Developing Academic Research Skills: A Personal Reflection

This essay provides a comprehensive reflection on the student's journey in developing academic research skills and understanding research methodologies. It discusses the impact of class discussions and readings on the student's perspective of academic research, highlighting the shift in their views and abilities to conduct research effectively. The essay covers qualitative and quantitative research approaches, data collection methods, and the importance of ethical conduct in future research projects. It also touches on the application of learned concepts, such as sampling techniques and statistical data analysis, and the use of software like SPSS. The reflection emphasizes the importance of addressing ethical concerns to ensure the accuracy and reliability of research outcomes, ultimately aiming to contribute positively to communities by tackling societal challenges.

Running Head: RESEARCH
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Table of Contents
How has the information that you have discussed across the entire class, researched and read
helped you to understand the practice of academic research and the type of research strategies
that you have developed over your previous modules?...................................................................3
Have your ideas and views of academic research now changed?....................................................3
How has your understanding of academic research and your own ability to conduct research
developed?.......................................................................................................................................4
How will you apply what you have learned so far and overall when conducting future research? 5
What is the importance of ethical conduct in research, and how might this influence any
potential, future research projects that you undertake?...................................................................5
References........................................................................................................................................7

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How has the information that you have discussed across the entire class, researched and
read helped you to understand the practice of academic research and the type of research
strategies that you have developed over your previous modules?
From week 6, I have learned that a qualitative research approach is more feasible as compared to
quantitative research as an investigator wants to create new insight related to the research topic. I
have also increased my knowledge that grounded theory research methodology can be
considered with a non-probability sampling technique. During week 7, I have generated my
knowledge that an interview can be used to assess the qualitative information. This technique
will aid to capture the reliable information about the research issues. Along with this, from
previous modules, I have increased my knowledge that semi-structured interview would be used
in designing of the interview. This week has developed my academic research skills (Quinlan, et.
al., 2019).
Throughout week 8, I have developed my understanding regarding mixed method research
design that helps to understand the research concern i.e. the significance of HR, Sector
Education, Training Authority (SETAS) and development strategies in South Africa’s public
sector. I have learned that a mixed research design contains the strengths and weaknesses of
both qualitative and quantitative research design (Kumar, 2019).
Have your ideas and views of academic research now changed?
After developing an understanding regarding research methodology, I am able to conduct the
research in further areas. I am also competent to collect the data through different sources. The
learning enhanced from week’s discussion helps to assess the pooled data and also supports me
for attaining the research objectives. Before the discussion, I do not have more knowledge about
the research methodology and how I can conduct the investigation. The gained understanding of

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academic research helps me to become a good researcher in the future. My perspective is now
changed towards the academic research such as earlier, conducting research was challenging for
me but now, I can effectively complete the research in a targeted time period (Kamil, et. al.,
2016). After discussion of week 2, I have learned that quantitative data can be collected by the
survey through the questionnaire. I have also learned that probability sampling technique is used
to choose the sample from a large number of populations with the purpose of conducting the
survey through a questionnaire. Along with this, I have observed that SPSS software can be used
to analyze the information. This understanding is also changed my opinion to assess the data
through software that would take less time to analyze the pooled information of the survey
through a questionnaire (Patten, and Newhart, 2017).
How has your understanding of academic research and your own ability to conduct
research developed?
My understanding related to academic research and my own ability helps to conduct research
developed. I have improved my knowledge throughout the discussion on weeks and previous
modules. For example, during week 3, I have built my understanding regarding the Importance
of Human Resources and Strategies Development in South Africa and Seta’s. In this module, I
have developed my understanding that literature review could be used to understand the research
concern through reviewing the views and opinions of several authors. I have also developed my
understanding that interpretivism research philosophy would be used in conducting the survey
and interview (Ladwig, 2016). From the week 3 A discussions, I have learned that inductive
research approach can be used for research work as it helps to develop the theories associated
with the research issues. I have generated my knowledge that both primary and secondary data
collection method could be used to gather the information regarding research issues. In this way,

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primary data would be gathered through survey and interview. Along with this, I have observed
that secondary data would be collected through valuable sites and journals. This understanding
helps me to conduct the research in different areas (Leavy, 2016).
How will you apply what you have learned so far and overall when conducting future
research?
I would apply the data collection method in pooling the information when conducting future
research. This would aid me to effectively collect the data regarding research issues. I would
conduct both surveys through questionnaire and interview for conducting the research. I have
learned that the selection of the sample population is significant as data gathering is concerned. I
would use a sampling technique as it helps me to emphasize on individuals who have a sound
understanding regarding places under investigation. For example, I would be able to acquire the
essential data regarding research concern within an organization when the sample population is
made up of recruits who have a good understanding of the company. As an investigator, I would
use statistical data analysis method to analyze the information in future research. Since, I have
developed my understanding that this technique aids to assess the relationship between variables
of research. I would also utilize SPSS software as it would take less time for analyzing the
pooled information as well as, provide accurate and reliable outcome (Litosseliti, 2018).
What is the importance of ethical conduct in research, and how might this influence any
potential, future research projects that you undertake?
In future research, I would make sure that I overcome all ethical concerns that could be created
during the research. As a result, it would be beneficial for obtaining the valuable information
from respondents. My future investigator would involve valuable data gathering and analysis
tool for improving the accurateness of data gathered through a sample population. It is a

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significant aspect that makes competent to me to create a valid conclusion regarding research
concerns. In the future investigation, my aim is to bring favorable transformation in
communities because of different challenges that exist like cancer and unemployment that highly
impact on society (Gray, and Malins, 2016).

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References
Gray, C. and Malins, J., 2016. Visualizing research: A guide to the research process in art and
design. UK: Routledge.
Kamil, M.L., Mosenthal, P.B., Pearson, P.D. and Barr, R., 2016. Handbook of reading the
research, Volume III. UK: Routledge.
Kumar, R., 2019. Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. USA: Sage
Publications Limited.
Ladwig, J.G., 2016. Academic distinctions: Theory and methodology in the sociology of school
knowledge. UK: Routledge.
Leavy, P., 2016. Essentials of transdisciplinary research: Using problem-centered methodologies.
UK: Routledge.
Litosseliti, L. ed., 2018. Research methods in linguistics. USA: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Patten, M.L. and Newhart, M., 2017. Understanding research methods: An overview of the
essentials. UK: Routledge.
Quinlan, C., Babin, B., Carr, J. and Griffin, M., 2019. Business research methods. USA:
Cengage.