

Statistics Singapore: http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/latestdata.html

Statistics UK: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/index.html

Statistics US: http://www.fedstats.gov/

Statistics China: http://www.stats.gov.cn/enGliSH/

Statistics India: http://www.indiastat.com/default.aspx / http://mospi.gov.in/

Statistics Viet Nam: http://www.gso.gov.vn

ASEAN Statistics and Reports: http://www.aseansec.org/4913.htm

http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/latestdata.html

http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/latestdata.html

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/index.html

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/index.html

http://www.fedstats.gov/



http://www.stats.gov.cn/enGliSH/



http://www.indiastat.com/default.aspx%20/

http://www.indiastat.com/default.aspx%20/

http://mospi.gov.in/



http://www.gso.gov.vn/

http://www.aseansec.org/4913.htm

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NEWSPAPERS

BBC CNN Channel News Asia Straits Times Interactive Business Times

For a listing of many other newspapers from around the world: http://www.onlinenewspapers.com


http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/

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SEARCH ENGINES

Google Yahoo Bing


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Research QUESTION: 2. What has the local government done to keep the internet safe?

Did you type in smart keywordsDid you give specific details tobe searched?


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Part 2: Secondary ResearchResearch QUESTION: 2. What has the local government done to keep the internet safe?

Choose the right keywords

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How much time should you spend on your project?

Researching for information

Report Writing and Editing

Oral Presentation

50 % 30 % 20 %

SO….........

Spend most time on researchto get good, complete, interesting facts

You can then prepare to write a good report And prepare for a confident presentation

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EXERCISE:

You are the Marketing Manager of Raffles Education. You need to write a short report to a potential investor. The investor must be given information on Raffles Education Corp so that he will be interested to invest more money.

Do the secondary research to help prepare you for this short report.

The report should be 1 page long.

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Part 3: Primary Research

Types of primary research methods

Exercises

Projects

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Primary Research

Surveys

Interviews / Focus Groups

Observations

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Surveys Surveys are also called Questionnaires

4 types of questions

Verbal or open unstructured question

List Category Ranking

Structured questions

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Surveys

1. Verbal or open Expected responses word, phrase, extended comment Useful answers, but problematic analysis

2. List Choose responses from a list Eg: Select the qualifications you have

High School Certificate Diploma Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree


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Surveys

3. Category One response expected Eg: age categories

15 – 19 20 – 24 25 - 29

4. Ranking Place responses in a rank order Eg: Which facilities do you consider to be most important to

have in a university? High-speed internet Well-stocked library Computer labs Recreation room Restaurants

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2

3

4

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Be clear with questions. Rank how?


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Surveys

Online surveys:

3. Free Online Survey : http://www.freeonlinesurveys.com/

5. Survey Monkey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/


http://www.freeonlinesurveys.com/



http://www.surveymonkey.com/



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Surveys

Think about:

3. What your research objectives are

5. How can your questions help you answer your research objectives?

7. Ask generic questions: age, occupation, gender, income, as a guideline

9. Ask questions beginning with Who, When, Why, What, Where, How

11.Have a method to collect and cross-reference the data• Microsoft Excel


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Centered around a topic

Gives a wealth of valuable data

Time consuming to analyse

Hard to control Respondent may react with bias Interviewer may react with bias


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Interview Format Checklist of questions and responses (structured) Record conversation and record transcript

(unstructured / semi-structured)

Eg: Focus Groups/Market Research

(Dodge Cars) – Focus Group

(Salad Dressing) – Focus Group

(MTV) - Ethnography

Eg: Interview

(Steve Jobs) – IPhone 2.0


../KAVITA/videos%20and%20audio/dodge.mpg

../KAVITA/videos%20and%20audio/Focus%20Group%20Research%20%20Premium%20Salad%20Dressing%20Packaging%20by%20Weatherchem%20-%20Google%20Chrome.flv

../KAVITA/videos%20and%20audio/news%20+%20public%20affairs%20player%20%20video%20-%20Google%20Chrome2.flv

../KAVITA/videos%20and%20audio/CNBC%20Interview%20%20Steve%20Jobs%203G%20iPhone%20Announcement%2006%2009%2008%20-%20Google%20Chrome.flv

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Think about:

