Wallace (1976) The development of scientific research must be circular and
nonlinear then, with each element, there is a interdependence.
Each element has an interaction with the others, is supported by the previously
defined and influences the subsequent ones, maintaining a unity and coherence.
There are numerous alternatives, proposals and suggestions regarding research
but, in all, there are points of coincidence (Cerda, 1998)
Annotations:
Hugo Cerda (1998) Los elementos de la investigación.
1. Research topic
It must arouse the interest of the investigator. He
define aspects to take into account.
1.1 Search and topic definition
Topic: is the general idea of the field of knowledge of a discipline in which there is
interest to conduct an investigation. It must be relevant and be consistent with the
contents of the discipline or profession
The topic to investigate arises from a general idea that is defined from increasingly
specific questions. With this, subfields of the discipline are emerging research.
Forms generating research topics:
- Reflective and critical reading. -Active participation -Experience individual
-Professional practice -Classroom - Centers research - Organizations
interested in research - The teachers
Annotations:
Otros autores manejan diferentes formas de elegir el tema de investigación como Cerda (1988) y Muñoz Giraldo et al (2001).
1.2 Criteria to consider the relevance of the topic
Annotations:
No existen criterios únicos pero los siguientes son propuestos por el autor.
- New: the subject has been treated very little or proposes a new way to investigate it. -
Contrast: compare results of previous research in New contexts - Need and importance:
a determined situation that deserves to be studied arguing the importance of
addressing the issue. - Resolution: that helps solve a problem specific. - Concretion and
relevance: specify the topic to investigate and corroborate its relevance. - Guidelines:
that corresponds to the guidelines set by the institution.
1.3 Means to categorize the relevance of the topic
Reading on the subject to which the idea refers
It should be polled about what has been topic writing (other authors) and the
importance of topic in the present.
Experts in the subject
Guidance is received from experts in the field to investigate on relevance, they suggest
changes or adjustments or even Discard the topic.
Coordinators of the degree work area or research centers
They have as mission guide the interested in the research with information topic
updated and support to define subjects of investigation.
1.4 Title of the topic to be investigated
Since the topic has been defined, it should be condensed (or synthesize) in a phrase
that expresses the essence of the idea. Should demonstrate the problem, and in
particular, the subject to investigate reflecting the whole process.
2. The research problem
In research, problem is everything that becomes an object of reflection and about
which perceives the need to know and study (pragmatic model). Problem of
research: The situation, phenomenon, event, fact or object of the study that is going
to perform. Pose problem to investigate: state and formulate the problem.
2.2 Formulate the problem
It is formulated when the investigator dictates or makes a kind of
prognosis about the situation of the problem. He poses by
formulating questions oriented to Give answers to the research
problem.
Annotations:
(Méndez, 1995)
An adequate problem formulation involves the elaboration
of 2 levels of questions:
General question: what should be
the essence of the problem, the
title of the study.
Specific questions: oriented to interrogate
about specific aspects to problem and that, as
a whole, make up its entirety.
2.1 State the problem
Description of the problem: show the situation, the object of
study, present it, show it and expose the characteristics or
features of theme, situation or aspect of interest.
Specify the nature and
dimensions of same in detail and
precision. As well are due from
narrate background.
Annotations:
(Tamayo, 2002)
3. Objectives of the investigation
They are the purposes of the study, they express
the end that aims to achieve and research is aimed
at achieving these goals. They must be clear and
precise, they can Change throughout the
investigation.
3.1 How are drafted
and defined
investigation
objectives
Use verbs in infinitive and that these can be reached during the
development of the investigation. - It is not necessary to write
preambles at the time of write the objectives, express them
directly. - Desirable that all can be put into practice that It helps
to solve problems.
3.2 Objectives: general and specific
General: Must reflect the essence of
approach of problem and idea expressed in
the Title of the project research.
Specific: Are the steps that are given to
achieve the overall objective. He detach
from this and must be oriented to Your
achievement
4. Justification and delimitation
of the investigation
Oriented to solve some problem. Must be expose
why you deserve research, you should determine
the dimension to know the variability about the
topic.
4.1 Justification criteria
Annotations:
(Méndez, 1995)
Theoretical justification
It is used when the purpose of the study is generate reflection and academic debate about existing
knowledge, confront a theory, contrast results or do Epistemology of existing knowledge.
It is done when: - In an investigation you Seeks to show model
solutions. - When new paradigms are proposed or makes an
epistemological reflection although at Implement it becomes
practical.
Practical justification
When its development helps solve a
problem or at least proposes strategies
that when applied will help solve.
Methodological justification
When he study that will
realize propose a new
method or strategy for
generate knowledge valid.
4.2 Limitations of the study or
research
Limitations of: - Time: It is necessary to
determine the period during which the
project will be enhanced. - Space or territory:
demarcations of space within which the
investigation. - Resources: resource
availability Financial