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Q1. a) What is research methodology?

 

Research methodology is a way of explaining how a researcher intends to carry out their research. It's a logical, systematic plan to resolve a research problem. A methodology details a researcher's approach to the research to ensure reliable, valid results that address their aims and objectives. It encompasses what data they're going to collect and where from, as well as how it's being collected and analyzed.

 

A research methodology gives research legitimacy and provides scientifically sound findings. It also provides a detailed plan that helps to keep researchers on track, making the process smooth, effective and manageable. A researcher's methodology allows the reader to understand the approach and methods used to reach conclusions.

Having a sound research methodology in place provides the following benefits:

·         Other researchers who want to replicate the research have enough information to do so.

·         Researchers who receive criticism can refer to the methodology and explain their approach.

·         It can help provide researchers with a specific plan to follow throughout their research.

·         The methodology design process helps researchers select the correct methods for the objectives.

·         It allows researchers to document what they intend to achieve with the research from the outset.

 

Types of research methodology

When designing a research methodology, a researcher has several decisions to make. One of the most important is which data methodology to use, qualitative, quantitative or a combination of the two. No matter the type of research, the data gathered will be as numbers or descriptions, and researchers can choose to focus on collecting words, numbers or both.

Here are the different methodologies and their applications:

Qualitative

Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing written or spoken words and textual data. It may also focus on body language or visual elements and help to create a detailed description of a researcher's observations. Researchers usually gather qualitative data through interviews, observation and focus groups using a few carefully chosen participants.

This research methodology is subjective and more time-consuming than using quantitative data. Researchers often use a qualitative methodology when the aims and objectives of the research are exploratory. For example, when they perform research to understand human perceptions regarding an event, person or product.

Quantitative

Researchers usually use a quantitative methodology when the objective of the research is to confirm something. It focuses on collecting, testing and measuring numerical data, usually from a large sample of participants. They then analyze the data using statistical analysis and comparisons. Popular methods used to gather quantitative data are:

• Surveys
• Questionnaires
• Test
• Databases
• Organizational records

This research methodology is objective and is often quicker as researchers use software programs when analyzing the data. An example of how researchers could use a quantitative methodology is to measure the relationship between two variables or test a set of hypotheses.

Mixed-method

This contemporary research methodology combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide additional perspectives, create a richer picture and present multiple findings. The quantitative methodology provides definitive facts and figures, while the qualitative provides a human aspect. This methodology can produce interesting results as it presents exact data while also being exploratory.

 

 

 

b) Explain the process of research methodology

 

 

The research process entails a number of organized steps that a researcher must take in order to provide knowledge that will be valued by the project and concentrate on the pertinent topic. Basic and applied research can be conducted in a variety of ways. The following steps outline a simple and effective process for conducting both basic and practical research.  The five (5) steps in the research process are: 

Step 1 – Locating and Defining Issues or Problems

This step focuses on uncovering the nature and boundaries of a situation or question that needs to be answered or studied. In defining the issues or problems, the researcher should take into account the purpose of the study, the relevant background information, what information is needed, and how it will be used in decision-making. A well-defined problem will help the researcher through all steps of the research process, from setting goals to choosing a method. There are a number of ways to learn more about a subject and get a better grasp on it in Step 2.

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Step 2 – Designing the Research Project

This step is focused on creating a research plan or overall approach to how you are going to solve the issue or problem identified.  A research plan or approach is a framework or blueprint for conducting a research project. It details the procedures necessary for obtaining the required information, and its purpose is to design a study that will test the hypotheses of interest, determine possible answers to the research questions, and provide the information needed for decision-making.

The research design involves the following steps:

• Step 1: Conduct secondary data analysis
• Step 2: Do qualitative research
• Step 3: Determine methods of collecting quantitative data (survey, observation, and experimentation)
• Step 4: Determine the definition of the information needed
• Step 5: Determine measurement and scaling procedures
• Step 6: Design a questionnaire
• Step 7: Sampling process and sample size
• Step 8: Plan of data analysis

Step 3 – Collecting Data

This step revolved around obtaining the information needed to solve the identified issue or problem.  Data collection can involve experiments, observations, personal interviewing (in-home, mall intercept, or computer-assisted personal interviewing), from an office by telephone (telephone or computer-assisted telephone interviewing), or through the mail (traditional mail and mail panel surveys with recruited households). The two groups of researchers must provide data.

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Data collection techniques can include:

• Interviews: Asking people questions about their known information
• Observations: collecting data without asking questions.
• Questionnaires: Ask questions among a group of people
• Focus Groups: Interviewing and observing a group of people
• Documents and Records: old fashion research
• Literature review: old fashion reseach
• Library Sources: Old reports and articles/books

Step 4 – Interpreting Research Data

This step is focused on interpreting and examining the research data and coming up with a conclusion that solves the problem. Make sure the conclusion is easy to understand and well thought out based on the data collected.

Analysis Steps

• Step A: Review your research plan
• Step B: Organize your finding and the information you have collected from Step 3.
• Step C: Create a rough draft of your finding, recommendations, and conclusion. The rough draft will help you get your thoughts organized.
• Step D: Polish the rough draft into your final research finding. You will most likely revise the draft many times before the final product is ready for Step 5.

Step 5 – Report Research Findings

The final step is to report the research findings to those who need the data to make decisions. The findings should be presented in a comprehensible format so that they can be readily used in the decision-making process. In addition, an oral presentation should be made to management using tables, figures, and graphs to enhance clarity and impact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q3. a) What is research design?

