INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS

By

ONDABU IBRAHIM TIRIMBA

MKU HARGEISA CAMPUS

Research Topic Selection

Research Topic SelectionSource of Research TopicsCharacteristics of good research topic• Access to data• Achievable in available time• Student capabilities & interest• Financial support• Value & scope of research

SOURCES FOR RESEARCH TOPICS

Part time students may derive their research topics from existing work experience or consulting work or

From articles in professional and academic journals or

From unsupported assertions from the media, authorities, established researchers etc. or

Comments by experts, authorities or managers about lack of research in particular areas or

Suggestions by previous research for further studies in the area.

WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A proposal is: A work plan A prospectus An outline of activities A statement of intent A draft

A proposal is a road map showing clearly: The location from which a journey begins The destination to be reached The method of getting there.

WHAT IS A PROPOSAL cont.

A research proposal must also:

Tell us what, why, how, where and to whom the research will be done (the proponents).

Show the benefits of doing the research.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL?

To present a management or policy question to be researched and relate its importance.

(Problem statement, research question & importance).

To discuss the research efforts of others who have worked on related management questions.

(Literature review).

To suggest the data necessary for solving the management question and how the data will be gathered, treated & interpreted.

(Research design).

COMPONENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL A research proposal consist of three major chapters: Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Literature review Chapter 3: MethodologyOther sections include; 1. the abstract or the executive summary, 2. the references or bibliography, 3. implementation schedule (time plan), 4. implementation budget and 5. the appendices.

SPONSOR/SUPERVISOR RELATED PERSPECTIVES

The proposal allows the sponsor/supervisor to:

Asses the researcher’s purpose, clarity of design, extent of relevant material.

Compare research project results with the proposal.

Discuss with researcher until research question is understood & agreed upon

Proposal development process

Idea development

Researcher provides management question and research question

Researcher elaborates research questions into investigative questions

Researcher explores

alternative approaches

Researcher refines res. question

Supervisor and researcher discuss the proposal, clarify and redefine the problem and objectives of the research proposal

Researcher prepares the

proposal

Supervisor peruse through the proposal

Supervisor approves the proposal

Proposal submitted

RESEARCH PROJECT QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

Expected to produce quality projects that: Make contribution to the knowledge in the

discipline. Address current practitioner problems of

interest. Demonstrate a mastery of a specialization area

within a degree program. Reflect the integration of practice and

scholarship. Are of publishable quality

THE RESEARCH SPONSOR

All research has a sponsor in one form or another:

In a corporate setting, management sponsors research

In an academic environment, the student is responsible to the class instructor

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSAL TO A RESEARCHER?

Allows the researcher to plan and review the project’s steps

Serves as a guide throughout the investigation

Forces time and budget estimates

EVALUATING THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Proposal must be neatly written in appropriate writing style

Major topics should be easily found and logically organized

Proposal must meet specific guidelines set by the sponsor

Technical writing style must be clearly understood and explained

start

STRUCTURE OF THE PROPOSAL

• Key parts of a proposal Frontal page matters Chapter 1 - Introduction Chapter 2 - literature review Chapter 3 - materials and methods Work plan Budget estimates Reference Appendix

PRELIMINARY LITERATURE REVIEW

Based on at least three key factors: Disciplinary background work done for graduate

study. Professional background work done for

employment or business. Process for research of topic.o Previous class papers or projects.o During this course.o After this course.

FRONT MATTERS SEQUENCE

Research Project Title (i but not paginated) Student’s Declaration (paginated as ii) Dedication (Optional and paginated as iii) Acknowledgement (paginated as iv) Table of content (paginated as v) Abbreviations and Acronyms (paginated as vi) List of Tables (if more than 4 tables used in text and

paginated as vii) List of Figures (if more than 4 figures used in text and

paginated as viii) Abstract/Executive Summary (paginated as ix)

THE ABSTRACT/EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (for a proposal)

Purpose of the study and Research Questions/Objectives

A justification of the studyA summary of the Research methodology Research Design Population Sampling design• Sampling frame, technique, Sample size Proposed Data collection Methodology Proposed Data Analysis Techniques

THE ABSTRACT/EXECUTIVE SUMMARY(for a project or thesis)

The abstract is similar to an executive summary. Purpose of the abstract is to provide: Purpose of study (problem) & research questions or

specific objectives. Research methodology Major findings and conclusions Major recommendation or suggestions for

improvement.To be approx. 300 - 400 words.Typically completed after five chapters/sections have

been written but presented after “front matter material” (it follows the order; front matter > abstract > body of text).

THE ABSTRACT/EXECUTIVE SUMMARY cont.

