DCU 1008: RESEARCH

METHODS
(Lesson 1 & 2)
DR. NINAH MAKENA (PHD).
 Introduction to
Research:
Meaning of Scientific Research
• The word “research” is derived from the French
word "recherche", which means "to go about
seeking". The Main Aim of doing research is to
solve existing problems/generate new
knowledge.
• Several definitions of the word “research” according to different
scholars:
1. Research- is a fact-finding mission.
2.Research is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting
data for strategic decision making.
3. Research refers to efforts made by researchers to answer to questions
of concern by using systematic methods
4. Research methodology refers to scientific techniques against which
knowledge is measured/evaluated.
5.Researcher refers to a person eager/curious to know/discover
something. The work of the researcher is to collect, analyze, interpret and
present data
6. Scientific Research – is the knowledge generated by using systematic
approaches or techniques.
Objectives of Research
Research objectives:
1. Describe what the research is trying to achieve and
explain why it is being pursued .
2.They summarize the approach and purpose of the
project and help to focus the research.
3.Objectives should appear in the introduction of the
research paper, at the end of the problem statement.
Scientific method:
• Is the pursuit of truth as determined by logical considerations. The
ideal of science is to achieve a systematic interrelation of facts.
• Scientific method attempts to achieve "this ideal by
experimentation, observation, logical arguments from accepted
postulates and a combination of these three in varying proportions.
• In scientific method, logic aids in formulating propositions explicitly
and accurately so that their possible alternatives become clear.
• Further, logic develops the consequences of such alternatives, and
when these are compared with observable phenomena, it becomes
possible for the researcher or the scientist to state which alternative
is most in harmony with the observed facts.
• The scientific method is based on certain basic postulates/believes
which can be stated as:
• It relies on empirical evidence
• It utilizes relevant concepts
• It is committed to only objective considerations
• It aims at nothing but making only adequate and correct statements
about population objects
• It results into probabilistic predictions
• Its methodology is made known to all concerned for critical
outcome is for use in testing the conclusions through replication
• It aims at formulating most general axioms or what can be termed
as scientific theories
Basic terms in Research
• Knowledge refers to facts, information and skills acquired
through experience, observation, theory and experiment.
• Science refers to systematically organized body of
knowledge in specific area/subject
• Research problem refers to a specific issue of concern, event
or phenomenon or opportunity under investigation.
• Research Questions are efforts made to have a clear
understanding about a research problem.
• Research Objectives is the desired end/condition/ outcome
concerning a research problem under investigation
• Hypothesis- is a researchers’ educated guess of a phenomena or
problem.
• Null hypothesis- is a kind of hypothesis that rejects the relationship
between variables.
• Alternative hypothesis is kind of hypothesis that accepts the
relationship between variables.
• Variable- An attribute / characteristic/factor/entity that can change
if manipulated.
• Independent variable – is a factor that is manipulated in an
experiment to predict the change on the dependent variable.
• Dependent variable – is a factor that cannot be
manipulated in an experiment but rather
observed/measured.
• Parameters/Antecedents/Metrics/Indicators-are factors
which are used to measure a variable/explain it.
• Population – refers to the entire group of individuals,
events, or objects having a common observable
characteristic.
• Sample- refers to the representative of the whole
population. Further, it is the limited number subjects, object,
or respondent taken from a population.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
1.Applied research
Is a kind of research directed at solving problems facing
business organization such as competition, employee
turnover/periodical strikes etc. Applied research is carried on
to find solution to a real-life problem requiring an action or
policy decision. It is thus problem-oriented and action-
directed. It seeks an immediate and practical result, e.g.,
marketing research carried on for developing a new market
or for studying the post purchase experience of customers.
2.Basic/pure/fundamental research
Is a kind of research conducted with an aim of
discovering new knowledge. In can lead to
development of new theories. Pure research is
undertaken for the sake of knowledge without any
intention to apply it in practice, e.g., Einstein's theory
of relativity, Newton's contributions, Ga1i1eo's
contributions, etc. Pure research is also known as basic
or fundamental research. It is undertaken out of
intellectual curiosity or inquisitiveness
3.Quantitative research Is a kind of research where findings are
presented in form of figures such as mean scores and percentages. It is
easier to measure the results as compared to qualitative research.
4. Qualitative research Is type of research where findings are presented
in form of qualitative statements or words. It is hard to measure accuracy
of these statements.
