Research Methods (Technical Writing CS212)

7/30/2019 Research Methods (Technical Writing CS212)

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Research Methods(Technical Writing CS212)

Lecture 7

Abdisalam Issa-Salwe

Taibah UniversityCollege of Computer Science & Engineering

Computer Science Department

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Topic List 21. Definition of research

2. Research key-terms

3. Research process views


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Definition of Research

Research is an original investigation

undertaken in order to gain knowledge

and understanding (HEFCE)

Good researcher is the one who strugglesto find out what the right questions mightbe.

Technical Writing (CS212)

Asking the right questions Original investigation

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Research Ideas

Where Do Ideas for ResearchOriginate? A research project is theoutgrowth of 4 factors:

The Researcher

The Academic Environment

The LiteratureThe broader Culture


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Four Goals of Research/Four ResearchDesigns

1. Observational

2. Correlational

3. Experimental

4. Quasi-experimental

1. Describe

2. Predict

3. Understand

4. Create Change

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Formulating a Research Question

The research question: a veryspecific, narrowly focused question,often a piece carved out of a biggertopic.

Consult the literature to see what aspectsof the topic have already beenresearched.

Carefully word the research questionto be precise and concise.


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Choosing a Research Design

The nature of the research question willdetermine the type of research designto use.

A research design is aplan foranswering a research question.

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Research Key-Terms


Research key-terms: knowledge, originality, andcontribution

Relation between the three research constituents:

Original investigation

Gaining knowledge Contribution into knowledgemay lead


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Knowledge


Data Information

Knowledge

analyze

Wisdom

what?

ability to practice

how?

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Originality


Exploring the unknown

Exploring the unanticipated

The use of data


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Research Process Views


Sequential a series of activities performed one after

another:

1. Select a research topic;

2. Decide on an approach;

3. Plan how you will perform the research;

4. Gather data and information;

5. Identify the broad area of study;

6. Analyze and interpret these data;

7. Present the results and findings;

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Research Process Views (cont)


Generalized identical to the sequentialprocess but not all stages are necessarilyapplicable.

Circulatory part of a continuous cycle ofdiscovery and investigation.

Evolutionary research must evolve andchange over time, not necessarily followinga defined circulatory pattern or repeating the

same forms of analysis and interpretation.


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Reasoning Methods


Deductive reasoning top-down approachdirected from the more general to the more

specific.

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Reasoning Methods (cont)


Inductive reasoning bottom-up approachdirected from the more specific to the moregeneral.

Inductive reasoning bottom-up approachdirected from the more specific to the moregeneral.


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A Theory

Theory is a set of ideas, formallystated, that seeks to explain howan aspect of nature works.

Research cannot prove a theory,

only support it. Why is this so?

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3 Functions of a Theory Research findings then reflect backupon the

theory, supporting it or suggesting a need formodification.

To EXPLAIN a phenomenon or aspect ofbehavior.

To ORGANIZE existing knowledge about aphenomenon.

To GENERATE HYPOTHESES

(PREDICTIONS) about a phenomenon, tobe tested through research.


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What is a good theory?

One that is

Parsimonious

Clear & precise

Logical

Generates hypotheses for research

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Does All Research Test a Theory?

Not necessarily:

Most published research reports arenottests of a particular theory.

Researchers do attempt to refer to

and include theories in their write-up.


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Predicting An Outcome

Not only does the researcher have tocommit to a very specific question,he/she may have to commit to apredicted outcome for your study.

This prediction is the researchhypothesis.

Research that is purely descriptive

doesnt need to state an hypothesis.

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The Research Hypothesis

An hypothesis is a formalpredictionof the studys outcome (what will befound).

It is an educated guess, based oneor more of the following:

Particular Knowledge Area Theories

Researchers observationsPrevious published research


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Proceeding to Test the Hypothesis

Proceeding to Test the Hypothesismeans answering the researchquestion

Concepts must be defined in termsthat are observable and measurable.

This function is achieved throughcreating operational definitions for

the concepts.

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Operational Definitions

An operational definition transformsan abstract concept into somethingmeasurable, like scores on a test.

How many operational definitionsexist for a single concept?


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Variables

A variable is: an aspect of reality thatvaries in its value or dimension (eithernaturally or because the researchercaused it to vary.)

Concrete variables: language aspect,duration (time) to finish the project,number of the research group, etc.

Abstract variables: anxiety, motivation,communication style

Operational definitions of concepts givethe researchers the variables for thestudy.

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Two Types of Variables

Researchers work with variables in

2 different ways:

1. Variables can be measured.

2. Variables can be manipulated

(experimental designs only).


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Independent & Dependent Variables

Independent Variable: a variablethat is manipulated in an experiment toprovide participants with differentexperiences. (Not all designs useindependent variables)

Dependent Variable: a variable thatis measured in an experiment in orderto see any effects of the independent

variable.

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Reference

Mohammad Alsuraihi, TechnicalWriting, CS212 Course notes, TaibahUniversity, Madinah, KSA

Abdisalam Issa-Salwe, Teaching Notes,College of Computer Science and

Engineering, Taibah University,Madinah, KSA.

Research Methods (Technical Writing CS212)

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