...Evans(Psychology)-3589-03.qxd 6/15/2007 6:23 PM Page 21 3 CHOOSING A TOPIC AND THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL Objectives On reading this chapter you should: • • • • • • • • understand the importance of choosing a research topic that lends itself to a ’do-able’ project; be able to evaluate potential topics; be able to formulate a valid research question (and hypothesis); understand the importance of creativity, and its relationship to innovation in formulating your research question; understand the integral role played by the research question; understand the vital role of the research proposal; be aware of the common pitfalls to be avoided in writing a successful proposal; and be able to write a logical and persuasive research proposal. Overview Chapter 3 deals with the practical issues of choosing an appropriate topic for your research project, and with the all important task of developing a research proposal. Section 3.1 deals with the practicalities of evaluating topics from your potential list, in order to choose the most appropriate for your project. Section 3.2 focuses on how to formulate a good research question. The role of the research question and different types of questions are dealt with in Section 3.3. Section 3.4 highlights the functional importance of the research proposal, which is often neglected by undergraduate students. The proposal acts as an exercise in thought, a reference point for supervision, and also as a motivational device. Section 3.5 deconstructs the...
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...Ralph W Tyler’s work was the realisation of the importance of objectives in designing an effective school curriculum. This early methodology can be defined as the scientific/experimental approach. The model emphasised the importance of knowing the educational standards of the individuals in the control group before the new education initiative took place and then determining the change that had taken place by measuring the difference in attainment after the educational intervention was completed. In other words the aim was to determine the effectiveness of the training by scientific means on the level of performance of the individual. Although there have been some critics of this methodology it has proved to be valuable in that organisations have been able to quantify the relationship between their corporate objectives (often expressed as key performance indicators (KPIs) today) and the training aims and objectives. The main criticism of the scientific/experimental approach is that the methodology is unable to take into account the unexpected or unintentional learning that can take place within a dynamic and changing learning environment. Those readers who can remember reading about the original, and now famous Hawthorne experiments to determine the effects of illumination levels on production held at the Western Electric plant in Cicero, Illinois in the 1920’s and the later experiments also conducted by the National Research Council showed that human behaviour is indeed...
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...Business Research Methods Project On Conjoint Analysis Identifying Key Product Attributes & Product Designing of Mobile Phones Abstract This paper intends to explore consumer preferences for Mobile phones attributes, to determine the optimal combination for consumers, and to provide manufacturers a reference for their marketing strategies. In this study, consumers were divided into several demographics (age, gender, occupation) and individual preferences for various mobile phone attributes were compared. Consumers showed significant demographical difference in their preferences over the combination of mobile phones attributes. The various combination of mobile phone attributes were grouped together. Subjects were asked to rank the 22 product profiles (Pair1 to Pair22) from the most to the least preferred. The variables Pref1 through Pref7 contain the IDs of the associated product profiles, that is, the card IDs. Subject 1, for example, liked pair13 most of all, so PREF1 has the value 13. Analysis of the data is a task that requires the use of command syntax—specifically, the CONJOINT command. The necessary command syntax has been provided in the file conjoint.sps. Literature Review N. Soutar et al. (2008), the study aims to examine its relevance in exploring the trade-offs followers make about leaders. The aim was to have an integrated understanding of leadership. The leaders were assessed on the eight leader attributes obtained from three focus groups...
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...I. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM Background of the Study Statement of the Problem Specifically, this study attempts to answer the following questions: 1. What are the different eating habits practiced by Leyte Normal University College Students, in terms of: a. Sex? b. Age? c. Socio-Economic Status? 2. How can these different eating habits affect the studies of these students? 3. Why does eating habits affect the studies of students? Importance of the Study This study may prove useful to the following: • To the Students. Students may become aware of the importance of their eating habits to their studies and may learn to practice proper eating habits. • To the Teacher. Teachers can gain more knowledge in educating students about the dangers of bad eating habit. They can inform the students on how detriment it is to their health and consequently on their educational performance. • To the Administrators. To help provide a university with students that are healthy. Definition of Terms Scope and Limitation of the Study This research study focused in knowing the importance of eating habits to the studies of the College Students of Leyte Normal University, ranging from 1st year up to 4th year. This research study is limited to the faculty and staff of the said school and the researcher of course. Hypothesis Academic Performance of the College Students of Leyte Normal University is affected by different eating habits. ...
