The Royal Military

Academy Meknes
Research Methodology

Instructor: Dr. Driss

What is ‘Research’
 “Research is what i’m doing when I
don’t know what I am doing” ” (W. Von
Braun)

 “Ifwe knew what it was we were

doing, it would not be called research,
would it?” (A. Einstein)
 It’s very important to understand the value
of doing things that you don't understand
fully in order to ensure that you
understand them better.
Ifat first you don’t succeed, search
and search again. That’s why we
call it success
COURSE DESCRIPTION

1. Description
This course is an introduction to research methodology.
Its aim is to help the students develop a thorough
understanding of the fundamental steps of the research
process.
1. Objectives
Drawing on practice and readings, the course prepares the students
for the following:
2. To be aware of the characteristics and format of a good piece of
research.
3. To choose a topic, formulate a title, formulate a hypothesis and
address research questions.
4. To write the review of the literature
5. To determine the right approach for a given research project.
6. To determine the research variables and the population sample.
6. To design data collection instruments
7. To write an outline.
8. To be able to establish a relevant
bibliography and choose the appropriate
references and list them.
9. To be aware of different bibliography and in
text citation styles.
10. To be able to analyze data.
11. To be aware of the ethical issues in research.
1. Course methodology
a. Discussions of the readings assigned
b. In class practice
1. Course requirements
a. Regular attendance is advised
b. Active participation is advised
4. Materials
 Class materials will be assigned by the Professor.
Weekly schedule
 Week 1. -Introduction to the course
- Research: definition,
objectives, motivation,
types and significance
 Week 2. Topic choice and title
formulation
 Week 3. Outlining and Research
Proposal
 Week 4. The research process 1
 Week 6. The research problem, objectives, research
questions, hypotheses, research
variables and sampling 1
 Week 7. The research problem, objectives, research
questions, hypotheses, research
variables and sampling 2
 Week 8. Research ethics and Documentation Styles
(MLA & APA)
 Week 9. Review of the literature and critical thinking
 Week 10. Data collection instruments: quantitative and
qualitative
 Week 11. Data analysis: quantitative and qualitative
data
References
 Creswell , John W. 2014 Educational Research: Planning,
Conducting and Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative
Research. Pearson Education Limited.
 Kothari, C.R. 2004. Research Methodology: Methods and
Techniques. New Delhi : New Age International (P)
Limited, Publishers
Meaning of Research
 Research in common parlance refers to a search for
knowledge. Once can also define research as a
scientific and systematic search for pertinent
information on a specific topic. In fact, research is an
art of scientific investigation.
"Researchis creating new
knowledge." – Neil Armstrong
 Research is “a careful investigation or inquiry specially
through search for new facts in any branch of
knowledge.”
 Research is also defined as a “systematized effort to
gain new knowledge.”
 Some people consider research as a voyage of
discovery.
 We all possess the vital instinct of inquisitiveness for,
when the unknown confronts us, we wonder and our
inquisitiveness makes us probe and attain full and
fuller understanding of the unknown.
In academia, research is
essential for developing new
theories and ideasResearch
contributes to solving real-world
problems
 Research is an academic activity.
 According to Clifford Woody research comprises
defining and redefining problems, formulating
hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting,
organising and evaluating data; making deductions
and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully testing
the conclusions to determine whether they fit the
formulating hypothesis.
 In short, the search for knowledge through objective
and systematic method of finding solution to a
problem is research.
 ‘Research’ refers to the systematic method consisting of
enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis,
collecting the facts or data, analysing the facts and
reaching certain conclusions either in the form of
solutions(s) towards the concerned problem or in certain
generalisations for some theoretical formulation.
OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

 What makes people to undertake research?

 Thepossible motives for doing research may be either one
or more of the following:
1. Desire to get a research degree along with its
consequential benefits;
2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved
problems, i.e., concern over practical problems initiates
research;
3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work;
4. Desire to be of service to society;
5. Desire to get respectability.
 Many more factors such as directives of government,
employment conditions, curiosity about new things,
desire to understand causal relationships, social
thinking and awakening, and the like may as well
motivate (or at times compel) people to perform
research operations.
Types of research
Qualitative research: In-depth
understanding, explores "why"
and "how"
Quantitative research: Uses
numerical data to test hypotheses
Mixed methods research:
Combines both qualitative and
quantitative approaches
Practice
1. Which of the following is a
characteristic of qualitative
research?
A. Uses numerical data
B. Focuses on measuring variables
C. Seeks in-depth understanding of human
behavior
D. Employs statistical analysis
2. Quantitative research is best
suited for which of the following
purposes?
A. Understanding individual experiences
B. Testing a hypothesis through
numerical data
C. Exploring open-ended questions
D. Conducting in-depth interviews
3. What is a mixed methods
approach in research?
A. Using both primary and secondary
data
B. Combining qualitative and
quantitative research methods
C. Conducting research across multiple
locations
D. Mixing results from different studies
4. Which of the following is NOT
typically associated with
qualitative research?
A. Interviews
B. Case studies
C. Surveys
D. Ethnography
5. In quantitative research, which
of the following data collection
methods is commonly used?
A. Focus groups
B. Participant observation
C. Experiments and surveys
D. Thematic analysis
6. Which of the following is true about
mixed methods research?
A. It uses only qualitative data to answer
research questions
B. It requires fewer resources than using
either qualitative or quantitative methods
alone
C. It combines both numerical and non-
numerical data to provide a more
comprehensive understanding
D. It eliminates the need for statistical
7. Thematic analysis is most
commonly associated with which
type of research?
A. Quantitative
B. Qualitative
C. Mixed Methods
D. Experimental
8. Which of the following statements
is true about quantitative research?
A. It is more subjective and allows for
personal interpretations
B. It primarily uses words and narratives to
gather data
C. It aims to generalize findings to a larger
population
D. It focuses on the context and meaning
of the research setting
9. A researcher conducts
interviews to explore people’s
personal experiences with social
media. What type of research is
this?
A. Quantitative
B. Experimental
C. Qualitative
D. Longitudinal
10. Which of the following best
describes the role of hypotheses in
quantitative research?
A. To develop new questions as the research
progresses
B. To test predictions through numerical
data analysis
C. To generate theories based on
observation
D. To explore participant narratives in depth
Variables
Definition of Variables:
Variables are any characteristics,
numbers, or quantities that can
vary in an experiment or study.
Two Main Types of Variables:
1.Independent Variable (IV): The
variable that is manipulated or
changed by the researcher.
2.Dependent Variable (DV): The
variable that is observed or
measured for changes.
Independent Variable (IV)
• Definition:
The variable that is controlled or
changed to test its effects on the
dependent variable.
Examples:
• Amount of study time
• Type of teaching method
• Different types of fertilizers
Dependent Variable (DV)
• Definition:
The variable that is tested and
measured in response to
changes in the independent
variable.
Examples:
• Test scores
• Growth of plants
• Customer satisfaction
Example:
• Hypothesis:
Increasing study time improves
test scores.
• Independent Variable:
Number of hours spent studying.
• Dependent Variable:
Test scores.
Hypothesis: Drinking coffee
improves work productivity.
Independent Variable: Amount
of coffee consumed (0 cups, 1 cup,
2 cups).
Dependent Variable: Work
productivity (measured by the
number of tasks completed).
Hypothesis: Different types of
music affect workout
performance.
Independent Variable: Type of
music (pop, classical, no music).
Dependent Variable: Time spent
working out or performance in
exercise.
Example:
“If students sleep more hours,
their concentration levels will
improve.”
Hypothesis: Taking vitamin
supplements increases energy
levels.
Hypothesis: Changing the
classroom temperature affects
student performance.
Choosing and refining a
topic
Yourresearch starts with
choosing a topic
 Choose a topic that sustains your interest
over a long period (sth that you are
passionate about)
- look for a rich topic: A research that you
can find a finite variety within
- Some students run out of the stream
before the end and their research
becomes tedious or they
abandon it altogether.
 Choose a topic that is intrinsically
worthwhile- a topic that you can feel some
pride in and that the outsiders will
appreciate the significance of. (though the
notion of ‘worthwhile’ is relative)
Check what has been done or said
about the topic by others. Your goal is
not to avoid a topic already
researched, but to find a niche for
your own particular approach to this
subject.
Practically, you start your
research within a broad field
of study from which you will
choose a ‘topic’
Asyou read about the topic,
your aim is to refine it into a
specific research or
problem.
After refining your topic,
you should be able to state
what your research is about
in a short sentence or a
question.
It’s a circular process-
reading, that shifts your
thinking, that sends you to
more reading, that further
shifts your thinking
Develop the ability to think
critically about your own
topic of research.
Ask yourself:

