Research Methodology

Research methodology

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.
definition

research is a structured inquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to solve problems and creates new knowledge that is generally applicable.

‘scientific research is a systematic, controlled empirical and critical investigation of propositions about the presumed relationships about various phenomena’
Another definition

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:
The research process: characteristics and requirements


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 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
The Research Process:


PHASE III CONDUCTING A RESEARCH STUDY
Step VI Collecting data
Step VII Processing and displaying data
Step VIII Writing a research report

Most research in the humanities revolves around four Ps:

-people;
-problems;
-programs;
-phenomena.
Sources of research problems

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:
Considerations in selecting a research problem

Interest

Magnitude
Measurement of concepts
Level of expertise
Relevance
Availability of data
Ethical issues


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.

Overview of the research methodology’

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.


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
What is pilot study

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

Reasons for conducting pilot studies

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.
What is a research design?

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.

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.
The functions of a research design


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.

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