Analysis and Evaluation of Scientific Research - Essay Example

Evaluating the research of others – higher education Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Evaluating the Research of others - Higher Education Introduction Adoption of technology in secondary schools has brought about gender differences in Saudi Arabia both in the public and private sectors. Female students get very anxious when using the computer and are a major problem in their adoption styles which poses as a big problem when they venture into their different careers and innovation. The two articles that I have chosen to use in my article review deal with computer and information technologies. These technologies are useful in our modern world because they have been introduced to various organizations in the globe. They make work easier and less complicated. It is essential for female students and workers to adopt their use because they will come in handy in future. Source and comments of the research article The research articles in this article review report are from the scholarly/academic/peer reviewed articles. The source of the articles is published by and for experts in the fields of study. The literary paper has its rules and regulations concerning publishing of articles. The most salient is that all articles must go through the peer review course of action done by widely recognized experts who evaluate the article. This paper is also a review process that seeks to build content, academic value, and scholarly soundness of the articles. Most of the articles, in scholarly journals present new, earlier unpublished investigate. Scholarly articles have imagination, authorship, are refereed (peer reviewed), have an intended audience, sponsorship, illustrations, publication frequency, and note the format and length of the article. Focus of researcher’s work In most of the research projects, researchers have a stated goal that helps in guiding them through the whole process. For example, in the two articles chosen, the researchers are examining the effect brought about by technology (computers) among students in education institutions. All research work begins with a problem, as it is the basis for any scholarly inquiry to draw intellectual curiosity. The researcher also has a series of questions that assist in formulating the hypothesis, eliciting thoughtful and profound revelations, and validity of whether the study has been investigated on what it was its intended focus. The questions are viewed as cornerstones in removing the barriers to achieving qualitative data in the researcher’s work. Research should have a question that clearly states the background necessary to provide the researcher with a blueprint for further study of the problem. The problem will be useful to the supervisor so that the researcher can be given advice on how to carry out the project. The research problem is also crucial and should hold scientific community and culture who contribute to the research process. After stating the problem of the research, the findings should match the current field position. Description of data collection The research article describes the structure of data collection, which is indispensable, for the research committee in understanding how the student tackles the problem. The activities and procedure that will result in cessation of the studies are stipulated at this point. Alternative methods can be used in researching one’s work, but the researcher should convince others that the method used is appropriate as it addresses the research question appropriately. This section needs to be clarified by the researcher who uses standard quantitative methods bearing in mind the design, participants, instruments, and procedures. The methodology describes, explains, and predicts the research phenomenon to be undertaken. Varieties of methods are used in this category, and the decision taken by a researcher depends on the analytical tools available for one to use. The researcher should leave room for the other researcher reviewing the article to use other methods, which gives them, alternative methods in obtaining the same information (Rajasekar et al., 2006, pp. 2). Literature review The article contains a section that clearly reviews and outlines previous studies conducted on the chosen topic by different authors. There are times when the literature review section is incorporated in the induction part of the research, but most of the times it should be on its own. This allows the author a chance of thoroughly reviewing the literature. The literature review section is paramount and relevant to the research problem in ensuring that the researcher does not reinvent the helm. Social science research is multidisciplinary, and therefore information needs to be integrated because it is generated from various disciplines. This section is pertinent to the research problem because the reader is given current version and discussion of then findings in the specified field. One learns the ways in which other researchers have been able to establish their own projects on the same research question. This helps one in understanding the task. Different authors have conducted the research project, and therefore they will have conflicting points to demonstrate. These are indicators of theories that diverge within the same subject matter. The conflicting and supporting theories give the researcher easy access to value the subject and make up their minds. The reviewer is given an opportunity to evaluate the quality of research, as opposed to document listing. This section shows that the researcher has the ability of integrating and synthesizing existing literature (Kumar, 2005, pp.10). Study replication The explained procedures used by the author are well understood and can be repeated to get a match in findings and results. Communication is the key in determining reliability of the methods of analysis employed and validity of attained results in any research project. In order to reproduce the analysis of the author, the student will need to precede carefully the footsteps of the researcher: by posing the same questions, employing