- What, exactly, am I trying to

find out about my topic?
There must be a great deal
written about whatever
topic you choose; a lot of
research has been done in
the ‘field’.
So, to refine your broad topic,
consider these questions:
- What am I trying to find
about this topic?
- Why do I want to find it
out?
More specifically,
- am I interested in the past or the
present (of my topic)?
- Do I want to restrict myself to a
single country or region or do I want
to make comparisons
between several?
 - Do I want to restrict myself to a
particular period or do I want to
compare more than one?
These questions, and, of course,
many more others help to sort out a
‘topic’ from within a ‘field’
As you read around your
subject, you can revisit and
constantly return to the topic
and refine it so that your
‘topic’ becomes ‘a question’
that can guide your research.
Researcheable vs
unresearcheable topics
A research topic is a specific
part of study in a broader
area of study. It is a topic
within a research field
It’s a remarkably challenging
task to conduct a kind of
detailed enquiry necessary to
arrive at fresh insights of your
own on such broad subjects.
Exercise and health
(Too broad!!!!)
The broad topic about exercise can
be narrowed down as follows:
- Regular exercise and
depression relief
From which the following research
question may stem:
R. Q:
Does regular exercise relieve
depression?
Indeed, a researchable topic is a
specific research question that can
be logically researched and tested
using the scientific method.
A researchable topic should have the
following qualities:
• Can collect data and analyze those
data
• Topic is a piece of a larger scientific
arena of study
• Topic does not address an opinion, but
rather states a hypothesis that can be
tested with those data that we just
talked about
For the research to be
productive, your research
topic should be well focused
and manageable.
Itshould address aspects of the
subject (issues and questions)
that your readers will consider
worth your attention and theirs.
 Field

Topic

Research question

Hypothesis
Non-researchable topics

Non-researcheable topics include

explanation of how to do
something, vague issues and
propositions and value-based
concerns.
Examples of non-researchable topics:
- Is democracy the best form of
government?
- Is it possible to prevent crime?
- How to be a successful student
- What happens to people’s
consciousness after death?
 Topic formulation

-A study of ….. -The use of ……. -Attitudes

-An investigation -The impact of …… towards
of ….. -The relationship -Perceptions of
-A comparison between ….. -A ……………
between …. -The representation An approach to
-An analysis of of …….
…….
- ………………As a Case Study
- The Case of …………
- With Special Reference to ………..
 FORMULATING THE TITLE OF YOUR RESEARCH
PAPER (PRACTICE)
ICT in Moroccan Education System

Child labor

The use of body language: A case study of

students
Single parents
Students’ participation in class

Sexual harassment

Classroom management

The difference between language of

school and university
Developing an outline
An outline is:
1. A logical, general description
2. A schematic summary
3. An organizational pattern
4. A visual and conceptual design of your
writing
5. An outline reflects logical thinking and
correct classification
Functions of an outline
The outline helps you in the process of
writing, particularly it:
1. Helps organize your ideas
2. Presents your material in a logical form
3. Shows the relationship of ideas in your
writing
4. Constructs and ordered overview of your
writing
Process
Before you start:
1. Determine the purpose of your
paper
2. Determine the thesis of your
paper
3. Determine the audience you are
writing for
Then
1. Brainstorm- List all the ideas you want to
include in your writing
2. Organize- Group ideas together that are
related to each other
3. Order – Divide this material into groups
arranging from the general to the specific or
from abstract to concrete
4. Label – Create main and subtopic headings
and write coordinate levels in parallel form
• Negative effects of divorce on
adolescents
I. Adolescents and familial conflicts
A. depression among adolescents
B. adolescents and the painful experience of divorce
II. Financial problems
A. Lower standards of living
B. unqualified divorced mothers and the job market
1. Poor neighborhood
2. changing schools for children
III. Adolescents and peer problems
A. Adolescents lose friends
B. adolescents’ problems towards the opposite sex
Writing an Introduction
An introduction is the first
passage in a scholarly research
study. It sets the stage for the
entire study.
“The introduction is the part of the
study that provides readers with the
background information for the
research reported in the paper. Its
purpose is to establish a framework
for the research, so that readers can
understand how it is related to other
research.” (Wikinson, 1991, p.96).
“Setting the stage for a study, the
introduction establishes the issue or
concern leading to the research by
conveying information about a
research problem. Because it is the
initial passage in a study or
proposal, special care must be given
to writing it.” (Creswel, 2003, p. 82)
The introduction is very
challenging to write
Think of the introduction as map that
answers the following questions:
1. What am I studying?
2. Why is this topic important to investigate?
3. What other experts discovered about the
topic
4. How will my research advance new
knowledge or new ways of understanding?
 Theintroduction consists mainly of Five
parts:
1. The research problem
2. Studies that have addressed the
problem,
3. Deficiencies in the studies,
4. The importance of the study for an
audience,
5. The purpose statement and
6. Significance of the study
The research problem
 “When researchers begin their studies,
they start with one or more paragraphs
that convey the specific research problem
or issues. They also present, in the first
sentence, information to create reader
interest. In the sentences that follow the
first sentence, authors identify a distinct
research problem that needs to be
addressed.” ‘Creswell, 2003, p. 88)
This section states and explains,
in about a paragraph, the
problem or issue that gave rise to
the research and pushed to
undertake it.
To present your research problem, you’ll need
to make it clear what exactly is missing in the
current literature and why this is a problem.
You can split this section up into two sections:
 Section 1 - State the problem

