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Research
• Word has a broad spectrum of meanings
–“Research this topic on ….”
–“Years of research has produced a new ….”
What Research is Not• Not mere information gathering
– Computer Crime– XML for Web Pages
• Not the mere transportation of facts from one location to the next– Computer Crime and Digital Signatures– XML versus HTML
• Not merely rummaging for information
What Research Is• Originates with a question or a
problem.– makes a difference, worthy
– leads to new knowledge
– human mind struggling with data
• A clear articulation of a goal– What problem to you intend to solve?
What Research Is• Follows a specific plan of procedure
– how you will reach your goal
• Usually divided into manageable subproblems
• guided by a hypothesis• accepts certain critical assumptions• the collection and interpretation of data
What is Good Research?
• Purpose clearly defined - scope, limitations are fully defined
• Process detailed - can be repeated and except when secrecy is imposed reveal the sources of data and means by which they were obtained
• Design thoroughly planned - make as objective as possible
What is Good Research?
• High ethical standards applied• Limitations frankly revealed - there are very
few perfect designs• adequate analysis - data classified to clearly
reveal findings, probability of error should be estimated
• findings presented unambiguously• conclusions justified
Format of the Research Proposal
• Problem Description
• Research Objectives
• Literature Review
• Importance/Benefits of the Study
• Research Design
Format of the Research Proposal
• Data Analysis
• Schedule
• Facilities and Special Resources
• Deliverables
• References
Problem Statement
• Convince the “sponsor” to continue reading the proposal
• know the dilemma, its significance and why something should be done to change the current status quo
Research Objectives
• Flows naturally from the problem statement giving the reader a concrete, achievable goal.
• Verify the consistency of the proposal by checking to see that each objective is discussed in the research design, data analysis and results sections
Literature Review
• Recent or historically significant research studies
• Always refer to the original source
• discuss how the literature applies, show the weaknesses in the design, discuss how you would avoid similar problems
Importance/Benefits of the Study
• Importance of the doing the study now
• if you find this difficult to write, then most likely you have not understood the problem
Research Design
• What you are going to do in technical terms.
• May contain many subsections
• provide information for tasks such as sample selection and size, collection method, instrumentation, procedures, ethical requirements
Data Analysis
• Describe the proposed treatment and the theoretical basis for using the selected techniques.
Schedule
• Include the major phases of the project
• exploratory studies, data analysis, report generation
• Critical Path Method (CPM) of scheduling may help
Facilities and Special Resources
• Access to special systems or computers
• specialized computer algorithms
Weaknesses in Research Proposals
• Research Problem–unfocused
–unimportant (done before!)
–more complex
–limited relevance
Weaknesses in Research Proposals
• Research Design–so vague it prevents evaluation
–inappropriate or impossible data
–procedures inappropriate for problem
–lacking controls
Weaknesses in Research Proposals
• Investigator–inexperienced
–unfamiliar with relevant literature
–not enough time to devote to project
Weaknesses in Research Proposals
• Resources–institutional setting is
unfavorable
–no equipment, (unrealistic)
A Sample Research Proposal
• Fill in the critique on page 287 and 288 for this proposal. Since it was made for the REPORT, simply change the tense for most questions.
• Is the sample size adequate? ->• Will the sample size be adequate
• For questions which clearly need the final report skip (step 9, the first question)
Preparation
• Condensing a complex body of information
• 20 minute presentation
• speaking rates should not exceed 100 to 150 words per minute
• about 2000 to 2500 words
Extemporaneous Presentation
• Audience centered
• made from minimal notes or outline
• place title and preliminary remarks on the first card
• use each remaining card to carry a major section
Extemporaneous Presentation
• include key phrases, illustrations, statistics, dates and pronunciation guides for difficult words
• along the margin, place instructions, cues, such as SLOW, EMPHASIZE, TURN CHART, GO BACK TO CHART 3
Speaker Problems
• Too soft, too fast
• do not let your words trail off as you complete a sentence
• do not “uhs”, “you know”
• no rocking
• no eye contact
• no fiddling with clothes
Selecting a Title
• Brief
• include the variables included in the study
• the type of relationship among the variables
• the population to which the results may be applied
• Avoid … Report of, Discussion of, single-word titles
Outline
• Provide one
• tell the audience where you are taking them
• note the difference in the two introductions on page 142, 143 of Writing for Computer Science
Opening
• About 10% of the time
• direct, set the stage,
• explain the nature of the project, what it attempts to do (goal)
Ending
• End the talk cleanly, just do not fade away
• a bad ending is : that’s it, that’s all I have say.
• Wrap up the talk with a positive spin
Question Time
• Try to anticipate questions
• Respond positively and honestly to all questions
• don’t try to bluff
• no one knows all the answers
• never be rude
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