Choosing the right methodological approach is one of the most important —and sometimes most challenging— decisions in academic research. Should I use quantitative methods, qualitative methods, or both? Can I combine them? At what stage of the process? These are common questions for those beginning a thesis or research project and lead us to three…
I don’t know about you, but I’m a heavy Internet user. I’m on social media, I create content, I use artificial intelligence (AI), I make videos, I edit—you name it. But I’m starting to feel overwhelmed by this ocean of tools. It’s impossible to keep up, impossible to use them all. This feeling has its…
I find that the most effective formula for communicating ideas in an academic context is by using three key steps: statement, argument, and exemplification. In academia, it is essential to structure concepts, data, and examples in a coherent and well-supported manner. If each paragraph contains a clear statement, supported by a solid argument and enriched…
In today’s digital age, access to academic knowledge has never been more efficient or accessible. With a plethora of specialized academic search engines available, researchers can easily find relevant resources, ranging from peer-reviewed articles to dissertations, conference proceedings, and more. This guide will delve deeper into some of the most widely used academic search engines…
One of the most complex challenges in research is constructing the theoretical and conceptual framework. This comes after defining the research problem, objectives, and questions. The theoretical framework encompasses the analysis and synthesis of existing theories relevant to the research topic, while the conceptual framework focuses on defining and delimiting key concepts clearly and in…
Formulating a research problem is a crucial step in the scientific research process, as it defines the focus and direction of the study. This process begins with identifying a piece of concrete and verifiable evidence, followed by problematizing the situation, which includes formulating questions, identifying key concepts, and highlighting contradictions. Furthermore, a research problem must…
Definition of Academic Writing Academic writing is the style of communication used in educational and research contexts. It is characterized by clarity, precision, and formality, essential for effectively sharing knowledge within the relevant academic community. In academic writing, clarity is paramount. It must be accessible to the average reader, avoiding jargon and complex structures that…
What is a Case Study? A case study is a qualitative research strategy that involves an in-depth analysis of a phenomenon, event, person, or group in its real-life context. This methodology is used to gain a detailed and contextualized understanding of complex situations and is essential in qualitative research. Use of Case Studies in Different…
In the academic and professional spheres, originality and ethics in writing are fundamental to the development of authentic and reliable knowledge. The ability to present ideas and arguments in an innovative way not only reflects the competence and effort of the author but also enriches the academic discourse as a whole. However, plagiarism, defined as…
Many of my students ask me how to know if the topic they want to investigate is coherent with the program, master’s, or doctorate they are pursuing. It’s a complex question that requires a broad answer. Here is my reflection on the matter. Educational research is a dynamic and diverse field that seeks to understand…