Start with what’s already well-established in the

literature, in other words, the current state of research.
Then, state what’s missing in the literature (in other
words, the research gap). This then forms the foundation
for the research problem.
 Section 2 - Justify the problem
Just because there is a problem (a gap) in
the current literature doesn’t mean that it
needs to be studied, so you’ll need to
explain why this is a problem.
Specifically, you’ll need to answer the
question: “why does this research gap need
to be filled?”.
1: Establish the problem or issue you
want to research:
• Highlight the importance of the
problem/issue, and/or
• Make general statements about the
problem/issue, and/or
• Present an overview on current research on
the issue or problem.
2: Provide an overview of existing
thinking about and/or research into
your
research problem.
3: Identify a gap, problems in the
existing knowledge/research that your
research can fill or identify a research
focus that will be useful:
• “The previous research has mistakenly
assumed that….” or “Although most experts
in
the field believe …., they have overlooked …”
• “None of the previous research has
examined ……”
• “Despite prior observations of voter
behavior in local elections in urban Detroit, it
remains unclear why do some single mothers
choose to avoid....” and/or
•“Consequently, these factors need to
examined in more detail....” or “Evidence
suggests an interesting correlation, therefore,
it is desirable to survey different
respondents....”
Rationale
Now that you’ve stated and justified the
research problem, in the rationale section your
goal is to explain what you’re going to do about
the research problem.
 Thisis where you will present the “golden
thread” of your research study, which is
made up of your research aim(s),
research objective(s), and research
question(s). These three dimensions of
the golden thread will determine the focus
and boundaries of your study.
Research aim(s)

The research aim is the main goal or the

overarching purpose of your study. It’s a high-
level statement of what you’re seeking to
achieve. Research aims will typically look
something like this:
 “This research aims to…
 “This research sought to…
 “The aim of this study…
 “This study planned to…”
Here’s an example of a research aim:
“This research aims to assess the
effects of Virgin Atlantic
organizational culture on business
profitability”
As you can see, it clearly states what
the main goal and purpose of the study
will be.
Research objective(s)

As opposed to the research aims, the research

objectives (RO) are a bit more practically
oriented, looking at specific things you’ll be
doing to achieve your research aim(s). They
break down the research aims into more
specific, actionable tasks.
For your own research, start with your research
aim(s), then break it down into the key aspects
that need to be addressed to achieve that aim.
Importantly, your research objectives need to be
SMART (i.e. Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Relevant and Time-bound).
 The following research objectives would facilitate the achievement
of this aim:
1. Analyzing the nature of organizational culture at Virgin Atlantic by
September 1, 2022
2. Identifying factors impacting Virgin Atlantic organizational culture
by September 16, 2022
3. Analyzing impacts of Virgin Atlantic organizational culture on
employee performances by September 30, 2022
4. Providing recommendations to Virgin Atlantic strategic level
management in terms of increasing the level of effectiveness of
organizational culture by October 5, 2022
The Purpose of the Study
 The purpose of this ______________________
(experiment? Survey?) study is (was? Will be?) to
test the theory of _______________ that __________
(compares? Relates?) the _______________
(independent variable) to ___________ (dependent
variable), controlling for _________________ (control
variable) for ____________ (participants) at
_____________ (the 11 research site). The independent
variable (s) _______________ will be generally defined
as _________________________ (provide a general
definition), and he control and intervening variable
(s), _______________________, (identify the control and
intervening variables) will be statistically controlled
Positioning your knowledge
claim/thesis
“The previous research suggests an
interesting correlation between A and B;
therefore, my research will....”
“Although most experts in the field believe ….,
they have overlooked …. My research will ….”
“Despite the intense focus on X, few
researchers have examined Problem Y ……My
research will …”
Significance of the study
Stress the value and relevance of your
research. Why is your research relevant?
What will it contribute to the field (and
beyond)? Why should we care about your
research?
SOURCES:
 Hirano, Eliana. “Research Article Introductions
in English for Specific Purposes: A Comparison
between
 Brazilian,
Portuguese, and English.” English for
Specific Purposes 28 (October 2009): 240-250.
Introductions. The Writing Center. University of
North Carolina.
 Samraj, B. “Introductions in Research Articles:
Variations across Disciplines.” English for
Specific Purposes 21 (2002): 1–17.
Research questions and Hypotheses
“The formulation of a problem is often
more essential than its solution, which
may be merely a matter of Mathematical
or experimental skill”
Albert Einstein
Researchers place signposts
especially in the introduction.
The first signpost is the purpose
statement, which establishes the
central direction for the study.
“From the broad, general purpose
statement, the researcher
narrows the focus to specific
questions to be answered or
predictions (i.e., hypotheses) to
be tested.” (Creswell, 2003)
The second signpost is the
research questions and
hypotheses.
The purpose of the research
questions.

- To communicate what will be

studied in clear, concise and
unambiguous terms
Qualitative research questions

In a qualitative study, the

researcher states research
questions, not objectives (i.e,
specific goals for the research) or
hypotheses.
These research questions
assume two forms: a central
question and associated sub
questions.
“What is the broadest question
that can be asked in the study?”
The researcher can ask a central
question followed by other sub-
questions (2, 3 or even more)

Begin the research questions with

the words “what” or “how” to
convey an open and emerging
design.
“Why” suggests cause and
effect, an approach consistent
with quantitative research.
Focuson a specific
phenomenon or domain
Use exploratory verbs that convey
the language of emerging design of
research. These verbs tell the reader
that the study will
- Discover (e.g., grounded theory)
- Seek to understand (e.g.,
ethnography)
Explore a process (e.g., case
study)
Describe the experiences (e.g.,
phenomenology)
Report the stories (e.g.,
narrative research)
Avoid words that suggest or infer
a quantitative study, words with a
directional orientation such as
“affect,” “influence,” “impact,”
“determine,” “cause,” and
“relate.”
How do Moroccan adolescents
receive television news?

