Graduate Research Methods

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Graduate Research Methods

As global functioning grows more complex and highly dynamic, research has become increasingly important. Seemingly, researchers in different fields of specifications are compelled to explore their respective fields further in a bid to generate more knowledge. This knowledge is of paramount importance as it contributes significantly to effective functioning of the society. In order to yield optimal results, research processes need to be accurate, detailed and objective. Basically, these attributes clearly define what constitutes perfect research. Such research tends to be not only complex, but also relevant and systematic in nature. This report details the constituents of a model research strategy.

To begin with, an ideal research needs to have a well defined topic. In this respect, it is important for the researcher to choose an interesting topic. This can be attained if the researcher is interested in the respective topic. After choosing the broad topic, the researcher should narrow the topic to a single aspect. According to Walsh and Wigens (2003), narrowing down the topic makes the research manageable. To attain this, the researcher should have sufficient knowledge about the background or history of the topic. In their review, Federman, Hanna and Rodriguez (2003) suggest that the who, when, what, why and where questions can be used to enable the researcher to narrow the topic to a single important aspect. In essence, brainstorming along these questions aids in generation of a topic that is narrow and definitive.

After developing an ideal topic, the researcher should proceed to the purpose of the study section. This is an important segment of any type of research. It is directive in nature and provides the reader with useful insights regarding the goal of the study. Thus it guides the readers by explaining to them the significance of the study in brief. To a great extent, this increases the interest of the reader in the particular research. Arguably, this is usually at the core of the objectives of almost all types of researches. Researchers always aim at convincing the readers that the particular piece of knowledge is vital. Basically, this accredits their efforts in the particular research and enhances the credibility of the study (Jones, 2008).

Equally important to a research strategy is the development of research questions and hypotheses. To enhance coherence, it is usually advisable for a research to develop the research questions prior to the onset of the particular research. These research questions are derived from the objectives of the study. The objective of the particular study is drawn from the topic of the study. These questions play an instrumental role of guiding the researcher and ensuring that s/he focuses on the research topic. In this respect, the researcher is required to provide relevant and comprehensive answers to each research question while conducting the research (Federman et al, 2003).

To develop relevant research questions, one should first refine the research topic. As aforementioned, this should be narrowed to a single aspect. From this, the researcher should derive a set of questions that would help address the problem in the research questions. Then, s/he should proceed to choosing the questions that best address the research problem. Alternatively, the researcher can develop distinctive objectives form the research topic. From these, s/he should draw questions that address the concerns in the research objectives (Krysik & Finn, 2010).

Also vital to the research strategy are the hypotheses. A hypothesis constitutes a prediction about the outcomes of the research under review. Before the researcher begins the respective research process, it is presumed that s/he has an idea about the results of the research. The hypotheses are derived from the research expectations of the person undertaking the research. The ideas used to develop the hypotheses are informed by the researcher’s previous experiences, information by other researchers or previous studies undertaken by other researchers about the topic. Based on these, Jones (2008) argues that the researcher should have an idea about the outcomes of the respective research.

First, the researcher is expected to develop a dependent variable. Usually, this is the one exposed to examination and analysis. There is then an independent variable which is usually managed by the individual undertaking the examination. Both the independent and dependent variables need to be included in the developed hypothesis statement (Jones, 2008). A hypothesis is developed to be tested whether it is true or false. If true, it is accepted but if false, it is rejected. This is undertaken during the process of examination. Hypotheses play an important role of guiding the researcher through the process of examination. Essentially, they delineate the boundaries of the research and enable the researcher to focus on the research problem. In scientific research, hypotheses inform the entire process. Using these, a researcher ensures that the conditions of the research are standard.

Fundamentally, there are two main models about any particular research that can be exposed to testing. From these, viable conclusions about the research are also drawn. These theories include the null as well as the alternative hypothesis. According to Westby (2006), a null hypothesis seeks to determine if there is a distinct and accurate relationship between the variables being tested. On the other hand, the alternative hypothesis entails a statement that expresses any relationship between the respective variables under review or any particular differences that connect the various variables under examination.

Usually, all studies that asses a hypothesis present both the null and alternative hypotheses.

The null hypothesis is then exposed to intensive examination after which it is accepted or declined. In this regard, if the findings of the study are credible, the null hypothesis is declined and vice versa. The alternative hypothesis in this sense is accepted. Put differently, the null hypothesis is always declined in cases where there is absolutely no relationship between the variables under review. The alternative hypothesis on the other hand is permitted if there is a clear relationship between groups of things or amongst variables. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that any analysis conducted regarding hypothesis testing is greatly influenced by the research method that is adopted by the researcher.

