WEEK-5-IMRAD-FORMAT-DISCUSSION (1)

UNIT VIII: REPORTING AND SHARING THE FINDINGS

Introduction

  • Let us offer a minute of silence for our personal prayers...

Attendance

  • Roll call

Learning Outcomes

  • By the end of this chapter, students should:

    • Identify the contents of a research paper.

    • Learn how to write references and citations in APA 6th style format.

    • Present a well-written research report.

Importance of Research Reporting

  • A research report must follow an academically accepted manner:

    • It is not just a narrative of ideas but conforms to standards and formats.

    • Ensures relevant information and intellectual honesty, making the study credible and scientifically sound.

Structure of a Research Report

Manuscript Content

A. Preliminaries

  • Title Page

  • Endorsement

  • Certificate of originality

  • Table of Contents

  • List of Tables

  • List of Figures

B. Abstract

  • A summary of the research paper's content.

  • Should be clear, concise, and complete. No outline or note form.

  • Must be self-contained.

C. Body

1.0 Introduction

  • Transitions from a general topic to specific research.

  • Establishes the context and significance of the research.

    • Summarizes current understanding and background information.

    • States the purpose of the research.

1.1 Writing the Introduction: T-I-O-C Format

  • Trends - Discuss the latest trends.

  • Issues - Identify relevant issues.

  • Blank Spot - Identify areas lacking literature.

  • Blind Spot - Address areas with conflicting literature.

  • Objectives - Define SMART objectives of the study.

  • Contributions - Highlight benefits to theories and future research.

2.0 Background

  • Provides the foundation of the study through literature review.

  • Discusses:

    • Theoretical framework.

    • Variable discussion.

2.1 Theoretical Framework

  • Highlights theories contextualizing the research.

  • Discusses framework using S-E-C format:

    • State - Mention the theory used.

    • Explain - Discuss with proper citations.

    • Contextualize - Apply the theory to the study context.

2.2 Variable Discussion

  • Discusses variables using S-E-A format:

    • Synopsis - Overview of the topic.

    • Evidence - Present relevant evidence.

    • Argument - Describe emerging problems.

Example Variables:

  • Migration, Return Migration, Social Connectedness, Returnee Experiences

2.2.1 Migration

  • Defined as temporary or permanent displacement.

  • Factors influencing migration:

    • Economic disparities (wage differentials, employment opportunities).

    • Security concerns (personal and environmental).

    • Cultural characteristics and educational opportunities.

  • Negative experiences:

    • Confusion, social disconnection, abuse.

    • Emotional challenges like homesickness.

  • Positive effects:

    • Improved living standards and access to education.

    • Intellectual gains from working abroad.

2.2.2 Return Migration

  • Return to homeland is not the final step; involves further stages.

  • Family is a primary determinant for returning:

    • Desire to be with family, influenced by health issues or deaths.

3.0 Research Methodology

  • Details must allow replication of the study and ensure scientific credibility.

3.1 Research Design

  • Describe participant demographics, sampling techniques, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and study location.

3.2 Research Instruments

  • Detail materials used, sources, and any validation processes.

4.0 Data Analysis

  • Qualitative Data Analysis - Involves structuring and interpreting data.

    • Techniques include:

      • Thematic Analysis - Identifies repeating themes.

      • Grounded Theory - Formulates theory based on data.

      • Discourse Analysis - Understanding cultural and power dynamics.

      • Content Analysis - Grouping content into themes for quantification.

      • Narrative Analysis - Focuses on customers' perspectives.

5.0 Research Ethics

  • Ethical principles maintained:

    • Consent forms, ethical review processes, permission for animal/human studies.

6.0 Results

  • Presents data clearly and concisely with trends.

7.0 Discussion

  • Discusses generalizations, comparison with other findings, and theoretical/practical implications.

8.0 Conclusion and Recommendation

  • Key points emphasized; relevance of findings identified.

  • Address gaps in literature and propose new research strategies.

References

  • Should appear on a new page, bold title, left aligned.

  • Follow APA 6th edition format; alphabetically arranged.

Example References

  • Agho, K.E., Hall, J., & Ewald, B. (2014). Determinants of the knowledge of the attitude towards tuberculosis in Nigeria. Journal of Health Population and Nutrition, 32(3), 520-538.

  • Baker-Eveleth, L., & Stone, R. (2008). Expectancy Theory and Behavioral Intentions to Use Computer Applications. Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management, 3.

Conclusion Writing Guidelines

  • Key points should be emphasized, relevance communicated, and gaps in literature addressed.

Closing Discussion

  • Time for further discussion, questions, clarifications, and comments.