0% found this document useful (0 votes)
35 views6 pages

Global Perspectives Research Skills Guide

Uploaded by

bb mg
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
35 views6 pages

Global Perspectives Research Skills Guide

Uploaded by

bb mg
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

INTRODUCTION TO LOWER CAMBRIDGE GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Cambridge Global Perspectives is a unique transformational programme


that helps students to develop transferable skills such as critical thinking,
research, problem solving, communication and collaboration.

KEY SKILLS/ COMPONENTS IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

• Research

• Analysis

• Evaluation

• Reflection

• Collaboration

• Communication

1. RESEARCH SKILL

Research - Research refers to the systematic and scientific investigation of


a topic or subject in order to discover something new or verify existing
knowledge.

It involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data through various


research methods such as;

• experiments

• surveys

• case studies

• observations

• interviews

The ultimate goal of research is to improve our understanding of the world


around us.

The Research question

A research question is a clear and focused inquiry that a researcher seeks


to answer through their study.
It is the foundation of any research project and guides the research

process.

Page 2 of 6
Formulating the Research Question

Qualities of a good research question

A good research question is an essential component of any research


project, and it should have the following qualities:

i) Specific: A good research question should be clearly defined and


specific, providing a focus for the research study.
ii) Present an issue and generate a debate.
iii) Allow exploration of global, national and local perspectives. iv)
Relevant: The research question should be relevant to the research
problem or topic.
v) Feasible/Researchable: A research question should be feasible to answer
with the available resources and time.
vi) Significant: The research question should have the potential to
contribute to knowledge and understanding in the field, and it
should be of interest to researchers and practitioners.
vii) Open-ended: A good research question should be open-ended,
meaning that it should allow for the exploration of different
perspectives and interpretations. Avoid using questioning words
like; Why? What? Where? Who? To begin the research question.
viii) Clear: A good research question should be stated clearly and
concisely, without any ambiguity or vagueness.
ix) Original: A good research question should be original, meaning that it
should not have been extensively studied before.

NB: A good research question should not be leading, contain bias or


give too many options.

Developing Research Skills

1. Primary Research

This enables the researcher to gain firsthand information/ account of


events or opinions about issues.
A primary research source is usually gained by talking with someone or
asking them to complete a survey or questionnaire about a topic.

Page 3 of 6
2. Secondary Research

This comes from secondary sources of information which are created after
a specific event by someone who did not experience it first-hand or is
reporting someone else’s viewpoint or opinion.

Sources of information

There are various sources of information that researchers can use to


conduct their research, including:

i) Primary sources: These are original sources of information that provide


first hand accounts or direct evidence of a topic.

E.g surveys, experiments, observations, and case studies.

ii) Secondary sources: These are sources that summarize or interpret


primary sources of information.

E.g books, academic journals, articles, and reports.

iii) Tertiary sources: These are sources that compile and organize
information from primary and secondary sources.

E.g encyclopedias, dictionaries, and textbooks.

iv) Online databases: These are electronic resources that provide access
to a wide range of articles, journals, books, and other academic
materials.

v) Websites: These are online resources that provide information on a


wide range of topics. It is important to carefully evaluate the
credibility and reliability of the website and its sources before
using them in research.

vi) Personal communications / Interviews : These are conversations or


exchanges with individuals who have relevant expertise or
experience in a particular topic. Examples include experts,
professionals, and stakeholders.

Page 4 of 6
2. ANALYSIS SKILL

What is Analysis?

Analysis refers to the process of breaking down a complex concept or


problem into smaller, more manageable parts in order to better
understand it.

Analysis involves the examination, interpretation, and evaluation of data,


information, or evidence in order to draw conclusions or make decisions
based on the results.

Issue

An issue is an important topic/ subtopic or problem for debate or


discussion. An issue often needs a solution. For example, the issue of
increased greenhouse gas emissions might be resolved by planting more
trees.

Perspectives

-A perspective refers to a particular point of view or way of looking at the


world, a situation, an event, or an idea.

a) Personal perspective

-A personal perspective is what you think about a topic/ issue as a result


of research findings.

-Your personal perspective can develop or change as you become more


informed about a topic/ issue.

-A personal perspective must be based on evidence otherwise, it is just an


opinion.

-A person's perspective can impact how they perceive the world around
them, how they interact with others, and how they make decisions.

- It can also affect their attitudes, behaviors, and emotions.


- Perspectives can vary widely, depending on factors such as age, gender,
education, socio-economic status, religion, and cultural background.

- Understanding different perspectives is important for developing


empathy, tolerance, and respect for diversity, and for promoting effective
communication and collaboration in various contexts.

