Review of Literature

 A survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic.

 It provides an overview of current knowledge
 Allow to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research
 A literature review is important because it:
o Explains the background of research on a topic.
o Demonstrates why a topic is significant to a subject area.
o Helps focus on research questions or problems
o Discovers relationships between research studies/ideas.
o Suggests unexplored ideas or populations
o Identifies major themes, concepts, and researchers on a topic.
o Tests assumptions
o Identifies critical gaps, points of disagreement, or potentially flawed methodology
or theoretical approaches
 There are five key steps to writing a literature review:
o Search for relevant literature
o Evaluate and select sources
o Identify themes, debates, and gaps
o Outline the literature review’s structure
o Write your literature review
Why we need study method?
 Study methods refer to the various techniques and strategies employed by students to enhance
their learning and understanding of a particular subject matter.
 Helps
o Effective Learning
o Organization and Time Management
o Active Engagement
o Personalized Learning
o Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
o Retention and Long-Term Memory
o Exam Preparation

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction based on limited evidence, which is then tested
and further investigated through empirical research.

Some key points

 Purpose
o To provide a tentative explanation or prediction for a phenomenon or a relationship
between variables.
o It serves as a starting point for scientific investigation.
 Testability
o Can be subjected to empirical observation and experimentation.
o It allows to be confirmed or rejected based on observable evidence.
 Relationship to Research Question
o Closely related to the research question being investigated.
 Structure
o Suggests a relationship or an expected outcome between variables
o "if-then" statement
 Where the independent variable (the "if" part) is expected to have an effect on
the dependent variable (the "then" part).
 Test and Analysis
o Needs to be tested through systematic and controlled research methods.
o Data is collected, analysed, and compared against the hypothesis to determine its
validity.
o The results may support the hypothesis, require modification, or lead to its rejection.
 Falsifiability
o It must be falsifiable.
o It should be possible to conceive of evidence or observations that could contradict or
disprove the hypothesis.
 Iterative Process
o Not fixed or static but are subject to revision and refinement based on new evidence and
further research.
 Sources – Primary & Secondary
 Primary Sources of Data:
o Primary sources of data are original, firsthand sources that provide direct or raw
information about a particular topic or event.
o These sources are created or recorded at the time of the event or by individuals directly
involved in the research subject.
o Examples
 Surveys and questionnaires
 Interviews
 Observations
 Experiments
 Diaries, letters, and personal accounts
 Original research studies and reports
 Research articles, dissertations, or theses that present new findings or
data.
 Secondary Sources of Data:
o Secondary sources of data are sources that are based on primary sources and provide
analysis, interpretation, or summaries of the original data.
o These sources use primary data to present a broader perspective or to analyse and
synthesize existing information.
o Examples
 Books and textbooks
 Review articles
 Meta-analyses
 Government reports
 Newspaper and magazine articles
 Online databases and repositories

Conventional and non-conventional sources

 Conventional Sources:
o Traditional, widely accepted, and commonly used sources of information.
o Examples
 Books and textbooks
 Academic journals
 Government publications
 Official statistics
 Conference proceedings
 Expert opinions
 Dictionaries and encyclopaedias
 Non-conventional Sources:
o Non-conventional sources are alternative or emerging sources of information that may
not have been traditionally used or recognized within a specific field.
o Examples
 Online platforms and digital media
 Online databases and repositories
 Preprints
 Open educational resources (OER
 Blogs and personal websites
 Podcasts and video channels
 Online communities and discussion forums
 Collection

