Overview of the research process

Purpose of research

Research with us since early days (why?) Main reasons:

• Explain why things are the way they are (e.g. sun rises every morning?)

• Predict phenomena (e.g. human behaviour)• Add value (improve things)• New discoveries (inventions speak for

themselves)

Why do research?

Research should not be an obligation Should be planned and executed because:

• A problem must be solved• Personal interest• Developing skills• Job advancement• Better qualifications

Therefore research should have an aim/goal to make it easier

Origin of research problems

Research problems originate from:• Practical problems• Previous research• Historical research• Case studies• Action research (control groups and experimental groups)

• Personal interest

Making key research decision

Do not start from scratch (investigate your field of interest first)

Write down what you want to do. Have a notebook to note all information, ideas and references

Do not rush into a decision. Play with ideas and talk to as many people and experts in the field – do thorough literature review

Evaluate all alternatives and get opinionsTake responsibility, its your project, time and effort

Hurdles in the research process

Initial stages in the research is difficultResearch begins with idea/interest/projectThen formulate problem linked to topicHard work to narrow down problem and keep it

focusedResearch design and methodology can assist you

here (multi-method strategy)Triangulation helps with testing own data and for

validity and reliability of results Important aspects in the process are:

• Preparation (formulate problem, supervisor)• Planning (Literature and proposal - essentail)• Process (literature and empirical study)• Product (writing it down)

Factors influencing research process

Motivation• supervisor and interest in topic are crucial

Isolation• Get involved in research groups, share references and ideas

Planning and management of time• Read book by Mouton: How to succeed in a M & D study, chapter

15• Work out a time schedule (project management)

Methodology• crucial for results and answering research problem

Empirical study • collecting data and verifying it• Book with statician or get software package to identify trends and

provide detailed excel spreadsheets (peoplesurveys)

Research design versus methodology

Methodology• Focus on research process and

tools, procedures to be used

• Point of departure = Specific tasks (data collection/sampling)

• Focus on individual steps in research process and most objective procedures to be employed

Design• Focus on the end product:

What kind of study is planned?

• Point of departure = Research problem

• Focus on logic of research: What kind of evidence is required to address questions adequately?

About the choice of design and method

Make sure about your choiceHave enough evidence to support your choiceDetermine the value of triangulationMake sure of the different criteria and categoriesBe realisticSampling respondents or participantsGet ethical approval or consent from them before

conducting collection of dataData collection and choices also needs consideration

Search for information

Make use of library (Faculty librarian)Electronic databases (IEEE, ACM)Governmental policies, white papers, documents on the

topic Identify primary sources and secondary sourcesMake use of latest references on the topic (conference

papers, journal articles)Read as much as possible on the topic to ensure you do not

duplicate a study already doneLook on NRF Nexus database to ensure study is uniqueAsk expert advise from international researchersUse citation guide for referencingGet training from library people on searching for information

at the right places

Choosing your supervisor

The Faculty usually will support you here to allocate a available supervisor in the field of study

Important to decide on your compatibility with prospective supervisor Talk to student he/she has already assisted or are currently assisting

with postgraduate supervision Trace your supervisor’s publication record in his/her field Certain rules and guidelines must be determined Negotiate roles and responsibilities between you and your supervisor Stick to appointments and be honest if you did not progress Collaboration and participation from both is necessary Indicate any problems to Head of Department Establish number of students successfully graduated by your supervisor

as a guideline to decide on a specific supervisor Remember postgraduate research is a subjective process and a journey

into the unknown for you Enjoy the ride!!

Thank you