It provides the reader with essentials of a proposal without having to read details

It should therefore include a brief statement of the following items:

1. Management problems or question.2. Research questions or objectives.3. Significance of the study.4. Methodology (about half a page)5. Results/findings6. Conclusions7. Recommendations

CHAPTER ONE(sample 1)

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the problem 1.2 Statement of the Problem 1.3 Purpose of the study 1.4 Research Questions 1.5 Importance of the study 1.6 Scope of the study 1.7 Definition of Terms 1.8 Chapter summary

CHAPTER ONE(sample 2)

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the problem 1.2 Introduction of the topic 1.3 Purpose of the study 1.4 Importance of the study 1.5 Any other important matters 1.6 Chapter summary

1. BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM

3 - 4 pagesResearcher defines the context of study by

brief discussion of 3 key things: Key theoretical approaches & findings

reported from previous studies Trends related to problem, unresolved issues,

and social concerns. Authoritative source & citations.

2. THE PROBLEM STATEMENT

It should: Capture the reader’s attention by providing the problem,

its background, its consequences, and resulting question. Include any restrictions or areas not to be covered plus

references. It is a clear & precise statement of gap(s) from previous

research studies. It should describe the need for the research project in

terms of knowledge gap to be filled. Must be supported by authoritative sources and

citations.

2. THE PROBLEM STATEMENT cont.

Problem statement should not: Be too broadly defined not to be adequately covered in

study Use idioms, clichés, acronyms, etc.

It must clearly distinguish the primary problem from related problems.

3. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY(general objectives)

Addresses major research objectiveShould emphasize practical outcome or products of

study.Example: “The purpose of this study was to determine

(measure, examine, evaluate) the factors that influence entrepreneurial behavior in family business”.

One sentence (and not more than three)

4. RESEARCH QUESTION or OBJECTIVE (completeness)

The research question/objective must provide a complete picture of the research being proposed.

In descriptive studies, objectives can be stated as research questions.,

In casual studies, objectives can be stated as hypothesis.

RESEARCH QUESTION/OBJECTIVE(sequence) the research question/must flow naturally

from problem statement by: Giving specific, concrete, and achievable

goals. Either listing questions/objectives in:

Order of importance, or general terms first and then moving to specifics

(i.e., research question followed by investigative question).

4. RESEARCH QUESTION/OBJECTIVE(consistency)

The research question/objective is the basis for judging the consistency of the remainder of the proposal & ultimately, the final report. You must verify for consistency that the research

question/objective is included (followed throughout) in:The research designThe literature reviewThe data analysisThe results sections

5. IMPORTANCE/ BENEFITS OF STUDY

Describe explicit benefits of the study. Cover all relevant stakeholders (theory, applied,&

policy). If difficult to write, then problem is not adequately

clarified. Requires understanding of the problem by:

Showing the importance and implication of study to problem (the can & can’t do).

Convincing that the plan will meet the demands of the research.

6. RESEARCH DESIGN (SCOPE OF STUDY)

Describes the focus of the study to enable a reader to make generalizations of findings Includes types of research (research design).

Should address limitations of research. Geographical coverage. Population or subjects. Time period involved (e.g., last decade)

Note : Limitations should not be in terms of researcher’s time or financial constraints.

7. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Define: Unusual terminologies Unusual concepts Not about acronyms

Definitions to be based on: Authoritative or established source or references.

8. CHAPTER SUMMARY

Provides a synopsis of major contents of chapter including: The purpose. Importance/ justification. Scope

A brief description of remaining chapters.

CHAPTER TWO(sample 1)

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW2.1 Introduction2.2 Sub-heading – Research Question/Objective 1 2.2.1 Sub Title 1 2.2.2 Sub Title 22.3 Sub-heading – Research Question/Objective 2 2.3.1 Sub Title 1 2.3.2 Sub Title 22.4 Subheading – Research Question/Objective 3 2.4.1 Sub Title 1 2.4.2 Sub Title 22.5 Chapter Summary

CHAPTER TWO(sample 2)

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW2.1 Introduction2.2 Sub-heading – Previous research under topic 2.2.1 Sub Title 1 2.2.2 Sub Title 22.3 Sub-heading – Missing gap & its relevant2.4 Sub-heading – Significant of the missing gap2.5 Justification for doing research2.6 Hypothesis – Null and alternative2.7 Objectives 2.7.1 Main objective 2.7.2 Specific objectives

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY3.1 Introduction3.2 Research design3.3 Population and sampling Design 3.3.1 Population 3.3.2 Sampling Design 3.3.2.1 Sampling Frame 3.3.2.2 Sampling Technique 3.3.2.3 Sample Size3.4 Data Collection methods3.5 Research procedures3.6 Data Analysis methods3.7 Chapter Summary

1. RESEARCH DESIGN

What is the adopted design Define the design Why is it most appropriate? Can you justify it

as the best for your study? What technique under the design are you

going to use? Is it a case study? a survey? An experiment? Etc.

What are your variables? Independent Variable? Dependant variable?

