Academic and Psychological Axis of Research Guidance

Transcription

1 Academic and Psychological Axis of Research Guidance Dr. V.D.Swaminathan, Professor of Psychology, University of Madras.

2 Academic Axis 1. Sound theoretical basis 2. Conceptual clarity 3. Strong knowledge in methodology 4. Effective communication

3 Theoretical Basis Multidisciplinary Research versus Unidisciplinary Research -- after a thorough and critical analysis of various theories which explain the phenomenon or concept, apply the knowledge thus gained to various allied fields. This will broaden and strengthen the base for meaningful and useful research

4 Conceptual Clarity Review of literature will have to concentrate on the following aspects of previous research: 1. Definitions of the concept 2. Operationalisation of the concept this is with regard to measurement or research aspect of the concept 3. Application of the concept in various contexts 4. Evolution of the concept 5. Differentiation of the concept from certain allied concepts

5 Strong Knowledge in Methodology Research theoretical (rational) versus empirical Empirical relationship of cause and effect to be established ex-post-facto versus experimental approach cross sectional versus longitudinal approach univariate versus multivariate approach stages in empirical research identification of research problem, hypotheses, research design, sampling, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, data discussion, conclusion.

6 Research Problem It is an interrogative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. Identification of a research problem 1.gap in the existing knowledge, 2. contradictions in the research findings, 3. application across cultures, time etc. Criteria of a research problem 1. neither too general nor too specific, 2. to be stated in such a way that quantification is possible, 3. definitely minimum two variables need to be mentioned.

7 Hypothesis It is a conjectural statement about the relationship between two or more variables. Types of hypothesis null hypothesis -- exploratory research alternate hypothesis nondirectional whenever contradictory results are being reported and all appear to be equally convincing. alternate hypothesis directional confirmatory research Criteria of a good hypothesis minimum two variables need to be mentioned; quantification is possible; should be compatible with other hypotheses; should neither be too specific nor too general.

8 Research Design Plan, strategy and structure of the investigation that is conceived in order to provide answer to the question raised in the problem of the study and to control variance A healthy design will always be built on the principle of A healthy design will always be built on the principle of Max-min-con

9 Sampling Techniques Random versus Non random techniques Random techniques are 1. simple 2. systematic 3. stratified. Non random techniques are 1. purposive, 2. convenient and 3. quota.

10 Methods of Data Collection Observation Interview Standardized Tests reliability and validity should be fairly good and norms must be available. Archival records and such other documents

11 Analysis of Data Parametric statistics versus nonparametric statistics Univariate statistics versus multivariate statistics Quantitative analysis versus qualitative analysis.

12 Effective Communication Technical versus Popular writing or reporting Technical Report Research Articles and Dissertation Introduction, Review of Literature, Methodology, Results and Discussion, Summary and Conclusions. (now abstract of the report is expected to be written before introduction) References versus Bibliography Appendices Popular articles or reporting though these articles or reports are based on facts obtained from well conducted research studies, technical terms are simplified for the general public to understand the work. Documentary Film or Commercial Film, Fiction etc.

13 Academic Aspects of Research Objective Systematic Repeatable Predictable Generalizable Precise

14 Psychological Axis of Research Passion for Research high zeigarnik effect and curiosity Systematic thinking Creative thinking Mastery over the subject Cordial interpersonal relationship Stress coping ability Intellectual honesty Social concern Effective communication and Perfect time management

15 T H A N K Y O U and B E S T W I S H E S