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...Education. The author of this article is Arthur M. Langer and it was published in 2002 in Columbian University. My critique based on the five elements which are research question and problems, literature review, methodology, results and findings, discussion. After I read entire article carefully I identified how the article was organized. What author’s thought patterns, his way of thinking, evaluated Strengths and Weaknesses, how can findings be used in practice? This article explained that students should use journals in their studies for their researches. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of learning journals as vehicles for encouraging critical reflection among non-traditional students and to compare variances with studies among traditional students. An objective of the study was to understand how students in a technical computer class reacted to the requirements for learning journals. Qualitative method focused on whether learning journals show to be an effective teaching tool in science-based, adult learning. The purpose of this article critique is to analyze the strengths and weaknesses points for the components of the Langer’ article Langer (2002). Research Question, Conceptual Foundation, Methodology—data collection and data analysis section, Findings and Discussion. Research Question: The research question of the study Langer (2002) was “how using journals for education has impacted the process of learning of older students...
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...WEBER and EMILE DURKHEIM to the research methodology used in social sciences” INTRODUCTION The paper mainly concerns the contributions of MARX, WEBER and DURKHEIM to the methodology in social sciences. The various methodologies in social sciences establish a connection with the societal implications which have a large impact over the society and its normative effects. Referring to the contributions by the following sociologists, all have a different and influential impact on the factors of society. The methodology of various sociologists reflects their attitude towards the society and its various customs and traditions. The following mentioned are the various methodologies adopted by sociologists in the field of social sciences. Marxist sociology emerged around late 19th/early 20th century, influenced by the thought of Karl Marx. Marx is seen as one of the most influential thinkers in early sociology, alongside thinkers such as Max Weber and Émile Durkheim. KARL MARX The theory propounded by Karl Marx is Marxism; in a nutshell it is the theory and practice of working-class emancipation. Marxism is also a method of looking at the world. One of the most important foundations of Marx's method was dialectical thought. Marx relied a lot on historical materialism and dialecticism to propound his theories in social science. Marx relied heavily on these two methods for social science research. Historical materialism starts...
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...METHODOLOGY This chapter presents the methodology of the study. This includes the research design, population and sampling technique, respondents of the study, instruments used in obtaining data, research locale, data gathering procedure and statistical technique that were used in the analysis and interpretation of the data. Research Design This study utilizes a descriptive method or survey research design. Descriptive research design is a valid method for researching specific subjects and as a precursor for more quantitative studies used in the social sciences and psychology to monitor the behavior of a subject without affecting the subject in any way. The researcher’s main concern of using descriptive research is to identify and understand the nature, perspectives, components and aspects of the problem. The researchers use the design to gather information about the importance and relevance of using gadgets in school. This will support the study for the information needed. Population and Sampling This research used random quota sampling in which each one has a chance of being chosen till it reached a certain quota. Respondents of the Study The respondents of this research are limited students of Marinduque Academy Inc. that have, uses, or bring gadgets in school. Research Instrument For this study, the survey-questionnaire instrument was used to achieve the main objective of the study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to students in different...
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...Management Image of Global Exposure Less than 20% of sales are made in Japan, while markets in emerging countries are expanding. Ratio of employees with foreign nationality is more than half and all functions are being multi-nationalized. Sales companies: Localization is further promoted but also integration with service deposits is facilitated. In order to focus on maintenance and service business in the future, these bases and technologies are developed by the company itself. Factories: More globalized division of labor is promoted. Corporation with factories in Japan is also enhanced. R&D: They have a history of more than ten years. Research and development are divided. Japan is responsible for application research, and basic research is optimally deployed. (By intensively supplying manpower and money to ventures and research bases for cutting-edge technologies mostly in the U.S. and maintaining the sensitivity of the antenna at a higher level, access to world-class intellects is enhanced.) Japan still plays the central role with its ability for concurrent development, and development unique to each location is conducted locally. Global headquarters (Japan) is specialized in coordination among functional regional headquarters and global control. Only some parts of it employ bilingualism. At the same time, regional headquarters in Japan is also established. Leaders are frequently exchanged across borders. A certain number of employees with foreign nationality are...
