0% found this document useful (0 votes)
16 views8 pages

Discussion in Research Matrix Form Business Research

The document outlines the structure and components of research papers, specifically focusing on the IMRaD format and the IMFad format. It details the importance of research problems, questions, objectives, outcomes, outputs, data sources, and data collection methods in guiding and conducting research. Additionally, it categorizes types of research questions, objectives, and data sources, emphasizing the significance of clear and specific definitions in the research process.

Uploaded by

jhayce0604
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
16 views8 pages

Discussion in Research Matrix Form Business Research

The document outlines the structure and components of research papers, specifically focusing on the IMRaD format and the IMFad format. It details the importance of research problems, questions, objectives, outcomes, outputs, data sources, and data collection methods in guiding and conducting research. Additionally, it categorizes types of research questions, objectives, and data sources, emphasizing the significance of clear and specific definitions in the research process.

Uploaded by

jhayce0604
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 8

IMRaD” format refers to a paper that is structured by four main sections:

Introduction, Material and Methods, Results, and Discussion.

IMFad ” format refers to a paper that is structured by four main sections:


Introduction, Material and Methods, Frequency, and Discussion.

IMRAD FORMAT
1. Title Page
2. Abstract
3. Introduction
4. Method and Design
5. Results and Discussion
6. Conclusion and Recommendation
7. References/Appendices

Research Problem
A research problem is a specific issue, difficulty, or gap in knowledge that a
researcher aims to address through their study. It serves as the foundation for any
research project, guiding the objectives, methodology, and scope of the
investigation.

Key Features of a Research Problem:


Clarity: The problem should be well-defined and specific.
Significance: It addresses a real issue, gap, or need in a field.
Feasibility: It can be investigated within the available time, resources, and
constraints.
Relevance: The solution or findings should have practical or theoretical value.

A research problem is a gap in existing knowledge, a contradiction in an established


theory, or a real-world challenge that a researcher aims to address in their research.
It is at the heart of any scientific inquiry, directing the trajectory of an investigation.
The statement of a problem orients the reader to the importance of the topic, sets
the problem into a particular context, and defines the relevant parameters,
providing the framework for reporting the findings. Therein lies the importance of
research problems.

Research Question
A research question is "a question that a research project sets out to answer".
Choosing a research question is an essential element of both quantitative and
qualitative research. Investigation will require data collection and analysis, and the
methodology for this will vary widely. Good research questions seek to improve
knowledge on an important topic, and are usually narrow and specific.

To form a research question, one must determine what type of study will be
conducted such as a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed study. Additional factors,
such as project funding, may not only affect the research question itself but also
when and how it is formed during the research process.
A research question is the central query that guides a research project. It is derived
from the research problem and defines the specific focus of the study. The research
question provides direction to the research process and helps in determining the
methodology, data collection, and analysis.

Key Characteristics of a Good Research Question

 Clear and Specific: It should be easy to understand and focus on a particular


issue.
 Feasible: It can be answered within the constraints of time, resources, and
skills.
 Researchable: It should be possible to collect and analyze data to address the
question.
 Significant: The answer should contribute to knowledge in the field or solve a
problem.
 Open-Ended (for qualitative research): It avoids yes/no answers and promotes
exploration (e.g., "How do teachers perceive the use of AI in education?").
 Focused on Relationships (for quantitative research): It often explores
variables and their relationships (e.g., "What is the effect of exercise on stress
levels in college students?").

Types of Research Questions

1. Descriptive: Focus on describing characteristics or phenomena.


2. Comparative: Compare groups, settings, or phenomena.
3. Causal/Explanatory: Investigate the cause-and-effect relationship between
variables.
4. Exploratory: Seek to explore new phenomena or ideas.
5. Evaluative: Assess the effectiveness of programs, methods, or interventions.

The research question must be accurately and clearly defined. Choosing a research
question is the central element of both quantitative and qualitative research and in
some cases it may precede construction of the conceptual framework of study; in all
cases, it makes the theoretical assumptions in the framework more explicit and
indicates what the researcher wants to know most and first.

Research Objectives
Research objectives are the specific goals or aims a researcher seeks to achieve
through their study. They provide a clear roadmap for the research, helping to
define what will be studied, analyzed, or evaluated. Objectives guide the research
process, ensuring that it remains focused and aligned with the overall purpose.

Key Characteristics of Research Objectives


 Specific: They clearly define what the research intends to achieve.
 Measurable: They should include aspects that can be observed, measured, or
evaluated.
 Achievable: The objectives should be realistic and feasible within the
available resources, time, and constraints.
 Relevant: They must directly address the research problem and contribute to
solving it.
 Time-Bound: They should specify a timeframe for achieving the objectives (if
applicable).