3. What your research objectives are

5. Prepare a list of questions to ask

7. Have a method to collect the information / answers given• A table• A list• A video / audio recording

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Observations

2 types

Participant and Non-Participant

Participant Become immersed in an environment or situation to

fully understand what is happening Time-consuming Unstructured

no preconceived ideas, checklists or charts Observe events, situations, behaviour Record all observations immediately (diary)


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Observations

Non-Participant Observe the surroundings and activities Not an active participant

Eg: Mystery shopping

(Burger King)

(Mystery Shopping - Supermarket)


../KAVITA/videos%20and%20audio/Mystery%20Shopper%20at%20a%20Fast%20Food%20Restaurant%20-%20Google%20Chrome.flv

../KAVITA/videos%20and%20audio/Second%20To%20None,%20Inc.%20Mystery%20Shopping%20-%20Google%20Chrome.flv

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Think about:

3. Exactly what you want to observe. Examples:• Age• Gender• Payment methods – cash or credit card• Type of clothing worn• Type of hairstyle• Shopping pattern

4. Have a method to collect the information / answers given• A table• A list

Female = 10Gender

15 – 20 = 10Age

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EXERCISE 1A Conduct short interviews with 3 students from this school, all of whom

should be of different nationalities.

Topic: Quality of service and facilities on campus Choose structured, semi-structured or unstructured interviews Write a summary of the interview

EXERCISE 1B Conduct interviews with 3 foreigners, of 3 different nationalities.

Topic: Life in Singapore – a culture shock Choose structured, semi-structured or unstructured interviews Write a summary of the interview


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EXERCISE 2A Conduct surveys with 3 students from this school, all of whom should

be of different nationalities.

Topic: Quality of service and facilities on campus There should be at least 5 questions The survey should be done online Write a summary of the interview

EXERCISE 2B Conduct surveys with 3 foreigners, of 3 different nationalities.

Topic: Life in Singapore – a culture shock There should be at least 5 questions The survey should be done online Write a summary of the interview


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EXERCISE 3Observe shoppers in a departmental store (Robinsons, Takashimaya,

John Little, Metro, BHG, Isetan)

AND

Observe shoppers in a street market (Bugis Street, Little India, Chinatown, for example)

What are the differences in the demographics and psychographics of the buyers / shoppers?

What are the differences in buying patterns?

Prepare a checklist of things you will observe for the purpose of this research

Write a summary of your observations


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Demographics Age Gender Income Level Race / Ethnicity

Psychographics Personality Values Attitudes Interests Lifestyles


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What is a critique

What can be critiqued

Steps in critiquing

Projects

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What is a Critique? An article, essay or report criticising or reviewing

An article A book / movie Company decisions An event


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Step 1: Find an event http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/apps/event.html

Step 2: Give the background of the event: what is the event purpose of the event is it the first time, or is this a yearly event?

Step 3: Select a few areas to critique: Venue selection Theme Crowd control Lighting suitability of event for the people who have attended Clothes Content Hosts Guests / guest speakers Interactivity Level of fun / interest etc


http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/apps/event.html

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Step 4: For every area that you critique, you must show three points (minimum):

Example: Venue SelectionThe venue of this event was at the Gallery Theatre in the Singapore National

Museum. The Gallery Theatre is able to accommodate 50 seats.

Negative:It is a popular event that is held every year since 1995. It is a crowd-pulling event

and the location is too small to fit a large number of people.

Positive:The event was held at the very beautiful Gallery Theatre where the size of the

audience can be controlled. Children were not allowed into the Theatre in order to keep the noise level low.

Comment:The choice of venue can be improved. A larger space like the Esplanade should

have been chosen in order to fit in a larger loyal audience. Alternatively, more shows should have been planned to allow more people to be entertained.


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Step 5: Conclusion:Conclude the critique with an overall view of the event, and give final

recommendations.


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Exercise:

Critique this school.

You should follow the following steps:

Background of the school

Points to be critiqued (think of minimum 5 different points to critique)

Conclusion and Recommendations


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Part 5: Writing the Research Report

Step 1: Developing the structure

Step 2: Using good writing styles

Step 3: Citing references

Step 4: Creating the reference list

Projects

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STEP 1: Developing the structure

Structure of Reports:

3. Executive Summary / Abstract

5. Background / Introduction

7. Body: Secondary Research8. Body: Primary Research

10.Conclusion

12.Reference List

14.Appendices

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3. Executive Summary / Abstract

• This is shown first, but you should do this LAST.• Choose either Executive Summary or Abstract.

