2nd step- Define The research Gap- deductive and inductive

 

Research Gap 

After choosing the research problem area, we need to identify the research gap.

 Research all builds on existing academical knowledge and common sense. 

two of the main approaches to identify a research gap,

 two of the main approaches to do that are ;

1. Deductive Approach 

The concept of the Deductive Approach is to start from General to specific.

You start from a well established (theories, studies ) to draw a specific conclusion in the form of hypotheses. 

The purpose of the research is to test the theory and develop almost certain conclusions. 

The deductive Approach is a cumulative type of research; that has already a reasonably discrete body of research that has grown around a particular approach,

it tends to tests very specific problemes generated by existing theories, in the form of implied hypotheses, against data.

1. inductive Approach 

it is the opposite. In the inductive Approach, we start from specific to general. 

you can start on an issue, or a problem that you do not think has been sufficiently addressed by the existing literature. Exploring the best way to treat a particular problem.

To make the idea simple and straightforward, we take an abstract example ;

Chickens lay eggs 

Ducks lay eggs

Parrots lay eggs 

Chickens, ducks, emus and parrots are birds.

Birds Lay eggs 

 

strategies that can follow in this Approach is to 

• Identify a Body of work (General) that addresses a particular problem or has developed a specific theoretical approach. Look for what missing, or problemes not addressed yet.

• (as an approach develops, it tends to generate more questions than answers ) read the Discussion section in any journal articles, and read author suggestions of how to take the research forward.

As an example of that, is what Darwin suggest about such unique orchids, while he is research insect pollination of orchids.

  Charles Darwin received a package of orchids from the distinguished horticulturist James Bateman, from Madagascar.

 The "astonishing length" of the whip-like with a nectary a foot long. 

From his observations and experiments, Darwin surmised in his 1862 book Fertilization of Orchids that there must be a pollinator moth with a proboscis long enough to reach the nectar at the end of the spur.

In 1867 Alfred Russel Wallace published an article in which he supported Darwin's hypothesis, remarking that the African sphinx moth "That such a moth exists in Madagascar. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanthopan

• For empirical studies, consider re-test the theory by changing the factors around the study. The best example that comes to my mind is the experiment of Michael Stevens from the Vsauce channel; he re-test the theory of the famous Stanford Prison Experiment.
• (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KND_bBDE8RQ&t=180s ). 

1. inductive Approach 

it is the opposite, to start from specific to general. Start on an issue or a problem that you do not think has been sufficiently addressed by the existing literature. Exploring the best way to treat a particular problem.

research starts from questions of

-what we already know 

-what we do not yet know (current problem ), then exploring the best way to treat this particular problem.

If you can already see the answer to your problem without doing any actual empirical work, then what you are doing is not really research (it is merely confirming your initial opinion).

How to start writing a PhD Research Proposal - Problem Definition - 1st Step

One of the main requirements to apply for a Doctoral Study at any Universities is writing a research proposal.

The main goal of the research proposal is to present a problem definition that persuades potential supervisors. So before writing a Research proposal, specify the Probleme area, The research will focus on. and how this problem will be defined. 

Where to start? 

The most obvious place to start defining the research problem area is with topics that of your interest. These can relate to :

1. Previous academical experience;

( e.g. an interesting subject you come through during your Master's Study, topics you find captivating or skills you enjoy developing ). Having a solid background in the research topic is fundamental. Please do not jump to a topic; you do not know enough about it.

2. Professional experiences;

The second place to look for a research problem area could be related to your professional experience.

1. (e.g. Interesting aspects at work, specific problems encountered, Skills you enjoy developing, or tasks you excel in professional life.

3. Current Events ;

The third place to look for a research problem area is by paying careful attention to the issues and debates that are happening at national, regional and international levels. For example, themes or concerns arisen in the industries or professions in which you have worked.

             In writing your proposal, Do not think of solutions.

PhD research is ;

 a Long term project might spend somewhere between 3-7 years. Most likely, it will end up differently to how you initially envisaged it.

So in order to stay motivated and work on your research for such a long time, you need to ;

1. Chose topic which interests you personally,

2. feasible to conduct,

3. has the potential to deliver strong outcomes.

4. Try to think of a different way in which your topic might be investigated.

5. Think of General issues or a specific set of problems. Which Relat to your experts. 

6. Try to articulate what the problem is, furthermore, whether there is a research angle that can be pursued connected to this.

step [1] for better study outcome / Give a Brief to the Brain

 

This step is essential before reading any book. Without it, you will probably feel sleepy every time you hold the book, so please take it seriously, and I will explain why.Let's say you need to read a particular book to pass an exam, and you are trying your best, but still not getting the score you after. In this case, you need a strategy in action.

In this video, I will explain the first step of the 5 steps strategy we proposed in the previous video. Which talk about briefing the Brain. 

We know Reading is not that fun for everyone, some find it difficult to even read one page of a book without feeling into sleep, start browsing the net, checking their social media accounts, go eat, or whatever to escape reading. And that is because you skipped this step, I will explain how,

let's get started ;

the first step is to 

Brief your Brain.

First, you must understand some basic facts of how does your brain works. 

I am going to make it simple for you; I need you to put in your mind this image about the Brain;

 The Brain is the head Manager of a large corporation( your body), under his command, there are full-fledged teams of highly skilled professionals who are on standby to take over. All your body following his leadership.

So you must get that manger interested in the project(reading that book), get him to accept the project. The Brain must be fully informed of the primary data and details of the feasibility of completing any mission. He must have a vision of future results.

How you do that?

A. By a Quick Browsing without writing notes. 

You have to get an overall understanding of the main ideas. you need to look for 

1. Titles

2. Subtitles 

3. Summaries and abstracts

B. Writing a Questions List,Since you reading looking for answers to your questions. You have to specify your Questions first. Keep a list to make you stick to your mission, and don't get carried away. 

 Ask yourself ;

- Why reading this particular book? not another book

- What do I already know about the subject? 

-Then Write down a list of specific questions you belive that examiner will bring on the test.

-List as many questions as needed. 

-Use titles and subtitles of the book to form some of your questions.

Bit by bit, the Brain will start to be interested in reading the book.

I need to remember;

*Without a brief, the Brain is like someone walking blindfolded; he feels hesitation, scared, confused and highly likely would freeze at the spot, trip over, or walk the wrong way, and even if he reaches his goal, he takes a longer time. So, take it off and point him to the target, give him necessary instructions, let him do his job, you will be astonished by the results.

* Or, he might lose interest in a project, He probably will cancel the mission, start another different task, or inter in a sleep mode, to save resources and energy.