- “wh” word: How

- “receive”: open ended verb
(read)
How do Moroccan adults describe
the cultural transformation
among Moroccan citizens?
- How: “wh” word
- Describe: Open-ended
- Cultural transformation
Quantitative research
questions and hyptheses
In quantitative studies,
investigators use research
questions and hypotheses to
shape and specifically focus the
purpose of the study.
These questions are used
frequently in social science
research and specially in survey
studies.
hypotheses are predictions the
research holds about the
relationship among variables.
They are numeric estimates of
population values based on data
collected from samples.
Testing of hypotheses employs
statistical procedures in which
the investigator draws inferences
about the population from a
study sample.
Hypotheses are typically used in
experiments in which researchers
investigates the relationship
between variables, compare
groups, etc.
Hypothese: Null vs alternative
H0: “there is no difference
(relationship) …”
e.g. There is no relationship
between rewarding and
students’ motivation
The alternative hypothesis is the
hypothesis that assumes that there
is a significant difference between
two groups or variables.
In sum, , research questions and
hypotheses are important
elements of the research
process.
Research questions and
hypotheses help to guide your
research and ensure that your
findings are focused and specific.
When developing your research
question and hypothesis, be sure
to consider the purpose of your
study, what you hope to learn,
and how you will collect and
analyze your data.
Wrap up (Writing an
introduction)
 Mock Exam
You are asked to write a research
paper on the influence of Facebook
on high school students in
Moroccan urban and rural Areas.
1.Suggest a qualitative research title
2.Suggest a quantitative research title
3.Suggest one qualitative and one
quantitative research question
4.Suggest one hypothesis for the
qualitative research question and one
hypothesis for the quantitative
research question.
5.Suggest a purpose and a significance
for the study.
Choose the best answer.
1. What type of research aims to
investigate relationships
between variables?
a) Quantitative Research
b) Qualitative Research
c) Mixed Methods
d) Descriptive Research
2. A well-refined academic title
should:
a) Be broad and vague
b) Include key variables and focus on
the study
c) Be creative and eye-catching only
d) Use technical jargon exclusively
3. Independent variables are:
a) Variables that remain constant
throughout the research
b) Variables manipulated by the
researcher
c) Variables measured to observe
changes
d) Variables that depend on other
variables
4. Which of the following is
NOT a characteristic of a good
introduction?
a) Presents the research
significance
b) Includes the research problem
clearly
c) Contains unrelated anecdotes
d) States research questions and
5. Hypotheses are usually
found in which type of
research?
a) Quantitative Research
b) Qualitative Research
c) Exploratory Research
d) Descriptive Research
6. What is the purpose of the
"problematic" section in a research
introduction?
a) To summarize existing research
findings
b) To identify the gap or problem the
study addresses
c) To propose solutions to the
problem
d) To review the methodology of the
7. Which of the following is
an example of a dependent
variable?
a) Hours spent studying
b) Test scores in an exam
c) Teaching methods
d) Types of textbooks used
8. A hypothesis is best defined
as:
a) A broad explanation of a
phenomenon
b) A guess without evidence
c) A testable statement predicting
relationships between variables
d) A summary of past research
9. What distinguishes quantitative
research from qualitative research?
a) Quantitative research uses numerical
data, while qualitative focuses on textual or
visual data.
b) Quantitative research uses interviews,
while qualitative uses surveys.
c) Quantitative research is subjective, while
qualitative is objective.
d) Quantitative research is non-empirical,
while qualitative is empirical.
10. Which element is not
typically included in a good
research title?
a) Key variables
b) Scope of the research
c) An emotional appeal
d) The population being studied
11. A well-written research
introduction should:
a) Avoid technical terms to make it more
accessible.
b) Contain background information, the
research gap, and objectives.
c) Focus on presenting conclusions
upfront.
d) Provide a detailed explanation of the
methodology.
Write 'T' for True and 'F' for False.
1. Mixed-methods research involves both
qualitative and quantitative approaches.
2. A dependent variable changes in response
to the independent variable.
3. The significance of the study is a minor
part of the introduction.
4. A problematic in research refers to the
gaps or issues the study aims to address.
5. Research questions must always be
written as statements.
 Answer the following questions briefly. Marks are
indicated for each question.
1. Definequalitative research and provide one example of
when it is used.
2. Listthree key components of a well-written
introduction.
3. Differentiate
between dependent and independent
variables with examples.
4. Why is it important to write a refined and clear research
title?
5. Writean example of a research title based on the topic:
"Effects of Social Media on Academic Performance.“
6. What is the purpose of stating the significance of the
study in the introduction?
General context/background
Provide a broad overview of the
topic area that you’ll be
researching
Provide relevant
background information
to give the reader a
foundational
understanding of your
research area.
Present a brief history of the
topic, recent developments in
the area, key pieces of
research in the area, etc.
A brief overview on what
has been done about the
topic (literature)
Statement of the problem
After setting the backdrop
for the research topic in the
background section
it’stime to narrow down the
focus and highlight the
specific research
problem you’ll focus on in
your dissertation
To present your research
problem, you’ll need to make it
clear what exactly is missing
in the current literature
 Why this is a problem. This
section can be split up into two
sections:
State the problem
Start with what’s already well-
established in the literature (the
current state of research.)
State what’s missing in the
literature (in other words, the
research gap).
Justify the problem
Just because there is a problem
(a gap) in the current literature
doesn’t mean that it needs to
be studied, so you’ll need to
explain why this is a problem.
Why does this research gap need
to be filled?
Purpose /Rationale
Now that you’ve stated and
justified the research
problem, in the
purpose/rationale section
your goal is to explain what
you’re going to do about
the research problem.
This is where you will present
the “golden thread” of your
research study, which is made
up of your research aim(s),
research objective(s), and
research question(s)
“This research aims to…
“This research sought
to…
“The aim of this study…
“This study planned to…”
The research aim (s) is the
main goal or the overarching
purpose of your study.

