Research Methods1 Introduction Introduction to Research Course Content Assessment

Research Methods2 What is Research Many forms: –Scientific –Market – ….. Many definitions –“…the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) in order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon about which we are concerned or interested.” 1 –…….. –The Process of Creating New Knowledge 1. Leedy P. D. and Ormrod J. E., Practical Research: Planning and Design, 7th Edition

Research Methods3 Types of Research: Graduate Studies Research –Thesis for MSc students –Dissertation for PhD students Research Funded Projects –Research projects funded by research funding agencies Research Promotion Foundation of Cyprus European Union Industrial Research –Research projects funded by the Industry to solve specific problems –Incubators –Government Ministry of Commerce Life-Long Learning Foundation

Research Classification –Basic vs. Applied –Theoretical vs. Empirical –Experimental vs. Non-experimental –Analytical vs. Descriptive –Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Methods4

Research Phases Research Methods5

6 Research Proposals: Graduate Studies Research Proposals –MSc Students: Content of the research work must be within the boundaries of knowledge in the specific area –PhD Students: Content of the research work must extend the boundaries and produce new of knowledge in the specific area Needed to convince academics (research advisor/Committee) –Proposed work is innovative and has a significant contribution –The student has the background knowledge to cope with the specific research Verified through literature review analysis –The proposed research can be done within the specific time limits and budget.

Research Work Issues Work-packages Tasks Milestones Deliverables Research Methods7

8 Research Methods vs Research Methodologies Research methods: Techniques used for conducting research: –Techniques used for the collection of data such as experiment results, questionnaires –Tools and mathematical techniques used for the statistical analysis of the collected data. –Methods used to validate the correctness of the stated hypothesis, and evaluate the accuracy of the results obtained. Research Methodologies: The analysis and study of the methods and techniques used in research –It refers to the rationale and the philosophical assumptions Often not clearly distinguished.

Course Content Research Proposals –Research contributions –Literature review –Proposed Methodology –Validation and Evaluation methodology –Infrastructure and Expertise needed –Time Schedule Publications –Technical writing styles –Articles and Papers –Reviews Thesis and Report writing Presentations –Research Proposal –Paper –Thesis

Assessment Review Paper (15%) –You are required to write a literature review paper related to the topic of your project Research Proposal (40%) –You are required to write and submit a formal research proposal. You may choose to work on the topic of your project or any other topic related to your program of study. Presentation (45%) –Prepare a presentation for the project proposal Research Methods10