Undergraduate Thesis / Research Methods: Introduction & Review of Literature

Flashcards covering the foundational concepts of agricultural research methods, including identifying research problems, formulating objectives, and developing hypotheses based on academic standards.

Research Problem

The specific issue or gap that needs investigation; it should be relevant, observable, and solvable (FAO, 2022).

Research Rationale & Significance

The justification for a study that explains why it is being conducted, its benefits, and how it contributes to knowledge or practice (Creswell & Creswell, 2023).

General Objective

The overall goal of the study that serves as a roadmap and guides the selection of methodology (Walliman, 2021).

Specific Objectives

A breakdown of the general goal into smaller, clear, and achievable steps that follow the SMART principle.

SMART Principle

A guideline for formulating objectives to ensure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Scope

The boundaries of a study that define what is included, such as location, duration, materials, variables, and respondents (Polit & Beck, 2021).

Limitations

Constraints beyond the researcher's control, such as time, budget, weather, or equipment availability (Polit & Beck, 2021).

Hypothesis

An educated prediction or expected relationship between variables derived from theory and literature (Creswell & Creswell, 2023).

Null Hypothesis

A type of hypothesis stating that there is no significant difference or relationship between variables.

Alternative Hypothesis

A type of hypothesis stating that a significant difference or relationship exists between variables.

Independent Variable

The variable that represents the cause in a research relationship.

Dependent Variable

The variable that represents the effect or outcome in a research relationship.

Feasibility

The ability to conduct a study based on the availability of resources.

Relevance

The usefulness and importance of a research problem to a specific community or industry.

Review of Literature

An investigation into existing studies that provides the foundation for research and identifies remaining knowledge gaps (FAO, 2022).