Challenges
in Preparing the Research Proposal and Doing Literature Review
|
No |
Challenges |
Possible Solutions |
|
1 |
Stabilizing title (14) |
Looking at samples research articles Consider Who / What / How / Where / Which Verify with supervisor |
|
2 |
Developing the research questions. (14) |
Narrowing focus by expert & peer discussion Use refereed journals |
|
3 |
Writing problem statement (14) |
Reflective of Research questions |
|
4 |
Deciding the research design (14) |
Examining past research Feasibility conditions |
|
5 |
Lack of statistical knowledge (14) |
Read more and consult experts |
|
6 |
Create/ Adapt/ Obtain the right research instrument (14) |
Reading more |
|
7 |
Academic writing skills – using right tense (14) |
Write in 3rd person Proposal – future tense Report – past tense Refer to guideline on academic writing Someone to read your draft Prepare outline |
|
8 |
Time management (14) |
Plan work Apply Do or Die approach Prioritizing & focus |
|
9 |
Mastering APA style (14) |
Refer to 5th edition Keep referring to list complied |
|
10 |
Misleading present project paper – lack of guidelines/
good example (14) |
Suggest to dept. to update / clarify guidelines |
|
11 |
Lack of local studies references (14) |
Visit EPRD library Visit national library Do more on-site referencing Contact author directly or check author’s website |
|
12 |
Mastering skill at mining information from UM databases
(14) |
Attend 2 hours briefing at library Use google.scholar to do general
search… note journal. Use UM lib to find journal |
|
13 |
Paraphrasing to avoid plagiarism (14) |
Citing proper reference – follow APA style |
|
14 |
Validity of the reference |
Refereed journal Established org. |
|
15 |
Deciding the number of items required in the instrument |
Depends on research questions |
|
16 |
Developing the theoretical framework |
Read, be familiar Identify theories from prior knowledge, current trends in
research Authoritative / Established theories / conceptual models |
|
17 |
Feasibility – based on accessibility & other factors |
Discuss with relevant parties |
|
18 |
Identifying research gaps (15) |
Determine state-of-art Look at suggested future research in previous research |