Research methodologies
Research Methodologies in Investigative Project in Agriculture
Identifying the Research Problem
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The first step in any research is identifying the problem. This involves recognising an issue that requires investigation.
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It is important to ensure that the problem identified is significant, relevant, and feasible.
Developing the Research Question
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This step entails formulating the research question(s) which guide the entire investigation.
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A good research question should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART)
Planning and Designing the Research
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Planning involves determining the most suitable approach to conducting the research. Key considerations include methodology, participants, and ethical considerations.
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In regards to methodology, one can choose between qualitative (focused on understanding experiences or behaviour) or quantitative research (focused on numerical data).
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It is also important to define the parameters of the study to provide clear direction.
Conducting the Research
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The next step is to gather data that provides answers to the research question. This could be through various ways such as surveys, experiments, observations or conducting interviews.
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It is beneficial to use a method that best suits the research question. Mixing methods could also be considered to gather more comprehensive results.
Interpreting and Analysing the Data
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After the data has been gathered, it has to be interpreted and analysed. The analysis of result is important for inferences to be drawn about the research question.
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It’s essential to be clear and systematic in this step to obtain unbiased and reliable results.
Drawing Conclusions and Making Recommendations
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Finally, the conclusions are drawn and recommendations made based on the results of the study.
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It's important to communicate the findings in a clear and concise manner and highlight the significance of the study in a real-world context.