Research Project Preparation

Research Project Preparation Introduction If we knew what we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?(Einstein). Life is exciting, and it will be surprising to find many things that have been avoided in particular society, somehow become most loved in others. A simple example is vegemite, while there were 10 of 10 of American kids felt it was disgusting[1], for sure, many Australians and New Zealanders will argue. Even, Australian dairy company, Bega, has spent A$460 million to acquire the brand back to Australian hand.[2] From that example, some questions might arouse: why those kids hate vegemite?; Why Australians and New Zealanders love vegemite?; How vegemite can be accepted in USA markets?. In an academic environment, some of those questions might lead to research. This essay will discuss research process, in particular, the process of planning research. And within it, explaining the definition of research and research process, the relationship between research topic and research question, the importance o f literature review, how the use of theory affect research approach/design, the goal of research a proposal and the importance of argument in academic writing. O Leary defines that the process of developing new knowledge by gathering data that answers a particular question is called Research[3]. So, what are those questions? For some, it is their concerns in issues encountered in life, for instance, poverty, famine, corruption, etc. For others, it will come from their passion for enjoying life. It is all the questions which relates to the need of new knowledge to solve our problems and curiosities[4]. Human curiosity is very diverse, from a question on how to have a beautiful delicacy to a dinner, to a complex idea on how to establish world peace. In some way, research is a means to contribute to options to fulfill curiosity, in which probably is the best practice to solve problems. However, there are, in some circumstances, many complexities to determine people behavior and their decisions, so, research needs plans, strategy, firm decision, and while at the same times, flexible to new changes to find the right knowledge to understand the p roblems, hence, be able to offer suitable recommendations for better future. As, O Leary mentioned that research is a creative and strategic process that involves continually assessing, reassessing, and making decisions about the best possible means for obtaining trustworthy information, carrying out appropriate analysis, and drawing credible conclusions[5]. Research process is a journey full of challenges which needs strategy, plan, every strength and support available to make it succeed in times and end up with expected result[6]. Meticulously planned steps are essential in a research process, such as 1. Find Research topic. 2. Articulate research questions. 3. Navigate ways trough ethics. 4. Work with literature. 5. Develop methodological approach. 6. Design methods. 7. Construct a coherent proposal. 8. Find respondents. 9. Collect data. 10. Analyze data, and 11. Write research report[7]. Every step comes with challenges[8], which sometimes are not easy to cope with. It may come from environment, family, requirements, resources, social barrier. And many of them come internally from the researchers, in such, low motivation, lack of confidence, unconstructive habits, background, work ethics, etc. It needs commitment and strategies to use the best support available and also the best state of own capabilities. It is a journey to find answ ers that is different from traveling where it has certain sets of destination. Where in between, it is needed to come back and forth to asses and reassess to keep everything on track. And by the end, it will take to a point where another research is needed[9]. Why? As new questions will emerge, society develop, human have a never-ending curiosity, problem bound to happen anytime and anywhere. However, with all of the challenges, there some, like in most journey, that found wonderful experience by doing research[10]. Explore mystery, find the unknown, and satisfy curiosity, while contributing to a better world are a very nice start to spark passion in research. The initial step in planning research is to find a well-thought research topic, and from those formulate a research question that structures a well-executed research. A research topic is an idea which will be the background of a research[11]. And as mentioned, with human curiosity, passions, issues, and problem surrounding, there will be no lack of idea. The challenge is on how to narrow down from so many interest surround, a remarkable idea that is feasible could come out[12]. O Leary explained that there are three ways to obtain research topic: 1. Concept mapping, which offers enhancement of creativity by looking problems from many perspectives, and therefore, have a brainstorm for a research topic; 2. Turning to literature, to identify information, ideas, theories and problems for research