corresponding analytical techniques, and proceeding through the work by using the same theoretical perspectives. The student will be able to use the same results and findings as the investigator if he/she puts into consideration the same sample size used before. In order to reproduce the study, the student will need to be conscientious and accurate in the information and topic of study. Description and analysis of data collection The method used for data collection was on quantitative assumptions. The researcher had some questionnaires to distribute to the students which allows the interviewer extensive probing and gives the respondent flair in elaborating the answers. Survey is the most commonly used and preferred method of gathering information in a research study. This is because it is cost effective and acquisition of in-depth information is provided by the respondent. The researchers used a device that was appropriate and accessible to them. This method gave them success in their research because they were able to gather detailed and necessary information. However, they could also have tried using observation as a tool for gathering information in the field of research. The researcher would monitor the respondents without having to interact with them directly. This method is applicable best for those researchers monitoring computer usage and adaptability habits. Social scientists study the society and group behaviors through observation. Another method that can work for this research problem is the use of experimentation where the researcher holds all other variables constant. This is explained by the independent variable change. This of data collection strategy works best in the laboratory since the researcher has control over all other variables in the environment (Kothari, 2008, pp. 7). Results interpretation The interpretation of the results in the research articles are convincing and have given me, as a reader, the potential impact of the research project. The interpretation of the results in the research have given me dominant imagination aspects and prevailed, concrete experimental, results from the actual research work. The researcher has been able to relate to readers a sense of fervor and confidence without exaggerating on the intrinsic worth of the research project. The articles are not exaggerating on information obtained, but rather talk about the common things that take place in the school environment and patterns of adoption for students. They have also touched on workplace adoption, which collaborates with, the learning institution. Those employees who are neglecting the use of computers are the same ones who had a negative attitude towards its emergence in the learning institution. The investigator has also talked about the strengths and weaknesses of the research, which are justified by financial constraints, time, and the developmental stages of the research area. The investigator has been able to connect the present research projects to the previous work, has identified future problems, has opened new avenues for intellectual adventure, and has stimulated the voyage of the reader for more knowledge. They fit well with the methodology decision because they have made others embrace the implication of the research findings and have suggested verification for possible experiments. The presentation also fits well with the methodological decisions made by the researcher because through the findings the researcher was able to formulate questions. He then decided to use the survey questionnaire to obtain information and analyze the findings systematically. Important research decisions of the topic The research decisions that are vital to me are the high quality data prerequisite given to the topic. The data used has used less time in contemplating other methods to be employed and has given the researcher greater understanding of the topic and the environment. This has led the investigator from the arena of guesswork to making strategic choices useful in analyzing the problem in question. The researcher was able to obtain data incorporation, eminence, relevance, and intelligibility throughout the topic. Computers are sophisticated systems of information and are the topic of discussion in the articles. Access to these systems is decisive to improved decision-making that enabled the researcher in helping students and workers in making use of the tools. Access to this system has brought about standardization, centers of competency, adoption of user, and ease of use. Research decision making has brought about sound judgment to the topic in question and thus collaboration, guided analysis, and best utilization of practice has been achieved. Flexibility of the computers in schools motivated the researchers to be flexible in their decision making process. The appropriate decision making process is necessary for this research to succeed and thus the elements essential for them to be enhanced need to be realized in order to save time, money, and resources available. Information technology is changing with time and thus, with the right decision the investigator will reach the required conclusion and attain the appropriate findings and results for the questions posed. Collaboration by the respondents is also essential and therefore, researchers need to make decisions that will give them a chance to share in their opinions and views on the topic. Interesting findings The two articles are about computers in schools, workplaces, and other organizations in Saudi Arabia. They encompass both the public and private sectors, which shows that the researcher is not bias in only one sector, but wants to deal with all so as to bring change in the country. The advent of computers and information technologies has affected institutions and organizations in the manner in which they carry out their activities and obligations. The adoption of these systems in secondary schools examines the gender differences in computer attitudes. It is evident that a majority of the male students in secondary schools are less apprehensive in erudition and using the computers, more certain to learn