The difference:

Executive Summary – 1 page summary of all content in your report (more persuasive, giving end conclusions).

Abstract – 1 paragraph overview or preview of the content of your report (more informative).

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2. Background / Introduction• Gives the background of your research topic.

• What is your topic?

• What is it about?

• Why is it so interesting? / Why is it an important topic?

3. Secondary Research / Literature Review• Summarise the secondary research that you have got. Link

this to your objectives.

• Explain how this information has allowed you to get the answer to your objective(s).

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4. Primary Research• What primary research have you done?

• Show the questions and the responses (table / list, etc)

• Summarise the information in words – a table or graph is not enough.

5. Conclusion• From all the research you have done, what have you found out?

• What was interesting that you did not expect?

• What was surprising / shocking?

• Were you able to get answers to all of your research objectives?

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6. Reference List• Harvard Style Referencing.

• In-text citation must also be done.

7. Appendices• This is an optional section.

• You can choose to either have your graphs / tables / diagrams in the appendices, or in the body of your report.

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STEP 2: Using good writing styles

1. Use signpost wordsTherefore, In contrast, For instance, For example, It has been found, It is interesting to see, It is safe to say, etc

2. Write complete paragraphsEach paragraph should ideally contain:

1. 1 – 2 opening sentences on the idea you have.2. 1 – 2 sentences giving facts, or details3. 1 – 2 sentences to end the paragraph regarding your idea, if your opinion is not the same as the facts or details you have

It is important to allow freedom of press in this country. However, reports by research company ABC have established that 90% of the 25 different newspapersavailable here have to undergo governmental censorship. In other partsof Asia, ABC found that more than 60% of the printed media are allowed freedomof press (ABC, 2008). It is clear that more needs to be done to allow the general public to express their views more openly. A fear of the government may be one of the reasons why people do not speak up more.

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STEP 3: Citing references

Referencing must be done in two parts: In-text referencing (also called Citation) Reference List (at the back of the report)

DO NOT take whole paragraphs or chunks of information and paste it in your report.

Take only 1 – 2 sentences from a particular chapter or article. Everything else – your own ideas, thoughts and words.

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When taking sentences from articles or books, a good way to incorporate (put it in) your report:

According to the BBC, men are smarter than women (BBC, 2008).

Men are smarter than women, says John Smith of the BBC (Smith, 2008).

It has been found that men are smarter than women, (BBC, 2008) or (Smith, 2008).

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Research and Reference (Example)

{in the report - Citation}

An interesting new research has shown that men are actually more intelligent than women (Clerkin and MacRae, 2006)

{on the last page of report – Reference List}

Clerkin, B., MacRae, F. ‘Men are more intelligent than women, claims new study’, MailOnline, 14 September 2006 Accessed 1st October 2008

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-405056/Men-intelligent-women-claims-new-study.html


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Clerkin, B., MacRae, F. ‘Men are more intelligent than women, claims new study’, MailOnline,

Date, Accessed date, url

Surname, Initial, ‘Title’, Newspaper Name

14 September 2006, Accessed 1st October 2008http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-405056/Men-intelligent-women-claims-new-study.html


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{in the report - Citation}

An interesting new research has shown that men are actually more intelligent than women (MailOnline, n.d)


‘Men are more intelligent than women, claims new study’, MailOnline, n.d. Accessed 1st October 2008



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‘Men are more intelligent than women, claims new study’, MailOnline, n.d. Accessed 1st October 2008


n.d (if no date given for the article)Start with article title if there are no writer names


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STEP 4: Creating the reference list

The reference list must follow the Harvard Referencing System

The list of references must be in alphabetical order (A – B – C ..)

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Part 6: Doing Oral Presentations

Point 1: Quality of PowerPoint slides

Point 2: Preparation for Presentations

Point 3: Body Language

Projects

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Point 1: Quality of PowerPoint Slides

Make your 1st or 2nd slide an outline of your presentation Ex: previous slide

Follow the order of your outline for the rest of the presentation

Only place main points on the outline slide Ex: Use the titles of each slide as main points

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Slide Structure – Good

Use 1-2 slides per minute of your presentation

Write in point form, not complete sentences

Include 4-5 points per slide

Avoid wordiness: use key words and phrases only


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Slide Structure - Bad

This page contains too many words for a presentation slide. It is not written in point form, making it difficult both for your audience to read and for you to present each point. Although there are exactly the same number of points on this slide as the previous slide, it looks much more complicated. In short, your audience will spend too much time trying to read this paragraph instead of listening to you.


