Research Skills Development in Education

This assignment focuses on the development of research skills within an educational context. It examines different research methodologies, tools, and instruments used in education research. The task involves analyzing the effectiveness of various approaches to teaching research skills, considering factors like age group and subject matter. Additionally, it explores the challenges faced by educators in fostering research skills and the impact of these skills on student learning outcomes.

RESEARCH SKILL

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Assessing the various methodologies of research.................................................................1
1.2 Justifying the research-methodology utilization for the purpose of research-proposal........3
1.3 The importance of qualitative and quantitative data in research ..........................................3
1.4 Problems that could arise when the research is undertaken..................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Justifying the use of sources for research.............................................................................5
2.2 Evaluate the importance of using primary information sources..........................................6
2.3 Recognized system for referencing.......................................................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Presenting a research-proposal by utilizing various survey techniques................................8
3.2 Role exhibited by ethics within research..............................................................................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Preparing extract from seminar-proposal as per seminar-environment..............................10
4.2 Constructive feedback on the proposals presented within the seminar-environment.........10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
The learners are able to develop their knowledge by aid of effective research-skills. The
learner is self-directed towards their specific fields of expertise (Burton, Brundrett and Jones,
2014). The research also assists in providing a hypothesis for any sort of references in future.
Also, the proposal for research is done on the basis of the original findings. However, the
research methodology which is used to provide an appropriate direction to the research study,
could be utilised for obtaining new discoveries and desired outcomes as per the set aims and
objectives of the research. Also, the literature review assists is critically reviewing the facts and
in formation about the chosen topic of study.
The report here lays emphasis upon the diversified research methodologies. Also, in
addition to this, focus is also given to effective conduction of literature review. It will also assist
understanding about the ways of conducting a proposal for research. In the end focus has been
laid upon the contribution towards research-seminar. The main point of focus has been done in
context to the online shopping in UK which has now become a particular trend.
TASK 1
Knowing the various methodologies of research
The French-word “cerchier” led to the formulation of research. It means searching or
seeking about the topic on which research has to be carried (Fink, 2010). Research is referred as
organizable and systematically data-driven approach for investigating scientifically into a
particular situation or problem. It is undertook along-with objectives on the basis of key findings
are done.
1.1 Assessing the various methodologies of research
Research methodology is basically categorised two main categories which are :
quantitative and qualitative.
The term methodology is referred as a system of various methods utilised for conducting
a particular activity or study in appropriate manner. This case will lay emphasis upon the online-
shopping trend in UK.
There are diversified kinds of research methodology as discussed below :
 Experimental-Research : The key factors that might affect the outcomes of an
experiment are determined by this type of methodology in research. For the motive of
predicting what could occur in context to the experiment, researcher might be utilising
1

various experimenting ways which might include randomizing, sampling & collecting of
data. The experimental-research becomes quite effective enough if subjects regarding
humans is incorporated. Before starting the research, one must be certain about the
activities which they will be performing & also they must possess the control upon their
actions. The experiment is regarded as a very well controlled-situation of research. This
clearly indicates that all sorts of unwanted external-factors must be kept away from the
environment of the experiment. There is an other responsibility which has to be taken
care of by the researcher and that accounts to be the identification of any existing errors
in the process of experiment (Kasesem, 2006). However, these errors could not be
avoided as such but still it is the responsibility of the researcher to identify them and
accordingly do something for preventing these errors.
 Observational-research : The rules which govern a well organised method are the basis
of knowledge which is utilised by the attempt of observation. The verification is
provided on the basis of 'here & now' by the effective aid of observation. Some or the
other sort of observation is included within research. This observation is carried from the
laboratory's formulated-experiment towards the observations which are naturally
ethnographic. Specifically in this case I want to lay focus upon the observation-research
about UK's online-shopping as specific as well as direct method for collecting data.
Despite the observational-research is regarded as most essential element for various tasks
associated to research, this could be treated as most suitable method for research-method
of survey. The recording of the behavioural patterns of objects and people along with the
occurrence is done by the systematic approach of observation. This process is quite
objective and is not at all biased since the process was not interfered in between. Nearly 5
dimensions of observational-research are incorporated within the observation-approach :
1. Observer's part
2. Portraying the role towards other individuals
3. Research-purpose portraying
4. Observation's time-span
5. Observation's point of focus
 Survey-research : The main motive involved behind the survey-research is gathering the
desired information by questioning each of the individual with the sample based research
2

