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

Deliverables Measurement instruments computer program other technical reports

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 Read (study) the sample proposal, pages , in Practical Research

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

Types of Presentations memorized speech read from manuscript EXTEMPORANEOUS

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

Title Page Title of Research the date for whom and by whom it was prepared

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

Major Parts Opening Background Design Schedule Deliverables

Opening About 10% of the time direct, set the stage, explain the nature of the project, what it attempts to do (goal)

Background Remember the audience may be unfamiliar with the area, so basic concepts are necessary

Design Study data analysis

Schedule Only the important steps just don’t repeat dates

Deliverables What do we get out this study?

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