The seminar also discussed in detail, topics such as: “Research Problem Identification, Methodology, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Sampling Method, Research Design and Data Collection, Literature Review tools and Literature Database” among others..The Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. (Mrs.) Patricia Owusu Darko in her address said the programme was aimed at addressing the challenges facing postgraduate students in their research work. She noted that the programme was also intended to empower postgraduate students to complete their thesis early. She advised postgraduates to attend research seminars to help them acquire the skills of conducting research.
The presentations were facilitated by resource persons drawn from a wide range of expertise in the University. They included the Head of Department (HoD) of Centre for Social Science Research, Dr. John Agyei, the University Librarian Dr. Kwabena Osei Kuffour, Dr Ishmael Ayim is a Senior lecturer in the Department of Food Technology, Dr. Edem Cudjoe Bensah, a Senior Lecturer from Chemical Engineering Department and the Programmes Coordinator of Graduate School, Dr. Bismark Quarku Parker.
Presenting the topic “Research Problem Identification”, Dr. John Agyei told participants that a positive researcher aims to discover a set of laws that can be used to predict general patterns of behaviour. He further stated that a researcher ought to always check his or her topic constantly to determine whether the topics are in line with what they are doing.
Dr Ayim spoke on “Literature Review” and urged participants to be curious and read widely on their literature to formulate a directional hypothesis. “If you read your literature very well, you should formulate your research questions and hypotheses from the literature. In coming out with the research questions in quantitative research, you must also be clear about the variables of interest” he said.
Dr. Edem Cudjoe Bensah, from a chemical engineering perspective urged the participants on Research design and data collection to bring new perspectives to establish principles. However, he highlighted that unsolved problems or indicating directions for future research, are particularly welcome.
Dr. Kwabena Osei Kuffour on his part took the students through “Literature Review Tools” and urged the students to familiarise themselves with the literature of their research work to bring consistency in their writing. He advised the postgraduate students to always consider the genuineness of the information they want to present in their work and seek help from reliable people and credible references.
The seminar was chaired by the Dean of Graduate School, Dr. Patricia Owusu Darko. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Mike Agbesi Acheampong also graced the occasion. Others present were Mrs. Dinah Akrofi Ansah and it was moderated by Dr George Asumadu (Faculty Examination Officer).