International Association of Educators   |  ISSN: 2834-7919   |  e-ISSN: 1554-5210
International Journal of Progressive Education
International Association of Educators

Original article | International Journal of Progressive Education 2023, Vol. 19(5) 97-109

Am i a Competent Researcher?: Reflections from Novice Researchers

Buket Turhan Türkkan, İnanç Eti & Betül Karaduman

pp. 97 - 109   |  DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/ijpe.2023.603.7   |  Manu. Number: MANU-2208-01-0001.R1

Published online: October 16, 2023  |   Number of Views: 129  |  Number of Download: 263

Save PDF

Abstract

This study aims to explore the methodological preferences, research practices, and research competencies of novice educational researchers. 11 novice researchers working at a state university in the southern part of Turkey were requested voluntarily. The data for the study were collected using a semi-structured interview. In the data analysis, inductive content analysis was used. The findings were organized into three themes: research method preference, research practices and applications, and novice researchers' research skills competencies. Novice researchers prefer three different research methods. Participants define the research problems according to personal interests, the needs of society, and literature review. The practices and applications of researchers in sampling, data collection, analysis, validity-reliability and ethics were revealed. Lastly, the research skill competencies were explored. The findings provide an understanding of the novice researchers' research process. In conclusion, novice researchers should be supported in their research skills.

Keywords: Educational Research, Methodological Preferences, Research Competency, Novice Researchers.

How to Cite this Article?

APA 6th edition
Turkkan, B.T., Eti, I. & Karaduman, B. (2023). Am i a Competent Researcher?: Reflections from Novice Researchers . International Journal of Progressive Education, 19(5), 97-109. doi: 10.29329/ijpe.2023.603.7

Harvard
Turkkan, B., Eti, I. and Karaduman, B. (2023). Am i a Competent Researcher?: Reflections from Novice Researchers . International Journal of Progressive Education, 19(5), pp. 97-109.