topics from a different perspective; 3. Looking for inspiration, that might be drawn from, personal insight and experiences, observations, contemporary/timely issues, and, identifying stakeholde rs need[13]. After research topic confirmed, well-articulated research questions are important, as to indicate the level of understanding of the topics and to structure logical course of action, to define an investigation, to set boundaries, to provide direction and to act as a frame of reference for assessing progress[14]. It will be the milestones for research process, set as achievable goals that tell how far steps has been taken, and how far it is needed to the end point. However, it is in researcher discretion to assess and reassess the questions to appropriately stay on track, undertake another direction based on new information, and new interesting information found[15]. Next principle step to plan and to prepare good research is reviewing literature. For most, Literature review is not new research, it is a way to learn from past knowledge, which offers unlimited theories, methodology, and experiences, as a valuable starting point to design research[16]. Delving into literatures strengthens the level of understanding of research topic, defines and redefines research questions, uncovers gaps in research rationales for further identification, and compares past approaches from various researches that have previously been conducted to discover suitable approach for own research[17]. Argument occupies a very important place in writing Literature review as an initial part of research. Even literature review itself is a purposeful argument, a form of argument to inform audience of what is happening in the field, to establish credibility as a knowledgeable and capable researcher, to argue the relevance and significance of research question, to provide the co ntext for own methodological approach and to argue the relevance and appropriateness of approach[18]. In doing so, it needs a strong evidence-based argument by compare and contrast own argument with past researchers, then synthesize and make arguments in own perspective as a part of further research[19]. Having confidence needed to initiate a research from reviewing literature, the next step is to develop most appropriate research approach and design. Understand on how theory used within research gives an overview to develop an effective approach. Explained by Creswell that each approach has its unique way of using theory. In quantitative approach, a theory will be used deductively, placed in the initial part of the research to provide an explanation or prediction about the relationship between variables and how variables affect other. The theory will be tested throughout the process in order to prove the validity of researcher prediction of variables relationship in particular aspects and environments. In qualitative approach, there are four ways on how theory is used: 1. As a broad explanation for behavior and attitudes, it is much similar on how theory used in quantitative approach where a general description of behavior and attitudes will begin the research, and series of prepare d hypothesis will be tested throughout; 2. As a theoretical lens or perspective; the perspective based on theoretical aspects such as race; gender; class, shapes research topics, questions, method and on how researcher position themselves that will obviously affect the written report and recommendations. 3. As an end point, in this case, theory will be the product of inductive thinking process of a research, where, collected bit of information will be developed into theory, generalizations, patterns, and then, compared with experience and existing literature to form researcher theorys; 4. In some qualitative study theory is not used, in these case researcher constructs a rich detailed description of a central phenomenon. In mixed method research, theory is used as a framework, social and transformative, that affect research methods in collecting, analyzing, processing quantitative and qualitative information[20]. The Last step in planning a research, as an expression of readiness to embark on the journey, is composing research proposal. Research proposal is a writing to convince other, a mean to argue that selected research questions are significance in obtaining results, a way to show that research methodology is effective, efficient and ethical to answers questions, and sometimes, it is the only opportunity to show potential as a researcher worthy for the job[21]. To construct convincing research proposal, all elements of research proposal; title; aims/objective; research questions/hypothesis; introduction; literature review; theoretical perspective; methods; limitations/delimitations; ethical considerations; timeline; budget/funding; and references should be written in a way to show clarity of thoughts, veracity of arguments and researcher potential[22]. The goal is to seek approval from admission boards, funding body or an ethic committee to