Research Topic

Problem(s)

Research Questions

Research Objectives

Research Aim

Research rationale

Key terms – Central to Investigation

Method/Design

I’m trying to find out…?

Example

What are the problems?

Research gap

For example,

Addressing the problems.

What?, How?, Why?, Which?, When, Where.?

For qualitative questions- use How, why, what

For example,

How are you going to approach each Research question?

Use specific keywords -e.g. to explore, to establish, to investigate,

to identify

For example,

The aim of the research is to… looking at the topic/questions/objectives.

Use broader keyword -e.g. to investigate, to examine, to evaluate, to examine, to analyse

For example,

Reasons, why the study is conducted is to address the problems identified.

Why are the problems important from other supporting sources?

For example,

Key terms needed for searching relevant academic/non-academic literature materials for Information about the study. Looking at the topic, research questions and research objectives.

Use key terms will not emerge easily.

How the chapter is to be structured-

Starting with relevant concepts

For example ,

What data is to be collected, considering the research questions (Quantitative or/both Qualitative) – method?

What procedure or steps will be used for the data collected? – design

Qualitative data questions- use How, why, what

Identify the methodological issues to structure the chapter.

For example,

Investigating a missing computer at the Northampton University

1 Missing computer

1. Who took the computer

2. why was the computer taken

3. How could computer security be improved?

1. To identify who took the computer

2. To establish the reason why the computer was taken

3. To improve computer security measures in the University

4. To make recommendation on how to improve computer security

To critically investigate missing computers in Northampton University with a view to preventing future occurrences.

Why is it important for the problems to be studied

To investigate

the missing computer.

Why was it taken

Improve security problem

Introduction

Theoretical review

Concepts

Computer – different types, brands

students

Human psychology, Human behaviour

Criminology

Computer security

Northampton University, staff,

Introduction

Research Philosophy- both approaches

Research method – Mixed methods

Research Design – Triangular design

Sampling – sample size

Data collection – primary research

Data analysis – statistical/thematic

Research limitations

Ethical Consideration