INRS7321 - Introduction to Project Research Assignment

Assignment Task

Research Topic

Identify a general research topic that interests you and provide a reason for your interest and explain how this topic is directly related to your field of specialisation. A topic is a broad subject or area of interest that you want to explore or investigate in your research. It provides a general sense of what your research will be about. Please note that it is imperative that you identify a topic that relates to an aspect or aspects of your discipline area (related to the content of the core modules of your degree).

Background to the research study

A background allows you to contextualise your study. The purpose of contextualising your study is to explain broadly what you want to do in the study and what your main argument is. By giving the necessary background and context, you allow for the reader to understand the nature of your research topic. You should assume the reader has no prior knowledge about the topic. Provide definitions where needed in the background. Ensure that you research and reference this background information.

Research problem

Formulate a research problem based on the research topic you have identified. This section will require considerable review and rework. Refer to your textbook and to Learn for practical examples. The research problem needs to convince the reader exactly why resources and time needed to be spent in order to solve it. There is a difference between 'nice to know' and 'need to know'

Evaluate your research problem using the criteria for a research problem outlined in your textbook. These should not be explicitly stated, but rather implied in your description of the research problem.

• Indicate what the research problem is;
• Why it is a problem; and
• Why it needs to be solved.
• The purpose of the research.

Relevance/Motivation of the research study

Argue in favour of a particular research topic.

Convince the reader why your research is worth doing. Indicate the practical value – who could use your results? describe the academic value of your research – how will you be adding to the body of knowledge? What academic gap would it fill? You must also specify how the research links to your degree.

Research questions

Formulate research questions based on a research problem; 

State in a single sentence the main question you seek to answer in your research. This should flow directly from the research problem. It should provide focus and clarity. A common error is to make the research question too broad and impractical. The way you word your research question should indicate whether your research is quantitative or qualitative . Refer to your textbook and Learn for practical help. If you continue on with the Research Practice (REPR7312) module in second semester, you will be required to develop a questionnaire, something you may want to keep in mind when identifying the research topic you wish to explore.

In addition, develop 2-3 smaller sub-questions. The sub-questions must relate directly to the main question, staying focused and in scope

In summary; provide one (1) main research question and 2-3 sub-questions.

Refer to the aims of research to help you formulate your research questions. Exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, predictive.

Quantitative question types

• Descriptive Questions: Seek to describe the concept or topic in question. An example of this type would be understanding the usage of a product like the frequency, time of day, the purpose of use, etc.
• Comparative Questions: Used to analyze the difference between two groups, concepts, or other variables. Examples of these types of questions include comparing the frequency of use between two products, men versus women’s preference for brands, etc.
• Relationship-Based Questions: Or in some cases causal-based— these questions work to understand how one variable influences another, like how color influences the desire to purchase a particular product.

Qualitative question types

• Exploratory Questions: Similar to descriptive questions in quant research, this form of question looks to understand something— without influencing the results with preconceived notions. For example, asking how a product is used or perceptions around a certain topic are two types of exploratory questions.
• Predictive Questions: As the name entails, these questions seek to understand the intent or future outcome surrounding a topic or action. An example of this type of question would include asking why a consumer behaves in a certain why or how they’d feel if a certain situation were to take place.
• Interpretive Questions: Look to gather feedback on a certain topic or concept without influencing the outcome. For example, testing new product concepts and understanding how messaging claims are interpreted would fall under this type.

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