Chicago 16th edition
Turkkan, Buket Turhan, Inanc Eti and Betul Karaduman (2023). "Am i a Competent Researcher?: Reflections from Novice Researchers ". International Journal of Progressive Education 19 (5):97-109. doi:10.29329/ijpe.2023.603.7.
References
  1. Abulela, M. A., & Harwell, M. (2020). Data analysis: Strengthening inferences in quantitative education studies conducted by novice researchers. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 20(1), 59-78. DOI: 10.12738/jestp.2020.1.005 [Google Scholar]
  2. Adams, E. (2016). Untraining educational researchers. Research in Education, 96(1), 6-11. [Google Scholar]
  3. Aitchison, C., Catterall, J., Ross, P., & Burgin, S. (2012). ‘Tough love and tears’: Learning doctoral writing in the sciences. Higher Education Research & Development, 31(4), 435-447. [Google Scholar]
  4. Ali, A., & Pandya, S. (2021). A four stage framework for the development of a research problem statement in doctoral dissertations. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 16(1), 469-485. [Google Scholar]
  5. American Psychological Association (2009). Amerikan Psikoloji Derneği yazım kılavuzu (5. bs.). (C. Pamay, & Z. G. Üstün, Trans.; H. Ekşi, Ed.). Kaknüs Yayınları. (Original work published 2001) [Google Scholar]
  6. Balaban, C. (2017). "The flexible ‘knowledge worker’: Figures of the PhD fellow in the EU." In C. Balaban, & S. Wright (Eds.), European Governance and Doctoral Education: The ‘Knowledge Worker’ in the EU (pp.7-10). UNIKE Notes on Doctoral Education No 4. http://eurodoc.net/sites/default/files/attachments/2017/202/4europeangovernanceanddoctoraleducationtheknowledgeworkerintheeu2017.pdf  [Google Scholar]
  7. Baştürk, S., & Taştepe, M. (2013). Evren ve örneklem. In S. Baştürk (Ed.), Bilimsel araştırma yöntemleri,  (pp.129- 159), Vize Yayınları. [Google Scholar]
  8. Bologna Process. (2003). Realising the European higher education area. http://www.ehea.info/media.ehea.info/file/2003_Berlin/28/4/2003_Berlin_Communique_English_577284.pdf [Google Scholar]
  9. Boote, D. N., & Beile, P. (2005). Scholars before researchers: On the centrality of the dissertation literature review in research preparation. Educational researcher, 34(6), 3-15. [Google Scholar]
  10. Bozan, M. (2012). Lisansüstü eğitimde nitelik arayışları. Sosyal ve Beşeri Bilimler Dergisi, 4(2), 177-187. [Google Scholar]
  11. Brindley, G. (1991). Becoming a researcher: Teacher-conducted research and Professional growth. In Sadtono, E. (ed.), Issues in language teacher education. Singapore: Regional Language Centre, 89–105. [Google Scholar]
  12. Büyükgöze, H., & Gün, F. (2017). Building the professional identity of research assistants: A phenomenological research. Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 17(1), 237-263. DOI: 10.12738/estp.2017.1.0216. [Google Scholar]
  13. Christian, K., Johnstone, C., Larkins, J. A., Wright, W., & Doran, M. R. (2021). Research culture: A survey of early-career researchers in Australia. Elife, 10, e60613. DOI:10.7554/eLife.60613 [Google Scholar]
  14. Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education (8th ed.). Routledge. [Google Scholar]
  15. Creswell, J. W. (2002). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (4th ed.). Pearson. [Google Scholar]
  16. Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (2nd ed.). Sage. [Google Scholar]
  17. Ellis, T. J., & Levy, Y. (2008). Framework of problem-based research: A guide for novice researchers on the development of a research-worthy problem. Informing Science, 11, 17-32.  [Google Scholar]
  18. Ellis, T. J., & Levy, Y. (2009). Towards a Guide for Novice Researchers on Research Methodology: Review and Proposed Methods. Issues in Informing Science & Information Technology, 6, 323-337. [Google Scholar]
  19. Evans, L. (2010). Developing the European researcher:‘extended’professionality within the Bologna Process. Professional Development in Education, 36(4), 663-677. [Google Scholar]
  20. Feuer, M. J., Towne, L., & Shavelson, R. J. (2002). Scientific culture and educational research. Educational Researcher, 31(8), 4-14. [Google Scholar]
  21. Gardner, S. K. (2009). The development of doctoral students--phases of challenge and support. ASHE Higher Education Report, 34(6), 1-127. [Google Scholar]
  22. Giddens, A. (1986). Action, subjectivity, and the constitution of meaning. Social Research, 53(3), 529-545. [Google Scholar]
  23. Glesne, Corrine. 2013. Nitel araştırmaya giriş [Becoming qualitative researchers 4th ed.] (A. Ersoy, & P. Yalçınoğlu, Trans. Eds.). Anı. (Original work published 2011) [Google Scholar]
  24. Henson, R. K., Hull, D. M., & Williams, C. S. (2010). Methodology in our education research culture: Toward a stronger collective quantitative proficiency. Educational Researcher, 39(3), 229-240. [Google Scholar]
  25. Holmes, A. G. D. (2020). Researcher positionality: A consideration of its influence and place in qualitative research - A new researcher guide. Shanlax International Journal of Education, 8(4), 1-10. [Google Scholar]
  26. Jazvac-Martek, M., Chen, S., & McAlpine, L. (2011). Tracking the doctoral student experience over time: Cultivating agency in diverse spaces. In McAlpine, L., & Amundsen, C. (Eds.), Doctoral education: Research-based strategies for doctoral students, supervisors and administrators (pp. 17-36). Springer. [Google Scholar]
  27. Kalman, M. (2019). It requires interest, time, patience and struggle: Novice researchers’ perspectives on and experiences of the qualitative research journey. Qualitative Research in Education, 8(3), 341–377. DOI: 10.17583/qre.2019.4483 [Google Scholar]