 The process of gathering, measuring, and analysing accurate data from various sources to find
answers to research questions, evaluate outcomes, and forecast trends and probabilities.
 Data collection is essential to make informed decisions, ensure quality assurance, and maintain
research integrity.
 There are different types of data
o Qualitative
 covers descriptions such as color, size, quality, and appearance
o Quantitative
 deals with numbers, such as statistics, percentages, etc
 Choice of data type depends on the aim and nature research.
 Some of the common data collection methods
o Experimental research
 A quantitative method
 Involves manipulating one or more variables and measuring their effects on
other variables.
 Experimental research is used to test hypotheses and establish causal
relationships.
o Surveys
 Involves asking questions to a sample of people, either through questionnaires
or interviews.
 Surveys can be quantitative or qualitative, depending on the type and format of
the questions.
 Surveys are used to collect data on opinions, attitudes, behaviors, or
characteristics of a population.
o Observations
 A method that involves watching and recording the behavior or phenomenon of
interest, either in a natural or controlled setting.
 Observations can be quantitative or qualitative, depending on the level of detail
and interpretation involved.
 Observations are used to collect data on actions, interactions, or processes that
are difficult to measure otherwise.
o Archival research
 A method that involves using existing sources of data, such as documents,
records, reports, or databases.
 Archival research can be quantitative or qualitative, depending on the type and
analysis of the data.
 Archival research is used to collect data on historical or contextual aspects of a
topic.
o Secondary data collection
 A method that involves using data that was collected by someone else for a
different purpose.
 Secondary data collection can be quantitative or qualitative, depending on the
source and use of the data. Secondary data collection is used to supplement or
compare with primary data collection
 1

RESEARCH/ PROJECT PROPOSAL

(Format)

1. Title of Project/Thesis/Dissertation

2. Statement of the Problem (needs to be stated in one or two sentences)

The study intends to investigate--------- (what?). Hence the problem for the study is entitled
as “-------------------------------------” (Title)

3. Elaboration of the Problem

In this section the researcher writes the rationale/ reasons for using different independent
variables in the study. e.g. Gender; age; income education, self esteem spiritual well being
and so on. Why do you want to study the gender difference in --------?

4. Operational Definitions

How you are going to define different concepts/ constructs in your study?
• Eg
o Family wellbeing: Family wellbeing in this study refers to……
o Children: Children in this study refers to…..

5. Need & Importance of the Study

a. Why do you want to study this phenomenon? What is your purpose to conduct a study
like this? Is there any gap in the literature?
b. Purpose needs to stated in the context of the Church/Society

6. Aim and Objectives

The aim of the study is to explore ------

In order to achieve this aim the following objectives will be framed:
a. To study the relationship between -------- (independent variable) and ----- (dependent
variables)
b. ---------------------

7. Hypotheses (if any )

a. There will be no significant relationship between -------- (independent variable) and

dependent variable)
b.----------------
(Usually explorative researches do not have any hypotheses)

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 2

8. Previous Research (Related works)

9. Method & Materials

a. Design (Explorative/ Descriptive/ Experimental)

Approach (Quantitative / qualitative/ mixed).

b. Locale of the Study

Place you conduct the study

c. Sample and Sampling Procedure

The sample will be consisted of--------- (number of subjects). Subjects will be selected
through ----------- (sampling technique – Probability/non probability).

d. Tools for Data Collection

Personal data sheet
Scale /Interview Schedule/ Inventory/ Questionnaire [existing one /will be developed
by the investigator]
Case Study (if it is a qualitative study
------------------ (any other tools)

e. Analytical Tools
Appropriate statistical tools such as --------will be used (if it is a quantitative study). For
qualitative analysis [case study] tools such as categorization/ immersion/ triangulation will
be used

13. Scope and Limitations

Geographically the study is limited to ------.The study is also limited to --------

14. Format of the Report

Chapter 1 introduces the statement of the problem, elaboration of the problem, need and
importance of the study, hypotheses, aim and objectives of the study, method of the study
in brief, scope and limitations of the study, previous research and so on.
Chapter 2 would deal with the literature review which covers the theoretical considerations
on different concepts and constructs in the study, and related research.
Chapter 3 would discuss on the analysis and interpretation of the study.
Chapter 4 would be the major findings and implications study, conclusions, and
suggestions for future research.