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...The Devaluation of Bangladesh Job market Page of contents 1. Introduction 2. Operational definition 3. Statement of the problem 4. Research objectives or questions 5. Research methodology 6. Importance of the research 7. Source of materials 8. Review of literature 9. Time line 10. Scopes and limitations 11. Bibliography The devaluation in Bangladesh job market Introduction: - Devaluation in job market means the mistreatment by the employers to the job seekers in different job farms. It causes great harm to countrymen. It is a social malady. Each and every government sector and most of the private job market sector of Bangladesh is affected by this illegal process. It is one of the most negative and harmful process in Bangladesh. It spreads it’s greedy clutches all over the country. To get a job in Bangladeshi job market every classes of job seekers has to face this devaluation problem both in govt. and private sectors and now a days this is becoming so common that the job seekers can’t ignore it even if they want to. The misuse of power, pelf, wealth and money is the root cause of this devaluation. There is no one to raise voice against this galloping corruption or the devaluation. This devaluation is not a new phenomenon. What is new and worrying in the magnitude and size of devaluation. It has spread its tentacles in every sphere...
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...EVALUATION OF RESEARCH PAPER Title: When Bonding Fails: Audit Firm Oversight of US-Listed Chinese Companies Date: 15/11/23 Author: Joseph V. Carcello, Brian T. Carver, Clive S. Lennox, Terry L. Neal A. Describe the research problem or question. Evaluate the importance of the research question to audit practice. First, this paper composed by Joseph V. Carcello et al describes the traditional bonding argument failed for US-listed Chinese companies due to a lack of audit quality and audit firm oversight. Last, we think that there are two importance of what the paper relates to audit practice. One is that the study can implicate outside investors may be hit twice as a result of information asymmetry. Another is whether there are any omission or inadequate regulations need to amend due to transnational factors. B. Explain the author’s approach to solving the problem. This paper’s authors, Joseph V. Carcello et al used experimental designing and event studying to argue that the traditional bonding argument failed for US-listed Chinese companies due to a lack of audit quality and audit firm oversight. And, authors do provide descriptive evidence on the following research question: Which parties are most likely to detect financial reporting fraud and other accounting improprieties among the US-listed Chinese companies?(RQ1) because they didn’t test it. C. Describe the major findings of the research. The result of this paper find two points...
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...Descriptive research plays an important role in educational research because it has greatly increased our knowledge about what happens in the classroom. What is descriptive research? Descriptive research can involve collecting quantitative information, or it can describe categories of information such as patterns of interaction when using technology in the classroom. Although it may employ fundamentals of both quantitative and qualitative research, descriptive research does not fit neatly into the definition of either quantitative or qualitative research methodology. Descriptive research takes a “what is” approach. Types of questions that may be addressed using descriptive research include: What is the best way to provide access to computer equipment in schools? Do teachers hold favorable attitudes toward using computers in schools? What have been the reactions of school administrators to technological innovations in teaching? Using descriptive research methodologies with the educational setting may be advantageous for several reasons. Educational research and experiences may contain many variables that cannot be realistically controlled, educational research may require observations of life experiences, and data collection may be spread over a large number of people over a large geographic area. Descriptive research may be used most effectively within the educational setting because educational research experiences cannot be as realistically controlled as laboratory...