To attain optimal outcomes, Walsh and Wigens (2003) argue that the hypotheses should be refined and narrowed down to a particular item in the research question. In this respect, the null hypothesis defines what is uncertain in the particular study. The alternative hypothesis on the other hand represents what is certain in the respective study or what is being researched upon. In narrowing down and reefing the hypothesis, the null hypothesis should be presented as the exact opposite of the alternative hypothesis (Jones, 2008). Also, the null hypothesis should be written in such a manner that it can be out rightly rejected by the researcher. Nevertheless, the researcher should consider the alternative hypothesis to be incorrect until the facts from its assessment prove otherwise. This would enable him or her to maintain a sense of objectivity when addressing the research question.

Measurement and analysis of the research is also an important aspect of this research strategy. Basically, measurement entails observation and recoding of the collected observations. In determining the type of measurement to be employed, it is important for the researcher to ensure that the instruments chosen are reliable. Walsh and Wigens (2003) assert that reliability ensures that the theory and other estimators used in the study are true. Social research employs a host of measurements either singly or in collaboration with others. In this particular research, employment of survey instruments like questionnaires and interviews and use of qualitative research would yield better outcomes. These are objective and would go a long way in generating data for the research. Arguably, they are non numerical approaches that are important for evaluating qualitative data. For quantitative research however, relative measurements such as scaling that are numeric tend to be more appropriate.

After collection of data, it is important to expose it to extensive analysis. In his review, Westby (2006) ascertains that analysis is a systematic process containing three distinct steps. These are preparation of the data, description of the data and testing of models and hypotheses. With regard to data preparation, the researcher needs to log in the data, check the same for accuracy, compute it, transform it, and develop and document a database structure that is integrative of different measures. Describing data employs descriptive statistics that underscore the fundamental features of the research data. In particular, description entails provision of simple summaries regarding the sample as well as measures used. This step is vitally important especially in quantitative research. Coupled with simple graphics analysis, descriptive statistics necessitate effective analysis of the data collected. Finally, testing of models and hypotheses entails use of inferential statistics to infer and make important judgements about the research questions.

Also worth mentioning is the literature review section. Basically, a literature review provides an account of credible publications and researchers that have already been done about the topic under review. This presents to the reader the entire knowledge about the topic as well as weaknesses and strengths of the relative researches. To develop an ideal literature review, one should begin by establishing a clear objective that acts as a guiding concept. After summarizing the findings of each research listed, the researcher should critique the particular research and underscore the contribution of the same to the research topic. In detail, Krysik and Finn (2010) indicate that a literature review should address the research problem, synthesize the findings of whatever is already known about the topic, identify any controversies related to the particular findings and finally formulate ideal questions that require further research.

Relative to literature review is an annotated bibliography. Basically, this is a list of researches that address the topic under review. In this, one begins by citing the source. Then, s/he gives a brief review of the topic studied by the researcher including the findings and methodologies. Afterwards, it is important to show the strengths and weaknesses of the particular research. Most importantly, the researcher should inform the audience about the relevance of the study to the research questions. By providing an overview of the researches undertaken in the respective field of study, an annotated bibliography enables the researcher to determine the most appropriate sources for the research (Walsh & Wigens, 2003). Further, an annotated bibliography enables the reader to establish the relationship between the previous researches. This informs critical decision making regarding choice of research questions related to the topic in future.

Of great importance to any type of research are the legal and ethical considerations that surround the particular research. Fundamentally, ethical and legal provisions that govern research ensure that research processes and findings do not have adverse effects on the people as well as the environment. Safeguarding the wellbeing of individuals participating in research is of paramount importance for various reasons. To begin with, it enhances the entire welfare of all the participants and ensures that they benefit optimally from the research process or findings (Federman et al 2003). This is attained by ensuring the security of the participants and preventing any malpractices that compromise the quality of life of the individuals as well as the environment. The need for openness for instance allows the public to benefit from the research findings and learn from the research process.

In sum, a research strategy is all encompassing and systematic in nature. As it has come out from the study, it has distinct steps that need to be followed accordingly. Effective development of the research topic should entail proposal of a broad topic, which should then be narrowed to a single aspect. The purpose statement informs the reader about the goals of the research. The research questions and hypotheses should be consistent with the objectives of the study. Just like a literature review, an annotated bibliography provides useful insights regarding the previous research findings about the research topic. Finally, ethical and legal considerations check the researcher’s conduct.

References

Federman, D., Hanna, K. & Rodriguez, L. (2003). Responsible research. Washington D.C.: The National Academic Press.

Jones, S. (2008). Doing internet research. London: Sage Publications.

Krysik, J. & Finn, J. (2010). Research for effective social work practice. USA: Rutledge.

Westby, J. (2006). Investigating the social world: The process and practice of research. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge.

Walsh, M. & Wigens, L. (2003). Introduction to research. USA: Nelson Thornes.