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Slide Structure – Good

Show one point at a time: Will help audience concentrate on what you are

saying

Will prevent audience from reading ahead

Will help you keep your presentation focused


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Slide Structure - Bad

Do not use distracting animation

Do not go overboard with the animation

Be consistent with the animation that you use


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Fonts - Good

Use at least an 18-point font

Use different size fonts for main points and secondary points this font is 24-point, the main point font is 28-point, and

the title font is 36-point

Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial


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Fonts - Bad

If you use a small font, your audience won’t be able to read what you have written

CAPITALIZE ONLY WHEN NECESSARY. IT IS DIFFICULT TO READ

Don’t use a complicated font


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Colour - Good

Use a colour of font that contrasts sharply with the background Ex: blue font on white background

Use colour to reinforce the logic of your structure Ex: light blue title and dark blue text

Use colour to emphasize a point But only use this occasionally


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Colour - Bad

Using a font colour that does not contrast with the background colour is hard to read

Using colour for decoration is distracting and annoying.

Using a different colour for each point is unnecessary Using a different colour for secondary points is also

unnecessary

Trying to be creative can also be bad


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Background - Good

Use backgrounds such as this one that are attractive but simple

Use backgrounds which are light

Use the same background consistently throughout your presentation


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Background – Bad

Avoid backgrounds that are distracting or difficult to read from

Always be consistent with the background that you use


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Graphs - Good

Use graphs rather than just charts and words Data in graphs is easier to comprehend & retain than is

raw data Trends are easier to visualize in graph form

Always title your graphs


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Graphs - Bad

January February March AprilBlue Balls 20.4 27.4 90 20.4Red Balls 30.6 38.6 34.6 31.6


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Graphs - Good

Items Sold in First Quarter of 2002

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

January February March April

Blue Balls

Red Balls


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Graphs - Bad

20.4

27.4

90

20.4

30.6

38.6

34.631.6

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

January February March April

Blue Balls

Red Balls


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Spelling and Grammar

Proof your slides for: speling mistakes the use of of repeated words grammatical errors you might have make

If English is not your first language, please have someone else check your presentation!


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Conclusion

Use an effective and strong closing Your audience is likely to remember your last words

Use a conclusion slide to: Summarize the main points of your presentation Suggest future avenues of research


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Questions??

End your presentation with a simple question slide to: Invite your audience to ask questions Provide a visual aid during question period Avoid ending a presentation abruptly


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Point 2: Preparation for Presentations

The top ten “bloopers” of presentations: Distracting mannerisms (verbal and/or physical) Poor intonation, volume or rate Not being prepared Not connecting with the audience Poor visual aids Poor structure or fragmented speech Not practicing and managing time Lack of eye contact Reading the presentation Inappropriate humour

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Use up nervous energy – before the presentation push on the arms of a chair for a few seconds and then relax, or clench your fists, then relax. Repeat a few times

Actions during the introduction – smile and keep eye contact with the audience, and do something requiring movement but do not take more than two steps towards your audience as you will appear uneasy and unsure

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Actions during the remainder of the presentation – most people become more comfortable once they start presenting, speak loudly, pay attention to articulation and use gestures

Watch your audience’s eyes, postures and facial expressions to see whether they understand you

Use gestures naturally to emphasise your points


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Gesture Inhibiting Stances

Hands in praying positionSisters of Mercy

Demurely crossed handsThe Fig Leaf

Same as above but at chest levelSupplicant

Hands clasped at waist, fingers entwinedThe Choir Person

Legs slightly spread, hands behind backParade Rest

One arm hangs, the other acts as a tourniquetThe Flesh Wound

Arms stiff, firmly nailed to the pelvisTen-Hut!

Arms across your chestThe Bear Hug

CharacteristicStance


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Gesture Enhancing Stances

Open up your arms – to embrace your audience between your waist and shoulders

Drop your arms – to your side when not in use

Avoid – quick and jerky movements

Vary gestures – switch from hand to hand and at other times use both


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Conclusion

Becoming an effective speaker requires work

You must develop speaking skills and refine them through practice

Take advantage of opportunities to speak

Apply the adage “practice makes perfect”


Research

Documents

Transcript of Research