It’sa high-level statement of

what you’re seeking to
achieve.
As opposed to the research
aims, the research objectives
are more practically oriented,
looking at specific things you’ll
be doing to achieve your
research aim(s).
They break down the research
aims into more specific,
actionable tasks.
Your research objectives
need to be SMART
What is ‘Research’
 “Research is what i’m doing when I
don’t know what I am doing” ” (W. Von
Braun)

 “Ifwe knew what it was we were

doing, it would not be called research,
would it?” (A. Einstein)
 It’s very important to understand the value
of doing things that you don't understand
fully in order to ensure that you
understand them better.
COURSE DESCRIPTION

1. Description
This course is an introduction to research methodology.
Its aim is to help the students develop a thorough
understanding of the fundamental steps of the research
process.
1. Objectives
Drawing on practice and readings, the course prepares the students
for the following:
2. To be aware of the characteristics and format of a good piece of
research.
3. To choose a topic, formulate a title, formulate a hypothesis and
address research questions.
4. To write the review of the literature
5. To determine the right approach for a given research project.
6. To determine the research variables and the population sample.
6. To design data collection instruments
7. To write an outline.
8. To be able to establish a relevant
bibliography and choose the appropriate
references and list them.
9. To be aware of different bibliography and in
text citation styles.
10. To be able to analyze data.
11. To be aware of the ethical issues in research.
1. Course requirements
a. Regular attendance is advised
b. Active participation is advised
4. Materials
 Class materials will be assigned by the Professor.
Weekly schedule
 Week 1. -Introduction to the course
- Research: definition,
objectives, motivation,
types and significance
 Week 2. Topic choice and title
formulation
 Week 3. Outlining and Research
Proposal
 Week 4. The research process 1
 Week 6. The research problem, objectives, research
questions, hypotheses, research
variables and sampling 1
 Week 7. The research problem, objectives, research
questions, hypotheses, research
variables and sampling 2
 Week 8. Research ethics and Documentation Styles
(MLA & APA)
 Week 9. Review of the literature and critical thinking
 Week 10. Data collection instruments: quantitative and
qualitative
 Week 11. Data analysis: quantitative and qualitative
data
Meaning of Research
 Research in common parlance refers to a search for
knowledge. Once can also define research as a
scientific and systematic search for pertinent
information on a specific topic. In fact, research is an
art of scientific investigation.
 Research is “a careful investigation or inquiry specially
through search for new facts in any branch of
knowledge.”
 Research is also defined as a “systematized effort to
gain new knowledge.”
 Some people consider research as a movement; a
movement from the known to the unknown. It is
actually a voyage of discovery.
 We all possess the vital instinct of inquisitiveness for,
when the unknown confronts us, we wonder and our
inquisitiveness makes us probe and attain full and
fuller understanding of the unknown.
 In short, the search for knowledge through objective
and systematic method of finding solution to a
problem is research.
 ‘Research’ refers to the systematic method consisting of
enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis,
collecting the facts or data, analysing the facts and
reaching certain conclusions either in the form of
solutions(s) towards the concerned problem or in certain
generalisations for some theoretical formulation.
OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

 What makes people to undertake research?

3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work;
4. Desire to be of service to society;
5. Desire to get respectability.
 Many more factors such as directives of government,
employment conditions, curiosity about new things,
desire to understand causal relationships, social
thinking and awakening, and the like may as well
motivate (or at times compel) people to perform
research operations.
Types of research
Yourresearch starts with
choosing a topic
 Choose a topic that sustains your interest
over a long period (sth that you are
passionate about)
- look for a rich topic: A research that you
can find a finite variety within
- Some students run out of the stream
before the end and their research
becomes tedious or they
abandon it altogether.
Check what has been done or said
about the topic by others. Your goal is
not to avoid a topic already
researched, but to find a niche for
your own particular approach to this
subject.
Practically, you start your
research within a broad field
of study from which you will
choose a ‘topic’
Asyou read about the topic,
your aim is to refine it into a
specific research or
problem.
It’s a circular process-
reading, that shifts your
thinking, that sends you to
more reading, that further
shifts your thinking
Develop the ability to think
critically about your own
topic of research.
Ask yourself:

- What, exactly, am I trying to

find out about my topic?
So, to refine your broad topic,
consider these questions:
- What am I trying to find
about this topic?
- Why do I want to find it
out?
More specifically,
- am I interested in the past or the
present (of my topic)?
- Do I want to restrict myself to a
single country or region or do I want
to make comparisons
between several?
 - Do I want to restrict myself to a
particular period or do I want to
compare more than one?
These questions, and, of course,
many more others help to sort out a
‘topic’ from within a ‘field’
Researcheable vs
unresearcheable topics
A research topic is a specific
part of study in a broader
area of study. It is a topic
within a research field
It’s a remarkably challenging
task to conduct a kind of
detailed enquiry necessary to
arrive at fresh insights of your
own on such broad subjects.
Exercise and health
(Too broad!!!!)
Indeed, a researchable topic is a
specific research question that can
be logically researched and tested
using the scientific method.
A researchable topic should have the
following qualities:
• Can collect data and analyze those
data
• Topic is a piece of a larger scientific
arena of study
• Topic does not address an opinion, but
rather states a hypothesis that can be
tested with those data that we just
talked about
For the research to be
productive, your research
topic should be well focused
and manageable.
 Field

Topic

Research question

Hypothesis
Non-researchable topics

Non-researcheable topics include

explanation of how to do
something, vague issues and
propositions and value-based
concerns.
Examples of non-researchable topics:
- Is democracy the best form of
government?
- Is it possible to prevent crime?
- How to be a successful student
- What happens to people’s
consciousness after death?
- ………………As a Case Study
- The Case of …………
- With Special Reference to ………..
 FORMULATING THE TITLE OF YOUR RESEARCH
PAPER (PRACTICE)
ICT in Moroccan Education System

Child labor

The use of body language: A case study of

students
Single parents
Students’ participation in class

Sexual harassment

Classroom management

The difference between language of

school and university
An outline is:
1. A logical, general description
2. A schematic summary
3. An organizational pattern
4. A visual and conceptual design of your
writing
5. An outline reflects logical thinking and
correct classification
Functions of an outline
The outline helps you in the process of
writing, particularly it:
1. Helps organize your ideas
2. Presents your material in a logical form
3. Shows the relationship of ideas in your
writing
4. Constructs and ordered overview of your
writing
Process
Before you start:
1. Determine the purpose of your
paper
2. Determine the thesis of your
paper
3. Determine the audience you are
writing for
• Negative effects of divorce on
adolescents
I. Adolescents and familial conflicts
A. depression among adolescents
B. adolescents and the painful experience of divorce
II. Financial problems
A. Lower standards of living
B. unqualified divorced mothers and the job market
1. Poor neighborhood
2. changing schools for children
III. Adolescents and peer problems
A. Adolescents lose friends
B. adolescents’ problems towards the opposite sex
Writing an Introduction
“The introduction is the part of the
study that provides readers with the
background information for the
research reported in the paper. Its
purpose is to establish a framework
for the research, so that readers can
understand how it is related to other
research.” (Wikinson, 1991, p.96).
“Setting the stage for a study, the
introduction establishes the issue or
concern leading to the research by
conveying information about a
research problem. Because it is the
initial passage in a study or
proposal, special care must be given
to writing it.” (Creswel, 2003, p. 82)
The introduction is very
challenging to write
 Theintroduction consists mainly of Five
parts:
1. The research problem
2. Studies that have addressed the
problem,
3. Deficiencies in the studies,
4. The importance of the study for an
audience,
5. The purpose statement and
6. Significance of the study
The research problem
 “When researchers begin their studies,
they start with one or more paragraphs
that convey the specific research problem
or issues. They also present, in the first
sentence, information to create reader
interest. In the sentences that follow the
first sentence, authors identify a distinct
research problem that needs to be
addressed.” ‘Creswell, 2003, p. 88)
This section states and explains,
in about a paragraph, the
problem or issue that gave rise to
the research and pushed to
undertake it.
 Section 1 - State the problem

