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Research Reviewer

Research Reviewer

Theories

1. Pragmatism

  • Definition: Focuses on the practical consequences of ideas, suggesting that the truth lies in effectiveness or usefulness.
  • Key Concept: “If it works, it's true.”
  • Example: Using trial and error to solve a problem.

2. Rationalism

  • Definition: Emphasizes reason and logic as primary sources of knowledge, as opposed to experience or emotions.
  • Key Concept: “Reason is the path to knowledge.”
  • Example: Using logical arguments and reasoning to reach conclusions (e.g., mathematics or philosophy).

3. Idealism

  • Definition: Holds that reality is shaped by ideas, thoughts, or perceptions, suggesting that reality is constructed by the mind.
  • Key Concept: “Reality is shaped by the mind.”
  • Example: Believing that values and ideas (such as justice or beauty) are more real than physical objects.

Quantitative Research

1. Characteristics of Research

  • Quantitative Research focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to find patterns, averages, and generalizations.
  • It is objective and aims to measure facts using statistical tools.

2. Research Design

  • A plan or blueprint that explains how the research will be conducted, including methods for collecting and analyzing data.
  • Types include descriptive, correlational, experimental, and quasi-experimental designs.

3. Research Title

  • A clear and concise statement that describes the subject of the research, reflecting the main focus and key elements.

4. Research Gap

A research gap represents an area or issue that has not yet been fully explored by existing studies. Different types include:

Types of Research Gaps:

  • Evidence Gap: Lack of empirical data or studies supporting a certain idea or theory.
    Example: Studies suggest a teaching method improves outcomes, but no experimental data exists.
  • Knowledge Gap: Existing studies haven't fully explored a particular concept or area.
    Example: Lack of research on social media's effects on middle-aged adults.
  • Theoretical Gap: Contradictions or unexplained phenomena within existing theories.
    Example: Economic growth leading to happiness is contradicted by studies in some countries.
  • Practical Gap: Well-researched concepts with little real-world application.
    Example: Research on a new technology improving agricultural yields but not adopted by farmers.
  • Methodological Gap: Overused methods or lack of specific methods for studying a problem.
    Example: Most climate change studies use qualitative methods, lacking quantitative data.
  • Population Gap: Specific populations that have not been studied.
    Example: Focus on remote work's effects on urban employees, neglecting rural workers.

5. Introduction

  • Provides a brief overview of the research topic, research gap, and objectives.

6. Background

  • Detailed context about the research topic, explaining its importance and significance.

7. Variable in Research

  • A variable is any factor that can exist in different amounts or types and is measurable in quantitative research.
  • Independent variable: The variable you manipulate.
  • Dependent variable: The variable you measure.

8. Scale of Measurement

  • Refers to how variables are measured:
    • Nominal: Categories (e.g., gender, race).
    • Ordinal: Ordered categories (e.g., rankings).
    • Interval: Numeric scales with equal intervals but no true zero (e.g., temperature).
    • Ratio: Numeric scales with a true zero (e.g., weight, height).

9. Review of Related Literature (RRL)

The RRL surveys existing scholarly work relevant to your study. It provides context and identifies gaps.

Types of RRL:

  • Narrative Review: Summarizes literature without statistical analysis.
  • Systematic Review: Follows structured protocols to minimize bias.
  • Meta-Analysis: Combines data from multiple studies for quantitative analysis.
  • Scoping Review: Maps existing literature without detailed synthesis.

Structure of RRL:

  • Introduction: Introduces the RRL's relevance.
  • Thematic Organization: Organizes literature into themes.
  • Critical Analysis: Evaluates strengths, weaknesses, and gaps.
  • Research Gap Identification: Highlights areas needing further research.
  • Conclusion: Summarizes key points and significance.

Key Elements:

  • Relevance: Ensure studies cited are pertinent.
  • Variety of Sources: Include theoretical papers, empirical studies, and meta-analyses.
  • Current Research: Incorporate recent studies.
  • Proper Citations: Use consistent citation styles.
  • Synthesis and Integration: Connect findings and highlight trends.

10. Pattern and Style of Citation

Here are examples of common citation styles:

  • APA (American Psychological Association)
    Format: Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of the book. Publisher.
    Example: Smith, J. (2020). *The impact of social media on communication*. Random House.
  • MLA (Modern Language Association)
    Format: Last Name, First Name. *Title of the Book*. Publisher, Year.
    Example: Smith, John. *The Impact of Social Media on Communication*. Random House, 2020.
  • Chicago
    Format: Last Name, First Name. *Title of the Book*. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year.
    Example: Smith, John. *The Impact of Social Media on Communication*. New York: Random House, 2020.
  • Harvard
    Format: Last Name, First Initial. Year. *Title of the Book*. Publisher, Place of Publication.
    Example: Smith, J. 2020. *The impact of social media on communication*. Random House, New York.

11. Scope, Limitation, and Delimitation

  • Scope: Defines the boundaries of the research, including the specific aspects covered.
  • Limitation: Acknowledges potential weaknesses in the study that may impact results or conclusions.
  • Delimitation: Specifies what is excluded from the study, clarifying the research focus.

12. Operational Definition of Terms (ODOTS)

Operational definitions clarify the meaning of key terms used in the research by explaining how they will be measured or identified in the study context.

  • Example: If "academic success" is a term used, it could be operationally defined as "the GPA achieved by students at the end of the semester."

13. Assumption

  • Assumptions are beliefs or statements accepted as true without proof. They underpin the research methodology.
  • Example: Assuming that participants will answer survey questions honestly.

14. Hypothesis

  • A hypothesis is a testable statement predicting the relationship between variables.
  • Example: "Students who study more than 20 hours a week will have higher GPAs than those who study less than 20 hours."

15. Conceptual Framework

  • A visual representation or model outlining the key concepts and their relationships in the study.
  • Helps to guide the research process and establish a clear focus.

16. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

  • Sets out the procedures to be followed during research to ensure consistency and quality.
  • Includes guidelines for data collection, analysis, and reporting.

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