Use of Top Down and Bottom Up approaches in Library and Information Management (LIM) research with particular reference to the identification of a research problem: A best method for undergraduate and postgraduate study programs.

Abstract

Identification of a research problem has been considered as one of the difficult functions of the whole research process in a given field. Research problem and the research title are considered as two sides of a single coin that give a value for researching. Writing style of a research problem is different from its research title. In the advanced research process, first activity is the identification of a research problem while formulating a research title is secondary to it. Many novices including experienced researchers faced a challenge in this Research Problem Identification Process (RPIP). The principal purpose of this study is to explore how to apply top down and bottom up approaches in identifying a research problem. Other objectives are to examine the strategies applying in top down approach in RPIP, to investigate the strategies applying the bottom up approach in RPIP and to identify the best approach in RPIP in LIM. Method used a mixed method of research and the data collected through literature survey and their content analysis, experience matching, action research and followed by the observation. Strategy like getting hold or clutching of a research clue or research problem from a teacher or from any other person belongs to top down approach. Many students and novices are mindful of this strategy, which is not excessively appropriate. If a novice or student tends to deduce a research problem on his or her inner mind or self-observing or self-though it is considered as bottom up approach strategy, which is much appropriate. A student or a novice should apply techniques like literature survey and literature review for filtering a plausible research hints and research problem in this case. For this purpose, Database Search Approach (DSA) is time important. The best sources for LIM researchers are the scholarly articles and the quality theses and research reports. These strategies are belonged to bottom up approach. Books particularly the textbooks are not a worthy type of source in literature survey. Choice in the area of research problem, place of work and its internal and external environments, lessons belongs to study courses and ideas and hints given by the teachers of study programs, ideas of peer groups, seminar and conference approach which mean invisible college source approach, industry approach which means that research clues, hints or research problems are taking from libraries, information science organizations in a given country are belonging to bottom up approach. When a research clue or a research problem is instituted, discussion with a senior researcher or a teacher, peer groups is appropriate. In this case, Research Problem or Title Defense Strategy (RPRTDS) should be used. RPRTDS means a group discussion with a gathering of experience senior researchers or teachers with all peer students either undergraduate or postgraduate. Students do not prepare PowerPoint presentation at this stage and they do just a face-to-face discussion. After obtaining an approval in this gathering, the secondary method is asking all students to prepare a presentation using PowerPoint or any other method. After its approval, all students should be asked to submit a research proposal duly endorsed and signed by the supervisors appointed for each students. In this proposal construction stage, the role of genuine intervention of the appointed supervisor or guide is compulsorily and ethically needed.