Start with what’s already well-established in the

literature, in other words, the current state of research.
Then, state what’s missing in the literature (in other
words, the research gap). This then forms the foundation
for the research problem.
 Section 2 - Justify the problem
Just because there is a problem (a gap) in
the current literature doesn’t mean that it
needs to be studied, so you’ll need to
explain why this is a problem.
Specifically, you’ll need to answer the
question: “why does this research gap need
to be filled?”.
1: Establish the problem or issue you
want to research:
• Highlight the importance of the
problem/issue, and/or
• Make general statements about the
problem/issue, and/or
• Present an overview on current research on
the issue or problem.
3: Identify a gap, problems in the
existing knowledge/research that your
research can fill or identify a research
focus that will be useful:
• “The previous research has mistakenly
assumed that….” or “Although most experts
in
the field believe …., they have overlooked …”
• “None of the previous research has
examined ……”
• “Despite prior observations of voter
behavior in local elections in urban Detroit, it
remains unclear why do some single mothers
choose to avoid....” and/or
•“Consequently, these factors need to
examined in more detail....” or “Evidence
suggests an interesting correlation, therefore,
it is desirable to survey different
respondents....”
 Thisis where you will present the “golden
thread” of your research study, which is
made up of your research aim(s),
research objective(s), and research
question(s). These three dimensions of
the golden thread will determine the focus
and boundaries of your study.
Research aim(s)

The research aim is the main goal or the

overarching purpose of your study. It’s a high-
level statement of what you’re seeking to
achieve. Research aims will typically look
something like this:
 “This research aims to…
 “This research sought to…
 “The aim of this study…
 “This study planned to…”
Research objective(s)

As opposed to the research aims, the research

objectives (RO) are a bit more practically
oriented, looking at specific things you’ll be
doing to achieve your research aim(s). They
break down the research aims into more
specific, actionable tasks.
For your own research, start with your research
aim(s), then break it down into the key aspects
that need to be addressed to achieve that aim.
Importantly, your research objectives need to be
SMART (i.e. Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Relevant and Time-bound).
 The following research objectives would facilitate the achievement
of this aim:
1. Analyzing the nature of organizational culture at Virgin Atlantic by
September 1, 2022
2. Identifying factors impacting Virgin Atlantic organizational culture
by September 16, 2022
3. Analyzing impacts of Virgin Atlantic organizational culture on
employee performances by September 30, 2022
4. Providing recommendations to Virgin Atlantic strategic level
management in terms of increasing the level of effectiveness of
organizational culture by October 5, 2022
 The purpose of this ______________________
(experiment? Survey?) study is (was? Will be?) to
test the theory of _______________ that __________
(compares? Relates?) the _______________
(independent variable) to ___________ (dependent
variable), controlling for _________________ (control
variable) for ____________ (participants) at
_____________ (the 11 research site). The independent
variable (s) _______________ will be generally defined
as _________________________ (provide a general
definition), and he control and intervening variable
(s), _______________________, (identify the control and
intervening variables) will be statistically controlled
Positioning your knowledge
claim/thesis
“The previous research suggests an
interesting correlation between A and B;
therefore, my research will....”
“Although most experts in the field believe ….,
they have overlooked …. My research will ….”
“Despite the intense focus on X, few
researchers have examined Problem Y ……My
research will …”
Significance of the study
Stress the value and relevance of your
research. Why is your research relevant?
What will it contribute to the field (and
beyond)? Why should we care about your
research?
Research questions and Hypotheses
“The formulation of a problem is often
more essential than its solution, which
may be merely a matter of Mathematical
or experimental skill”
Albert Einstein
Researchers place signposts
especially in the introduction.
The first signpost is the purpose
statement, which establishes the
central direction for the study.
The second signpost is the
research questions and
hypotheses.
The purpose of the research
questions.

- To communicate what will be

studied in clear, concise and
unambiguous terms
Qualitative research questions

In a qualitative study, the

researcher states research
questions, not objectives (i.e,
specific goals for the research) or
hypotheses.
“What is the broadest question
that can be asked in the study?”
The researcher can ask a central
question followed by other sub-
questions (2, 3 or even more)

Begin the research questions with

the words “what” or “how” to
convey an open and emerging
design.
“Why” suggests cause and
effect, an approach consistent
with quantitative research.
Use exploratory verbs that convey
the language of emerging design of
research. These verbs tell the reader
that the study will
- Discover (e.g., grounded theory)
- Seek to understand (e.g.,
ethnography)
Explore a process (e.g., case
study)
Describe the experiences (e.g.,
phenomenology)
Report the stories (e.g.,
narrative research)
Avoid words that suggest or infer
a quantitative study, words with a
directional orientation such as
“affect,” “influence,” “impact,”
“determine,” “cause,” and
“relate.”
How do Moroccan adults describe
the cultural transformation
among Moroccan citizens?
- How: “wh” word
- Describe: Open-ended
- Cultural transformation
Quantitative research
questions and hyptheses
In quantitative studies,
investigators use research
questions and hypotheses to
shape and specifically focus the
purpose of the study.
hypotheses are predictions the
research holds about the
relationship among variables.
They are numeric estimates of
population values based on data
collected from samples.
Testing of hypotheses employs
statistical procedures in which
the investigator draws inferences
about the population from a
study sample.
Hypotheses are typically used in
experiments in which researchers
investigates the relationship
between variables, compare
groups, etc.
The alternative hypothesis is the
hypothesis that assumes that there
is a significant difference between
two groups or variables.
In sum, , research questions and
hypotheses are important
elements of the research
process.
Research questions and
hypotheses help to guide your
research and ensure that your
findings are focused and specific.
Wrap up (Writing an
introduction)
General context/background
Provide a broad overview of the
topic area that you’ll be
researching
Present a brief history of the
topic, recent developments in
the area, key pieces of
research in the area, etc.
A brief overview on what
has been done about the
topic (literature)
Statement of the problem
it’stime to narrow down the
focus and highlight the
specific research
problem you’ll focus on in
your dissertation
To present your research
problem, you’ll need to make it
clear what exactly is missing
in the current literature
 Why this is a problem. This
section can be split up into two
sections:
State the problem
Start with what’s already well-
established in the literature (the
current state of research.)
State what’s missing in the
literature (in other words, the
research gap).
Why does this research gap need
to be filled?
Purpose /Rationale
Now that you’ve stated and
justified the research
problem, in the
purpose/rationale section
your goal is to explain what
you’re going to do about
the research problem.
“This research aims to…
“This research sought
to…
“The aim of this study…
“This study planned to…”
The research aim (s) is the
main goal or the overarching
purpose of your study.

