The Research Process
In compiling research there are steps you need to take in order for it to be valid, and of use once it is compiled. To insure this we use a research process. The research process should help to choose an appropriate topic question, direct, and keep you on track though your research.
The research process is described as the ordered set of activities focused on the systematic collection of information using accepted methods of analysis as a basis for drawing conclusions and making recommendations. (I.A.R, 19/12/07)
Defining the goals and objectives of a research project is one of the most important steps in the research process (Step 3 below). Clearly stated goals keep a research project focused. As the process continues, the goals become more clearly defined and the research issues are narrowed (Statpac, 1997-2008). This is important as the success of a paper, could be due to something as simple as incorrect selecting of your topic statement or having a weak objective.
These steps are as follows (On-line Library Learning Centre)
STEP 1: Formulate your question
STEP 2: Get background information
STEP 3: Refine your search topic
STEP 4: Consider your resource options
STEP 5: Select the appropriate tool (Research)
STEP 6: Use the tool
STEP 7: Locate your materials
STEP 8: Analyze your materials
STEP 9: Organize and write
STEP 10: Compose your bibliography
In formulating your question, you need to find something of interest on a topic that needs to be researched. You then need to get back ground information on the topic, to see what exactly you will need to research. You may need to refine your question, as it maybe to broad or simpler question. The next job is to look into what resources you can draw from, and which will be most beneficial and use them. From the resources found, you then need to analyze and sort through the information that is relevant to your topic question. Then organize them into useable notes / material and write them up in a way that will best cover your research question
The many resources that refer to the research process can be different but they all maintain the same general guide lines. They all have a systematic formula to help choose and formulate the topic and write up the information found. Without using and keeping to a research process while writing a paper, there is a risk that material may become invalid and scatted, this could be due to something as simple as not selecting your topic statement correctly, or having a weak objective. For this reason I think that the use of a research process is useful, as it solidifies your objective and keeps you on track.
Instructional Assessment Resources, The University of Texas at Austin, (19/12/2007). Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/glossary.php
Steps in the Research Process, On-line Library Learning Centre, Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit01/infoage01_04.phtml
David S. Walonick, (1993). Problem Recognition & Definition, Stadpac, Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.statpac.com/research-papers/research-process.htm
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The Research Process - Some good work in here Simon - my comments and corrections are inserted below in your text and in italics - let me know if I have been unclear. Felicity Molloy
ReplyDeleteIn compiling research there are steps you ?who? need to take in order for it to be valid, and of use once it is compiled.
Research is a process: there are a number of critical steps that need to be taken in order to achieve validity.
To insure sp. this we use a research process. The research process should help to choose an appropriate topic question, direct, and keep you on track though your research.
The first step is taking the time to develop a research question that will guide and direct you through the entire process.
My two revised opening statements may seem a bit pedantic but they are examples of ways to clarify your sentence structure - i.e. not to use the same word twice in a sentence...
The research process is described as the an ordered set of activities focused on the systematic collection of information and the use of accepted methods of analysis as a basis for drawing conclusions and making recommendations. (I.A.R, 19/12/07) correct reference is http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/glossary.php, 2007)
Defining the goals and objectives of a research project is one of the most important steps in the research process (Step 3 below). Clearly stated goals keep a research project focused. As the process continues, the goals become more clearly defined and the research issues are narrowed (Statpac, 1997-2008) correct reference is (Walonick, 1993) This is important as the success of a paper, could be due to something as simple as incorrect selecting of your topic statement or having a weak objective.I have a problem with your use of "your"? Give the name to the "your"? In this case it would just be "the" in the previous usage in first sentence you could have used the term researcher?
These steps are as follows (On-line Library Learning Centre)
STEP 1: Formulate your question ditto
STEP 2: Get background information
STEP 3: Refine your search topic
STEP 4: Consider your resource options
STEP 5: Select the appropriate tool (Research)
STEP 6: Use the tool
STEP 7: Locate your materials
STEP 8: Analyze your materials
STEP 9: Organize and write
STEP 10: Compose your bibliography Your references / not bibliography will have been started from the beginning of clarifying your question - have a look at your class notes about referencing and literature review assessment!)
In formulating your question, you need to find something of interest on a topic that needs to be researched. You then need to get background - one word information on the topic, to see what exactly you will need to research. You may need to refine your question, as it maybe to broad or simpler question. The next job is to look into what resources you can draw from, and which will be most beneficial and use them. From the resources found, you then need to analyze and sort through the information that is relevant to your topic question. Then organize them into usable notes/material and write them up in a way that will best un cover your research question fullstop!
The many resources that refer to the research process can be different but they all maintain the same general guide lines. They all have a systematic formula to help choose and formulate the topic and write up the information found. Without using and keeping to a research process while writing a paper, there is a risk that material may become invalid and scatte re d, this could be due to something as simple as not selecting your topic statement correctly, or having a weak objective. you are repeating yourself! . For this reason I think that the use of a research process is useful, as it solidifies your objective and keeps you on track.
Instructional Assessment Resources, The University of Texas at Austin, (19/12/2007). Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/glossary.php
Steps in the Research Process, On-line Library Learning Centre, Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit01/infoage01_04.phtml
David S. Walonick, (1993). Problem Recognition & Definition, Stadpac, Retrieved 19/03/2009 http://www.statpac.com/research-papers/research-process.htm