population in context with the online-shopping. The diversified range of viewpoints,
opinions, attitudes as well as experiences are included in the information which is
determined by the aid of survey-research in the online-shopping (Sharp, 2012). This is
done by presenting the obtained answers from the asked question, as a questioner. A large
population is discovered as per the motive behind ultimate-ambition and only a sample of
this huge amount is taken for conducting the survey. However, coming towards other
methodologies of survey, for arrangement of the collected , this particular method is
utilised. In addition, for examining the consistent information from an appropriate
population also, research-survey assists by using a representative sample of that selected
population. The regular method of questioning should be utilised for asking of the
questions. This method should be applied in an equal as well as reliable manner upon all
the participants of the research.
1.2 Justifying the research-methodology utilisation for the purpose of research-proposal
With major focus upon the online-shopping, use of research-methodology should be done
for understanding the perspectives of customers regarding a particular online-product or service
by aid of qualitative research (Allison and et.al., 2016). The business that are carried online,
should often conduct online-surveys in order for getting the opinions of customers on a
particular service or product. By knowing these opinions, the business could definitely
incorporate modification s and necessary changes so that customers needs & requirements are
fulfilled. There are various factors that might not be appealing for the customers and these are :
website's overall look, product's look, etc. the necessity of this kind of research-work is justified
by the fact that if the online-shopping wants to enhance their business to new heights of success.
Also, in addition to this, the opinions of the customers accounts to be useful for the business to
grow and develop more quicker. This is the reason that I preferred qualitative-method of online-
survey as well as the questionnaire .This would effectively assist in enhancing the online-
shopping business within its start, by referring to the comments & opinions given from the
customers of future. Furthermore, the existing online businesses would also be assisted to
improve their services as well as products that are currently facing issues.
1.3 The importance of qualitative and quantitative data in research
Qualitative and quantitative research methods plays very vital role in product growth
procedure (Lopatina and et.al.,., 2015). In the present case of online shopping, the qualitative
3

data is used aligned with consistent observation and discussion. Data is examined from the topic
description, whereas quantitative research data is gathered by examining things and data are
evaluated by the use of statistical inferences and statistical assessments.
The designing of the quantitative research methodology is far more aboveboard as
compare to qualitative research. Here, I would suggest that this is not most attractive feature for
this approach of research for online shopping. I figured out that it is not more relevant to using
quantitative research approach for the purpose of do online shopping as it is not able to provide
more concrete framework as compare to qualitative research approach. The quantitative research
approach starts with established theoretical background from the literature review, Using this
particular framework a hypothesis will developed and it will be easy to identified variables
within the hypothesis.
1.4 Problems that could arise when the research is undertaken
While undertaking the research, there might be a diversified range of challenges that the
researcher is definitely going to face (Bastalich, Behrend and Bloomfield, 2014). The various
sources of information that are utilised for the research that is primary as well as secondary could
sometimes prove to be not easily available. And since the entire research is based upon the
availability of these resources, the unavailability of sources could adversely affect the research
work done by the researcher. Furthermore, researchers also have to face problems in accessing
the previously done researches on similar topics as well as related articles, which consume
majority of their resource allocation times. And here the topic is basically about the online
services in UK so there is a wide choice to be made while selecting the sample appropriately. If
proper sample is not chosen by the researcher then the desired outcomes and results might not be
obtainable.
Furthermore, the researcher could also face problems when the time frame regarding a
particular activity in research methodology plan. Further, to gather the information sources the
money could prove sometimes inadequate to meet the demands.
Another possible problem is the introduction of bias at the time of sampling. This means
that whenever the sample is collected then there is a possibility that some members are less likely
to be included than the other ones. Henceforth, this results in non-randomised sample. This bias
effect could be justified by the Hawthorne effect which is unavoidable by the investigator
carrying the research. In this, the individuals involved within the sample of population taken,
4