Types of Research Objectives

General Objectives:

Broad statements that summarize the overall aim of the research.


Example: "To study the impact of social media on mental health among teenagers."

Specific Objectives:

Narrow and detailed goals derived from the general objective.


Example:
"To examine the relationship between time spent on social media and levels of
anxiety."
"To analyze the differences in social media usage patterns between male and
female teenagers."

Table 1: Types of research objectives

Type of research objective Definition

Exploratory Explores a previously unstudied topic, issue, or phenomenon; aims to


generate ideas or hypotheses
Descriptive Describes the characteristics and features of a particular population or
group

Explanatory Explains the relationships between variables; seeks to identify cause-


and-effect relationships

Predictive Predicts future outcomes or events based on existing data samples or


trends

Diagnostic Identifies factors contributing to a particular problem

Comparative Compares two or more groups or phenomena to identify similarities


and differences

Research Outcome
A research outcome refers to the results, findings, or conclusions derived from a
research study. It represents the knowledge, solutions, or evidence generated by
addressing the research problem and answering the research question(s). The
outcome is typically the end result of the entire research process, providing insights
that contribute to the field of study or solve a practical problem.

Types of Research Outcomes


1. Theoretical Outcomes:
Development or refinement of theories, models, or frameworks.
Example: A new theory explaining the relationship between work-life balance and
employee productivity.
2. Practical Outcomes:
Real-world applications, solutions, or innovations.
Example: A new teaching method that improves student engagement.

3. Empirical Outcomes:
Statistical findings or data-driven insights.
Example: "80% of participants reported increased job satisfaction after
implementing remote work policies."

4. Policy or Practice Recommendations:


Suggestions for actions or improvements.
Example: Recommending the adoption of renewable energy subsidies based on
cost-effectiveness analysis.

Research Output
A research output refers to the tangible deliverables or products resulting from a
research project. These outputs are the means by which the research findings,
knowledge, or insights are communicated, shared, or utilized. They can take various
forms depending on the nature and purpose of the research and the audience it
aims to reach.

 Research Output means the findings produced from a specific initiative in


forms like scientific papers, data or other structured outputs like software,
algorithms, procedures, and electronic journals. Seen in 7 SEC filings
 Research Output means any scholarly work that is published or can be
published, including articles in academic journals, books or book chapters,
conference proceedings, papers, posters, or any other type of public or
private research, where research is understood to mean the systematic
investigation undertaken with the aim of gaining new knowledge and
understanding. Seen in 3 SEC filings
 Research Output means any knowledge, understanding, discovery, or any
other results that originate from an approved project excluding the data itself.
Seen in 2 SEC filings
 Research Output means any academic content published by commercial
publishers, academic societies, or university departments such as journal
articles, conference papers, or departmental bulletin papers. Seen in 1 SEC
filing
 Research Output means summarized data such as tables or statistics that are
derived from the dataset for research purposes. Seen in 1 SEC filing

Types of Research Outputs

Academic Outputs:
 Peer-Reviewed Publications: Journal articles, conference papers, or book
chapters.
 Theses/Dissertations: Detailed documentation of academic research.
 Presentations: Conference posters, slide decks, or oral presentations.
 Datasets: Raw or processed data made available for further analysis or
replication.

Technical Outputs:
 Technical Reports: Comprehensive documents detailing research processes
and results.
 Prototypes or Models: Physical or digital products developed as part of the
research.
 Algorithms or Software: Tools or programs created to solve specific problems.

Policy or Practice Outputs:


 Policy Briefs: Summaries for policymakers or practitioners.
 Guidelines or Best Practices: Recommendations for practical applications.
 Training Materials: Manuals, curricula, or resources for education or capacity
building.

Public Engagement Outputs:


 Media Articles or Blogs: Simplified summaries for a general audience.
 Documentaries or Videos: Visual storytelling of research findings.
 Workshops or Seminars: Events to disseminate findings to a broader
audience.

Creative Outputs:
 Artistic Works: Paintings, sculptures, performances, or literary works inspired
by the research.
 Interactive Exhibits: Installations or experiences that communicate findings.

Importance of Research Outputs


 Knowledge Dissemination: Share findings with relevant communities and
stakeholders.
 Impact Creation: Influence policy, practice, or further research.
 Accountability: Demonstrate how research funding or efforts were used.
 Collaboration: Facilitate further work by making data, tools, or results
available to others.

Research Outputs vs. Outcomes

Research Outputs: Tangible deliverables like reports, articles, or datasets.


Research Outcomes: The impact, findings, or conclusions derived from the research.

Data Source
A data source is any location where you can find facts, figures, or other relevant
information to support your research. You may create your own data source through
experimentation, surveys, or observations, or you may choose to use data produced
by other researchers.
A data source is the origin or location from which data is obtained for research
purposes. It provides the information needed to answer research questions, achieve
objectives, and draw conclusions. Data sources can be categorized based on their
origin, type, and collection method.