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 Subjective and objective methods
 Two different approaches used in research to collect and analyse data.
 Subjective Method
o Involves gathering data that relies heavily on personal opinions, feelings,
interpretations, and experiences of individuals.
o Often used to explore and understand the attitudes, beliefs, motivations, and
perceptions of participants.
o Data is highly influenced by individual biases and emotions, making it essential to
acknowledge the potential limitations in objectivity.
o Common subjective research methods
 Surveys: Questionnaires and interviews that allow participants to express
their opinions, preferences, and subjective experiences.
 Case Studies: In-depth analysis of individual cases or small groups to
understand unique experiences and contexts.
 Focus Groups: Group discussions that encourage participants to share their
thoughts and feelings about a specific topic.
 Ethnography: Immersive observation and participation in a particular
cultural or social setting to gain an insider's perspective.
 Objective Method
o Involves gathering data that is observable, measurable, and free from personal
biases or interpretations.
o Aims to obtain factual, quantifiable information that can be analysed statistically
and is not influenced by individual opinions or emotions.
o Common objective research methods include:
 Experiments: Controlled studies where variables are manipulated to
establish cause-and-effect relationships.
 Observational Studies: Systematic observations of behaviour or
phenomena without intervention or manipulation.
 Content Analysis: Analysing and categorizing the content of written,
verbal, or visual communication in an unbiased manner.
 Biometric Measurements: Collecting physiological data (e.g., heart rate,
brain activity) through non-invasive means.
 Advantages
o Subjective method
 Allows for an in-depth understanding of human experiences and emotions,
provides rich and nuanced data, and captures diverse perspectives.
o Objective method
 Advantages: Provides precise and replicable data, allows for establishing
causal relationships, and is suitable for large-scale studies.
 Disadvantages
o Subjective
 Highly influenced by biases and subjectivity, challenging to generalize
findings to larger populations, and may lack replicability.
o Objective
 May overlook important contextual information, emotions, or individual
experiences, and can be challenging to implement in certain research
settings.
 Reading skills

