Research Methodology Assignment
1. a. 'Research is a continuum'. Discuss
The concept of "research as a continuum" refers to the idea that research progresses through
various interconnected stages rather than being a series of isolated activities.
The continuum is not limited to academics; it applies to courts and practitioners. Judicial
precedents evolve as new cases challenge established principles. For instance, in Brown v.
Board of Education (1954), the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the ‘separate but equal’ doctrine
established in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), reflecting a progression in understanding racial
equality.
This continuum can be understood in terms of different types of research, including basic,
applied, and translational research, Each phase built upon the findings of the previous,
enriching the discipline.
-Basic Research: This foundational stage focuses on understanding fundamental principles and
theories without immediate practical application. It often involves laboratory studies to explore
core scientific questions.
- Translational Research: This phase bridges the gap between basic research and practical
application. It seeks to translate scientific discoveries into real-world solutions, such as
developing new treatments or technologies.
- Applied Research: In this stage, researchers apply findings from basic and translational
research to solve specific problems or address particular needs in society.
This continuum illustrates how research evolves from theoretical exploration to practical
implementation, emphasizing the importance of each stage in contributing to overall knowledge
and societal advancement.
b. What are the benefits of Legal Research?
Legal research provides numerous benefits that are essential for both legal professionals and
the broader legal system:
- Understanding Legal Frameworks: It equips individuals with knowledge about laws,
regulations, and legal principles, forming a solid foundation for legal practice.
- Staying Updated: Legal research helps practitioners keep abreast of changes in laws and
court rulings, which is crucial for effective legal practice.
- Critical Thinking and Analysis: Engaging in legal research enhances analytical skills by
requiring individuals to dissect complex legal issues and evaluate arguments critically.
- Effective Communication: Legal research aids in drafting clear and persuasive legal
documents, improving overall communication skills essential for lawyers.
- Problem Solving: It enables lawyers to construct robust arguments based on precedent and
statutory interpretation, facilitating dispute resolution.
c. What is meant by the subject matter of legal research?
The subject matter of legal research typically encompasses three primary areas:
1. Statutory Interpretation: Understanding and interpreting laws enacted by legislative bodies.
2. Case Law Analysis: Examining judicial decisions to understand how laws are applied in
various contexts.
3. Legal Principles and Theories: Investigating foundational legal doctrines that guide judicial
reasoning and legislative processes.
Legal research focuses on these areas to uncover insights that can inform practice and
contribute to the development of law.
d. Is there a distinction between methods and methodology?
Yes, there is a significant distinction between methods and methodology:
- Methodology:refers to the overarching framework or theoretical approach guiding a research
project. It encompasses the rationale behind choosing specific methods and outlines how these
methods align with the research objectives.
- Methods, on the other hand, are the specific techniques or procedures used to collect data or
conduct analysis within the chosen methodology. Examples include surveys, interviews,
experiments, or observational studies.
In essence, methodology shapes the choice of methods used in research, influencing how data
is collected and interpreted.
e. Outline the types and categories of research that you know
Research can be categorized into various types based on different criteria:
- Basic Research: Focused on fundamental principles without immediate application.
- Applied Research: Aimed at solving specific problems using established theories.
- Quantitative Research: Involves numerical data analysis to identify patterns or test
hypotheses.
- Qualitative Research: Explores non-numerical data to understand concepts, thoughts, or
experiences.
- Mixed Methods Research: Combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches for
comprehensive analysis.
- Descriptive Research: Seeks to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon.
- Exploratory Research: Investigates new areas where little information exists.
- Causal Research: Aims to determine cause-and-effect relationships among variables.
f. Where is research usually conducted?
Research is typically conducted in various environments depending on its nature:
- Universities: Academic institutions often serve as primary sites for scholarly research across
disciplines.
- Research Institutes: Specialized organizations focus on specific fields such as health,
technology, or social sciences.
- Field Locations: Practical studies may occur in natural settings relevant to the subject matter
being researched.
- Laboratories: Controlled environments are used for experimental or scientific investigations.
g. What categories of persons desire research?g
Several categories of individuals seek out research opportunities:
- Students: Pursuing academic projects or theses as part of their educational requirements.
- Academics/Researchers: Engaged in advancing knowledge within their fields through scholarly
inquiry.
- Legal Professionals: Lawyers and paralegals conducting research to support case preparation
or legal arguments.
- Policy Makers: Individuals seeking data-driven insights to inform legislative decisions or public
policy initiatives.
- Business Professionals: Companies conducting market research to understand consumer
behavior and improve products/services.
2. a. What should a student consider in choosing a project topic?
When selecting a project topic, students should consider:
- Interest Level: Choose a topic that genuinely interests them to maintain motivation throughout
the project.
- Relevance: Ensure the topic addresses current issues or gaps in existing literature within their
field of study.
- Feasibility: Assess whether sufficient resources (time, materials, access) are available to
conduct thorough research on the topic.
- Scope: Define a clear scope that is neither too broad nor too narrow; it should be manageable
within the project's timeframe.
b. What are the essential elements of a good abstract?
A well-crafted abstract should include:
1. Purpose/Objective: Clearly state what the research aims to achieve.
2. Methods Used: Briefly describe the methodology employed in conducting the research.
3.Results/Findings: Summarize key findings or outcomes derived from the study.
4. Conclusions/Implications: Highlight the significance of the findings and their potential impact
on the field.
c. What are the uses of footnotes?
Footnotes serve several important purposes in academic writing:
- Citations: They provide references for sources cited within the text without interrupting its flow.
- Additional Information: Footnotes can offer supplementary explanations or context that may be
too lengthy for inclusion in the main text.
- Clarifications: They help clarify complex points without detracting from the primary narrative.
d. What is quotation in legal research? What are its uses? Is it coterminous with ellipsis?
In legal research, "quotation” refers to directly citing text from statutes, case law, or other legal
documents verbatim. Its uses include:
- Supporting arguments with authoritative sources.
- Providing precise language from relevant legal texts that may be critical for interpretation.
Quotations preserve exact wording from sources, aiding precision and authority. Ellipsis
indicates omissions within quotes and is not coterminous, as it serves a specific purpose within
the broader function of quotations.
Quotations are not coterminous with ellipsis, which involves omitting parts of a quoted text while
maintaining its meaning. Ellipsis is often used when quotations need to be shortened for clarity
without altering their original intent.
References
1. Garner, B.A., Black's Law Dictionary (11th edn, Thomson Reuters 2019).
2. Dicey, A.V., Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution (10th edn, Macmillan
1959).
3. Twining, W. and Miers, D., How to Do Things with Rules (5th edn, Cambridge University
Press 2010).
4. Garner, 2019, (p. 250).
5. Twining and Miers, 2010,(p.5).
