M4

• A problem identified by a researcher is the basis of all subsequent research activities
• Research hypothesis


  A tentative solution to a research question or problem
• Review of related literature


  An integral part of the research process
• Steps in planning a research study

  1. Identify a researchable problem

  2. Formulate a research hypothesis

  3. Write a review of related literature

  4. Plan a research design

  5. Conduct the actual experiment

  6. Analyze and interpret data

  7. Formulate conclusions
• Research design planning

  • Conceptualization of an experimental design
  • Actual experimentation
• Identification of the subject, variables, control, experimental and control groups is the framework in the formulation of an experimental design
• Researchers must receive training and file certain papers with Scientific Review Committee (SRC) and local Internal Review Board (IRB) if it involves human participants
• If planning to do research with vertebrate animals, researchers must receive training and file documentation with an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
• The main concern about student-researchers is to ensure that they have thoroughly thought through their experimental procedures, understand the safety and ethical issues, can justify their methods, and can ensure the humane treatment of the entities being studied
• A timetable is necessary before starting the actual experimentation
• Gantt Chart


  A tool used to represent a project schedule that includes duration of individual tasks or phases
• A Gantt chart allows the researcher to assess the duration of a study, identify the resources needed, and lay out the order in which tasks need to be performed during the actual experimentation
• A Gantt chart is usually found inside a Project Data Logbook or scanned data logbook
• The logbook includes a detailed account of every phase of the project or research study
• The logbook serves as proof that certain activities occurred at specific times
• Data analysis and interpretation of the results are organized and presented in a simple manner
• The last step in planning and designing a research study is the formulation of conclusion
• Conclusion provides the solution to the proposed problem based on the findings of the investigation
• Steps in planning and designing research provide a great impact on the results of the research project
• Identifying a researchable problem is the first step in planning and designing a research study
• Ways to identify a research problem

  • Consulting
  • Interviewing
  • Observing people
  • Visiting facilities
  • Reading materials
  • Observing things
• Prioritize problems requiring immediate attention or solution if multiple problems are identified simultaneously
• Identifying the subject area for investigation is necessary to find a research problem
• Possible subject areas for investigation include Life Science, Physical & Applied Science, and Robotics & Innovation
• Research problems can be identified through preliminary readings of related studies from various publications and surfing the internet
• It is important to ensure that the study to be conducted will not duplicate other people’s research studies
• Timetable should be detailed enough indicating the time needed to finish all planned activities
• Research hypothesis is based on factual knowledge, experiences, and observations
• A Gantt chart makes the research more systematic and reliable
• Data analysis involves discussing the statistical tests and methods used in the data gathered
• Stating the conclusion depends on the type of activity being undertaken