 Speed Reading
o Increase reading speed without sacrificing comprehension.
o The goal is to read faster while still understanding and retaining the information
effectively.
o Tips
 Eliminate Subvocalization: Habit of silently pronouncing each word in your mind
as you read.
 Expand Your Peripheral Vision: Try to widen your field of vision to capture groups
of words at once.
 Avoid Backtracking: Go back and re-read sentences or paragraphs.
 Practice with Timed Reading: Set a timer and read for a specific period, gradually
increasing the time.
 Identify Key Information: Train yourself to identify the main ideas, key points,
and keywords in the text.
 Practice Regularly
 Learning to skim read
o Allows to quickly gather the main ideas and essential information from a text without
reading every word in detail.
o Tips
 Set a Purpose: Determine why you are skimming the text.
 Read the Title and Subheadings
 Scan the First and Last Paragraphs
 Look for Keywords
 Pay Attention to Bullet Points and Lists
 Be Selective with Reading
 Practice Regularly
 Reading efficiently
o Maximizing reading speed while maintaining good comprehension and retention of the
material.
o Tips
 Set Clear Goals: Help you stay focused
 Preview the Material: Before diving into the text, quickly preview it by reading
the title, headings, subheadings, and any summaries or abstracts
 Eliminate Distractions: Find a quiet place to read without interruptions or
distractions. Turn off electronic devices or put them on silent mode.
 Improve Your Environment: Make sure the lighting is appropriate, and the text is
clear and easy to read. Adjust font size, if possible, to suit your preference.
 Take Breaks: If you're reading for an extended period, take short breaks to rest
your eyes and give your mind time to process the information.
 Practice Regularly
 Reading for information
o Reading for information is a crucial skill in today's information-rich world.
o It involves seeking out specific information from written materials efficiently and
effectively.
o Tips
  Identify Your Purpose: Clearly define why you need the information and what
specific details you are looking for.
 Skim the Text: Start by quickly skimming through the material to get an overview
of its content.
 Locate Keywords and Key phrases: Pay attention to keywords and key phrases
related to your topic.
 Scan for Specific Information: Scan the text to locate the sections or paragraphs
that contain the information you need.
 Use Highlighting or Note-taking: As you scan for information, use highlighting or
take notes to mark down the key points or details you find relevant.
 Don't Get Distracted: Stay focused on finding the information you need.
 Cross-Reference: If you find information that seems important, cross-reference it
with other sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
 Reading for learning
o Reading for learning is a purposeful and active approach to reading, aimed at acquiring
knowledge, understanding concepts, and gaining insights from written materials.
o Strategies
 Set Clear Learning Goals
 Activate Prior Knowledge: Connect the new material to what you already know.
 Ask Questions: Formulate questions based on the headings and your preview.
 Take Notes: Write down key points, definitions, and important concepts while
you read.
 Reflect on the Material: Pause periodically to reflect on what you've read.
 Use Highlighting and Annotations: Use highlighting, underlining, or digital
annotations to mark important passages or sections.
 Review Regularly: Revisit your notes and highlights after each reading session.
 Break Down Complex Material: Break it down into smaller, manageable sections.
 Discuss and Teach Others: Engage in discussions with peers or educators about
what you've learned.
 Apply What You Learn: Look for opportunities to apply the knowledge you've
gained.
 Be Patient and Persistent: Some materials may be challenging, and learning
might take time.
 Seek Additional Resources: Resources like videos, tutorials, or supplementary
readings to complement your learning.
 Analysis, synthesize, evaluate what you read
 Note taking techniques
o Note-taking is an essential skill that helps you capture and retain important information
from lectures, books, meetings, or any other sources.
o Some popular note-taking techniques that you can use:
 Cornell Method: Divide your note page into three sections: a narrow column on
the left for key points and questions, a wider column on the right for your main
notes, and a summary section at the bottom. Write the main ideas and keywords
in the right column and use the left column for questions or cues related to the
content. After the lecture or reading, write a summary of the material in the
bottom section.
o Outline Method
  Use a hierarchical structure to organize your notes. Start with main topics or
headings and then indent subtopics and supporting details. This method allows
you to see the relationships between different ideas.
o Mind Mapping
 Create a visual representation of the information using branches and nodes.
Start with the main topic or concept in the center and branch out to related
subtopics or ideas. Use colors and symbols to make it more visually engaging.
o Charting Method
 Use columns and rows to create a table or chart that organizes the information.
This method is useful for comparing and contrasting different concepts or for
summarizing key points in a structured manner.
o Sentence Method
 Write complete sentences to capture the information. This method is useful
when you want to keep a more detailed account of what was said or read.
o Flow Diagrams
 Use arrows and lines to connect related ideas or concepts. This method is
especially helpful when there is a logical flow or sequence of information.
o Abbreviations and Symbols
 Develop a set of abbreviations and symbols to speed up your note-taking
process. Use them for common words or phrases to save time while capturing
the information accurately.
o Highlighting and Color Coding
 Use highlighters or colored pens to emphasize important points or categorize
information. Be selective and avoid over-highlighting to maintain focus.
o Recording Key Quotes
 If the material contains essential quotes or statements, write them down
verbatim for later reference.
o Capture Questions
 Jot down any questions or areas of confusion you have while taking notes. This
will help you remember to seek clarification later.
o Review and Summarize
 After the note-taking session, review your notes and create a concise summary
of the key points. This step reinforces your understanding and retention of the
material.
 Using electronic Library
o Using an electronic library, also known as a digital or online library, provides convenient
access to a vast collection of digital resources, including e-books, research papers,
journals, magazines, audiobooks, and more.
o Suggestions
 Find a Reliable Online Library
 Explore Search and Filter Options
 Check Availability and Access: Some digital libraries may require you to sign up
or have a membership to access certain materials.
 Read Reviews and Ratings
 Organize Your Findings
 Utilize Citation Tools: If you're using the digital library for academic purposes,
take advantage of built-in citation tools or features that help you generate
proper citations for your references.
 Download and Offline Access
 Access E-Learning Resources
 Stay Updated
 Participate in Virtual Book Clubs
 Respect Copyright and Licensing