دورة اعداد البحوث 01 How to create a research idea

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How to create aresearch idea? Choice

of an interestingresearch topicBy

AHMED ELBADRY

[email protected]


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1. The definition of research

Research can be defined asthe search for knowledge, or as

any systematic investigation,with an open mind, to establishnovel facts, solve new or

existing problems, prove newideas, or develop new theories.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge


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like many graduate students, I hadgreat difficulty finding a topic for mythesis. Unfortunately, I did not attend to

the lesson I should have been learning viathis experience about the importance ofand difficulties associated with choosing agood research problem. Today I

believe that the choice of researchproblem choosing the phenomenawe wish to explain or predict isthe most important decision wemake as a researcher (Weber


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2. Theory and Research

Theory is an explanation of observedregularities.

Theory is important to the socialresearchers because:

1. It provides a rational for theresearch that is being conducted.

2. It provides framework within which

social phenomena can be


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3. What type of theory?

We can classify theoriesinto:

1. Deductive theory

2. Inductive theory


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3.1 Deductive theory(approach)

Represents the commonest view of thenature of the relationship betweentheory and social research.

The researcher , on the basis of what is

known about a particular domain andof theoretical considerations in relationto that domain, deduces a hypothesis(or hypotheses) that must then be

subjected to empirical scrutiny.


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.Deductive theory

1. Deductive reasoningworks from the more

general to the morespecific.

2. Sometimes this isinformally called a "top-down" approach.

3. Conclusion follows


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3.2 Inductive theory(approach)

In the inductive theory, theresearcher infers the implicationsof his or her findings for the

theory that prompted the wholeexercise.

The findings are fed back into thestock of theory and the researchfindings associated with a certain

domain of enquiry.


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Inductive theory


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Inductive theory

1. Inductive reasoning works the otherway, moving from specificobservations to broader

generalizations and theories.

1. Informally, we sometimes call this a

"bottom up approach.

1. Conclusion is likely based on

premises.


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4. Quantitative and QualitativeResearch

Quantitative QualitativeTheory/approac

h

Deductive,

testing of

theory

Inductive,

generation of

theoryEpistemological

orientation

Natural sciences

model, in

particular

positivism

Interpretivism

(how individuals

interpret their

social world?)

Ontological

orientation

Objectivism (a

view of social

reality as an

external,

objective

Constructionism


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Prior to conducting any research, be it

quantitative or qualitative, a researcherneeds to review existing literature in orderto avoid replicating previous work.A useful discussion provided by Webster

and Watson (2002), who state:

A review of prior, relevant literature is anessential feature of any academic project.

An effective review creates a firmfoundation for advancing knowledge. Itfacilitates theory development, closes areaswhere a plethora of research exists, and

uncovers where research is needed.


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The importance of literature

The literature review is a veryimportant in the initial selection of thetopic. This will be more a matter of

doing extensive reading rather than aformal literature review, which willhappen at an early stage of the

research. Because a PhD is an additionto the body of knowledge, you need tohave a good idea of what the body ofknowledge is in that area. Yoursupervisor will be able to direct you to


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Sources to review theliterature

1. Reports of research in peer-reviewedjournals, looking in particular attheir suggestions for further

research.

2. Theses and dissertations,conference proceedings and general

reports, which may have similarindicators of future research.

3. Reviews of the field of study

(sometimes, literature reviews are


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1. Identifying SourceMaterials


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2. Navigation of researchtopic

5 K ti t t


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5. Key questions to generateresearch ideas

It is important that youthink through the

following questions, notonly to help you get your

head around your idea,but also in terms of

refining your research


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5.1 What is the purpose?

It is important to state the aim orpurpose of the research, and basicallyan outline of the question you intend

to ask and what you intend to do. Thatincludes the research question, andalso forces you to think about how you

go about finding the answer to yourquestion. It may be useful to start bybrainstorming or mind-mapping ideasyou have.
http://www.rangahau.co.nz/research-idea/20/http://www.rangahau.co.nz/research-idea/20/


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5.2 Where are you going?

Do you have a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a tentative statementthat proposes a possible explanation tosome phenomenon or event.

A hypothesis is a proposed answer toyour research question. It may be anassumption that you have as to wherethe research may lead you, and whatthe outcome of the research will be.


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5.3 Who am I to be doingthis research?

It is imperative that the researcher befully aware of themselves. Also, thatthe researcher understand their role

and relationship with/within thecommunities with whom their researchinterfaces.


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5.4 Who will this researchbenefit?

Part of the function of research is toincrease our knowledge base about theworld and the people around us.

Therefore it is important that someoneelse will be interested in the results ofyour research.


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5.5 How will your researchbe of benefit?

How does the research you intend toconduct impact on the people that youhave thought about above?

What impact does your research haveon communities and otherorganisations?

Does your research impact positivelyon these groups or negatively?

Is there a transformative element inour research that ma assist or ive


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5.6 Has anyone else alreadyanswered this question?

Many people have great ideas andquestions that need to be answered,however sometimes if you look around

you may find that someone else hasalready answered the question thatyou are asking.

It is important that you do somebackground checking on what research

has already been conducted in the


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It is also important to talk about youridea or question to other people. Whenyou find relevant information, it is

useful to read and take note of whatthere is for two reasons.

Firstly, it allows you to check and see ifthere is any overlap between yourresearch and someone elses.


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6. Finding a PhD topic


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6.1 Identifying the areaof study

This is self evidently the first step, andshould not be too difficult; in alllikelihood, it will be determined by

some interest generated by previousstudy or by employment. This in itselfwill suggest a supervisor, although for

some the desire to work with aparticular individual or research centrecomes before the particular interest.


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6.2 Finding thesupervisor

Here are

some things

to bear inmind:


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6.3 Initial selection oftopic

Make sure of thefollowing:

Your supervisor is interested in your

topic they will spend a lot of time onit too. You can also ask them to comeup with some ideas.

Your topic interests you this is


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What is originality?

1. Setting down a major pieceof new information in writing

for the first time.2. Continuing a previously

original piece of work.

3. Carrying out original workdesigned by the supervisor.

4. Providin a sin le ori inal


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6 i l bl ?


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6.5 Is it valuable?

What will be the value to thecommunity at large? Will companiesbe able to find better and quicker ways

of doing business? Will it make adifference to the lives of managers?Will you be able to demonstrate a new

educational method? More data onhealth care in a particular part of theworld? These days it is hard to obtainfunding if you cannot demonstrate the

social or wealth creation aspect of your


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6.6 Is it symmetrical?

Issues of symmetry concern theuncertainty of results of a particularpiece of research, and whether the

possible outcomes of the research, andthe answers to the questions which itposes, are of equal interest. If there is

no positive outcome, will the researchstill be valid?

6 7 I th ffi i t


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6.7 Is there sufficientscope?

This is related to what beliefs are heldin the area, and how strongly they areheld. For example, linking smoking and

heart disease (as in the exampleabove) is of value but little surprise.


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دورة اعداد البحوث 01 How to create a research idea

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