modify their behavioural style as an outcome of the attention given by the superiors or higher
officials. This results in preferring a part of sample more than others which creates a bias
situation. Another effect is included that is the Halo effect. It is a type of cognitive bias situation.
This means that within the selected samples, the characteristics of one person is outshining the
characteristics of other individuals. This also leads to the arising of bias situation.
TASK 2
2.1 Justifying the use of sources for research
There is a broad range of resources which are used for carrying the research work. These
resources have been discussed below :
→ Visual Sources : These sources include DVD's, live streaming in context with chosen topic,
presentations, etc. The advantages are that for visual-learners it emerges out to be very good
option (McCarthy and et.al., 2016). Also, ample of varieties are provide regarding a particular
topic. The disadvantage in this case that for marking useful passages, it turns out to be quite
difficult.
→ Audio sources : The audio sources mainly include sound recordings regarding the various
aspects of chosen topic. Also, the use of music often preferred to understand a broader
perspective. Also, this has inclusion about a radio-broadcasting of some famous persons whose
speeches might be used for gathering some particular information. The advantage of sound
media is that this provides a clear communication of the message that has to be conveyed to
learners. The disadvantage is that the ones who have hearing problems could make use of this
source.
→ Paper-based : These include books, encyclopedias, magazines, journals, newspaper-articles,
government-authenticated documents, etc. The advantage of this source is that these provide
authenticated and relevant information. Also, diversified background in formation is provided by
its aid. The disadvantage is that these might not contain latest-information. Furthermore, the
books and encyclopedia used might not be scholar-based.
→ Electronic : these include the use of phones for internet based services. Internet is the most
effective source of information. However, the advantage of these information sources is that
information can be conveyed in the fast possible way (McCarthy and et.al., 2016). In contrast to
this, the authenticity of the information is not at all assured.
5

The category of sources is divided into two main choices and they are primary and
secondary.
1. Primary sources : A sort of direct evidence is provided by primary sources referring to a
particular objects, events and persons. These might include audio and video recordings,
speeches, along with an inclusion of survey as well as interviews.
However there are some sort of restrictions as well as limitations as well regarding these
type of sources. These are not at all thoroughly objective.
2. Secondary sources : These sources are to identify as well as interpret the primary-sources.
Examples of such sources include newspapers, articles, journals as well as magazines.
The main limitations of sources are that these are not accurate and could be plagues as
well as general (Nunan, 2015). The information provided by these sources could be outdated as
well.
2.2 Evaluate the importance of using primary information sources
The primary sources are widely used in a study related to academic discipline. A primary
source is considered as original source or evidence. This sources are playing a vital role in study
as it expose the researcher to multiple perspectives regarding the issue. Mainly this sources are
gather information from retrospection of the respective issue.
It helps researcher to developing knowledge, skills and analytical abilities as it enhance
the critical thinking by engaging individual in asking questions, developing intelligent inferences
and making reasoned explanations by interpreting the events or issue. It is useful in moving from
concrete observations and facts by developing inferences about the material. Also, in addition to
this, these also provide triangulation of sources which assure the validity of the sources in use.
With reference to the current case of online shopping in UK, the sources need to of
assured authenticity. Henceforth, the most suited method for obtaining information for
addressing the chosen scenario is the survey method of primary source. This will enable t gather
valid opinions from a sample of selected population of UK who prefer online shopping as their
trend.
6