How do you identify data sources?


Data sources should be identified from their primary sources using bibliographic
referencing. Those sources found in government, academic, and non-profit data
repositories are often considered the most reliable in terms of quality.

How do you select data sources?


You should select data sources based on relevance, reliability, context, and
perspective. Selecting poor data sources will ruin your chances of a successful
research outcome. Think of the coding phrase: "Garbage in, garbage out."
Types of Data Sources

Primary Data Sources:


Data collected directly by the researcher for the specific research purpose.

Examples:
Surveys and questionnaires
Interviews
Focus groups
Observations
Experiments

Secondary Data Sources:


Data collected by someone else for a different purpose but used by the researcher.

Examples:
Government reports (e.g., census data)
Academic publications (e.g., journal articles)
Business records (e.g., sales data)
Online databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus)

Tertiary Data Sources:


Compiled or summarized information from primary and secondary sources.

Examples:
Encyclopedias
Indexes or bibliographies
Meta-analyses and systematic reviews

Classification of Data by Type

Quantitative Data Sources:


Focused on numerical data.

Examples: Surveys, census data, financial reports.


Qualitative Data Sources:
Focused on textual or non-numerical data.

Examples: Interviews, focus group transcripts, field notes.

Mixed Data Sources:


Combines both quantitative and qualitative data.

Example: A survey with numerical ratings and open-ended questions.

Data Collection
Data collection is the process of collecting and evaluating information or data from
multiple sources to find answers to research problems, answer questions, evaluate
outcomes, and forecast trends and probabilities. It is an essential phase in all types
of research, analysis, and decision-making, including that done in the social
sciences, business, and healthcare.

Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information from various
sources to answer research questions, test hypotheses, or evaluate outcomes. It is a
critical step in the research process, ensuring that the data gathered is accurate,
relevant, and capable of supporting the conclusions drawn from the study.

Types of Data Collection Methods

Qualitative Data Collection:


Focuses on understanding experiences, opinions, or behaviors.
Methods:
 Interviews: One-on-one conversations to gather detailed information.
 Focus Groups: Group discussions to explore a range of views on a topic.
 Observations: Directly watching and recording behaviors or events in their
natural setting.
 Case Studies: In-depth exploration of a single subject or group.
 Content Analysis: Analyzing written or visual content (e.g., social media
posts, articles).

Quantitative Data Collection:


Involves gathering numerical data that can be analyzed statistically.
Methods:
 Surveys/Questionnaires: Standardized sets of questions designed to collect
specific information from large groups.
 Experiments: Controlled studies to test hypotheses and establish cause-and-
effect relationships.
 Observational Studies: Collecting numerical data through systematic
observation (e.g., measuring frequencies or quantities).
 Secondary Data: Using existing datasets (e.g., census data, company
records) for analysis.

Mixed-Methods Data Collection:


Combines both qualitative and quantitative techniques to provide a fuller picture.
 Methods: A combination of surveys and interviews, or observational data and
experiments.

Data Collection Tools


 Surveys and Questionnaires: Structured instruments with fixed questions,
ideal for quantitative data.
 Interview Guides: Semi-structured or unstructured lists of topics or questions
for qualitative interviews.
 Checklists: Tools for recording specific behaviors or events during
observation.
 Recording Devices: Audio or video recorders used during interviews or focus
groups for accuracy.
 Software Tools: Online survey platforms (e.g., Google Forms, SurveyMonkey)
or qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo).

Steps in Data Collection


1. Define the Purpose: Clarify what data is needed to address the research
problem and objectives.
2. Select the Method: Choose the most appropriate data collection method(s)
based on the research design.
3. Design the Instrument: Create the tools or instruments needed to collect
data, such as surveys, interview guides, or observation protocols.
4. Determine the Sample: Decide on the sample size and how participants or
data points will be selected (e.g., random sampling, purposive sampling).
5. Collect the Data: Execute the data collection plan by following ethical
guidelines and ensuring accurate and consistent gathering of information.
6. Check for Consistency: Regularly review the data collection process to ensure
quality and consistency.

Analysis Plan

An analysis plan is a structured blueprint that outlines how the collected data will be
processed, analyzed, and interpreted in a research study. It provides clear
guidelines for the methods, tools, and techniques that will be used to examine the
data, helping ensure the results are reliable, accurate, and relevant to the research
questions and objectives.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_question
https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-a-research-problem-types-and-examples/
https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-are-research-objectives-how-to-write-them-
with-examples/
https://www.genieai.co/en-us/define/research-output
https://dovetail.com/research/what-is-a-data-source/
https://www.simplilearn.com/what-is-data-collection-article

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy