Research Methodology Overview

Research Methodology

• Research is a process involving collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to answer questions.
• Research involves a systematic and careful study of a specific field of knowledge.
• Research aims to establish facts and principles.
• The process is structured, using acceptable scientific methodology.
• It creates new knowledge that is generally applicable.
• Scientific research involves a systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of relationships between phenomena.

Characteristics of Research

• Controlled: Minimizes the effects of other factors when exploring causality between variables.
• Rigorous: Procedures followed must be relevant, appropriate, and justified.
• Systematic: Procedures follow a logical sequence.
• Valid and Verifiable: Conclusions must be correct and verifiable by others.
• Empirical: Conclusions are based on gathered hard evidence from real-life experiences or observations.
• Critical: Procedures and methods employed must be scrutinized and foolproof to avoid drawbacks and withstand criticism.

Research Process

• Phase I (Deciding What to Research):

  • Formulating a research problem

• Phase II (Planning a Research Study):

  • Conceptualizing a research design
  • Constructing an instrument for data collection
  • Selecting a sample
  • Writing a research proposal

• Phase III (Conducting a Research Study):

  • Collecting data
  • Processing and displaying data
  • Writing a research report

Sources of Research Problems

• Most research in the humanities revolves around people, problems, programs, and phenomena.

Aspects of a Study

• Study Population: Individuals, organizations, groups, and communities.
• Subject Area (Problem): Issues, situations, associations, needs, and profiles.
• Subject Area (Programme): Contents, structure, outcomes, attributes, satisfaction, and providers.
• Subject Area (Phenomenon): Cause and effect, relationships, and the phenomenon itself.

Considerations in Selecting a Research Problem/Topic

• Interest: Personal interest in the topic.

• Magnitude: Manageability of the scope of the study.

• Measurement of concepts: The ability to measure the concepts effectively

• Level of Expertise: Researcher's existing knowledge and skills.

• Relevance: Significance and importance of the topic.

• Availability of data: Accessibility and adequacy of data needed for the study.

• Ethical issues: Ethical considerations related to the topic.

Overview of Research Methodology

• Variables to be measured:

  • Numerical (e.g., age, weight, income).
  • Categorical (e.g., outcome of a disease, recovery).
  • Dependent (e.g., used to describe or measure a problem under study).
  • Independent (e.g., assumed to cause or influence the problem).

• Confounding Variable: A variable associated with the problem and potential cause.

Pilot Studies

• A small preliminary study to assess feasibility, time, cost, adverse events, and variability.

• Predicts sample size and improves study design.

• Often uses 10% of the sample required for a full study.

• Reasons for Performing Pilot Studies:

  • Reduces time spent on interviews.
  • Assists in selecting appropriate sample.
  • Estimates time required for the study.
  • Assesses if research protocol is workable.
  • Identifies potential difficulties

Research Design

• A plan, structure, and strategy to address research questions/problems in the study.

• Includes a complete scheme or program to outline the course of the research.

• Includes outlining hypotheses and operational implications through final data analysis.

• Traditional Research Design:

  • Operationalizing variables.
  • Selecting a sample of interest.
  • Collecting data for hypothesis testing.
  • Analyzing results.

• Functions of a Research Design:

  • Establishes procedures and arrangements for the study.
  • Emphases quality in procedures (validity, objectivity, accuracy)
  • Operationalizes plan to complete tasks/procedures.
  • Provides adequate measures for valid, objective, and accurate answers to research questions.

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of research methodology, including the definition, characteristics, and aims of research. It emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach and the creation of new knowledge through rigorous and controlled investigation. Test your understanding of these core principles!