  28. Kamler, B., & Thomson, P. (2014). Helping doctoral students write: Pedagogies for supervision.  (2nd ed.). Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9781315813639 [Google Scholar]
  29. Karadağ, E. (2010). Eğitim bilimleri doktora tezlerinde kullanılan araştırma modelleri: Nitelik düzeyleri ve analitik hata tipleri. Kuram ve Uygulamada Eğitim Yönetimi, 1(1), 49-71. [Google Scholar]
  30. Kennedy, M. M. (1997). The connection between research and practice. Educational researcher, 26(7), 4-12. [Google Scholar]
  31. Kerlinger, F. N., & Howard B. L. (2000). Foundations of behavioral research (4th ed.). Harcourt College Publishers. [Google Scholar]
  32. Jean Lee, S. K. (1992). Quantitative versus qualitative research methods—Two approaches to organisation studies. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 9(1), 87-94. [Google Scholar]
  33. Mantai, L. (2017) Feeling like a researcher: Experiences of early doctoral students in Australia. Studies in Higher Education, 42(4), 636-650. [Google Scholar]
  34. McAlpine, L., & Amundsen, C. (2011). Making meaning of diverse experiences: Constructing an identity through time. In McAlpine, L., & Amundsen, C. (Eds.), Doctoral education: Research-based strategies for doctoral students, supervisors and administrators (pp. 173-183). Springer. [Google Scholar]
  35. McMillan, J. H. (2004). Educational research: Fundamentals for the consumer. Pearson Education. [Google Scholar]
  36. Merriam, S. B. 2013. Qualitative Research and Case Study Applications in Education. Revised and Expanded from Case Study Research in Education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers [Google Scholar]
  37. Merriam, S. B., & Elizabeth J. T. (2015). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. John Wiley and Sons. [Google Scholar]
  38. Mills, G. E.,& Gay, L. R.  (2012). Educational research: Competencies for analysis and applications. Pearson [Google Scholar]
  39. Morse, J. M. (1991). Strategies for sampling. In J. M. Morse (Ed.), Qualitative nursing research: A contemporary dialogue (pp. 127-145). Newbury Park, CA: Sage. [Google Scholar]
  40. Morse, J. M. (2000). Determining sample size. Qualitative Health Research, 10(1), 3-5. [Google Scholar]
  41. Nicholas, D., Watkinson, A., Boukacem‐Zeghmouri, C., Rodríguez‐Bravo, B., Xu, J., Abrizah, A., ... & Herman, E. (2019). So, are early career researchers the harbingers of change?. Learned Publishing, 32(3), 237-247. [Google Scholar]
  42. Niemczyk, E. K. (2018). Developing globally competent researchers: an international perspective. South African Journal of Higher Education, 32(4), 171-185. [Google Scholar]
  43. Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Daniel, L. G. (2003). Typology of analytical and interpretational errors in quantitative and qualitative educational research. Current issues in Education, 6(2), 1-33. [Google Scholar]
  44. Pring, R. (2001). The virtues and vices of an educational researcher. Journal of Philosophy of Education, 35(3), 407-421. [Google Scholar]
  45. Saudelli, M. G., & Niemczyk, E. K. (2020). Revealing moments of mentorship: Social exchanges between a graduate research assistant and a professor. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 66(4), 454-470. [Google Scholar]
  46. Timmerman, B. C., Feldon, D., Maher, M., Strickland, D., & Gilmore, J. (2013). Performance-based assessment of graduate student research skills: Timing, trajectory, and potential thresholds. Studies in Higher Education, 38(5), 693-710. [Google Scholar]
  47. Toptaş, B., Şahin-Kürşad, M., & Çokluk-Bökeoğlu, Ö. (2018). Araştırma görevlilerinin araştırma problemleri belirlerken izledikleri yol ve karşılaştıkları güçlükler: Nitel bir çalışma. Current Research in Education, 4(2), 48-61. [Google Scholar]
  48. Towns, J., Cockerill, T., Dahan, M., Foster, I., Gaither, K., Grimshaw, A., ... & Wilkins-Diehr, N. (2014). XSEDE: accelerating scientific discovery. Computing in Science & Engineering, 16(5), 62-74. [Google Scholar]
  49. Tuli, F. (2010). The basis of distinction between qualitative and quantitative research in social science: Reflection on ontological, epistemological and methodological perspectives. Ethiopian Journal of Education and Sciences, 6(1),97-108. DOI: 10.4314/ejesc. v6i1.65384. [Google Scholar]
  50. Turkish National Higher Education Council. (2021). YÖK “2020 yılı üniversite izleme ve değerlendirme raporlarını” yayımladı. Retrived from https://www.yok.gov.tr/Sayfalar/Haberler/2021/2020-universite-izleme-ve-degerlendirme-raporlari-aciklandi.aspx on December 15, 2021. [Google Scholar]
  51. Yin, R. K. (2003). Case Study Research: Design and Methods (3rd ed.). London: Sage Publications. [Google Scholar]
  52. Ward, A. W., Hall, B. W., & Schramm, C. F. (1975). Evaluation of published educational research: A national survey. American Educational Research Journal, 12(2), 109-128. [Google Scholar]
  53. Weitzman, E. A. (1999). Analyzing qualitative data with computer software. Health Services Research, 34(5), 1241-1263. [Google Scholar]
  54. Willison, J., & O’Regan, K. (2007). Commonly known, commonly not known, totally unknown: A framework for students becoming researchers. Higher Education Research & Development, 26(4), 393-409. [Google Scholar]
Download
Metric
History
Related

Volume 19 Issue 5

October 2023

All Articles

International Journal of Progressive Education

International Association of Educators.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License.
Privacy policy     |     Terms of Use     |     Use of Cookies
Creative Commons Lisansı
© 2012 - 2024 - THDSoft e-Journal Management System.