2.3 Recognized system for referencing
The literature review framework incorporates various concepts. In addition, it also
includes the definitions of these concepts and also the relevant scholar-literature used is
referenced. Also, the theory that has been there in existence since long, is also used for carrying
out a particular study. This framework allows the reader to critically evaluate the formulated
assumptions thereby connecting the researcher to the actual knowledge that exists. The
articulation of the so formed theoretical assumptions enables the researcher to the why's and
how's for addressing the research questions. It also helps the researcher to generalize the
different aspects that are in association with the phenomenon or concept described in the study.
The framework needs to address the two most basic questions. The first one is focussing
upon the research problem. With reference to the pre\sent scenario the formulated question that
needs to be addressed is the online shopping in the UK. The second question which needs to be
addressed is the reason behind the approach being a feasible solution (Hollern and Carrier,
2014). For example referring to the current scenario, the various political, economic and various
other factors need to be evaluated which make the current approach a feasible solution.
Referencing is an important step when one mentions the work or idea of another person
in their work. And accordingly all the sources used have to be in-texted. It is a crucial part of the
research work. Furthermore, this is an addition to the authenticity of the argument carried in the
study. Henceforth, the most suitable way of acknowledging another author's work is to utilise a
referencing system. Therefore, a validity assured format should be adopted.
The most suitable and valid format or style for referencing is the Harvard referencing
style that incorporates in-text citation in the entire assessment along with the references
mentioned at the end of the document. The in-text citations include the author's name,
publication year as well as the page number. The document in the end has to include list of all
the references included for carrying the assignment. This list must be arranged as per the
alphabetical order. In addition, the name of title should be in italics. Furthermore, each of the list
item's should have a hanging-indent (Timmerman and et.al., 2013). So, as per the chosen topic of
online shopping in UK, references must be taken based on the work of authors and journals in
UK only.
7

TASK 3
3.1 Presenting a research-proposal by utilising various survey techniques
In order to present research proposal first of all research questions need to be formulated
which will provide a suitable way & direction in which the research will be conducted.
Henceforth, the questions need to be accordingly defined.
As per the current case of online shopping in UK, the most appropriate questions could be as
follows which will further enable to know about the buying behaviours of individuals in UK :-
 What is the importance of online shopping in UK?
 What stores are usually preferred by the people of UK for shopping?
 What is the most preferable buying pattern of people in UK?
 Why there has been a significant increase in the online shopping trends in UK?
These formulated questions will be most suitable selection because they will accordingly
address the main topic. Furthermore, they will enable to know the buying behaviour of UK's
individuals. The scope of formulating is limited to the people of particular area among which the
sample will be selected to carry the research (Zee, de-Boer and Jaarsma, 2014). The target
audience that is selected will be the localities and other professionals of UK who have increased
their interest in online-shopping because it ease their buying patterns.
As per the selected target-audience, primary method of survey will be most suitable to
gather relevant information regarding topic. Survey is referred as the method of asking the target
audience, the so frame research theme-based questions and according collecting the data from
people. Here the theme based questions will be asked to the selected target audience of UK
including those people who prefer online shopping. Basically, there are three main techniques of
surveys, including structured, semi-structured and administered. There is another category which
is although not much used and that is unstructured.
The structured technique of survey will be including a written questionnaire that will be
circulated among the target-audience selected as per the topic. In this case, the questionnaire will
be circulated among the selected sample of people who are indulged in the online shopping
within UK. The questionnaire will be including both open and close ended questions based upon
the theme of research-questions so formulated. This might also include the interviewing of the
sample audience by verbally asking them the questions. The semi-structured techniques will be
used where there is no specific pattern to be followed. The variables to be used for carrying this
8