It’sa high-level statement of

what you’re seeking to
achieve.
As opposed to the research
aims, the research objectives
are more practically oriented,
looking at specific things you’ll
be doing to achieve your
research aim(s).
Your research objectives
need to be SMART
Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Relevant and
Time-bound.
Example of a set of research
objectives, following from the research
aim mentioned earlier:
1.Analyzing the nature of ……
2.Identifying the factors …..
3.Analyzing the impact…..
Research questions
They are the specific
questions that your
research will seek to
answer.
Practice
• “The previous research has mistakenly
assumed that….” or “Although most
experts in
the field believe …., they have
overlooked …”
• “None of the previous research has
examined ……”
 “This research aims to…
 “This research sought to…
 “The aim of this study…
 “This study planned to…”
“The previous research suggests an
interesting correlation between A and B;
therefore, the current research will....”
“Although most experts in the field
believe …., they have overlooked …. this
undertaking will ….”
“Despite the intense focus on X, few
researchers have examined Problem Y
……this research will …”
 The purpose of this ______________________
(experiment? Survey?) study is (was? Will be?) to
test the theory of _______________ that __________
(compares? Relates?) the _______________
(independent variable) to ___________ (dependent
variable).
 The independent variable (s) _______________ will
be generally defined as _________________________
(provide a general definition), and he control and
intervening variable (s), _______________________.
Stress the value and relevance of your
research. Why is your research
relevant?
What will it contribute to the field (and
beyond)? Why should we care about your
research?
Practice
- New technology use
- student academic performance
- Moulay Ismail University students
1. Suggest a qualitative research title
2. Suggest a quantitative research title
3. Suggest a mixed methods research title
4. Suggest a qualitative research question, a
quantitative research question and a hypothesis.
5. Based on the above mentioned information,
suggest a significance of the study
The title
Be brief and avoid wasting
words, Eliminate unnecessary
words such as "An Approach
to" or "A study of."
Literature review
After selecting a quantitative,
qualitative, or mixed methods
approach, the researcher needs to
begin reviewing the scholarly
literature.
A literature review is a critical
analysis of existing research and
literature on a particular topic or
research question.
Itinvolves searching for, reading,
and evaluating relevant
academic articles, books, and
other sources that address the
topic of interest.
Literature review helps
researchers limit the scope of
their inquiry, and they convey
the importance to studying a
topic to readers.
Literature review Purposes
The literature review serves
many purposes:
1.It shares with the reader the
results of other studies that are
closely related to the study being
reported.
2. It provides a frame work for
establishing the importance of the
study as well as a benchmark for
comparing the results of a study
with other findings.
3. Identify gaps, inconsistencies,
and controversies in the existing
literature, which can help guide
future research.
4. Identify key theories, concepts,
and methodologies that are
relevant to the research question.
5. Demonstrate the importance of
the research question and justify
the need for further investigation.
6. Help researchers identify
potential research questions and
hypotheses.
The literature review is an essential
component of any research project,
as it helps to situate the research
within the broader context of
existing knowledge and provides a
foundation for further investigation.
Provide a context for the study
The literature review provides a
concise synthesis of existing
research on the current research
topic.
This creates the context from
the past for the new study to
be conducted with the new
subject and newly obtained
data.
Create a conceptual frame of
reference
The researcher must carefully
assess the key components in the
body of literature
The researcher must identify
areas that are still conceptually
and methodologically under-
developed and point out ‘gaps’ in
the field.
Report the status of the current
research
The point here is to provide a
brief overview of past
research, distinguish areas of
consensus among researchers
in the field of hypothetical and
theoretical issues.
The literature review will
pinpoint what has been done
and how the current
research could address
explicit issues or gaps the
field.
Demonstrate theoretical and
conceptual gaps in the field
It is critical for the researcher
to understand how earlier
research helps to guide and
inform their own study.
The literature review must not
only improve the researcher’s
knowledge of the chosen field
but also demonstrate the depth
of understanding of the field.
Strategies for literature review
Structure the literature review
as early as possible in terms of
headings and subheadings.
Draw concept maps.
Formulate questions that the
literature review addresses.
What to include and exclude from the
review of literature
The main problem of writing the
literature review is what to
include or not.
The following range of factors is
critical to identify the scope of
coverage of the literature review:
1: Comprehensiveness – the
review should cover all existing
and past knowledge on the area
under study
2: Specificity – confine your
writing to your particular topic
Authority – ensure that the
authoritative authors have
been identified
Currency – include current
thinking and writing in the field
Relevance – include only
relevant material.
Criteria for evaluating the
literature review
 Research
Methodology
Research design
Research design refers to the
overall plan or structure that
guides the process of
collecting, analyzing, and
interpreting data in a research
study.
A research design is a
blueprint that outlines the
framework for conducting
research and helps
researchers systematically
investigate their research
questions or hypotheses.
A well-designed research
study is crucial for
obtaining reliable and valid
results.
Key components of a
research design
Purpose of the Study:
• Clearly state the objectives
and goals of the research.
Type of Research:
• Specify whether the
research is exploratory,
descriptive, explanatory,
etc.
Exploratory research
Exploratory research is a type of
research design that is conducted
when the researcher is seeking to:
- Explore a new topic,
- Gain insights into a
phenomenon,
- Develop a better
understanding of a problem.
The primary goal of
exploratory research is:
- to generate ideas and
hypotheses rather than test
them.
This type of research is
often used in situations
where the researcher has
little or no prior knowledge
of the subject.
Examples of exploratory
research questions:
- How do students perceive the
use of technology in the
classroom, and what impact does
it have on their learning
outcomes?
What are the current
challenges and opportunities in
the adoption of artificial
intelligence in small
businesses?
Descriptive research
Descriptive research is a type of
research design that is used to
describe the characteristics of a
population, phenomenon, or
process.
The primary aim of
descriptive research is to
provide an accurate
portrayal of what is being
observed.
This type of research is often
concerned with answering
questions about the "what,"
"who," "where," and "when"
of a particular topic.
Example of a research question:

How do individuals in a specific

age group perceive social media
and its impact on relationships?
Explanatory research design
Explanatory research, also
known as causal or
explanatory research design,
is a type of research that aims
to identify the cause-and-
effect relationships between
variables.
Unlike descriptive research,
which focuses on describing
the characteristics of a
phenomenon, explanatory
research seeks to
understand why certain
events or phenomena occur.
Examples of explanatory
research questions
- Does a specific teaching method
(independent variable) lead to
improved student performance
(dependent variable)?
What is the causal relationship
between a particular drug
(independent variable) and the
reduction of symptoms in a
medical condition (dependent
variable)?
Explanatory research is crucial
for advancing our
understanding of cause-and-
effect relationships in various
fields, including psychology,
medicine, economics, and
education.
Data Collection
“You can have data without
information, but you cannot
have information without
data.”
Daniel Keys Moran
You can have raw data
without it being organized or
interpreted, but you can't
have meaningful information
without first having the
underlying data.
Data is a prerequisite for
information.

