Researchers have to define the concepts of research they are investigating. Examining the concepts of research is a crucial step in a dissertation research. Researchers develop notions by extrapolating from specific data. Most of the ideas or concepts of research originate from personal experiences. Concepts are based on real events of life. Concepts are the general ideas about the surroundings and external phenomena. Variables are identified by the researchers for the examination. Following are the examples of concepts that researchers can extrapolate from real life:
- Demographics
- Income level
- Age
- Education level
- Family Members
Before examining a research concept, researchers have to define measurement criteria. Measurement is the process of attributing numbers or symbols to a phenomenon. Researchers have to choose a scale through which they will measure the concepts. A scale means utilising a range of values and assigning them to each chosen concept. Researchers classify the measurements derived from the value scale into two categories. Following are the two categories:
Variables
Variables are those measurements that tend to vary. Researchers divide the variables into an independent variable and a dependent variable. If the researcher tampers with the independent variable, it will cause a change in the dependent variable. Therefore hiring a PhD dissertation writing service becomes important in this regard.
Constants
Researchers also define a constant. Constant is a value that stays fixed and does not change. Researchers gather responses and the results in them encompass random variables. The random variable’s value exemplifies irregular patterns. The values of random variables fluctuate to a great extent. It is difficult for researchers to determine the accuracy of the responses gathered through the survey. However, in scientific research such as physics, the gravity’s value always remains constant.
A researcher can measure the research concepts by deciding about the controlling variables. For example, if the concept of research is consumer preferences of three clothing brands, it entails the following:
First Variable
Respondents’ ratings of the three clothing brands
Second Variable
Design ratings of the three clothing brands
Third Variable
The comfort level of each clothing brand
Examination
The researcher will keep the second and third variables constant to measure the first variable in the abovementioned example accurately. It means that the researcher has removed any possibility of the effect of second and third variables on the first variable.
How Do You Find The Concept Of Research?
Researchers can find the concept of research in the following manner:
Direct Observation
Researchers can examine concepts directly. For example, they can measure a person’s physical features and record them.
Indirect Observation
Researchers can also use survey questionnaires to find the concept of research. The survey questions can be about ascertaining the demographics of a particular population. It will help find the research concepts and establish the measurement criteria and variables.
What Are The Concepts In A Research Study?
Concepts in a research study are the set of assumptions extrapolated from theory or real-life events. These are the building blocks of research. Concepts define the variables that the researcher intends to examine. They set the entire tone of the research. Concepts are the preliminary notions that inform the entire research process. Researchers design and delineate the methodology based on the concepts. Concepts are either qualitative or quantitative, depending upon the type of study the researcher wants to conduct. Researchers transform the concepts into variables that are quantitative or qualitative.
What Are The Important Key Concepts Of Research?
Key concepts of research mean the fundamental concepts and methods of research. Broadly speaking, key concepts encompass the research methods. Research methods are organised ways of identifying, gathering, evaluating, and interpreting the data. But, if we delve into the specific details of key concepts of research, it includes the following concepts:
Causation
Causation is a key concept in research in which the researcher determines a causal relationship between two or more variables. Researchers have to define controlling variables or constants to determine the cause and effect relationship between an independent variable and a dependant variable. After determining the controlling variables, researchers can observe the co-variation in the variables for every change of the value of both independent and dependent variables. If the variations are consistent, then the researchers can successfully determine causation.
Classification
Classification is the process of assigning and allocating the values to variables and concepts. Researchers then select the appropriate data measurement applications or tools to evaluate the data.
Paradigms
Paradigm is a key research concept that pertains to the theoretical underpinning of the subject matter of the researcher. It is about the general frameworks and theoretical models that determine the orientation of the entire research.
Checking For Biases
Checking for biases is a key research concept that involves reflexivity. It pertains to an understanding that the researcher has a direct relationship with the topic under investigation. It includes the following things:
- What informs the thinking process?
- What existing knowledge contributes to the research process?
- The methodologies or ways to establish or ascertain research claims
Reliability
Reliability is a key research concept that includes the determination of the reliability of measuring instruments. It pertains to the data collection strategies or tools utilised by the researcher. It also encompasses how the researcher manages the data. If the measuring tools are reliable, they will generate consistent results.
Research Bias
Research bias is a key concept in research that requires being mindful of the researcher’s conscious or unconscious prejudices. It pertains to the pre-conceived notions of a researcher and biasness in sample collection.
Conclusion
If you are embarking on the dissertation writing journey, it is essential to focus on the concepts of your research. Before delineating the research methodology, you must work on defining and examining the concepts of research. It brings clarity to your mind as a researcher and equips you with a roadmap to conduct your study. Similarly, concepts help increase the readability and comprehension of your research. Research concepts are the primary building blocks of your research. Concepts are the guiding philosophy of research that determines the direction of the entire research.
