Research Skills Pre-Msc Exam Summary
Week 1:
Chapter I: Why Science?
Research: the process of collecting, organizing, and analysing information to
enhance our understanding of a specific topic or issue. It is a systematic method
aimed at generating new knowledge and addressing specific questions or problems.
Main Goals of Research:
1. Describe: To understand how something works or functions (e.g., describing
a phenomenon).
2. Explain: To identify why something works the way it does (e.g., explaining the
causes of a phenomenon).
3. Predict: To anticipate how something will behave in the future (e.g.,
forecasting outcomes based on data).
Good research questions should be=
• Interesting
• Relevant
• Feasible
Types of research=
1. Exploratory Research:
• Purpose: To identify and define new questions or problems, often used when
little is known about a topic.
• Outcome: Lays the groundwork for future studies and generates new ideas.
2. Constructive Research:
• Purpose: To test theories and propose solutions to specific problems.
• Outcome: Builds new insights or frameworks for understanding issues.
3. Empirical Research:
• Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of solutions through empirical evidence
(real-world data).
• Outcome: Involves gathering data and testing hypotheses, often in a scientific
or practical context.
a. Qualitative research: A method focused on understanding social
phenomena through the perspective of individuals. It often involves
techniques such as interviews, observations, and case studies.
b. Quantitative research: Deals with measurable data and trends. It
relies on statistical analyses, including surveys and assessments, to
conclude
, basic research= Conducted primarily to achieve a more detailed understanding of
human behaviour without trying to solve a specific problem
applied research= Conducted to address practical problems and find solutions to
real-world issues
structure body of a research paper options=
• Thematic organization
• Chronological organization
• Method-based organization
Steps to Formulate a Research Question=
1. Start with a broad topic
2. Narrow the focus
3. Identify a research problem
Types of Research Questions=
• Descriptive Questions: Aim to describe a phenomenon (e.g., "What are the
key factors influencing X?")
• Comparison Questions: Focus on comparing variables and understanding
their differences or similarities (e.g., "How does X compare to Y in terms of
Z?")
• Causal Questions: Investigate cause-and-effect relationships (e.g., "Does X
cause Y to happen?")
Chapter II: Thinking Like a Researcher (only section 3-4)
Concepts: Generalisable properties or characteristics associated with objects,
events or people
Construct: Abstract concepts chosen specifically to explain a phenomenon (not
directly measurable)
Unidimensional constructs: Involve a single underlying concept.
Multidimensional constructs: Consist of multiple underlying concepts.
types of construct definitions =
• Conceptual Definition: Defines the construct on an abstract, theoretical level
(e.g., what "intelligence" means in theory).
• Operational Definition: Defines the construct in terms of how it will be
measured in a specific study (e.g., IQ tests to measure "intelligence").
Variable: A measurable representation of an abstract construct. In research,
variables are used to test hypotheses and measure constructs.
Week 1:
Chapter I: Why Science?
Research: the process of collecting, organizing, and analysing information to
enhance our understanding of a specific topic or issue. It is a systematic method
aimed at generating new knowledge and addressing specific questions or problems.
Main Goals of Research:
1. Describe: To understand how something works or functions (e.g., describing
a phenomenon).
2. Explain: To identify why something works the way it does (e.g., explaining the
causes of a phenomenon).
3. Predict: To anticipate how something will behave in the future (e.g.,
forecasting outcomes based on data).
Good research questions should be=
• Interesting
• Relevant
• Feasible
Types of research=
1. Exploratory Research:
• Purpose: To identify and define new questions or problems, often used when
little is known about a topic.
• Outcome: Lays the groundwork for future studies and generates new ideas.
2. Constructive Research:
• Purpose: To test theories and propose solutions to specific problems.
• Outcome: Builds new insights or frameworks for understanding issues.
3. Empirical Research:
• Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of solutions through empirical evidence
(real-world data).
• Outcome: Involves gathering data and testing hypotheses, often in a scientific
or practical context.
a. Qualitative research: A method focused on understanding social
phenomena through the perspective of individuals. It often involves
techniques such as interviews, observations, and case studies.
b. Quantitative research: Deals with measurable data and trends. It
relies on statistical analyses, including surveys and assessments, to
conclude
, basic research= Conducted primarily to achieve a more detailed understanding of
human behaviour without trying to solve a specific problem
applied research= Conducted to address practical problems and find solutions to
real-world issues
structure body of a research paper options=
• Thematic organization
• Chronological organization
• Method-based organization
Steps to Formulate a Research Question=
1. Start with a broad topic
2. Narrow the focus
3. Identify a research problem
Types of Research Questions=
• Descriptive Questions: Aim to describe a phenomenon (e.g., "What are the
key factors influencing X?")
• Comparison Questions: Focus on comparing variables and understanding
their differences or similarities (e.g., "How does X compare to Y in terms of
Z?")
• Causal Questions: Investigate cause-and-effect relationships (e.g., "Does X
cause Y to happen?")
Chapter II: Thinking Like a Researcher (only section 3-4)
Concepts: Generalisable properties or characteristics associated with objects,
events or people
Construct: Abstract concepts chosen specifically to explain a phenomenon (not
directly measurable)
Unidimensional constructs: Involve a single underlying concept.
Multidimensional constructs: Consist of multiple underlying concepts.
types of construct definitions =
• Conceptual Definition: Defines the construct on an abstract, theoretical level
(e.g., what "intelligence" means in theory).
• Operational Definition: Defines the construct in terms of how it will be
measured in a specific study (e.g., IQ tests to measure "intelligence").
Variable: A measurable representation of an abstract construct. In research,
variables are used to test hypotheses and measure constructs.
