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PLG598 RESEARCH PROJECT
Preparation Tips
Master of Education Program
23 April 2014
Dr. Low Hui Min
lowhm@usm.my

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IMPORTANT DATES
4/24/2014
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IMPROVE PASSING RATE
Better administrative support system.

Better supervision relationship.

Better rating system.

Better motivation level.
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CONTENT
Topic
Abstract
Introduction (Chapter 1)
Literature Review (Chapter 2)
Methodology (Chapter 3)
Data Analysis (Chapter 4)
Discussion & Conclusion (Chapter 5)
Format & Reference
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TOPIC
A summary of research in a sentence.
Common error 1: Over-claim
Perceptions of Malaysian teachers about...
Research about in Malaysia.
Common error 2: Too little information
Play approach in preschool.
vs.
Using play approach to teach English vocabulary in preschool: A case study
Main variables Setting(s) Research approach
What to be included:
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ABSTRACT
A summary of research in a paragraph.
Common errors:
- Include miscellaneous information.
(e.g., literature review, secondary findings)
- Information is not organised.
Purpose / Objective (s)
Sampling / Methodology
Major findings (respond back to objectives)
Implication(s) / Contributions
What to be included:
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ABSTRACT (EXAMPLE)

Purpose This study sought to investigate the factors that influence students intention to use the
Internet for academic purposes in Universiti Utara Malaysia. This study applies theory of planned
behaviour (TPB) as the base model. The model employed the original variables from the theory
i.e. attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intention.

Method A survey involving of questionnaires was conducted among 369 public university
students. Multiple regression was employed to examine the factors influencing intention to use
the Internet for academic purposes.

Findings Results revealed that the variables attitude, subjective norms, and perceived
behavioural control are statistically significant in influencing intention to use the Internet for
learning purposes. It was also found that 38% of the variance in students intention to use the
Internet is cumulatively explained by their attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural
control.

Significance The paper provides useful scientific insight into the relationships between attitude,
subjective norms and perceived behavioural control variables towards intention to use the
Internet for academic purposes. The findings can be used to promote the use of Internet among
students in enhancing their learning experience.

(Bidin et al., 2011)
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INTRODUCTION
Why this research needs to be done?
Common errors:
- Problem statement is not clear.
- Problem statement > Research objective/question > hypothesis do not
match
Negative example:

Problem statement Preschool students are poor in English vocabulary.

Research objective To investigate teachers use of English vocabulary.

Hypothesis Female teachers can understand more English vocabulary than male teachers.

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INTRODUCTION (Brainstorm)
Topic:
Secondary school teachers perceptions of principals
leadership qualities: Implications on productivity
Problem Statement:

Research Objectives / Questions:

Hypotheses:

Please suggest the content for the following:
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LITERATURE REVIEW
What other people had done?
Common errors:
- Do not cover all variables.
- Outdated references (before 2000).
- No theoretical framework (e.g., cognitive theory etc)
- Only listing of research, but no critical review
Negative example:

A study by XXX found that.. A study by YYY found that. A study by ZZZ found that.
vs.
A study by XXX and YYY found that. However, the study by ZZZ showed the apposite.
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LITERATURE REVIEW (OUTLINE)
What other people had done?
TIPS: Use diagrams to summarise points before writing
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METHODOLOGY
What am I doing for this project?
Common errors:
- Research design and sampling are not clearly stated.
- Research steps are not clearly stated.
- Do not include pilot study / validity and reliability.
Chapter 3 is the easiest chapter to write!
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METHODOLOGY (SAMPLING)
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DATA ANALYSIS
What are the findings?
Common errors:
- Presentation of results did not answer the research questions.
- Qualitative data did not add values to the quantitative data.
TIPS: Arrange the results according to the sequence of research questions!
TIPS: Summarise data in table/diagram then explain.
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DATA ANALYSIS (EXAMPLE)
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DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION
What have I found in this research?
Why this research is important? .. SO WHAT?
Common errors:
- Key findings and the main conclusion are not clear.
- Did not answer the research questions.
- Did not link back to the theoretical framework.
- Did not state the importance/implication/significance of research.
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CONCLUSION (OUTLINES)
In the CONCLUSION to your report, you do a number of important things:
Summarize the main points you made in your introduction and review of
the literature
Review (very briefly) the research methods and/or design you employed.
Repeat (in abbreviated form) your findings.
Discuss the broader implications of those findings.
Mention the limitations of your research (due to its scope or its
weaknesses)
Offer suggestions for future research related to yours.
http://linguistics.byu.edu/faculty/henrichsenl/ResearchMethods/RM_3_06.html
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FORMAT
Check spelling & grammar.
Check reference.
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APA REFERENCE STYLE
http://www.docstyles.com/apastudy.htm
Thank you


Presented by
Name | Centre/Schools/Units etc