To extract knowledge and

insights, you need to process and
analyze data to transform it into
meaningful information.
This highlights the importance
of collecting, organizing, and
interpreting data to derive
valuable insights and
information.
Without a foundation of data,
there's nothing to analyze or
derive meaning from.
Data Collection Methods:
• Define the methods and
techniques used to gather data
(e.g., surveys, experiments,
interviews, observations).
Data collection is the process of
collecting information on
relevant variables in a
methodical way so that one can
respond to specific research
questions, test hypotheses, and
assess results.
The main techniques for
gathering data are:
- Questionnaires
- Interviews
- Observation
An ideal data collection
procedure should be clear,
unbiased, reliable and valid
Questionnaire
A questionnaire is a data
collection instrument that is
designed to gather information
from individuals or groups of
people in a structured format.
Key characteristics of a
questionnaire
1. structured format:
Questionnaires typically consist
of a set of predefined questions
that respondents are asked to
answer.
Theformat can vary, including
multiple-choice questions,
open-ended questions,
Likert scales, etc.
2. Standardization:
Each respondent receives the
same set of questions in the
same order, reducing potential
bias in the data.
3. Qualitative and
quantitative data
Depending on the nature of the
questions, questionnaires can
yield both quantitative data
(numerical information) and
qualitative data (descriptive
information).
4. Anonymous responses
Respondents often remain
anonymous when filling out
questionnaires, which can
encourage more honest and
unbiased answers.
Interviews
An interview is a data collection
instrument that involves direct
interaction between a
researcher (interviewer) and a
participant (interviewee) for
the purpose of gathering
information.
Interviews can be conducted
in various formats, including
face-to-face, over the phone,
or through video
conferencing.
Interviews are commonly used
in research to collect in-depth
and qualitative data, allowing
for a deeper exploration of the
respondent's thoughts,
experiences, and perspectives.
Characteristics of interviews

1.Open-Ended questions:
Interviews often involve open-
ended questions, allowing
respondents to express
themselves freely.
2. Flexibility:
- Unlike structured
questionnaires, interviews offer
flexibility.
- Interviewers can adapt their
questions based on the
respondent's answers or probe
for more information on
specific topics.
3. Probing and clarification
Interviewers can ask follow-up
questions, seek clarification, or
probe deeper into certain
responses.
This enables a better
understanding of the
participant's perspectives and
helps ensure that the data
collected is comprehensive.
4. Non-verbal cues
In face-to-face interviews,
researchers can observe and
interpret non-verbal cues such
as body language, facial
expressions, and tone of voice.
Interviews can be structured,
semi-structured, or
unstructured, depending on
the level of guidance provided
by the interviewer.
Structuredinterviews follow a
predetermined set of
questions
Semi-structured and
unstructured interviews allow
for more flexibility and
exploration of new topics.
The 5 W’s of data collection
are:
- What data is to be collected?
- From whom data is to be
collected?
- Who will collect data?
- From where the data will be
collected?
Sampling Design:
• Outline the procedures for
selecting participants or
samples from the population
being studied.
Variables:
• Identify and define the
independent and dependent
variables, as well as any
control variables.
Data Analysis Techniques:
• Specify the statistical or
qualitative methods that will be
employed to analyze the
collected data.
Validity and Reliability:
• Discuss how the study will
ensure the validity (accuracy)
and reliability (consistency) of
the results.
Reliabilityis about consistency
and stability, while validity is
about accuracy and
appropriateness.
Reliability focuses on the
consistency of results, while
validity focuses on whether the
results are actually measuring
what they are intended to
measure.
 MLA/APA Practice
 Using the information below, write the
reference using the APA style.
 Name of the authors: Calfee Ryan and Reynolds
Valencia
 Title of the book: APA Guide to Preparing
Manuscripts for Journal Publication.
 Publisher: American Psychological Association.
 Date of publication: 1991
 Place of publication: Washington, DC
Using the information below, write the
reference using the APA style.
Author name: Arnott Geoffrey
Year of publication: 2017
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Title of the book: The Disability Support
Worker
Place of publication: South Yarra, VIC
Outlining
 Decimal Outline
1. ……………………………
1.1. …………………………
1.2. ……………………………
1.2.1 …………………………
1.2.2. ………………………
2. …………………………
2.1. ……………………………
2.1.1. ………………………
2.1.2 ………………………
2.3.1. …………………….
2.3.2. …………………….
2.2. ……………………………
 Alphanumeric Outline
I. …………………………………………………………………
A.…………………………………………………
1. ………………………………
a. ……………………………
b. ……………………………
2. …………………………………
a. ……………………………
b. ……………………………
B.………………………………………
1. …………………………………
2. …………………………………
a. ………………………………
 Sentence Outline
I. The environment attracts birds.
A. Planting the right vegetation attracts birds.
1. Windbreaks provide birds protection.
2. Living fences provide birds nesting and roosting sites.
3. Shrub buffers provide birds protection.
a. ……………………..
b. …………………….
B. Developing water sources attracts birds.
1. Farm ponds provide birds with water and food.
2. Grass waterways attract birds of different varieties.
 Topic Outline
I. Environment
A. Vegetation
1. Windbreaks
2. Living fences
3. Shrub buffers
B. Water
1. Farm ponds
2. Grass waterways
 Outline Sample
I. Colonialism in The Tempest
A. Caliban’s enslavement
1. Ruler of the island
2. Prospero’s arrival
a. Kind treatment at first
b. Imprisonment
B. Historical connections
II. Resistance in the Tempest
Mock Exam
Choose ONE research topic and answer the following
questions:
The Computer Games and kids.
The importance of the family in Moroccan individuals’ life
Formulate a quantitative title for the study:
Formulate a qualitative title:
State 2 objectives of the study:
State 2 research questions you will address:
State the research hypothesis you will base your study on:
Write a decimal sentence outline for your research :
Using the information below, write the reference in
MLA and APA---------- 4pts
Name of the Authors: Miller, Thomas P. and Brian
Jackson.
Title of the article: What Are English Majors For?
Name of the Journal: College Composition and
Communication
Volume Number: 58/ Issue Number: 4 /
Date of publication: 2007/ Page numbers: 825-31