Lesson 1: Identifying Research Topic

The writers must give themselves time to think about their project before moving on to
the next stage, which is planning. The writers can spend their time wisely through careful
thought, and energy is not wasted on inappropriate methods as their research progresses
(Dawson, 2009).
Problems to Avoid:
1.​ Lack of Specificity - Do not use overly broad generalities to describe the investigative
components of the study.
2.​ Poorly Defined Research Problem - Your paper must outline and clearly define the
problem, as well as what you plan to investigate.
3.​ Significance - A clear answer to the “so what” question must be included in the research
design. The writer must clearly articulate why their study is important and how it can
contribute to the greater body of knowledge on the subject at hand.
Understanding the 5W’s
1.​ What - This question needs to be answered as precisely as possible. One of the most
complex parts in the early stages is defining your project.
2.​ Why - Whatever the reason, think carefully about why you are researching this, as this
will affect your topic, how you conduct the research, and how you report the results
(Sanchez, 2006).
3.​ Who - People who take part in research are called participants or respondents.
4.​ Where - When you ponder on this question, you may consider it within the geographical
domain in order to put in place boundaries on your research topic. Aside from location,
as an efficient researcher, you also need to take note of other resources such as budget,
time, and venue.
5.​ When - Thinking about this question will help you determine whether the research
project you have proposed is possible within your time scale (Sanchez, 2006). This will
give you more time to think about your participants, when you need to contact them and
know their availability.

Lesson 2: Basic and Applied Research

Basic Research - also known as fundamental research, is a form of inquiry aimed at enhancing
comprehension of a specific phenomenon, study, or natural law. This research type analyzes
data with the goal of uncovering the unknown and satisfying intellectual curiosity. Typically, it
addresses questions related to "how," "what," and "why" to elucidate occurrences (IET, 2023).
Applied Research - involves investigating and identifying practical remedies for current issues,
encompassing problems within work environments, educational settings, and broader societal
contexts. This form of research employs empirical approaches, such as experiments, to gather
additional data within a specific field of study (IET, 2023).
-​ Research is undertaken creatively and systematically aiming to intensify the knowledge
accumulated about a particular idea or subject. This process includes gathering,
organizing and interpreting data and information to help individuals or organizations
understand an issue or topic. A research project may also refer to the process of
developing past works in the field (Research, 2014). Research projects can develop
further knowledge on a topic or for education (Research, n.d.). Research can use the
 same elements of previously conducted projects, or even that project as a whole, so that
people may test whether the instruments, procedures of experiments are correct.
Research Design - Ensure that the data gathered enables the researcher to conduct and
address the research problem logically, unambiguously, and efficiently. Obtaining
information relevant to the research problem includes a number of processes such as
determining the type of evidence needed to assess a theory, evaluating a program, or
accurately describing and assessing meaning related to an observable phenomenon
(Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper, 2021).
Action Research Design - Follow a characteristic cycle in which an exploratory approach is
first adopted. This approach is where the problem is understood, and steps are prepared to form
an intervention strategy. The intervention is then put into action, hence the action in action in
research design. This design's nature is cyclic, with the intent to generate an intensive
understanding of the problem at hand. The design starts with conceptualization and specifying
the problem, then passing through multiple interventions and evaluations of data (Organizing
Your Social Sciences Research Paper, 2021). Studies conducted through action research, often,
have direct and tangible importance in improving practices and advocating change.
Case Study Design - A case study refers to an intensive study of a specific research problem.
This is done instead of conducting a statistical survey or a comprehensive inquiry. This type of
study is usually used to zero in on a specific aspect of a field of research into a single or few
examples, which can be conducted easily. The case study design can be useful in testing the
real-life application of a specific theory and model. The design can be especially useful for
lesser-known problems and phenomena (Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper,
2021). The case study design is recommended when wanting to understand a complex issue at
hand because of its contextual and detailed analysis of a limited number of events or
circumstances and their relationships. Researchers in the field of social sciences would
commonly use this design so that they can study modern real-life situations. This also provides
a frame of reference to apply concepts and theories while also extending their methods.
Descriptive Design - A descriptive research design is helpful in answering the following
questions of the research problem: who, what, when, where, and how. This design would not be
able to answer the why of the problem. This is useful when the researcher wants to get data
about the phenomenon's present state, describing this in a given set of factors in a certain
environment. Observation is undertaken by placing the subject in a natural and unchanged
setting. While giving analyzable data, actual experiments often have adverse effects on the
expected behavior of the subject. In most quantitative research designs, descriptive research is
often utilized as a predecessor considering the general overview which provides some of the
necessary pointers as to what relevant variables can be tested quantitatively.
Experimental Design - A blueprint of the procedure allows researchers when it comes to the
variables that can determine the result of the research, to control said variables. This enables
them to discover which particular variables affect or even predict the results of the experiment.
Experimental design is commonly used when there is a variable of time. It is the key in
determining the cause and effect relationship in the research problem, which is consistent in a
causal relationship (a cause will always lead to the same effect). The magnitude of the
correlation is excellent. In a traditional classic experimental design, there are two types of
groups: experimental and control. The independent variable is inserted to the latter and not the
former, with both groups being measured on the same variables which are called dependent.
Experimental designs later on make use of more groups and measurements over longer periods
of time. Actual experiments must have control, randomization, and manipulation. Experimental
design identifies the cause and effect relationships that occur between variables, while also
identifying possible placebo effects from treatment.
Field Research Design - This research is also known as participant observation or
ethnography which include a number of interpretative procedures such as observation and
interviews. These designs were motivated by qualitative approaches to examine participants in
individual or group settings while they exist in their natural environment which is different from
designs that utilize impersonal methods of data gathering like survey instruments. Researchers
have to take “field notes” that contain information acquired from observational research. The
process includes recording what the researcher observes using their sense of sight and hearing
while in the field. No conclusive statements can be developed from the findings because the
study gives more emphasis on observing behavior and analyzing words. Indeed, the researcher
may derive conclusions from interpretations made from the findings that show superseding
ideas, concepts or overriding themes. Using field research is critical when the researcher needs
to provide answers to the research problem applied to local conditions or particular groups of
people that cannot be determined using the existing data.
Mixed-Method -Mixed methods research refers to a viewpoint, instead of a specific
methodology, on how to tackle a research problem. Proponents of this design, including
Tashakkori and Creswell (2007), would argue that the mixed-method design is much more than
having both qualitative and quantitative methods. They would argue that this represents a third,
brand new way of an epistemological paradigm, occupying the conceptual space that lies
between the positivist and interpretivist schools.It involves a rigorous application of of the
principles of quantitative research in order to evaluation the magnitude and frequency of
constructs as well as the laborious qualitative research that looks into the meaning and
understanding of the constructs through this design, there is an objective to make the most out
of both qualitative and quantitative data, providing a more complex and more systemic
framework that may lead to new solutions or novel realizations on the issue at hand.
Observational Design - Observational design ends by comparing the subjects against a control
group, in which the researcher does not exert any control over an experiment. For observational
designs, there are two general types: direct observation, in which people are aware that they
are being observed, and unobtrusive measures, in which people are unaware that they are
being observed. This design provides researchers key insight into social phenomena while
avoiding the difficulties that may arise ethically and practically when it comes to setting up a
complex and large-in-scope research. Observational studies are non-structured. It can be
flexible around a hypothesis. So, the research may develop data in the process instead of
maintaining the same information in every setting.