computers and in their capacity to use them, and enjoy working with these electronic gadgets as compared to their female counterparts. Male students are ready and willing to gain more computer knowledge and share with other students as compared to female students who are unwilling to learn. As compared to other students in Australia, the statistics show that the results and findings are the same in all schools. In a technology class, the proportion of girls to boys is 1:10 because the female students are also interested in issues that relate to social sciences and not computer technology. Female students should not have a negative reaction to computer adoption because they will use it in the future. After school, the female students will seek employment in large organizations that adopt the use of computers and information technologies in their innovation. How they will adapt to them, is appealing because they will not avoid using them in their workstations. Female students should have a positive attitude to computers and technologies that are emerging in the current world. Male students are linked with electronic appliances and getting a female student in a class of engineering is unmatched, but she turns out to be better than the male students. This topic of discussion is captivating and broad to tackle because the times and technologies are changing all the time. Methodological strengths and weaknesses In the two articles, the methodology used is the survey questionnaire where it is relatively inexpensive as compared to other methods of data collection. The other strength of this data collection method is that it describes the characteristics of a large population. They can be administered to their respondents via mail, telephone, and email, which are exceptionally convenient methods. Using the Internet to distribute questions is another survey questionnaire method. The investigator in this case, will acquire accurate statistical information on the rate of computer usage by both male and female students in the school. This helps in the research findings and results. The school has extensive samples, which are feasible. By using this method, it adds significance of the statistics obtained when analyzing variables that are multiple. Flexibility of analysis on a given research topic is enhanced by using the survey questionnaire tool since many questions can be asked about the topic. The creation phase of administering questions is put into consideration depending on the sample of population and thus, flexibility is promoted. A uniform definition upon respondents is achieved by researchers making the questions more standard in order to obtain accurate results. This also ensures that comparable data can be easily collected from groups then interpreted between study groups in the school environment. The methodology has some weaknesses that need to be addressed by the researcher before using the method in delivering the project. The most common flaw with this method is the fact that respondents find it hard to recall the detailed information requested for by the researcher. IN cases when a controversial question has been asked, the truth will not be told by the respondents because they have a memory lapse of the exact events. The survey questionnaire relies on standardization, which forces the researcher to develop research questions that are minimally appropriate for the respondents, which in this, case are the students. In this research, the data collection method had to remain unchanged throughout the process of data collection and thus, they are adamant. In order for the researcher to achieve results and findings that are in agreement with the research study, he/she must ensure that a large number of those selected sample from the population will be able to answer. Lastly, this methodological procedure seldom deals with context, as opposed to direct observation. Professional future In my professional future, I will remember these articles because they deal with current issues that are being addressed in most parts of the world. It is compelling and stimulating to continue to learn what, and how other countries in the globe adopt to the technological advancements that emerge in the current times. The information from the research studies will be useful in dealing with the problems that arise and thus; it will be easy for leaders in learning institutions to encourage the female students to have a positive attitude towards computers. This is because they will use them in their careers later after completing their studies. Computers are gadgets that need to be introduced in schools because they are, in use in most areas and parts of the world. In the near future, we are going to be served by computers and thus, the basic knowledge of using a computer will come in handy. Conclusion The research methodology part in a research paper is very essential as it builds the basic information on the topic in question that contributes to the findings and conclusion of the topic. Researchers should bring out clear and accurate information and method of use in order to obtain information that is relevant to the question of study. The foundation of this part is based upon the statements of credible persons, reasoning, and self-observance intellect. The statements presented should be valid evidences with supporting arguments that are fully analyzed, demonstrated, and are argumentative continuously through reasoning. References: Al-Gahtani, Said. (2003). Computer technology adoption in Saudi Arabia: Correlates of perceived innovation attributes. Retrieved January 17, 2011, from Al-Jabri, Ibrahim. Gender differences in computer attitudes among secondary school students in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved January 17, 2011, from Kothari, R. (2008). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New York: New Age International. pp. 7. Kumar, Ranjit. (2005). Research methodology: a step-by-step guide for beginners. NY: Pearson Education Australia. pp. 10. Rajasekar, S., Philominathan, P. & Chinnathambi, V. (2006). Research Methodology. Retrieved January 17, 2011, from Read More