initiate research, and by overcome the challeng es and meet the requirements[23], research plan will be tested and perfected. However, following guidelines, drafting and then redrafting at the same time be confident and open will contribute significantly[24]. Another important factor to remember as part of research process is the role of argument in academic writing. In every step of research there is a need for writings, for example, literature review, research proposal, research report, writing summary to challenge rationale and many others. Where, the nature of an academic writing requires to really understand the depth of principles, theories, and concepts and put it as reasonable statements to explain more concepts, process and procedures[25], research and academic writing cannot be separated. Within research process to find answers to contribute to the body of knowledge[26], research topic, research questions, rationale will be tested, it will perfected, to come out with conclusions and recommendations. Therefore, those conclusions, recommendations, concepts need to be written convincingly, supported by evidence, considered from different perspectives, and reasonable[27], to prove that the journey worth the effort. Conclusion This essay has discussed that research process is a journey. It definitely needs a well plan, and meticulous preparation, however, it is significant to bear in mind that within the process, it is requisite to come back and forth, assess and reassess, in open mindset and use the best of capabilities. Initial step to plan a research is to generate an idea for research topic. The challenge is to focus on idea that feasible and satisfy curiosity, and from that idea formulate research question that structured a well-executed research. Next important step to plan and prepare good research is to review literature, to learn from past knowledge by compare, contrast, analyze and synthesize ideas, theories, and methodologies as an initial standing. Next principal step is to understand on how theory as a framework, shapes differences between research approach to plan own approach. Final step in planning a research is by composing research proposal to convince and seek approval needed to start re search. Other important factor to remember, is that an academic writing and research process cannot be separated. Hence, to convince audience with strong evidence-based argument within research writings, to show that the journey worth the price is a must. References Constructing an Argument. Massey University. June 19 2014. Accessed March 21, 2017. http://owll.massey.ac.nz/study-skills/constructing-an-argument.php. Creswell, Jowhn W. 2014. Research Design. Washington DC: Sage Publication Inc. Davison, R.M., Martinsons, M.G., Kock N. 2004. Information Systems. Principles of Canonical Action Research 14. Lee, Sally. 2014. Is it the Australian version of Nutella? Daily Mail. August 30. Accessed March 21, 2017. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2738265/American-kids-taste-test-Vegemite-reactions-priceless.html . Miller, Jake. 2012. Nurturing a Passion for Research. Harvard Medical School. July 24. Accessed March 21, 2017. https://hms.harvard.edu/news/nurturing-passion-research-7-24-12. Niesche, Christopher. 2017. Vegemite back in Aussie hands. NZherald.co.nz. January 22. Accessed March 21, 2017. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3objectid=11786765. O Leary, Zina. 2014. The Essential Guide To Doing Your Research Project. London: Sage Publication, Inc. Webster, Jane, and Richard T Watson. 2002. Analyzing the Past to Prepare for the Future: Writing a Literature Review. MIS Quarterly, Vol. 26, No. 2 xiv. What Is Academic Writing. Massey University. October 25 2012. Accessed March 21, 2017. http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic-writing/what-is-academic-writing.php. [1] Sally Lee, Is it the Australian version of Nutella?, Daily Mail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2738265/American-kids-taste-test-Vegemite-reactions-priceless.html [2] C. Niesche, Vegemite back in Aussie hands, NZherald.co.nz http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3objectid=11786765 [3] Zina O Leary. 2014. The Essential Guide To Doing Your Research Project. (London: Sage Publication. Inc), 3. [4] Ibid,2. [5] Zina O Leary. 2014. The Essential Guide To Doing Your Research Project. (London: Sage Publications, Inc), [6] Ibid, 18-28. [7] Ibid, 1. [8] Ibid, 28. [9] Davison, R. M., Martinsons, M. G., Kock N., Principles of Canonical Action Research, Information Systems Journal (2004): 14 [10] Jake Miller, Nurturing a Passion for Research, Harvard Medical School, https://hms.harvard.edu/news/nurturing-passion-research-7-24-12 [11] Zina O Leary. 2014. The Essential Guide To Doing Your Research Project. (London: Sage Publications, Inc), 32-33. [12] Ibid, 33. [13] Zina O Leary. 