University of Western Sydney

Masters Research Projects

Dr Robert Mulley

Patrick SK Poon

Dr Sue Reed

Dr Zina O’Leary

University of Western Sydney

What is Research at UWSH?

University of Western Sydney

What is Research?• Research involves asking a question and

attempting to find an answer.

• It may involve asking a similar question that has been asked in another research project. However the difference may be that the research was undertaken in another country or in another industry.

University of Western Sydney

What is Research

Creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications.

University of Western Sydney

Definition of Research RESEARCH: a careful search or

enquiry after or for something: an endeavour to discuss new facts etc. by the scientific study of a subject: the course of a critical investigation (Oxford Dictionary)

University of Western Sydney

“RESEARCHING” IS MORE THAN “RESEARCH”

- IT INCLUDES THE PERSONAL PROCESS OF DOING RESEARCH

- That is, how do I conduct my work?

University of Western Sydney

SOME RELEVANT POINTS1. Define your research objective2. Aims and significance3. Relevance - you

- industry i.e. who will benefit?

4. Experimental designOR

How will data be collected5. Budget6. Reporting the findings

University of Western Sydney

University of Western Sydney

1. Initiating the Project• Locating the gaps(s)

• Formulating the aim & objectives• Formulating research questions

2. Designing the Research Project• Defining the key concepts

• Reviewing possible methods• Developing the research proposal

3. Collecting the Data• Locating the data

• Retrieving the data• Managing the data

4. Analysing the Data• Developing the core categories

• Coding the data• Drawing the conclusions

5. Communicating the Findings• Freewriting/brainstorming

• Developing the outline• Writing up

The Social Research Cycle

University of Western Sydney

FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS1. Is the research required?

2. Is the project achievable?

3. Can the project be adequately resourced?

University of Western Sydney

IN SUMMARY, RESEARCH INVOLVES:

i. Creating and posing a questionii. Determining how to go about answering

the questioniii. Planning for, and making appropriate

empirical/social observationsiv. Rationally making sense out of those

observations(Graziano & Raulin, 1993)

University of Western Sydney

How Does the Research Methods Relate to Your Research Project

• Research Methods can be used to start your project

• It can be used to test an idea you have to see if it is worth further research

University of Western Sydney

Research Project Requirements • HREC application in 1 February 2003

• Process seminar in May 2003

• Final Seminar in October/November 2003

• Submission of Project project by 1 December 2003

University of Western Sydney

HREC Requirements• Sue Reed

University of Western Sydney

Project Supervisors• Assist in the formulation of the research project plan;• Provide guidance on use of facilities;• Be available for consultation with the student• Assist in setting goals and deadlines;• Attend presentations given student;• Provide comment on the student's progress;• Assist in the resolution of any difficulties that might

arise with the project;• Comment on the draft of the Project Report;• If appropriate, contribute to any ancillary work that

arise from the project;

University of Western Sydney

Project Supervision

University of Western Sydney

Internet Resources

University of Western Sydney

Research project Handbook• Requirements for written research project

• Guidelines of what should be in a project report

University of Western Sydney

Remember this is your chance to explore a question or topic you

have wanted to learn more about. Especially how a topic may apply

in Hong Kong.

University of Western Sydney

Have You Any Questions?

University of Western Sydney

We Look Forward to Seeing How Your Research Progresses in 2003!