Methods in Data Gathering - Literature review Example

DEVELOPING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL Name Institution Shaping and Defending a Proposal A proposal is usually a comprehensive study of a research to be undertaken in the near future and is usually meant to communicate one’s line of thinking with regard to the research topic as well as the approach to be adopted(Cooksey, 2011). Oftentimes, a verbal presentation is required to support the proposal; this may be done in front of academic staff or even fellow students. Basically, as Glatthorn (2005) observes, a proposal is aimed at convincing the academic department that there us a concrete plan to undertake a given project and additionally, to prompt the researcher to think through the research in its entirety. It therefore follows that a proposal, is meant to give shape to the research problem by giving a clear view of the research strategy, methodology and even the possible limitations in undertaking the study. Some of the basic questions that the researcher will need to ask include: What methods will be used in data gathering? What viable analytical approaches will be adopted in interrogating the data? The general observation and requirement is that proposal writing should be granted enough time just like course work to provide an ample duration for thorough critique before the final research work is undertaken. In most cases, the lower limit in terms of proposal writing is 6,000 words though this can still go up to 10,000 words (Cooksey, 2011). Further, it is important to note that the actual content of a research proposal varies across institutions – however, there are common headings that characterize the fundamental study proposals, nature of research notwithstanding (Cooksey, 2011). To start with, a research proposal has to have a descriptive title for the thesis proposed. Secondly, we’ve the abstract which is basically a brief of the study proposal – this is closely followed by key words used in the study. Additionally, we have the introduction which gives an overview of the whole project and attempts to describe the motive of the proposed study. To realize this, the introduction seeks to narrow down to the specific objectives that rationalize the research work (Glatthorn, 2005).Closely following the introduction is the literature review which examines the theoretical base as well as the relevant literature domains with a view to bringing out the existing information gaps. Though rarely used, conceptual framework, when applied in a research study seeks to describe the principal constructs and concepts in a given project. Besides, research methodology forms an indispensable part of any research work. This is where the specific method of inquiry is explained. The type of data and methods to be applied in data acquisition is outlined here. Under methodology, the proposed approaches are justified by the researcher and sampling strategy outlined. In addition, a subheading detailing the possible limitations associated with the research methodology adopted is also included. The integrity and feasibility of the study method is interrogated at this stage. A section of expected research outcomes is also included to give a clue of the anticipated research outcome. Moreover, a list of references detailing the various literature materials to be incorporated in the proposed research work forms part of the proposal structure. Further, a project plan may be included as an important appendix to the proposal – it gives an impression of the activity schedules during the research period. A budget should also be made with regard to the resources required like equipment, laboratory visits, survey costs etc (Cooksey, 2011). Formulation of a Research Question Agee (2009) opines that a research question is meant to inject objectivity and vigor in the subject under study. By so doing, the research question provides the reader with a rare platform to anchor the discussion of the methodology proposed. Consequently, an effective research question requires a clear definition of the key concepts and variables to govern the proposed study. Additionally, a good research question should offer an objective means of ensuring unambiguous assessment at the end of the project. A research question is closely related to research focus which is normally taken to be the particular area of interest in a given study. Unlike the research question, the research focus does not give any precise information on what the project seeks to precisely explore. According to Walter (2006) there exists no clear or defined way of formulating the research question though this should be purely based on an in-depth analysis of the existing literature as well as the topic background. According to (Agee, 2009) reflective and interrogative processes required in crafting an effective research question provides shape and the necessary sense of direction during the study. Though quality research questions are not necessarily meant to produce quality study work, poor question construction and conception will most likely generate problems that spill over to subsequent stages in the proposed project. The questioning process forms an integral part when it comes to understanding the divergent views expressed by others (Walter, 2006).Normally, researchers will start to think about their study long before they draft the first research question. The prompt for a research question is usually the intellectual curiosity developed from deep passion on some particular topics. In most cases, the first questions are developed as rough drafts that are then refined as the study project progresses. Agee (2009) suggests self-questioning as the starting point in drafting any research question; the academician may start by examining the motives behind their quest to pursue the study. These provisional questions play quite an important role in choosing the theoretical and methodological approaches. Though such questions may seem generative in the early stages, they actually do stimulate a series of specific questions that provide the basis for data collection. Quite often, the classification of the resultant research questions is based on their varying functions – majorly falling in four categories: emancipatory, descriptive, exploratory and lastly explanatory. The four typologies help bring out a clear picture of the possible directions in which the study is likely to fall into. Agee (2009) points out that two broad questions at the start serve to offer a fertile ground for the researcher to think through the specifics in the proposed study as well as the type of data to be collected during the survey stage. Moreover, it is worth noting that research questions have to account for tentative theories linked to the phenomena under study. In this case, the resultant questions and theories are easily modified to accommodate the methods of data collection and any preliminary findings. Developing and Refining Research Questions Research questions give a clear definition of goals for the particular study and consequently guide the process of data collection. Quite often, the formulation of a good research question presents an uphill task to many academicians as several aspects have to be considered (Agee, 2009). To start with, the process cannot be rushed as it requires some creative skills that take time to muster. Secondly, it is important to avoid cases of misinterpretation and hence calls for a better understanding of the core concepts that characterize the proposed research question. Moreover, complicated and long research questions should be avoided at all costs but still endeavor to capture the critical facets of the proposed study project. It is also important to note that a research question should never be tied to any particular research methodology but rather should be a precursor to coming up with the selection of any research method. The feasibility in responding to the proposed research question should also be taken into account if clear results are to be obtained. Cases of replicated research questions should also be avoided as this serves as a pointer to ignorance and intellectual laziness (Walter, 2006). A good research question is arguably among the most significant tools in shaping the analysis and the design of a given study project (Agee, 2009). Qualitative researchers recommend that one waits until they get to the field and embark on data collection; it is at this point that a research question should be fully developed. The evolution of the theoretical framing during literature review is known to have a bearing on the final research question. The significance of the theoretical framework having to inform the design of the research question is common with research studies where the theory helps define accompanying parameters as well as case selection. In addition to developing the research question from emergent theory, the theoretical framework also serves as an indispensable guide to selecting participants for purposes of data collection. Reflective pieces seem to borrow much from this approach (Walter, 2006). Alternatively, the researcher also has the option of developing one broadly-framed question often referred to as the overarching question (Agee, 2009). Such a question goes a long way in enabling the researcher capture the fundamental study goals simply from one broad question by offering a general direction with regard to study design and data collection. At times, the broad research questions are preferably stated as study goals rather than questions. However, it is important to note that questions are preferred to statements in that the former seeks to presuppose a condition instead of opening up pre-maturely on the expected study outcome. Overall, the research questions should be designed to either explicitly or implicitly provide direction in the framing of an idea. This is because theory serves mores as a conceptual pedestal tool by moving the inquiry forward towards better levels of comprehension. All in all, the researcher should see the questions used during the inquiry process as a vital inquiry tool that provides the much needed clarity and focus! References Cooksey (2011).Surviving and Thriving in Postgraduate Research. Oxford: Oxford University Press Glatthorn (2005).Mixed Methods Research: Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Research. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Glatthorn (2005).Organizing the Dissertation. Washington, USA Jane Agee (2009) Developing qualitative research questions: a reflective process, International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 22:4, 431-447, DOI:10.1080/09518390902736512 Silverman (2010). Business Research Methods, 2nd Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Walter (2006). The Nature of Social Science Research. London. Read More