survey are not known like the structured technique. The researcher could formulate questions on
a dynamic basis as per the consistently changing situations. The surveys could be officially
administered as well. This includes mail which could be used to send information to a larger
audience but here the response rate will be crucial since the dependency will be on the time taken
by people. Also, this includes, group administered questionnaire, telephonic interviews.
Scaling is the most suitable format for determination of the attitudes of the people. On the
basis of the attitudes to be measured, various scales have been formulated among which few will
be discussed as per the current study on online shopping in UK. In the Likert scale, the selected
set of respondents will showcase their agreeing ability with each of the items on the basis of a
point based scale( 5 point or 7 point scale). The Thusrstone scale is the method wherein
respondents will be either agreeing or disagreeing upon each item. Accordingly, the one upon
which maximum agree will be scored. The Semantic-differential technique will be enabling the
respondents to scale the concepts formulated by the researcher on the bipolar 7-point scale
(Surveys - different methods and instruments, 2017).
For carrying the survey and scaling procedures a sample of audience has to be selected.
This will be enabled by the sampling technique. In the random-sample, each person within the
interested population is having the likelihood of getting selected. The present study on online
shopping in UK will involve this method of sampling. However, stratified sample is the method
in which the population is first divided according to the important elements of study such as the
by religion, gender etc. These are then randomly sampled as er the chosen categories or stratum.
In the quota-sample researcher sets accordingly the various levels of proportions in the sample.
3.2 Role exhibited by ethics within a research
The most common ethical issues in a research are as follows :-
a.) Informed-consent : Many a times before the conduction of research, researcher has to take
permissions from other people involved and also to access the government authenticated
information. This requires a lot of legal procedures to be undertaken.
b.) Beneficence : The researcher has to also take care of the respondents which are undertaken
for carrying the research work.
c.) Respect towards anonymity & confidentiality : The researcher needs to protect an
individual's identity. He should utilise their job-title, occupation, age as their identity for use in
survey. Also, the information collected from different sources has to be taken care of and no
9

other third party shall be granted access to it without the official permission to maintain its
confidentiality.
d.) Respect for privacy : the respondents involved in the research study have the right towards
maintaining their privacy while carrying of the research.
→ Role of ethics committee :-
One of the most important role of the ethics committee is to ensure that the rights of the
respondents participating in the research are being protected. This is done by providing them
relevant & necessary information which is easily understood. Secondly, the ethics-committee is
obliged to the society (Types of samples, 2017). This ensures availability of resources for
research thereby impacting the obtained outcomes. Thirdly, the committee is obliged to the
researcher as well. Also, the proposal for research needs to be treated by giving it full
consideration and respect.
TASK 4
4.1 Preparing extract from seminar-proposal as per seminar-environment
The main purpose involved behind conducting a research seminar is to circulate new
ideas about new research topics over which many investigators carry their research (Abu-Zaid,
2014). Also this ensures that other researchers are able to adopt good practices .
As per the current study, of online shopping in UK, a research proposal involved the
formulation of research questions. These were based on the theme of knowing the buying
behaviours of local people of UK's population which were the selected sample for survey. In
survey, random sampling was used wherein a questionnaire was circulated among them.
→ Outcomes :-
A diversified range of viewpoints were obtained from the circulated questionnaire. Many
of the respondents stated that they liked to stay updated with the latest trends and accordingly do
the shopping. So it could be said that people in UK are always in touch with the currently
popular trends. So, authorities have to take in consideration this fact and accordingly develop the
products that meet the expectations of the customers. So consistent efforts have to be made in
order to stay updated with the latest trends.
Furthermore, as per the questionnaire, it has also been found that customers are diverted
towards the quality aspect instead of reasonable prices. Quality is an important factor which in
present scenario has been gaining high preference. So, the authorities have to make it a necessity
10