2014. The Essential Guide To Doing Your Research Project. (London: Sage Publications, Inc), 33-34 [14] Ibid, 45 [15] Ibid, 45 [16] Jane Webster, Richard T. Watson. Analyzing the Past to Prepare for the Future: Writing a Literature Review. MIS Quarterly, Vol. 26, No. 2 (2002) xiv. [17] Locit, 86-88 [18] Ibid 99 [19] Ibid 98 [20] John W. Creswell, 2014. Research Design. (Washington DC: Sage Publication, Inc), 52-69. [21] Zina O Leary. 2014. The Essential Guide To Doing Your Research Project. (London: Sage Publications, Inc), 72-74. [22] Ibid, 74-77. [23] Ibid, 72. [24] Zina O Leary. 2014. The Essential Guide To Doing Your Research Project. (London: Sage Publications, Inc), 77-78. [25] What Is Academic Writing, Massey University, http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic-writing/what-is-academic-writing.php [26] Locit,3 [27] Constructing an Argument, Massey University, http://owll.massey.ac.nz/study-skills/constructing-an-argument.php

Essay --

In the world of philosophy there are many theory’s that talk about the nature of reality and substance. Right now in the world there are four theories that out show the other ones. These theories are materialism/ physicalism, idealism, transcendental idealism, and dualism. Each one of these theories have good arguments that support their believes, but at the same time they also have their weakness. That is why none of these four theories can be taken off the list of the top 4. Because even though they have their own weakness they have their strong points that make u in a sense think about why that theory is the right one when it comes to the nature of reality and substance. Materialism has many meaning but in philosophy it does not mean that is a person that has many things and that only cares about the material things. In the philosophical world this has a more deep meaning to it. In philosophy this is one of the four theories of the nature of reality and substance. And the theory is that physical matter is the only reality and that all the things like feelings, mind and will can be explained as physical matter. This is basically the believe that everything known to men in this world is physical matter that all the things in imaginations do not exist because they have no physical property’s. The next theory is the theory of idealism. In a regular day basis idealism in basically the ideas that a person follows and believes in in his or hers entire life time. But in the philosophical world it has another meaning to it. In philosophy the meaning of this theory is that all the things in the world and everything that we believe in are part of our consciousness. That all the things even the physical parts are in a way formed from ... ...explained or can be proven that they do exist. Like for instance you cannot prove that there is such thing as a good because that is something like an image that the people have implanted on their mind. There is no proof that shows that there was a god that created the world and the universe that we live in. now why do I say this because according to the theory of materialism everything in this reality has to somehow have some kind of matter substance in it in order to be real. But a god is just a part of our imagination because it is something that we can’t touch and it is something we cannot see. That is why this theory is stronger than its counterpart idealism. Because it is more realistic and it is more logical as to how it can relate to how we live. It is also a theory that can be explained and also it is easier to prove. And it is also better that the other 2.

The Effects of Parenting Styles on Children

There are many ideas and opinions on how to raise children and how to be a â€Å"good parent. † Often, parents get advice on how to parent from their own parents, from their close friends, and even experts. There are three main types of parenting styles: authoritarian parenting, permissive parenting, and authoritative parenting. Authoritative parenting is a parenting style characterized by strict rules, harsh punishments and little warmth. Permissive parenting is characterized by parents who are responsive to their children, but lack rules and discipline.Authoritative parenting is characterized by parents who hold high expectations and set clear guidelines, but are responsive and loving to their children. Parenting styles determine the behaviour of children. The most effective parenting style, the authoritative style, can help lead to positive outcomes for children. It is significant to know what impact each parenting style has on a child's behaviour due to certain parenting s tyles having a negative effect, and certain styles having positive and healthy effects on a child's behaviour.A national longitudinal survey was conducted by Social Development Canada and Statistics Canada that observed over 4,100 children over a eight year period. The results supported many of research psychologist, Diana Baumrind's, findings. This included, that an authoritarian parenting style lead to children who are obedient, competent, good at following rules; but they lack in self-esteem, social skills and happiness, and were more likely to be