Research Questions & Objectives (Recorded lecture)

Summary

The video script focuses on the importance of formulating clear research questions and objectives for a successful research proposal. It explains that research questions are essential to guide the study, while research objectives define what the researcher aims to achieve. The script also highlights the difference between inductive and deductive approaches in research, explaining how each approach impacts the sequence of research questions and objectives. Inductive research starts with observations and leads to theory development, while deductive research begins with an existing theory that is tested through data collection. It emphasizes the need for clarity, specificity, and direction in research objectives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research questions and objectives are essential components of a research proposal, alongside the problem statement.
• 😀 A research question is an answerable inquiry into a specific issue or concern, derived from the problem statement or research objectives.
• 😀 Research objectives are clear, concise statements that define what a researcher aims to achieve by the end of the project.
• 😀 Research objectives should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• 😀 If your research is inductive, the research questions should come first, followed by the research objectives.
• 😀 If your research is deductive, the research objectives should come first, followed by the research questions.
• 😀 Inductive research begins with observation, looks for patterns, and derives a theory or conclusion from those patterns.
• 😀 Deductive research starts with an existing theory or hypothesis, tests it through data collection, and either confirms or rejects the hypothesis.
• 😀 Research questions guide the overall strategy of a research project, influencing the choice of research design and methods.
• 😀 A good research question is essential for moving forward in research; without one, it's difficult to progress effectively.

Q & A

What is the main focus of today's lecture?

The main focus of today's lecture is on research questions and research objectives. The lecture emphasizes the importance of having clear and well-defined research questions and objectives when creating a research proposal.

Why are research questions important in a study?

Research questions are important because they guide the research process. They serve as answerable inquiries into a specific concern or issue derived from the problem statement, and they influence the research strategy to either answer the question or test a hypothesis.

What is the difference between a research question and a research objective?

A research question is an inquiry into a specific issue that needs to be answered, while a research objective is what the researcher aims to achieve by the end of the research. Objectives are derived from the problem statement or research questions.

What does SMART stand for in relation to research objectives?

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. These characteristics are important for ensuring that research objectives are clear, feasible, and well-defined.

What is the key difference between inductive and deductive approaches in research?

In an inductive approach, the researcher starts with observations and develops a theory based on patterns found in the data. In a deductive approach, the researcher begins with an existing theory and tests it by collecting data to confirm or reject the hypothesis.

When would you use an inductive approach in research?

An inductive approach is typically used when there is little or no existing literature on a topic. Researchers observe patterns or regularities in experience and then formulate a theory based on those observations.

What is a limitation of inductive research?

A limitation of inductive research is that the conclusions drawn from observations can never be definitively proven to be true. The larger the data set, the more reliable the conclusions may be, but they still cannot be proven to be absolutely correct.

How does the deductive approach work in research?

In a deductive approach, the researcher starts with an existing theory, formulates a hypothesis based on that theory, collects data to test the hypothesis, and then analyzes the results to either accept or reject the hypothesis.

In what scenario would research objectives come before research questions?

Research objectives come before research questions in a deductive approach. If a researcher has a clear theory or hypothesis, they would set specific objectives to test that theory before formulating their research questions.

Can you provide an example of a research problem using the deductive approach?

An example of a research problem using the deductive approach could be the influence of K-pop on Malaysian fashion photography. The researcher might start with the theory that K-pop has influenced local fashion photography styles and then formulate objectives and questions to test this hypothesis.