Page 5 of 6
b) Global perspectives

- A global perspective refers to a broad and inclusive view of the world,


which takes into account diverse cultural, social, economic, and political
perspectives.

- It involves an awareness of global issues and challenges, and an


understanding of the interconnectedness of different regions, cultures,
and nations.

- A global perspective considers the impact of local actions on global


systems and vice versa. It helps individuals and organizations to
understand and navigate global challenges such as climate change,
poverty, migration, terrorism, and pandemics.

c) Local perspectives

- A local perspective refers to a view of the world that is focused on a


particular locality, region, or community.

- It is influenced by the unique cultural, social, economic, and political


characteristics of that place.

- A local perspective emphasizes the importance of local traditions, values,


and ways of life, and seeks to preserve and promote them.

- It also considers local needs, concerns, and issues, and seeks to address
them through local initiatives and solutions.

d) National perspective

-A national perspective refers to a view of the world that is focused on a


particular country and its interests, values, and policies.
- It is influenced by the unique political, economic, cultural, and social
characteristics of that country.

- A national perspective emphasizes the importance of national identity,


sovereignty, and security, and seeks to protect and promote them.

- It also considers national needs, concerns, and issues, and seeks to


address them through national initiatives and policies.

Page 6 of 6

Common questions

Powered by AI

Exploring global, national, and local perspectives in a research question is important because it ensures a comprehensive understanding of the issue at multiple levels. This approach acknowledges that issues are interconnected across scales and that solutions may require tailored strategies considering cultural, economic, and social dynamics. It helps in generating robust debates and fostering a deeper understanding of the context and potential impacts of the research findings .

Integration of diverse perspectives enhances problem-solving in global contexts by bringing multiple viewpoints and experiences to the table, fostering creativity and innovation. This diversity allows for comprehensive analyses and the development of solutions that are culturally sensitive and globally relevant. It helps to address complex issues effectively by considering various aspects and potential impacts, thus promoting sustainable and inclusive outcomes .

Understanding different cultural perspectives leads to more effective communication and collaboration in multicultural teams by fostering an environment of respect and tolerance. It allows team members to appreciate diverse viewpoints, preventing cultural misunderstandings and conflicts. This understanding enhances empathy, facilitates clearer communication, and encourages innovative problem-solving by incorporating varied approaches and insights, ultimately improving team dynamics and outcomes .

A global perspective plays a crucial role in addressing challenges like climate change and poverty by fostering an inclusive understanding of diverse cultural, social, economic, and political contexts. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of regions and nations, enabling coordinated efforts and initiatives that consider both local and global impacts. This perspective helps in devising comprehensive strategies that address root causes and enhance collaborative solutions .

Global and local perspectives are interrelated through the interconnectedness of cultural, social, economic, and political systems worldwide. Local actions, such as environmental policies or economic strategies, can have significant global impacts. For example, deforestation in one region may contribute to global climate change, affecting weather patterns and biodiversity worldwide. These perspectives help individuals and organizations to navigate global challenges like climate change and pandemics .

Communication and collaboration skills are central to the objectives of the Cambridge Global Perspectives program as they enable students to effectively share ideas, knowledge, and insights, fostering a collaborative learning environment. These skills support the development of critical thinking and problem-solving by facilitating discussions, debates, and joint decision-making processes. They enhance students' ability to work in diverse teams and navigate complex global issues collaboratively .

Primary sources provide firsthand information and direct evidence, allowing researchers to gather original data and insights, which is beneficial for authenticity and specificity in research. However, they can be time-consuming and resource-intensive to obtain. Conversely, secondary sources summarize or interpret primary data, offering a broader context and saving time, but they may lack the depth and detail of primary sources and can introduce biases based on the author's interpretation .

The Cambridge Global Perspectives program enhances students' research skills by engaging them in systematic and scientific investigations of topics or subjects. This involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data through various methods such as experiments, surveys, case studies, observations, and interviews. These skills are essential as they help improve understanding of the world and provide a foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and informed decision-making .

Personal perspectives influence an individual's understanding and interaction with the world by shaping how they perceive situations, events, and ideas. These perspectives affect attitudes, behaviors, and emotions, as well as interactions with others. They are influenced by factors such as age, gender, education, and cultural background. Understanding various perspectives is crucial for developing empathy, tolerance, and effective communication .

An effective research question should be specific, presenting an issue that generates debate and allows exploration of multiple perspectives. It must be relevant to the research problem, feasible to answer with available resources, significant to the field, open-ended to allow different interpretations, clear, and original. These qualities ensure the question provides a solid foundation for the research process, guiding the investigation towards meaningful conclusions .

You might also like