Research Methodology

LECTURE 1 – INTRODUCTION TO
RESEARCH

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023

 Learning Objectives
2

 After completing this chapter, the student should be

able to:
1. Define research in general and Scientific research in
particular.
2. Reasons for doing research; what motivates people to
research
3. Enumerate the characteristics of research and what research
is not.
4. Identify the reasons for undertaking research.
5. Identify the different types of research.
6. Be conversant with the broad categories of research
7. Describe the (steps) involved in designing a research plan.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
 Definition of Research
3

 Is a detailed study of a subject, especially in order to

discover (new) information or reach a (new)
understanding. [Cambridge dictionaries online]

 Briefly, research is defined as systematic and goal

oriented study of a phenomenon.
 It is an objective analysis of events that aims to avail
information that can be a basis for formulation of
principles, theories, laws and predictions of future
events backed up by findings.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
 Further Definitions of Research
4

 It is the systematic collection, analysis and

interpretation of data to generate new knowledge
and answer a certain question or solve a problem.
 It is a process through which we attempt to achieve
systematically and with a support data the answer
to a question, or a resolution to a problem.
 Research is the search for knowledge or any
systematic investigation to establish facts.
(Wikipedia’s definition).

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023

 Further Definitions of Research
5

 Research is the systematic process of collecting and

analyzing information to increase our understanding
of the phenomenon under study (Pearson’s
definition).
 The researcher increases the understanding of the
phenomenon and communicates that understanding
to others.
• Research is a creation of a new knowledge.
• Research is an organized and systematic way of
finding answers to questions.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
 Explanation of Key Terms
6

Research is;
• Organized- There is a structure or method in
doing research. It is a planned procedure not a
spontaneous one. It is focused and limited to a
specific scope.

• Systematic- Research follows a set of procedures

and steps. There are certain things in the research
process which are always done in order to get the
most accurate results.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
Explanation Of Key Terms Cont’d…
7

• Questions- These are central to research. If there is

no question, the answer is of no use. Without a
question, research has no focus, drive or purpose.

• Finding answers- This is the end of all research.

Whether it is an answer to a hypothesis or even a
simple question, research is successful when we find
answers that are either positive or negative.
• Indeed, research is a very long process that
requires patience and a lot of endurance.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
 Characteristics Of Good
Research
8

 Research is systematic. From the beginning to the end,

pre-established rules & regulations should be
followed.

 Research is an activity based on the work of others.

Note that this does not mean that you copy the
work of others (that is plagiarism), but you always
look at the work that has already been done to
provide a basis for the subject of your research and
how you might conduct your own work.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
 Characteristics Of Good
Research Cont’d
9

 Good research is generalizable to other similar

settings.

 Research generates new questions or is cyclical in

nature. This means answering one question leads to
generating many other new questions.

 Research is an activity that should be undertaken

for the betterment of the society.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
 Characteristics Of Good Research
Cont’d 10

 Research requires the collection and interpretation

of data in problem resolution.
 Research is empirical. This means that any conclusions
drawn are based upon hard evidence gathered from
information from real life experiences or
observations.
 ‘Empirical’ comes from the Greek empeiria, meaning
“knowledge based on experience and observation”
(Gummesson, 2000: 64)
 Research should be feasible: i.e. achievable
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
 What Research Is Not
11

 If the above attributes make good research, what is bad

research? It takes the opposite approach of all the things
stated above. In summary, bad research is;
 Plagiarizing other peoples work

 Falsifying data to prove a point

 Misrepresenting information and misleading

participants
 Providing in-adequate references for your work

 Unfortunately, there are researchers whose work is

characterized by these practices.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
 Reasons For Doing Research
12

 Obtain a (higher) degree, or promotion (this mainly applies

to the academic career).
 To acquire new knowledge.
 To find answers to questions.
 To solve a problem in the practical world.
 Enhance critical skills in communication, independent
thinking, creativity and problem-solving.
 To find out what happens e.g.. what happens when a new
computer is put into real-world use. (this is usually in
business organizations who want to test their new
products or processes)
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
 Reasons For Doing Research
13
 To contribute to other people's well-being e.g. making an
interface for older people or disabled people.
 To contribute to personal needs e.g. move up ladder in
career.
 To test or disprove a theory E.g. parents worry that
computers influence kids negatively; researchers can prove
or disprove this theory.
 To create more interest in the researcher
– Attend conferences
– To get intellectual joy
– Get interviewed on TV/radio
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
 Whatever The Reason…..
14

 Research should lead to the creation of new

knowledge…

WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR DOING

RESEARCH...?

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023

 Qualities Of A Good Researcher
15

 Goal oriented and conducts his research with a

purpose within ethical standards.
 Dedicated and full of perseverance; he must be able
to endure the problems associated with research
such as financial, social, political.
 He/she should have well documented findings for
verification purposes.
 Has intellectual humility and accepts defeat where
necessary.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023

 Qualities Of A Good Researcher
16

 He avoids plagiarism. i.e. using another persons’ work

in research without citing the source.
 Should not publish his findings not until he is sure
and satisfied by its completeness.
 Does not draw conclusions based on rumors or
personal opinion without proper investigation into
an issue.
 Should not be driven by profit motives but a desire
to discover facts and present them as they are.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023

 Major Problems Faced By
Researchers
17

 Lack of recognition.

 Lack of appropriate infrastructure.

 Inadequate funding.

 Lack of trust.

 Research demands a lot of time and effort.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023

 Designing a Research Plan
19

 A research plan helps you to manage your time as a

researcher.
 Research involves several activities e.g. reading,
working, writing, reflecting, & even relaxing!
 Time allocation to the activities involved in your
research is vital.
 But the time you allocate to some of the activities
varies with the type of research or research area/
discipline you are working on.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023

 Steps Involved in Designing a
Research Plan
20

1. Create a complete list of tasks in your research

2. Arrange the tasks in a logical, sequential order
3. Assign an approximate and reasonable time period
against each task
• If you do this using project management software,
you can see the tasks on critical path.
4. Convert your schedule into a calendar
5. Develop a more detailed research plan, describing
the actual research methodology in a little more
detail
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023
 Chapter Review Questions
21

1. Define the word research.

2. What are the Characteristics Of Good Research?
3. What are the Qualities Of A Good Researcher?
4. What are the Major Problems Faced By
Researchers?
5. Examine the use of research in the world today.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023

 End Of Chapter One
22

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING

NEXT: LECTURE TWO:

RESEARCH TYPES AND RESEARCH DESIGN

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 7/4/2023