that all the offered products are quality tested. Ensuring effective and approved quality products
will help in raising the brand image of the organisation. However, organisations should also try
in making such quality products available to customers at an affordable and suitable price.
The outcomes so obtained from the questionnaire enabled the diversified buying behaviours of
the people in UK. Also, this leads to knowing about the issues that have to be focussed to be
improved. This also enables the generation of new facts, assumptions which will provide more
justification to t he topic of study.
4.2 Constructive feedback on the proposals presented within the seminar-environment
After the presentation of the research proposal in the seminar, the feedback should be
undertaken from the individuals and other researchers who attend the seminar. This is mainly for
informing the proposals.
Since the present proposal was on the online shopping in UK, the feedback will ensure
necessary modifications that will further that research was successful. The possible questions
that could arise from the ones attending the seminar is the most preferred site by UK localities
for doing their shopping. Also, feedback might include the factors that impact the buying on
online shopping sites (Morgan and et.al., 2015). This feedback undertaken will enable the
researcher to carry his study in a more suitable and standardized format.
CONCLUSION
The online shopping in UK is gaining wide popularity because it aids easy facility to the
people to shop from their home itself. This statement was justified by the research proposal
which was according to the skills that have been there for conduction of it. Research skills enable
a researcher top carry a detailed study about the chosen topic. Also, usefulness of diversified
methodologies, literature review framework, research-proposal have been equally justified in the
entire report. This will enable the reader to know all the necessities involved in carrying the
research.
11

REFERENCES
BOOKS AND JOURNALS
Abu-Zaid, A., 2014. Research skills: the neglected competency in tomorrow’s 21st-century
doctors. Perspectives on medical education. 3(1). pp.63-65.
Allison, B., and et.al., 2016. Research skills for students. Routledge.
Bastalich, W., Behrend, M. and Bloomfield, R., 2014. Is non-subject based research training a
‘waste of time’, good only for the development of professional skills? An academic
literacies perspective. Teaching in Higher Education. 19(4). pp.373-384.
Burton, N., Brundrett, M. and Jones, M., 2014. Doing your education research project. Sage.
Fink, A., 2010. Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From the Internet to Paper. Sage.
Hollern, K. and Carrier, H. S., 2014. The effects of library instruction on the legal information
research skills of students enrolled in a legal assistant studies program. Georgia Library
Quarterly. 51(4). p.9.
Kasesem, D., 2006. Education Studies: Issues & Critical Perspectives: Issues and Critical
Perspectives. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).
Lopatina, O. V., and et.al.,., 2015. Role of foreign language teacher shaping students’ research
skills. Asian Social Science. 11(4). p.135.
McCarthy, P., and et.al., 2016. Curriculum development of 6for6 Longitudinal research skills
program for rural and remote family physicians. Canadian Family Physician. 62(2).
pp.e89-e95.
McCarthy, P., and et.al., 2016. Needs assessment for development of 6for6 Longitudinal research
skills program tailored to rural and remote family physicians. Canadian Family
Physical. 62(2). pp.e80-e88.
Morgan and et.al., 2015. The development of research skills in young adults with intellectual
disability in participatory research. International Journal of Disability, Development and
Education. 62(4). pp.438-457.
Nunan, D., 2015. Addressing the market research skills gap. International Journal of Market
Research. 57(2). pp.177-178.
Sharp, J., 2012. Success with Your Education Research Project. Sage.
12

Timmerman, B. C., and et.al., 2013. Performance-based assessment of graduate student research
skills: Timing, trajectory, and potential thresholds. Studies in Higher Education. 38(5).
pp.693-710.
Zee, M., de-Boer, M. and Jaarsma, A. D., 2014. Acquiring evidence-based medicine and research
skills in the undergraduate medical curriculum: three different didactical formats
compared. Perspectives on medical education. 3(5). pp.357-370.
ONLINE
Surveys - different methods and instruments, 2017. [Online]. Available through
:<http://www.adolphus.me.uk/emx/surveys/type.htm>. [Accessed On : 19th June 2017].
Types of samples, 2017. [Online]. Available through
:<http://psc.dss.ucdavis.edu/sommerb/sommerdemo/sampling/types.htm>. [Accessed On :
19th June 2017].
13