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...Marketing Research Project Types and Examples 1. Satisfaction Studies: Obtain measures of satisfaction for different attributes of products and services, and relate this to customer type or segment, experience, demographics etc. Data/Methodology: Satisfaction studies typically require a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches. At an early stage, qualitative research techniques such as focus groups or one-on-one customer interviews might reveal unexpected dimensions of customer dissatisfaction. Usually customer satisfaction measures and information on customer type are collected by use of a survey. A satisfaction survey frequently includes items dealing with importance and performance of various attributes, and some information on customer type (heavy/light user, experience and other segmentation variables). In addition to simple tabulation, analysis could include cross-tab and regression analysis to understand predictors of satisfaction. Are all segments equally satisfied? Why/why not? Is performance adequate on the most important attributes? Why/why not? EXAMPLE PROJECT: Research Purpose: Find areas of improvement in the order experience for an online retailer selling specialty dog chew-toys. Research Objectives: Using a sample of current customers, measure importance of key dimensions of the purchase experience, and current performance along these dimensions and relate these to purchase frequency, customer type and demographics. Possible Recommendations: Redesign the...
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...critically commenting on the ideas and information presented in the research work or article. The sections like Title Page, Abstract, Introduction, Technique and methodology used, results and Outcomes, Discussion and debate, References, Tables, charts and Figures in the research paper are being analyze, evaluate and offering comments in critical reviews. Follow these steps when writing a critical review. First step: (understating the main theme) Gain overall idea of the research article by Reading the Article carefully and spend sufficient time to understand its main theme.. Identify the research question and assumptions used which you can find in the Abstract and Introduction of the research paper or article and make notes. Identify the findings and their interpretation by analytical reading from the conclusion, charts and figures and make brief notes of findings and high light the key ideas. Second step: (reading in depth) Now read the research article deeply another time and find out the detail information and how the writer is supporting the assumptions and what is the purpose of the article. Find out the legitimacy and validity of the evidence by examination and going over the references and how are these convincing the research article. Observe the appropriateness of methodologies and find out the weaknesses of the methodologies used in the research article? And consider alternative methodology for interpretation. Explore the results to check that are these...
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...The Quantitative Research about Griffith University Hotel Facilities Course Name: 1002HSL Introduction to Research Student Name: Student ID: Introduction This report is to assess, from the view of professions in event and facilities management, the importance and performance of the existing facilities in city hotels of Griffith University in order to identify the critical factors in better operation and execution of hotels. The rapid development and expansion of hospitality industry has made hotel industry much more competitive than before, thus, how to promote the operation and execution become a significant issue in surviving in fierce competitive business environment. Among those critical issues of success in managing hotels, the service segment is in particular of importance in that it is directly accessed by customers or travellers and they are inclined to rate hotels on those service (Roger, 2011). Therefore, it is quite necessary to elevation how importance of existing facilities towards guests and the current performance of those facilities in the hotels. The Griffith University Hotel, being operating for a relative long period in the service industry, has established its good reputation and occupied a certain part of market shares. While, it still suffers from threads from low priced hotels and other rivals who are continuingly promoting hotel environment and service. In order to maintain the current volume of guests and probably increase it, the...
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...International Journal of Production Research Vol. 48, No. 17, 1 September 2010, 5137–5155 Supply chain performance measurement: a literature review Goknur Arzu Akyuz* and Turan Erman Erkan Department of Industrial Engineering, Atilim University, Kizilcasar Mahallesi, 06836 Incek Go¨lbasi, Ankara, Turkey (Received 19 February 2009; final version received 2 June 2009) This paper is intended to provide a critical literature review on supply chain performance measurement. The study aims at revealing the basic research methodologies/approaches followed, problem areas and requirements for the performance management of the new supply chain era. The review study covers articles coming from major journals related with the topic, including a taxonomy study and detailed investigation as to the methodologies, approaches and findings of these works. The methodology followed during the conduct of this research includes starting with a broad base of articles lying at the intersection of supply chain, information technology (IT), performance measurement and business process management topics and then screening the list to have a focus on supply chain performance measurement. Findings reveal that performance measurement in the new supply era is still an open area of research. Further need of research is identified regarding framework development, empirical cross-industry research and adoption of performance measurement systems for the requirements of the new era, to include...
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