Course Overview

An in-depth workshop that equips participants to design robust research projects and construct solid theoretical frameworks by identifying research gaps. Covers the research process, epistemological foundations, hypothesis formulation, theory integration, and alignment with thesis or publication goals.

Learning Outcomes

Different Research Paradigms

• Qualitative, Quantitative, Experimental and Mixed Method Research
• Formulate testable hypotheses and operationalize core concepts and variables

Research Gap Identification

• Identify theoretical, methodological, contextual, and practical gaps in literature.
• Apply systematic review and bibliometric tools to detect emerging and underexplored areas.

Theory Identification & Alignment

• Select theories and conceptual models that align with identified gaps.
• Translate theoretical constructs into measurable variables.
• Develop conceptual frameworks linking variables and hypotheses.

Questionnaire Development, Scales & Factor Analysis

• Understand and apply measurement scales (Nominal, Ordinal, Interval and Ratio)
• Conduct pilot testing, reliability checks (Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability), and validity tests.
• Perform Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for item reduction and factor structure identification.
• Transition from EFA to CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis) to validate measurement models.
• Understand and apply measurement principles, including reliability and validity,

Tools & Resources

Mind-mapping platforms (e.g., MindMeister), SPSS, research proposal templates, and AI tools for conceptual mapping and question refinement.

Questionnaire & Scales: Qualtrics, Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, Scale handbooks.

AI Assistance: Developing Google form using AI , Elicit, Connected Papers for refining items and detecting redundancies.