research problem definition & proposal writing
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RESEARH PROBLEM DEFINITION
SA Prathapar
Research Methodology
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Why define the Research Problem?
Defining your destination beforebeginning a journey.
It determines, what you will do,
will it withstand scientific scrutiny,
how you will do it, and
what you may achieve!
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How is a research problem selected?
Researchers interest in a topic
National or agency priorities
Urgency of an issue Availability of research funds
Availability of supervision
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Steps in defining research problems
1. Identify a broad topic
2. Identify a narrow topic within thebroad topic
3. Raise questions
4. Formulate objectives
Use action-oriented words - Todemonstrate; To evaluate; To measure
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Identifying Broad Topics
Think of the BIG PICTURE
What is the problem you are trying to solve?
Think of something you like to learn more
about Consult text books, journal or your supervisor
Pick one based on:
Interest and relevance
Magnitude of work involved Level of expertise
yours and your advisors
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Examples of Broad Topics
Optimizing productivity of land andwater resources
Ensuring Food Safety & Security
Sustaining Agricultural & MarineEnvironments
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From Broad Topic to Narrow Topic
Examples of a narrow topic:
Liver disease in Goat
Greenhouse Agriculture Milk Quality
Greywater reuse potential in Oman
When selecting a narrow topic think
how it can contribute towardssolving the BIG PROBLEM!
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Problem Tree Keep asking Why?
Food Insecurity
Low LaborProductivity
Low LandProductivity
Unskilled Labor
Water Scarcity
Unsuitable Crops
Poor Soil
Inefficient Irrigation
Lack of crop varietiesadapted to climate
Inefficient Water harvestingUnsuitable Climate
Farming Patterns do notReturn nutrients
Farmers cant afford fertilizer
Farmers unaware ofbest practices
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Proposal Writing
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Sections
Title
Introduction
additional sub sections if necessary Objectives
Materials & Methods
additional sub sections if necessary
A tentative time table
A budget .
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Title
Specific & Short
This forms the first impression
about your research If vague Reader will be cynical
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Introduction
Convince the reader that you have identified aresearch problem, worthy of investigating.
Start very general Broad Topic Highlight
the concept Practical significance
Reduce it to a narrow topic by Raising questions, and Stating answers from literature for most.
Establish Rationale: Research is necessary questions for which there is
no answer yet.
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Objectives
Provide a clear statement of theoverall question- General objective
Follow it with action oriented tasks -Specific objectives.
If more than one specific objectivestate them sequentially
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Methodology
State it explicitly Enough detail for the reader to follow First give an overall summary of your study design and
methodological approach. Then provide the methodology for each specific
objective. Describe
the specific design (what will you do and how, number ofreplicates, etc.),
the materials and techniques that will be used, and the feasibility of these techniques.
Use literature to support design, materials & techniques Need not repeat standard procedures but give a
reference.
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References
List all references
In alphabetical order
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GANTT Chart (Time line)
Task Quarter1
Quarter
2
Quarter
3
Quarter
4
Survey
Test GWT
Analyze data
Write Thesis
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Budget
SUMMARY OF FUNDS REQUESTED (RO)
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 TOTAL
Capital Equipment 7500 7500
Recurrent Items 8000 6000 16000 30000
Use of University Facilities 1000 1000 1000 3000
Local Travel Costs 1000 1000 1000 3000
Publication Costs 500 500 2500 2600
Miscellaneous 2000 2000 2000 6000
TOTAL 12500 18000 22500 53000
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