1. RESEARCH DESIGN cont.• RD Constitute a blueprint for the collection,

measurement and analysis of data.• It aids the Scientist in the collection of limited

resources by posing questions such as: what type of research study or combination of types? Whether to use low or highly structured methods of data collection Whether to use low or highly structure research situation Whether to use small or large samples Whether to be quantitative (open-ended questionnaire for a big population, which is

expensive and very objective) or qualitative (use of unstructured questionnaires for smaller pop., cheap and very subjective)

1. RESEARCH DESIGN cont.

• Types of research designs available: Report Explanatory (non-conclusive) Descriptive (conclusive) – Intend to describe answers to

questions observed on when, who, what, where and sometimes how – problem is clearly defined

Exploratory (non-conclusive) – no clear idea of a problem, it generates all possible reasons for a problem – unaware of problem

Predictive

2. THE POPULATION

What is your population – description How big is the population? What are the characteristics of the

population? Give a table showing the population

description Table 3.1: Target Population

3. SAMPLING FRAME

The list of sampling units from which the sample will be drawn. Also called working population

Define what a sampling frame is Name the sampling frame (list) and indicate

the source of the list If a short list you can attach at the Appendix

4. SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

Identify the most appropriate Define the sampling technique Describe the technique Justify the choice of that technique

5. SAMPLE SIZE

Based on the identified chosen technique, what shall be the sample size?

Need to justify the choice Show it’s the best Justify your choice Provide a Table showing distribution of the

sample. Table 3.2: Sample Size

6. DATA COLLECTION

Types of data Primary or secondary or both Avoid the common trend of copy and paste from

other projects Data collection tool(s) adopted Types of questions adopted – open, closed, likert

scales Justify choice of tool Discuss the structure of tool

7. RESEARCH PROCEDURES

Discuss pre-test With whom, how many respondents Justify the need for a pre-test What next after pre-test Final Tool administration Technique/method of administration Any research assistants – their training Supervision of field work Ensuring a high response rate

8. DATA ANALYSIS

Data preparation Techniques in analysis Descriptive analysis or inferential or both Justify the technique Specifics of the techniques e.g. descriptive –

measures of central tendency Data presentation Table and Figures Tools for analysis

DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS

Typical Examples Questionnaires Interview Guides Observation Guides Checklist

Structure Section 1: Demographic Data Section 2:Research Question/Objective 1 Section 3:Research Question/Objective 2 Section 4:Research Question/objective 3

OTHERS

Timetable

Budget

APPENDIX

• Attach any relevant support documents in this section including:

MapsCommunication lettersFigures or chartsTitle deeds etc.

REFERENCES

Use APA Style:The American Psychological Association (APA) publication style is

recommended as a standard format for writing scholarly papers. It uses the author-date method of citation i.e the surname of the

author and the year of publication are inserted in the text at the appropriate point.

Documentation in Text – Citation of an author’s work in text is used to document work, briefly identify the sources for readers, and to enable the readers to locate the source of information in alphabetical reference list at the end of the paper. The sources of reference chosen should be relevant and current.

REFERENCES cont.• Work by a single author – APA style uses the author-date method of

citation; that is the surname of the author and the year of publication are inserted in the text at the appropriate point e.g.

- Human resources management can be defined as the management of activities undertaken to attract, develop, motivate and maintain a high performing workforce within the organization (Harvey, 2001) or

- Kamau (1998) compared ……….. or - In a recent study, Henry (2010) described the……• Work by a two authors - In cases of publications with two authors,

always cite both names every time the reference occurred in the text. e.g John and Otieno (1997) defined….

• Work by more than two authors - When work has more than two authors, cite the surname of the first author followed by “et al” and the year of publication. e.g Bellow et al., (2011) found that……….. Or result obtained by Kanyara et al., (2003) showed that ………..or ……… (Kanyara et al., 2003).

REFERENCES cont.• Corporate authors – The name of corporate authors are usually spelled out each

time they appear in the text citation or abbreviated thereafter. • e.g ….[National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2011], or [Kenya Commercial

Bank, (KCB), 2008], subsequent appearance, use (NIMH, 2000); KCB (1999)• Reference List- Reference cited in the text – It must appear in the reference list, conversely, each

entry in the reference list must be cited in the text. The author must make certain that each source referenced appears in both places and that the citation and references list entry are identical. Failure to do so can result in an expensive change after the research project report has been bound.

- Reference List Format and order – The reference list format should provide the author’s last name and initials, the year of publication, the title, the city, and publisher in the sequence for a text book. For a Journal article; the author’s last name and initials, the year of publication, the title of article, the Journal name, Volume No., the first and last page No.

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Prof. Joseph M. KerikoPrincipal, JKUAT - Nairobi CampusProfessor of Organic Chemistry andEIA/EA Leader ExpertP.O. Box 39125 – 00623 NairobiTel. 0722-915026Email: kerikojm@yahoo.co.uk