Research Methodology

Week 1
Introduction to research
Preparing a topic, research aims,
research questions

Dr. David Yoong

Faculty of Languages and
Linguistics
UM
50603 Kuala Lumpur
davidyoong@um.edu.my
7967 3007

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlFAd4YdQks
(Reaction To Women Abusing Men In Public)
Is this research? Why?
What discipline field do you think it falls under?
What are the likely research questions?
What are the findings of this study?

Research:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

Process of finding new knowledge

Investigation and systematic analysis
Proving of facts via scientific methods
Application of knowledge in problem solving (action research)

Purpose of research = Development of human knowledge for the

benefit of humankind
Elements in research:
)
)
)
)
)

Observation
Exploration
Usage of definitions
Data analysis
Analysis:
explanation and classification
cause-effect
Testing of assumptions & previous claims
) Conclusion

How are research ideas disseminated and presented:

academic writing
academic presentation
Posters
Mass media

Academic language = Universal intellectual code

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Why do we need competency in research methodology and
writing?
To show you have:
A coherent and logical mind
Visualisation of thinking, reflection and revision
Credibility
Its a common convention in academic institutions and
professional workplace (law firms, journalism, etc.)
Career opportunity and a chance to SCORE AN A

Research typologies
Types of fundamental research
Basic research building of knowledge for understanding
(theory and philosophy; academic curiousity)
Applied research Using knowledge for application (technical
problem, practicality, social policies, etc.)
Various types of research

Experiments
Social surveys
Ethnography
longitudinal and cross-sectional
Historical analysis
Secondary analysis
Action research
Impact assessment
Constructive research

Research typologies
Types of research based on data:

Primary research Collection of data which does not yet exist in your
database

Secondary research Summary, combination and synthesis of existing

research

Types of Analytical Researches:

Quantitative (Macro) Empirical and systematic research about

quantitative features and their relationship with a type of phenomenon

Keywords: Mathematical models, hypothetical research, statistics, variables,

testing, empirical data, measurements, representations, validity, accuracy

Qualitative (micro) Indepth research which examines behaviour and

experience of humans and society, as well as the reasons and methods
which influence these behaviour and experiences.

Keywords: case studies, subjective opinions, role of the researcher,

exploration (generating hypotheses), narrative, ethnography, observation,
field notes, interviews, discourse analysis, phenomenology

Determining Research Topics and Titles

Topics A signpost and a set of boundary markers: it indicates that
the research will follow a specific path; and it defines the territory to
be explored (Blaikie, 2010, p. 45)
First time = vague, inaccurate and ambiguous
Usually the topic changes till the final stages of a research
Common flaw The researcher can start a research after deciding on a
topic and problem statement
Important factors in the creation of a topic:

Motive
Individual curiosity, personal problem, interest
Academic/career contribution of knowledge in field, career opp,
intellectual debate, generating social theories
Contribution to society assisting others, generating social
policies

Literature knowledge research done by others, theories, results

Limitations eg. No money, no time, no resources, no access to data,

sociopolitical and economic problems

Topic selection
Topic must be: Strong, interesting and enjoyable
Why? Time, energy (and money) will be needed
You must not be too ambitious or to simple.
Good topics:
Correlation between exam results and classroom
attendance: Case study in a school in Kuala Lumpur
The effects of policy x on workers in organisation y
Speech acts: A critical perspective based on Marxist
theories
Orderliness and disorderliness of interaction during Question
Time at the Dewan Rakyat
Boycotting an international tourism company: A critical
discourse analysis perspective

Problem statements
Issues that should be addressed by the researcher
Aims are to give focus to the research
If the focus is too narrow, the scope will be more difficult and
can restrain creativity and innovation
If the focus is too broad, the research will be deemed a
generalist study not suitable as a serious academic research
Some techniques in building problem statements:
Make observations about the phenomena
Get a critical perspective of other researchers
Build research questions which are indepth and critical to
address the issue

Research questions
Most (if not all) research projects should have research questions to
explore, explain, understand, evaluate
3 typical questions:
WHAT WHY HOW
3 peripheral questions :
WHO, WHEN, WHERE
E.g.
WHAT:
Categories (humans, things, societies) are involved?
Characteristics of knowledge, beliefs, values, behaviours possessed by
subject?
Effects, if there are?
WHY:
Why does this phenomena happen?
HOW:
How does it happen?
How can knowledge solve this problem?

HYPOTHESES
Quantitative:
NULL HYPOTHESIS (default position)
e.g.: driving a car does not increase the chance of having an accident
vs.
ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS (aka directional, used to prove whether or not
null hypothesis is false; cannot be both true at same time; opposite
conclusion)
Qualitative:
Build via assumptions, and theories, and research questions
A generalisation where the validity of a research has yet to begin

TO DO:

Think carefully of your topics youd be choosing because itd

be your final product at the end of the course.
Discuss with your instructor about the topics youve chosen.
You are discouraged from changing the topic after Week 5.

*BRING YOUR LAPTOP TO CLASS

EVERY WEEK