Understanding the Doctoral Research Process

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Description of doctoral research
Goals of Doctoral Research
Validity and Reliability
Critical Thinking and Logic
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Scholars have defined research in different ways. For instance, research has been defined as “the systematic investigation and study of materials, as well as, sources of information in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions” (Bryman, 2012). Research is also a deliberate process, which aims at discovering new knowledge and practical solutions to societal problems (Kothari, 2004). Research involves collection and analysis of data about a particular phenomenon. A researcher should formulate a clear research question. Consequently, he or she should develop a strategy of investigating the research question. For instance, a researcher can adopt a qualitative or quantitative research design. This paper examines the components of a doctoral research.

Description of doctoral research

A doctoral research is an investigation about a specific problem in a given area of specialization. It should be conducted within a specified duration. However, the period required to accomplish a doctoral research usually varies from one university to another. Furthermore, a person’s area of specialization also influences the time span of a doctoral research.

It is often conducted using two major approaches. First, it can adopt the basic approach. The basic approach aims at discovering gaps in the existing literature. Consequently, “a researcher develops a theory in order to fill the identified gaps” (Manson, 2012). Moreover, the basic approach aims at advancing knowledge and enhancing theoretical understanding of a phenomenon (Bryman, 2012). Furthermore, the basic approach examines the nature of the relationship that exists between an independent variable and a dependent variable. It enables a researcher to explore his area of interest. Similarly, it promotes curiosity that facilitates the discovery of new knowledge.

Second, a doctoral research can utilize the applied approach. The applied approach “is used to answer specific questions and solve specific problems” (Smilde, 2012). It aims at developing new knowledge in order to improve the wellbeing of humankind. Thus, the applied approach is “utilitarian in nature and solution-oriented compared to the basic approach” (Manson, 2012).

Goals of Doctoral Research

A doctoral research is often conducted in order to accomplish a number of goals. For instance, it can describe, explain, explore, and predict phenomena. Description enables a researcher to categorize similar themes. Consequently, a researcher can establish facts and generalize information about a given population (Smilde, 2012). Additionally, description helps to present a detailed profile of a sample within a given population.

Another goal of a doctoral research is to predict events, processes, and behavior. For example, a researcher can formulate a number of hypotheses in order to forecast research results. Hypotheses are derived from existing theories and concepts in a given field of study. Thus, predictions should be specific and measurable (Smilde, 2012). This enables a researcher to determine whether the predictions are true or false.

It also aims at providing explanations. It examines the correlation between various factors that are responsible for a given occurrence (Manson, 2012). Consequently, a researcher can be able to provide facts, as well as, figures about a phenomenon. Additionally, a researcher can suggest the necessary solutions required to address various problems (Manson, 2012).

Finally, it should explore various phenomena. Exploration of different phenomena is important because it enables a researcher to generate new ideas. Therefore, exploration provides a meaningful insight into a given situation (Bass, 2013). However, in such a case the research findings should not be used to make critical decisions. Exploration can also enable a doctoral researcher to formulate relevant hypotheses in order to ensure a definite investigation (Bass, 2013).

Validity and Reliability

Validity and reliability are central elements of a doctoral research. Validity refers to “the extent to which a test measures what it is supposed to measure” (Bryman, 2012). Therefore, validity is determined by examining the structure of a particular test, its purpose, and the population upon which it has been administered. There are different types of validity such as content validity, internal validity, construct validity, ecological validity, and external validity (Kothari, 2004). Content validity determines the effectiveness of a test in relation to how it measures a particular concept. Construct validity determines whether a measure adequately represents the concept under investigation (Bryman, 2012). Internal validity is used to determine any form of logical possibility. Therefore, it examines the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable. On the other hand, external validity ensures that research findings can inform other studies. Finally, ecological validity ensures that the setting and the methods of a research study depict the nature of the real world under investigation (Smilde, 2012).

Reliability in research refers to “the degree of consistency in a survey test, observation, as well as, other measuring devices” (Kothari, 2004). Reliable research findings should be consistent and replicable. Thus, reliability tests validate the consistency of research findings. Varied methods can be used in order to verify the reliability of research results. For instance, a researcher can use the retest method. This method indicates the variations in scores of different testing sessions. The alternative method involves the use of an alternative test. However, it should be identical to the original test. On the other hand, the split-half method is most suitable for long tests (Smilde, 2012). The internal consistency approximates the average scores derived from multiple test scores.

Therefore, a researcher should evaluate the tools for data collection and analysis. This can guarantee reliability in the research findings. Consequently, reliability ensures integrity in the research process.

Critical Thinking and Logic

A doctoral research ought to demonstrate a clear logical analysis and critical thinking. “Logic deals with the relation between evidence and conclusion” (Bryman, 2012). Thus, a logical analysis shows whether evidence provides adequate justification for any conclusion made by a researcher (Bass, 2013). A logical analysis should comprise terms, propositions, and arguments. A proposition is an expression of a person’s opinion about different terms (Bass, 2013). On the other hand, an argument is a set of propositions that are presented in a coherent manner. This implies that an argument should be based upon propositions that are well thought and reasoned out.

In doctoral research, critical thinking enables a person to analyze other people’s views, hypotheses, and beliefs (Bass, 2013). Consequently, a researcher can develop valuable data. In research, critical thinking and logic facilitates the development of meaningful arguments.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it is evident that a doctoral research is an inquiry about a particular phenomenon. Therefore, a research question should clearly indicate the phenomenon under investigation. It should also have specific, measurable, attainable, and realistic goals. Additionally, the research findings should be valid and reliable. Moreover, a doctoral research should be presented in a logical and critical manner.

References

Bass, P. (2013). Understanding the Doctoral Research Process.

Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods. London: Oxford University Press.

Kothari, C. (2004). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Delhi: New Age International.

Manson, A. F. (2012). Doctoral Research: What is it? Web.

Smilde, R. (2012). What is Research? Web.

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