English

• Research


  A systematic and scientific procedure of data collection, compilation, analysis, interpretation, and implication pertaining to any problem
• Significance of research

  • A Tool for Building Knowledge and for Facilitating Learning
  • Means to Understand Various Issues and Increase Public Awareness
  • An Aid to Business Success
  • A Way to Prove Lies and to Support Truths
  • Means to Find, Gauge, and Seize Opportunities
  • A Seed to Love Reading, Writing, Analyzing, and Sharing Valuable Information
  • Nourishment and Exercise for the Mind
• Thesis


  A dissertation embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view; especially: one written by a candidate for an academic degree
• Jargon


  A specialized language used by a specific group of people. When a jargon is used to confuse or mislead, it is considered negative; however, it is appropriate when carried out within a specific profession or area of study
• Elements of research


  • Title
  • Introduction
  • Methodology
  • Results and Discussions
  • Conclusion
  • References
• Concept


  A term that abstractly describes and names an object, a phenomenon, or an idea
• Theory


  An organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon
• Quantitative research


  Describes, infers, and resolves problems using numbers
• Quantitative method


  Focuses on numbers, objective hard data. It proves hypotheses by statistical analysis and scientific method. It is called a formal, objective, systematic process in which numerical data is used to obtain information about the world. It is used to describe variables. It examines relationships among variables
• Qualitative research


  Based on words, feelings, emotions, sounds and other non-numerical and unquantifiable elements
• Qualitative method


  Uses words instead of numbers to display data. It focuses on feelings not numerical data. Small amount of participants involved in a qualitative research study. This kind of research method utilizes interviews, archived written information, and observations to measure the significance of a relationship between variables
• Quantitative methods are ideally suited for finding out who, what, when and where. Qualitative methods also seek out the who, what, however, it does not focus on the when and where. Additionally, it includes the question how

  
• Variables


  Any quality of a person, group subject, event, condition or situation that varies or takes on different values
• Hypothesis


  A logical supposition, a reasonable guess, and educated conjecture. It provides a tentative explanation of a phenomenon under investigation
• Sampling


  The process of selecting participants who are representatives of a larger population – gain an understanding of a larger population
• SMART criteria for research paper writing


  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Realistic
  • Time
• Ways to narrow down a research topic


  • By demographic characteristics
  • By relevant issues
  • By location
  • By timeframe
  • By causes
• The main purpose of research is to inform action, to prove a theory, and contribute to developing knowledge in a field or study
• Technical definition


  The definition of a word as used in a particular field like Science, Law, or Engineering. The meaning of the word is associated with the field or area of study. Mostly refers to the aspect of explaining or describing any terminology
• Operational definition


  A result of the process of operationalization and it is used to define something (term/object) in terms of process. It is the application of the word/term. These may include the various attempts to define or explain a certain process and its properties including but not limited to the characterization of the event itself
• A technical definition is a definition in the technical sense, while an operational definition includes information from the real world
• Technical definition


  A definition in the technical sense, with details that make the subject function
• Operational definition


  A definition that works for most practical purposes, including real-world information
• Similarities between technical and operational definitions:
• Expanded definition


  A detailed explanation of a technical term, sometimes using examples and visuals, usually found in academic texts
• Formal definition


  • A precise and specific description of a term or concept using clear, unambiguous, and often technical language to provide a comprehensive understanding by outlining essential attributes, characteristics, and boundaries
• Structural elements of formal definitions


  • Term or concept
  • Genus/Class and Differentia/Distinguishing Characteristics
  • Attributes or characteristics
  • Negation
  • Examples or illustrations
• Techniques used in an extended definition


  • Environment or sector
  • Etymology
  • Evoking the senses
  • Examples or anecdotes
  • Historical references/Historical Background
  • Description/Listing and describing of parts
  • Negation/Negatives
  • Ramifications
• Scientific research


  A systematic way of gathering data and harnessing curiosity to provide scientific information and theories for the explanation of nature and the properties of the world, making practical applications possible
• Scientific research is funded by public authorities, charitable organizations, and private groups, including many companies
• Types of scientific research


  • Academic and application disciplines
  • Artistic research (practice-based research)
  • Historical research
  • Documentary research
• Steps in conducting research


  • Identification of research problem
  • Literature review
  • Specifying the purpose of research
  • Determining specific research questions
  • Specification of a conceptual framework, sometimes including a set of hypotheses
  • Choice of a methodology (for data collection)
  • Data collection
  • Verifying data
  • Analyzing and interpreting the data
  • Reporting and evaluating research
  • Communicating the research findings and, possibly, recommendations