research launguange and process

• Research

  A careful, disciplined inquiry, varying in technique and method according to the nature and conditions of the problem identified, directed toward the clarification or resolution (or both) of the problem
• Research

  The deliberate and systematic investigation of any subject to discover new insight
• Research

  The systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic or problem
• Research

  An intensive search with the purpose of becoming certain
• Research is an intellectual process conducted for a certain purpose
• Research paper

  • Uses documentation
  • Analyzes, discusses, and debates
  • Acquaints you with a cross section of
  • Engages you in critical, not just informative reading and writing
• A research paper is not a piece of expository writing, personal essay, reflection paper, review of academic literature, or mere reporting of facts and/or opinions
• The research process

  1. Identification and formulation of the research problem

  2. Literature review

  3. Identifying gaps in existing knowledge

  4. Considering local statistics, scientific gatherings, and group discussions
• Good research problem

  • Of great interest to the researcher
  • Significant and will benefit the field, participants, and society
  • Contributes new information
  • Feasible and respects the rights of participants
  • Time-bound
• Research objective

  The research problem presented as a statement
• Types of research objectives

  • General
  • Specific
• Specific research objectives must lead to the attainment of the general research objective
• Variables

  Properties or characteristics of the study population that are being investigated, measurable and can be manipulated
• Types of variables

  • Numeric (quantitative data)
  • Categorical (qualitative data)
• Independent variable

  The predictor
• Dependent variable

  The outcome
• Hypothesis

  A testable statement of a possible relationship existing between the variables
• Types of hypothesis

  • Null hypothesis (H0)
  • Alternative hypothesis (H1 or Ha)
• Assumptions are events or situations that appear to be true but are not verified
• Sampling

  Identifying a subpopulation that best represents the target population to save time and expenses
• Types of data

  • Primary data
  • Secondary data
• Language of research

  • Technical rather than creative
  • Formal and direct
  • Informative rather than impressive
  • Clearly stated sentences
  • Jargon usage depends on the intended audience
  • Brevity and simplicity
  • Proper word choice
  • Active voice preferred over passive voice
  • Specific details, avoid information flooding
• Becoming a good technical writer requires practice, it is not a skill that can be acquired overnight