Lesson 3: Writing a Literature review and Study

It is essential to note that the review should not simply describe what others have published in
the form of a set of summaries. Still, it should be written in the style of a critical conversation,
demonstrating understanding and awareness of various arguments, perspectives, and
approaches. It should be an analysis and synthesis of relevant published material, tied to your
purpose and rationale at all times.
Related Studies - Studies, enquiries, or investigations that have already been undertaken and
are linked to or similar to the current proposed study. Manuscripts, theses, and dissertations are
common examples of unpublished materials.
Literature Review - Studies, enquiries, or investigations that have already been undertaken
and are linked to or similar to the current proposed study. Manuscripts, theses, and dissertations
are common examples of unpublished materials. A competent literature review does more than
merely list sources; it also analyzes, synthesizes, and assesses them critically to provide a
broad picture of the existing state of knowledge on the topic.
Why write a literature review? To understand the perspective of your research within the existing
knowledge when you write a dissertation, thesis or research, you have to make a literature
review.
Step 1: Look for relevant literature.
Step 2: Make a list of keywords.
Step 3: Find sources that are necessary to your topic.
Step 4: Assess and choose sources.
Step 5: Write notes and cite properly.
Step 6: Determine the themes, debates, and gaps.
Step 7: Outline the structure of your literature review.
Thematic - Observe if the sources illustrate similarities in the themes. You may categorize the
literature and create some subsections. Each section may address various aspects or
perspectives of the topic.
Methodological - You might want to compare the data and conclusions that emerge from
different methodologies if your sources are from different disciplines or fields that use different
research methods.
Theoretical - A literature review is often the foundation for a theoretical framework. You can
use it to discuss various theories, models, and definitions of key concepts
Step 8 - Write your literature review. Like any other academic text, your review should begin
with an introduction and end with a conclusion.
Introduction - The focus and purpose of the literature review should be established in the
introduction.
Dissertation literature review - If you are writing the literature review as part of your
dissertation or thesis, reiterate your central problem or research question and summarize the
scholarly context.
Stand-alone literature review - If you're writing a stand-alone paper, provide some context for
the issue and its significance, define the extent of the literature you'll be reviewing (for example,
the time span of your sources), and state your goal. What new understanding from the literature
will you draw?
Body - Depending on how long your literature review is, you may wish to break it up into
subsections. Each theme, time period, or analytical approach might have its own subheading
As you write, you can follow these tips:
●​ Summarize and synthesize: give an overview of the main points of each source and
combine them into a coherent whole
 ●​ Analyze and interpret: don't just paraphrase other researchers—add your interpretations
where possible, discussing the significance of findings.
●​ Evaluate critically: discuss the strengths and limitations of your sources.
●​ Use transition words and topic sentences to generate links, parallels, and contrasts in
well-structured paragraphs.