5.Descriptive research Is type of research that includes surveys and fact-
finding enquiries of different kinds. It aims to describe the state of affairs
as it exists at present. It is the simplest type of research. It is more
specific than an exploratory study, as it has focus on particular aspects or
dimensions of the problem studied. It is designed to gather descriptive
information and provides information for formulating more sophisticated
studies. Data are collected by using one or more appropriate methods
like observation, interviewing and mail questionnaire.
Scientific Research Process –
Lesson Two
1 st Formulation the research problem Researchers can formulate a
research problem/topic from various sources such as previous
studies, media, personal experience, existing theories, observation
etc.
2 nd Formulation of Research Objectives/Questions/Hypothesis
Research objectives formulated should be based on the SMART
criteria. SMART is an acronym that denotes: Specific, Measurable,
Attainable, Realistic and Time bound. Research questions are
informed by research objectives.
3 rd Research Design Researchers should outline the overall plan of
collecting, analyzing and interpreting data.
4 th Data Collection Method Primary data can be collected using
observation forms, questionnaires, interviews and experiments while
secondary data can also be collected from published materials such as
reports.
5 th Data Analysis and Presentation After data collection, researchers
can analyze data using different methods. Data can be analysis using
two broad methods; namely:
(a) Quantitative Data Analysis Methods-Involves methods such as
descriptive analysis, regression analysis, factor analysis, cluster
analysis and non-discriminant analysis methods.
(b) Qualitative Data Analysis Methods-involve methods such as content
analysis method.
Further, the analyzed data can be presented in form of tables, graphs,
pie charts, histograms etc.
Merits/Advantages of Research
Research helps organizations to: Develop new products/improve
existing products and services
• Identify alternative ways of minimizing costs
• Venture into new markets
• Identify new ways of motivating workers
• Identify competitor weaknesses and strengths
• Understand customer needs and wants
• Predict problems
• Develop new strategies
DISADVANTAGES /DEMERITS
• It is costly venture
• It may lead to production of harmful goods and services
• It may lead to erosion of culture
• It requires trained professionals
• It is time consuming
• Sometimes it may be biased
• Findings may become obsolete due to fast-changing business trends
Research Problem-Meaning:
 The research problem/topic is a concise statement that
identifies the specific issue or question that the researcher
intends to investigate or explore in a research study.
 It sets the direction and focus of the research and serves as
the foundation for the research design and methodology.
 The research problem/topic should be relevant, significant,
and feasible to address within the available resources and
time frame.
Qualities of an effective
Research Topic
A good research topic has the following qualities:
a) It is researchable: That means it is a subject where
the research instruments can be easily formulated
and the study population sampled. The objectives
that will be formulated based on the topic are
measurable.
b) It captivates the interest of the researcher: The
topic selected should be one that the researcher has
an interest in.
c. It contributes to knowledge: A good research topic
is one in which the researcher is aware that the
findings of the study will contribute to the body of
knowledge.
d) It is provocative: It is open to varied views and
interpretations.
e) It is clear and focused: The topic is not vague or
alien to the researcher.
Factors influencing Problem
Selection
1. Personal Factors
The researcher’s choice of problem area reflects
personal preference and value judgment to find
solutions for a particular problem under investigation.
 Personal factors will determine the manner in which
the study will be conducted. Age, knowledge,
experience, skill are some of the personal factors
that can influence the choice of a research problem.
2. Social Factors: The researcher’s personal
history/background, attitude, perception, motivation
education, occupation are likely to influence the
problem selection.
3. Economic Factors: Money availability may provide
an opportunity to researcher to carry out a research
and vice versa.
4. Cultural Factors: Values, customs and beliefs may
influence the researcher’s way of selecting a problem.
Criteria of selecting a Research
Problem/Topic
a) Relevancy to the problem:
The research problem must be relevant to social work or
society at larger-in order to convince the subject.
b) Researchability of the problem area:
The research problem must be researchable. Problems that
exist within an empirical domain are susceptible evidence. So
solutions can be proved or disapproved by
observation/experiment.
Therefore, as a general rule, problems are researchable if they
can be resolved (the felt difficult can be eliminated or reduced)
by consideration of evidence and data.
c) Feasibility of the research problem:
The feasibility of investigating the problem area must
be determined based on the resources available.
These resources include: - Funds for expenses
- Access to data
- Expertise of the researcher.
- Time factor
- Cooperation of people who can facilitate or hinder
the study e.g. top management.
d) Ethical Acceptability:
The topic should not violate the values of the
majority:
• It considered the usefulness for the knowledge
sought.
• Some problem areas may generate knowledge that
is dangerous to the society.
• Therefore, ethical judgments that balance risks
against potential benefits must be made.