Research Methodology PDF

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  DEFINITION The word research is composed of two syllables, re and search. The dictionary defines the former as a prefix meaning again, anew or over again and the latter as a verb meaning to examine closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe. Together t...

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY  DEFINITION The word research is composed of two syllables, re and search. The dictionary defines the former as a prefix meaning again, anew or over again and the latter as a verb meaning to examine closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe. Together they form a noun describing a careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles. research is a structured inquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to solve problems and creates new knowledge that is generally applicable.  ANOTHER DEFINITION ‘scientific research is a systematic, controlled empirical and critical investigation of propositions about the presumed relationships about various phenomena’  THE RESEARCH PROCESS: CHARACTERISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS From these definitions it is clear that research is a process for collecting, analyzing and interpreting information to answer questions. But to qualify as research, the process must have certain characteristics: it must, as far as possible, be controlled, rigorous, systematic, valid and verifiable, empirical and critical. Let us briefly examine these characteristics to understand what they mean: Controlled: The concept of control implies that, in exploring causality in relation to two variables, you set up your study in a way that minimizes the effects of other factors affecting the relationship. Rigorous :You must be scrupulous in ensuring that the procedures followed to find answers to questions are relevant, appropriate and justified. Systematic : This implies that the procedures adopted to undertake an investigation follow a certain logical sequence. The different steps cannot be taken in a haphazard way. Some procedures must follow others. Valid and verifiable : This concept implies that whatever you conclude on the basis of your findings is correct and can be verified by you and others. Empirical : This means that any conclusions drawn are based upon hard evidence gathered from information collected from real-life experiences or observations. Critical : Critical scrutiny of the procedures used and the methods employed is crucial to a research inquiry. The process of investigation must be foolproof and free from any drawbacks. The process adopted and the procedures used must be able to withstand critical scrutiny.  THE RESEARCH PROCESS: The eight-step model for carrying out research PHASE I DECIDING WHAT TO RESEARCH Step I Formulating a research problem PHASE II PLANNING A RESEARCH STUDY Step II Conceptualizing a research design Step III Constructing an instrument for data collection Step IV Selecting a sample Step V Writing a research proposal  PHASE III CONDUCTING A RESEARCH STUDY Step VI Collecting data Step VII Processing and displaying data Step VIII Writing a research report SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS Most research in the humanities revolves around four Ps: - people; -problems; -programs; -phenomena.  CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM When selecting a research problem/topic there are a number of considerations to keep in mind which will help to ensure that your study will be manageable and that you remain motivated. These considerations are: Interest Magnitude Measurement of concepts Level of expertise Relevance Availability of data Ethical issues  OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY’ This may include the following: 1.Variable to be measured: a) numerical variable like age, wt. , income, distance. b) categorical variable like outcome of disease for instance: recovery, chronic manifestations or death. c)dependable variable: used to describe or measure problem under study. d) independent variable: used to describe or measure factors that are assumed to cause or influence the problem. e) confounding variable: a variable that is associated with problem, and with a possible cause. 2. study type and technique to be followed(design). 3.sampling method. 4.plan for data collection and for data analysis. 5.pretest or pilot study.  WHAT IS PILOT STUDY is a small scale preliminary study conducted in order to evaluate feasibility, time, cost, adverse events, and effect size (statistical variability) in an attempt to predict an appropriate sample size and improve upon the study design prior to performance of a full-scale research project. General guidelines, for example using 10% of the sample required for a full study  REASONS FOR CONDUCTING PILOT STUDIES 1- eliminate some variable to reduced time of Interview 2- select appropriate sample 3-model of interview 4-estimate the time needed 5-Assessing whether the research protocol is realistic and workable 6- to find potential difficulties  WHAT IS A RESEARCH DESIGN? A research design is a plan, structure and strategy of investigation so conceived as to obtain answers to research questions or problems. The plan is the complete scheme or programme of the research. It includes an outline of what the investigator will do from writing the hypotheses and their operational implications to the final analysis of data. A traditional research design is a blueprint or detailed plan for how a research study is to be completed—operationalizing variables so they can be measured, selecting a sample of interest to study, collecting data to be used as a basis for testing hypotheses, and analyzing the results.  THE FUNCTIONS OF A RESEARCH DESIGN A research design has two main functions. The first: relates to the identification and/or development of procedures and logistical arrangements required to undertake a study, The Second: emphasizes the importance of quality in these procedures to ensure their validity, objectivity and accuracy. Hence, through a research design you: 1 -conceptualize an operational plan to undertake the various procedures and tasks required to complete your study; 2- ensure that these procedures are adequate to obtain valid, objective and accurate answers to the research questions. Thank you