aggressive. An authoritative parenting style, results in children that are balanced, competent, successful, and happy.Lastly, a permissive parenting style resulted in children having poor academic records and they were more likely to clash with authorities. Diana Baumrind believes that: While it is unreasonable to expect any parent capable of committing to one style and never deviating from it, having an end result in mind – what kind of person you want your child to become and what type of relationship you want to have with them – can provide the extra motivation and reasoning behind your choice of parenting style and disciplinary strategies. (Smith, 2011, www. suite101. om) This is a very good suggestion for parents because if one truly looks into how they want their child to turn out, they will probably want them to be happy, responsible, competent, social, successful, and balanced, and they will realize that there is a way to achieve that. This would be achievable by them being a role model for their children, showing them a prime example of who they should look up to. An authoritative parenting style is a balance of setting rules, giving love, but at the same time letting children know that the parent is in charge.An article about how parenting styles impact children states: Balanced (Authoritative) parents:†¢ Guide their children’s activities explaining why rules are important †¢ Consider their child’s point of view when they refuse to behave as requested. In this way, the parent is accepting of their child’s individuality while setting standards for future behaviour †¢ Keep communication open and clear†¢ Enforce consistent consequences (Bornstein, 2007, www. ealthunit. com) This is a true method of balanced parenting, according to Rick Trinkner, a doctoral candidate at University of new Hampshire, he suggests, â€Å"Our data offers further evidence that the authoritative parenting style is an effective way for parents to successfully socialize their children and that its influence works largely through its effect on youth perceptions of parental legitimacy† (Wyman, 2012, www. howtolearn. com).The references above, show that the authoritative parenting style is the best way to raise a child. A disadvantage when researching the effect that parenting styles have on child behaviour is that some parents may deny that the result of their child's behaviour is due to their parenting style. It could also offend some parents if it were said, for example, that their child is unhappy and aggressive because of their authoritarian parenting style.Although surveys and observations have been done on this subject, and that there is research to prove that parenting styles do have an effect on a child's behaviour, everyone always has their own opinions, and may not agree with this research. References Bornstein L, Bornstein MH. (2007). Parenting styles and child social development. In Tremblay RE, Barr RG, Peters RDeV, eds. Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development [online]. Montreal, Quebec: Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development.Smith, L. (2011). Parenting Styles: Authoritarian, Authoritative and Permissive. In Parenting Methods [online. ] Retrieved Monday, October 15th, 2012, from http://suite101. com/article/parenting-styles-authoritarian-authoritative-and-permissive-a361151. Wyman, P. (2012). How Yo ur Parenting Style Affects Your Child’s Behaviour. In Articles [online. ] Retrieved Monday, October 15th, 2012, from http://www. howtolearn. com/2012/02/how-your-parenting-style-affects-your-childs-behavior.

Athleticism Nature Or Nurture - 1634 Words

Athleticism: Nature or Nurture? When an individual grows up to be an athlete, we question them on why they are so talented. There are two factors that are taken into account on this topic, and that is their genetic features or their biocultural characteristics. After long studies, philosophers finally agreed that human development is comprised of two factors: nature and nurture. People argue about this because they believe it is what determines our personality and behavior. Nature is the genetics that determines the result, and nurture is the environment that determines the result. Although these factors can be debatable, most scientists believe both of these contribute to the idea of exercise and sports science. Some believe it is the†¦show more content†¦Also, psychologists have upgraded their studies on nature and nurture and concluded that humans are in unison and of one species. Everyone develops and grows in the same community but everyone has their own genetic makeup of traits su ch as height, hair color, eye color, and skin color. â€Å"Generally speaking, different sets of genetic sequence variants have been associated with ... performance† (Tucker 557). For instance, when playing sports like volleyball, basketball, and netball, height is a necessity for a successful performance. According to Tucker, â€Å"numerous studies report that height is highly heritable with 80% of its variance