Lesson 4
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
A theoretical framework aims to present and explain this information.
How to create a Theoretical Framework
Step 1: Identify your key concepts.
Step 2: Evaluate and explain relevant theories.
Step 3: Explain how your research fits in.
Whenever necessary, develop your research hypotheses based on the principles laid down on
your theoretical framework.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
A conceptual framework refers to the idea that can be gained through your research. It explains
the key concepts of your study and demonstrates its relationship with each other.
IDENTIFYING YOUR VARIABLES
Variables are simply the characteristics or properties that you want to study. The conceptual
framework will map the expected relationship between them.
DESIGNING A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
-​ To visualize our expected cause-and-effect relationship, we will use the essential design
components of boxes, arrows, and lines
-​ To indicate a causal relationship, each arrow should start from the independent variable
(the cause) and point to the dependent variable (the effect). To indicate a causal
relationship, each arrow should start from the independent variable (the cause) and point
to the dependent variable (the effect)
EXPANDING THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Moderator variables - alters the effect that an independent variable has on a dependent variable
based on the moderator’s value. The moderator changes the practical component of the
cause-and-effect relationship. This moderation is also referred to as the interaction effect
Mediator variables - It makes it easier to understand how the independent variable affects the
dependent variable and what is governing that relationship.
Control variables - a variable that is held constant to prevent it from influencing the outcome of a
study.

Lesson 4
INTRODUCTION
An introduction is all about what a reader can expect in the document concisely. However, the
introduction contains all the significant points that are covered in the document. The beginning
must entice the reader to read the entire document.The introduction brings together the general
overview of the work and answers three key questions for the reader.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The background of a research paper is written to clarify the importance and the necessity of the
paper in the first place. The study and the primary purpose behind the study are the central
questions answered through background presented with a research paper. The background is
also a tool in the writer's inventory for preparing a reader who is unfamiliar with the concepts
mentioned in the paper for the document. Background also aims to prepare the reader before
sending him to read the entire document. Background information is required since many
readers want to know about the events that occurred before the research. It's like the foundation
stone of a building, which later supports the entire structure
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The claim that outlines the problem to be addressed by a study is called the statement of the
problem (Bwisa, 2018). The goal of this part of the research is to transform a general problem
into a resolvable and specific one addressed by the research itself. By doing the statement of
the problem, you also state your purpose in conducting your research.
What are guidelines in writing the statement of the problem?
A persuasive statement of the problem is usually written in three parts:
Part A (The ideal): Describes the ideal goal and situation.
Part B (The reality): Describes what prevents the goal, state, or value in Part C (The
Experimental) from what is achieved or realized at the moment the study was conducted;
explains why the present situation did not succeed in hitting its target or goal.
Part D (The consequences): Explains how you are going to improve the current condition or
situation through a proposal or solution and put it in relation to the goal or ideal.
HYPOTHESIS
A hypothesis refers to a claim proved or disproved using scientific inquiry. You must write
hypotheses before beginning your experiment or data collection if you wish to test a relationship
between two or more things. A hypothesis declares the expectations of the researcher on the
outcome or results of the study. It is a wise speculation to your research question that is yet to
undergo the test. You may need to construct many hypotheses for some research projects that
cover distinct facets of your research subject. But, a hypothesis is not only a prediction – the
claim has to be proven or disproven based on existing theories and knowledge. It should
undergo various tests in order to formulate claims that can prove or repudiate it through
scientific research methods (such as experiments, observations, and statistical data analysis).
Developing a Hypothesis
1.​ Ask a question.
2.​ Ensure an initial research is conducted.
3.​ Come up with a hypothesis.
4.​ Work on refining your hypothesis.
5.​ Write three ways to express your hypothesis
6.​ Come up with a null hypothesis