 

 

Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques chosen by a researcher to conduct a study. The design allows researchers to sharpen the research methods suitable for the subject matter and set up their studies for success.

Creating a research topic explains the type of research (experimental, survey research, correlational, semi-experimental, review) and its sub-type (experimental design, research problem, descriptive case-study). 

There are three main types of designs for research:

• Data collection
• Measurement
• Data Analysis

The research problem an organization faces will determine the design, not vice-versa. The design phase of a study determines which tools to use and how they are used.

The Process of Research Design

The research design process is a systematic and structured approach to conducting research. The process is essential to ensure that the study is valid, reliable, and produces meaningful results.

1. Consider your aims and approaches: Determine the research questions and objectives, and identify the theoretical framework and methodology for the study.
2. Choose a type of Research Design: Select the appropriate research design, such as experimental, correlational, survey, case study, or ethnographic, based on the research questions and objectives.
3. Identify your population and sampling method: Determine the target population and sample size, and choose the sampling method, such as random, stratified random sampling, or convenience sampling.
4. Choose your data collection methods: Decide on the methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments, and select the appropriate instruments or tools for collecting data.
5. Plan your data collection procedures: Develop a plan for data collection, including the timeframe, location, and personnel involved, and ensure ethical considerations.
6. Decide on your data analysis strategies: Select the appropriate data analysis techniques, such as statistical analysis, content analysis, or discourse analysis, and plan how to interpret the results.

The process of research design is a critical step in conducting research. By following the steps of research design, researchers can ensure that their study is well-planned, ethical, and rigorous.

 

 

b) What are the essentials of good research design?

 

 

A research design can be described as a conceptual structure within which research is going to be carried out. It comprises the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. Decisions with regards to what, where, when, how much, by what means concerning an enquiry or a research design are taken.

 

Research design essentials include the following: 

• Clear purpose: The research question or hypothesis must be clearly defined and focused. 

• Sampling: This includes decisions about sample size, sampling method, and criteria for inclusion or exclusion. The approach varies for different research design types. 

• Data collection: This research design element involves the process of gathering data or information from the study participants or sources. It includes decisions about what data to collect, how to collect it, and the tools or instruments that will be used. 

• Data analysis: All research design types require analysis and interpretation of the data collected. This research design element includes decisions about the statistical tests or methods that will be used to analyze the data, as well as any potential confounding variables or biases that may need to be addressed. 

• Type of research methodology: This includes decisions about the overall approach for the study. 

• Time frame: An important research design element is the time frame, which includes decisions about the duration of the study, the timeline for data collection and analysis, and follow-up periods. 

• Ethical considerations: The research design must include decisions about ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, and participant protection. 

• Resources: A good research design takes into account decisions about the budget, staffing, and other resources needed to carry out the study. 

 

 

 

 

 

Q4. How experimental research is different from descriptive and exploratory

research? Characterize them.

 

 

Experimental research is a study conducted with a scientific approach using two sets of variables. The first set acts as a constant, which you use to measure the differences of the second set. Quantitative research methods, for example, are experimental.

If you don’t have enough data to support your decisions, you must first determine the facts. This research gathers the data necessary to help you make better decisions.

You can conduct experimental research in the following situations:

• Time is a vital factor in establishing a relationship between cause and effect.
• Invariable behavior between cause and effect.
• You wish to understand the importance of cause and effect.

 

Experimental research is a powerful tool for understanding cause-and-effect relationships. It allows us to manipulate variables and observe the effects, which is crucial for understanding how different factors influence the outcome of a study.

But the importance of experimental research goes beyond that. It’s a critical method for many scientific and academic studies. It allows us to test theories, develop new products, and make groundbreaking discoveries.

For example, this research is essential for developing new drugs and medical treatments. Researchers can understand how a new drug works by manipulating dosage and administration variables and identifying potential side effects.

Similarly, experimental research is used in the field of psychology to test theories and understand human behavior. By manipulating variables such as stimuli, researchers can gain insights into how the brain works and identify new treatment options for mental health disorders.

It is also widely used in the field of education. It allows educators to test new teaching methods and identify what works best. By manipulating variables such as class size, teaching style, and curriculum, researchers can understand how students learn and identify new ways to improve educational outcomes.

In addition, experimental research is a powerful tool for businesses and organizations. By manipulating variables such as marketing strategies, product design, and customer service, companies can understand what works best and identify new opportunities for growth.

Descriptive research aims to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation or phenomenon. It can answer what, where, when and how questions, but not why questions.

A descriptive research design can use a wide variety of research methods to investigate one or more variables. Unlike in experimental research, the researcher does not control or manipulate any of the variables, but only observes and measures them.

Descriptive research is an appropriate choice when the research aim is to identify characteristics, frequencies, trends, and categories.

It is useful when not much is known yet about the topic or problem. Before you can research why something happens, you need to understand how, when and where it happens.

 

Descriptive research is usually defined as a type of quantitative research, though qualitative research can also be used for descriptive purposes. The research design should be carefully developed to ensure that the results are valid and reliable.

 

Exploratory research is a methodology approach that investigates research questions that have not previously been studied in depth.

Exploratory research is often qualitative and primary in nature. However, a study with a large sample conducted in an exploratory manner can be quantitative as well. It is also often referred to as interpretive research or a grounded theory approach due to its flexible and open-ended nature.

Exploratory research is often used when the issue you’re studying is new or when the data collection process is challenging for some reason.

You can use this type of research if you have a general idea or a specific question that you want to study but there is no preexisting knowledge or paradigm with which to study it.