controlled by multiple genes† (557). Also, another obvious characteristic of absolute performance is biological sex. During Tucker and Collins’ â€Å"analysis of world record performances in multiple track events, ranging from the 100 m to a 90 km ultramarathon, ‘the best males out perform the best females by between 9% and 14%’†(557). This plays a significant role in determining an athlete’s performance and that’s why most competitions are separated between males and females. Moreover, nurture is a culturalShow MoreRelatedNature Vs. Nurture Essay1612 Words   |  7 PagesNature vs. Nurture Essay Throughout many years, scientists have been debating about whether nature or nurture is the driving force that shapes a person’s cognitive abilities and personal traits. Before the ongoing debate can be explained, it is necessary to understand what nature and nurture actually are. Nature is loosely defined as the genetics one inherits and tendencies that influence development. Many things in an individual are hereditary, for instance; gender, disease, height, eye color,Read MoreNature vs. Nurture in Sport 1248 Words   |  5 Pagesline up from a bench warmer? Where does athleticism come from? Is it from our genes, or is it a product of the environment we live in? These are the types of questions that arise in the nature vs. nurture debate pertaining about athletic ability. In 1582, British educator, Richard Mulcaster wrote that†¨Nature makes the boy toward, nurture sees him forward, he gave the world†¨a euphonious name for an opposition that has been debated ever s ince; Nature and Nurture. Peoples†¨beliefs about the roles ofRead MoreGender Identity Paper1475 Words   |  6 Pagesnurturing sex. Usually, by the age of four, individuals have identified their gender identities aside from what gender they were born as physically. Throughout this paper, I will discuss the biological factors of gender identity (nature), environmental factors (nurture), and the role between hormones and behavior, and how these interactions all affect the determination of one’s gender identity. Gender identification begins to develop while the fetus is in the beginning stages of development.Read MoreThe Theory Of Nature Vs. Nurture1680 Words   |  7 PagesThe theory of nature vs. nurture, or inherited vs. acquired, is a complex psychological theory that questions how people develop, as a person, in life and how they act. Their impact determines your personality traits, values, morals, and behavior in life. The idea of nature is the belief that people develop into who they are based on genetic traits given to them at birth. For example, some children inherit a musical talent from their parents along with eye color, hair color, and race. These traitsRead MoreThe Blind Side, Based On A True Story And Directed By John Lee Handcock1451 Words   |  6 Pagesintelligence is like a garden. Defined as the mental potential to learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge to adapt to new situations, intelligence is not only nature; it is also nurture. It is reported th at 50% of our intelligence is determined by heredity and the other 50% is influenced by our environments. The nurture provided by our environments, for example home and school, plays a huge role in forming our intellectual skills. Consequently, and through no fault of their own, childrenRead MoreSix Major Tenants of Personality Theory Essay2500 Words   |  10 PagesUniversity Abstract This paper will  review  the six major tenants of personality theory. The first discussed are the foundations of psychology, which are: nature versus nurture, the unconscious, and view of self. Each of these foundations are important to  the development of  a psychologically healthy person. Nature versus nurture is a long time debated concept within psychology that argues whether a  person’s behaviors  are derived  from genetics and what  are derived  from the things we learn.Read MoreEffect of Heredity and Environment on the Development of Personality2398 Words   |  10 Pagesalways in search of excitement and novel situations (Hamer et al., 1993; Zuckerman amp; Kuhlman, 2000) Illustration of Effect of Hereditary and Environmental Factors on Personality: Twin studies are a vastly important tool in dissecting the nature versus nurture argument. Identical twins, or monozygotic twins, are siblings whose genotypes are duplicates of each other. They are most likely the best indicator of whether biology affects traits and psychopathology in human beings. Fraternal twins, or dizygoticRead MoreMultiple Intelligences Seminar and Workshop14464 Words   |  58 Pagesothers. 7. Intrapersonal Intelligence -- capacity to be self-aware and in tune with inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking processes 8. Naturalist Intelligence -- ability to recognize and categorize plants, animals and other objects in nature 9. Existential Intelligence -- sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here. Howard Gardner defined the first seven intelligences in FRAMES OF MIND