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How to create a research idea?

Choice of an interesting research By Click to edit Master subtitle style topic


AHMED ELBADRY

abadry2002@yahoo.com

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1. The definition of research


Research can be defined as the search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, with an open mind, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories.
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like many graduate students, I had

great difficulty finding a topic for my thesis. Unfortunately, I did not attend to the lesson I should have been learning via this experience about the importance of and difficulties associated with choosing a good research problem. Today I believe that the choice of research problem choosing the phenomena

we wish to explain or predict is the most important decision we 5/5/12 make as a researcher (Weber

2. Theory and Research


Theory is an explanation of observed regularities. Theory is important to the social researchers because:
1.

It provides a rational for the research that is being conducted.

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It provides framework within which social phenomena can be 5/5/12

3. What type of theory? We can classify theories into: 1. Deductive theory 2. Inductive theory

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3.1 Deductive theory (approach)


Represents the commonest view of the nature of the relationship between theory and social research. The researcher , on the basis of what is known about a particular domain and of theoretical considerations in relation to that domain, deduces a hypothesis (or hypotheses) that must then be 5/5/12 subjected to empirical scrutiny.

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.Deductive theory
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Deductive reasoning works from the more general to the more specific. Sometimes this is informally called a "topdown" approach. Conclusion follows

2.

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3.2 Inductive theory (approach)


In the inductive theory, the researcher infers the implications of his or her findings for the theory that prompted the whole exercise. The findings are fed back into the stock of theory and the research findings associated with a certain 5/5/12 domain of enquiry.

Inductive theory

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Inductive theory
1.

Inductive reasoning works the other way, moving from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories. Informally, we sometimes call this a "bottom up approach. Conclusion is likely based on premises.

1.

1.

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Theory/approac Deductive, Inductive, h testing of generation of theory theory Epistemological Natural sciences Interpretivism orientation model, in (how individuals particular interpret their positivism social world?) Ontological orientation Objectivism (a view of social reality as an external, objective Constructionism

4. Quantitative and Qualitative Research Qualitative Quantitative

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Prior to conducting any research, be it quantitative or qualitative, a researcher needs to review existing literature in order to avoid replicating previous work. A useful discussion provided by Webster and Watson (2002), who state: A review of prior, relevant literature is an essential feature of any academic project. An effective review creates a firm foundation for advancing knowledge. It facilitates theory development, closes areas where a plethora of research exists, and 5/5/12 uncovers where research is needed.

The importance of literature


The literature review is a very important in the initial selection of the topic. This will be more a matter of doing extensive reading rather than a formal literature review, which will happen at an early stage of the research. Because a PhD is an addition to the body of knowledge, you need to have a good idea of what the body of knowledge is in that area. Your 5/5/12 supervisor will be able to direct you to

Sources to review the literature


1.

Reports of research in peer-reviewed journals, looking in particular at their suggestions for further research. Theses and dissertations, conference proceedings and general reports, which may have similar indicators of future research.

2.

3.

Reviews of the field of study 5/5/12 (sometimes, literature reviews are

1. Identifying Source Materials

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2. Navigation of research topic

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5. Key questions to generate research ideas

It is important that you think through the following questions, not only to help you get your head around your idea, but also in terms of refining your research
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5.1 What is the purpose?


It is important to state the aim or purpose of the research, and basically an outline of the question you intend to ask and what you intend to do. That includes the research question, and also forces you to think about how you go about finding the answer to your question. It may be useful to start by brainstorming or mind-mapping ideas you have.
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5.2 Where are you going?


Do you have a hypothesis? A hypothesis is a tentative statement that proposes a possible explanation to some phenomenon or event. A hypothesis is a proposed answer to your research question. It may be an assumption that you have as to where the research may lead you, and what 5/5/12 the outcome of the research will be.

5.3 Who am I to be doing this research?


It is imperative that the researcher be fully aware of themselves. Also, that the researcher understand their role and relationship with/within the communities with whom their research interfaces.

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5.4 Who will this research benefit?


Part of the function of research is to increase our knowledge base about the world and the people around us. Therefore it is important that someone else will be interested in the results of your research.

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5.5 How will your research be of benefit?


How does the research you intend to conduct impact on the people that you have thought about above? What impact does your research have on communities and other organisations? Does your research impact positively on these groups or negatively? Is there a transformative element in 5/5/12 your research that may assist or give

5.6 Has anyone else already answered this question?

Many people have great ideas and questions that need to be answered, however sometimes if you look around you may find that someone else has already answered the question that you are asking. It is important that you do some background checking on what research 5/5/12 has already been conducted in the

It is also important to talk about your idea or question to other people. When you find relevant information, it is useful to read and take note of what there is for two reasons. Firstly, it allows you to check and see if there is any overlap between your research and someone elses.
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6. Finding a PhD topic

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6.1 Identifying the area of study


This is self evidently the first step, and should not be too difficult; in all likelihood, it will be determined by some interest generated by previous study or by employment. This in itself will suggest a supervisor, although for some the desire to work with a particular individual or research centre comes before the particular interest.
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6.2 Finding the supervisor

Here are some things to bear in mind:


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6.3 Initial selection of topic Make sure of the following:


Your supervisor is interested in your topic they will spend a lot of time on it too. You can also ask them to come up with some ideas. Your topic interests you this is 5/5/12

What is originality?
1.

Setting down a major piece of new information in writing for the first time. Continuing a previously original piece of work. Carrying out original work designed by the supervisor. Providing a single original

2.

3.

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6.4 Is it feasible?
You should consider:
1.

Will there be sufficient data and will you be able to gain access to it?

2.

If you want to set up a field experiment, conduct a survey, interview key people, or observe the workforce, will this be possible, in other words will you gain cooperation for your research 5/5/12 design with your subject?

6.5 Is it valuable?
What will be the value to the community at large? Will companies be able to find better and quicker ways of doing business? Will it make a difference to the lives of managers? Will you be able to demonstrate a new educational method? More data on health care in a particular part of the world? These days it is hard to obtain funding if you cannot demonstrate the 5/5/12 social or wealth creation aspect of your

6.6 Is it symmetrical?
Issues of symmetry concern the uncertainty of results of a particular piece of research, and whether the possible outcomes of the research, and the answers to the questions which it poses, are of equal interest. If there is no positive outcome, will the research still be valid?
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6.7 Is there sufficient scope?


This is related to what beliefs are held in the area, and how strongly they are held. For example, linking smoking and heart disease (as in the example above) is of value but little surprise.

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The role of the researcher

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