This document provides an overview of a research methods training workshop conducted by the Afghanistan Ministry of Higher Education at the Asian Institute of Technology Language Center. The 3-day workshop covered topics such as defining research, types of research, writing a research problem, developing a research design, and components of a research proposal. It also discussed qualitative and quantitative research methods, sampling techniques, developing a research proposal outline, and presenting a research project. The document provides details on the content covered each day of the workshop to help participants learn the steps for developing and conducting a research study.
5. Develop a plan for a research project
List the sections of a research proposal
Write a research proposal for the Project
Project Presentation
5
6. A systematic process of
investigation into a problem
Is original and not repetition of
something already known
6
7. Expand knowledge and
understanding of phenomenon
Attempts to answer ‘why’ and
‘how’
7
8. Qualitative
Quantitative
Mixed Methods • Describe – how
things are
• Explain – why
things are the way
they are
• Predict –
phenomenon and
relationships
8
10. A ‘research problem’ refers to
some difficulty that the researcher
experiences in the context of
either a theoretical or practical
situation and to which he/she
wants to obtain a solution.
10
11. The formulation of a problem is far more
often essential than its solutions, which may
be merely a matter of mathematical or
experimental skill. To raise new
questions, new possibilities, to regard old
problems from a new angle requires creative
imagination and marks real advance in
science.
-- A. Einstein and L. Infeld,
The Evolution of Physics, 1938
11
12. Actual or current problem
Related previous research
Theories related to problem
12
13. Express clearly the how and
why to undertake the research
As a testable research
hypothesis
As an exploratory research
question
13
14. A framework that guides us to
undertake research on a specific
problem
Cover issues of ‘which’ and ‘why’
of methods and techniques
Decision on sample size and
sampling procedure
14
15. Process of data collection
Analysis procedures and
statistical techniques to be
used
Communicates the research
findings / results
15
19. Representative sample is important
to draw conclusions about the
population
Determine the sample size
Assist in reliability and validity of
the study
19
20. It is not haphazard
Every subject in the population
has a known probability/
chance of selection
20
21. Use of Random table
Systematic random sampling
Stratified random sampling
21
23. Title page page i
Table of contents
List of abbreviations
List of tables and figures
Introductions Chapter 1
page 1
Literature review Chapter 2
Methodology Chapter 3
Timeline/ work schedule/ budget
List of references
23
24. The proposal should have sufficient
information to convince your
readers that you have an important
research idea.
Background of relevant literature
Address major issues or problem
Research methodology is sound
24
26. Often titles are stated in terms
of a functional
relationship, because such
titles clearly indicate the
independent and dependent
variables.
(Who is the audience?)
26
27. Think of an informative but catchy
title
An effective title not only pricks the
reader's interest, but also
predisposes him/her favorably
towards the proposal
27
28. Preciseand accurate
Unambiguous
Avoid extremely long titles
× Extended Contact Program and Learning
Effect of Extended Contact Program on
student achievement
28
35. Rationale
◦ a justification for doing something
Problem statement
A problem statement is a clear concise
description of the issue(s) that
need(s) to be addressed
35
38. To measure the level of achievement of
the AIT participants
There is no significant difference between
the achievement of male and female
participants of AIT
How do AIT participants perform in the
test?
38
40. Step 1 Claiming centrality
and/or
Step 2 Movement from the general to the specific
and/or
Step 3 Reviewing relevant items of previous research
40
41. Example
Minimum safe low temperatures (above
freezing) and high humidity control are
the most important tools for extending
shelf life in vegetables.
(Barth et al., 1993)
41
42. Example
In recent years, there has been an increased
awareness of the potential impact of pollutants
such as heavy metals. Moreover, the traditional
methods for treating aqueous streams
containing metal contaminants are expensive
and can have inadequate facilities.
This is particularly true in developing countries.
This has led to the use of alternative
technologies. The use of biological materials is
one such technology which has received
considerable attention.
(Ho et al., 1996)
42
43. Step 1a Counter-claiming
or
Step 1b Indicating a gap
or
Step 1c Question-raising
or
Step 1d Continuing a previously developed line of inquiry
43
45. Numerous studies on the utilization of plant
proteins as a partial or complete replacement
for fish meal in diets have been conducted
using various freshwater and marines fishes
(Lovell, 1987; Tacon et al., 1983; Murai et
al., 1989a; Cowey et al., 1974).
However, very little is known about the
feasibility of using soybean meal as a dietary
protein source in practical feeds for yellowtail
Seriola quinqueradiata.
(Takii et al., 1989)
45
46. The question addressed here is how
technological change occurs when it is the
overall system that needs to be changed.
In particular, how can we begin and sustain a
technological transition away from
hydrocarbon based technologies?
(Street and Miles, 1996)
46
47. Step 1a Outlining purposes
or
Step 1b Announcing present research
Step 2 Announcing principal findings
Step 3 Indicating structure of the research
47
48. This work aims to establish the extent of
interaction of alginate with calcium and
aluminium ions with respect to the
influence of algal exudates have on the
removal of humic substances by aluminium
coagulation during drinking water
treatment.
(Gregor et al., 1996).
48
49. This paper will examine the use of peat
for the removal of two metals, copper
and nickel, from both mono-solute and
bi-solute solutions.
In particular, it reports the effect that a
competing ion has on the rates of
removal and examines the mechanisms
which may affect the uptake of minerals.
(Ho et al., 1996)
49
50. Decide on the method, techniques
and tools to use
Explain the rationale of each vis-
à-vis the statement of the
problems
50
51. Describe the tool development
process or use of existing one
Describe how you will gather
data for the study
51
52. Indicate the population, sample
size and the sampling
procedure
Explain the statistical methods
to be used with rationale
52
53. Prepare a schedule of activities
(Research Action Plan)
Time management skills
required
53
57. Reference
Bohez, E. L. J., & Thieravarut, M. (1997).
Expert system for diagnosing computer
numerically controlled machines: a case-
study. Computers in Industry, 32, 233-248.
57
69. Asian Institute of Technology
Language Center
Mr. Rob Hatfield, M.Ed.
AIT Language Center
Editor's Notes
Go over each groups proposal – first peer to peer with comments – then with each group individually – 15 minutes
Go over rationale and problem statements first peer to peer with comments and then with each group individually – 20 minutes
Go over objectives – hypothesis (if any) and research questions – peer to peer then with each group individually
Handout # 2 Counter Claiming
Go over the procedures of the study – look to each group formatting and structure – Each linked and defined? 20 minutes
Students to turn on a get access to internet – go over search creditable and to Zotero.org watch Zotero video short video from Boise State University 15 minutes
Students will work through Handout # 4 on how to talk about Visual Aids - 20 minutes
Students will work through Handout # 5 Effective Power point presentations
Students will work through Activity # 6 Effective Oral and Power point presentations – group work on Power point 1 hour / group work oral presentations 1 hour