Fundamentals of Research Methods
Definition and Characteristics of Research
What is Research?
Characteristics of Research
What is research?
The word research is used in every day speech has a broad meanings, making it a
decidedly confusing term for students, especially graduate students who must learn
to use the word in a narrower, more precise sense. From primary school to college,
students hear the word research used in the context of a variety of activities. In some
situations the word connotes finding an item of information or making notes and then
writing a documented paper. Merchandisers sometimes use the word to suggest the
discovery of a revolutionary product, when in reality; an existing product has been
slightly modified to enhance the product‘s sales appeals. All this activities have been
called research, but more appropriately called other names; information gathering,
library skills, documentation, sales enlightenment or an attention getting sales pitch.
The word research has a certain mystique about it. To many people it suggests an
activity exclusive and removed form everyday life. Researchers are sometimes
regarded as aloof (unfriendly) individuals who seclude (set apart) themselves in
laboratories, scholarly libraries or the ivory tower of large universities. The public is
often unaware of what researchers do on day-to-day basis or how their work
contributes to people over the quality of life and general welfare.
What research is not?
1. Research is not mere information gathering. A forth grade student went to the
library and gathered information about ―Capital punishment‖ and told she
has done research to her mother. This is not research but information
gathering or it may be leaning reference skill.
2. Research is not transformation of facts from one location to another.
Collecting data, assembling reference materials, and referring statements
properly do not add up to a true research. This misses the essence of research;
interpretation of data.
1
,Fundamentals of Research Methods
3. Research is not merely rummaging(Search unsystematically and untidily
through a mass or container)/groping(To search blindly or
uncertainly)/searching for information. The collection information about
the current prices of goods in Addis Ababa by the shop keeper in Harar is
not a research but an exercise in self-engagement.
4. Research is not a catch word to get attention. Look at the following
statement: ―Years of research as proved that Coca Cola is the best soft
drink.‖ The phrase ―Years of research‖ catches the attention of persons.
Peoples say the product is good. But it is the same as other soft drinks. But
people buy it more than other soft drinks because of that catchy phrase.
What research is?
Research is synonymous with systematic process of collecting, analysing, and
interpreting information (data) in order to increase understanding of phenomenon of
interest. People use a systematic approach when they collect data and interpret
information to solve problems of daily life. However, the focus of this course is on
formal research, research in which is internationally set out to enhance understanding
of a phenomenon and expect to communicate to a wider scientific community.
Although research processes vary in complexity and duration, it has eight distinct
characteristics.
1. Research originates with a question or problem?
2. Research requires clear articulation of a goal.
3. Research requires a specific plan for proceeding.
4. Research usually divides the principal problem into more manageable
sub problems.
5. Research is guided by the specific research problem, question or hypothesis.
6. Research accepts certain critical assumptions.
7. Research requires the collection and interpretation of data in an attempt
to resolve the problem that initiated the research.
8. Research is by its nature cyclical, or more exactly, helical.
Research usually divides the principal problem into more manageable problems.
It is often helpful to divide the main problem to sub problems that contribute toward
solving the main problem. This is not only used in research but a strategy of every day
life.
Example:
Main problem: How do I get from town A to town B?
Sub problems: 1. what is the most direct route?
2. How far do I travel on the high way?
3. Which exit do I take to leave the high way?
Research is guided by specific research problem, question or hypothesis
After stating the problem the researcher forms two or more hypotheses about what he
or she may discover. A hypothesis is a logical supposition, a reasonable guess, an
educated conjecture (speculation or inference). It provides a tentative explanation for
2
,Fundamentals of Research Methods
a phenomenon under study. It may direct thinking towards possible sources of
information.
Examples of hypotheses for lamp‘s failure:
1. The bulb has broken out.
2. The bulb is not plugged into the wall output.
3. A late afternoon thunderstorm interrupted an electrical service.
4. The wire from the lamp to the wall output is defective.
5. The electric bill was not paid on time.
This lead to search for information to determine which hypothesis is correct.
The research hypotheses are not proved or disproved. They are either supported or
not supported. When they are not supported by data they are rejected. Then another
more explanation of the phenomenon under study is sought. Hypothesis supported
overtime by a growing body of data develops into a theory.
A theory is an organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain
particular phenomenon.
Research accepts certain critical assumptions
An assumption is a condition that is taken or granted without which the research
problem is pointless. It is not a hypothesis which is a prediction that may be born out
in the data.
Example: Students learn unique grammatical structures of a language more quickly by
studying only one foreign language at a time than two foreign languages at a time.
Assumptions for this problem are:
1. The teachers are competent in teaching unique grammatical structures.
2. The students are capable of mastering unique grammatical structures they
are studying.
3. The languages selected for the study have differently sufficient
grammatical structures.
Some assumptions in the research are self-evident (OBVIOUS OR CLEAR) and
unnecessary to mention them. For instance two assumptions underline almost
all research.
1. The phenomenon under investigation is almost lawful and predictable; it is
not comprised of completely random events.
2. Certain cause-effect relationship can account for the patterns observed in
the phenomenon.
Research requires the collection and interpretation of data in an attempt
to resolve the problem that initiated the research
The significance of data depends on how the researcher extracts meaning out of them.
Un interpreted data by the human mind is worthless. They can never help the research
questions that are posed.
Different minds often find different meanings in the same sets of facts.
3
, Fundamentals of Research Methods
Research methodology:
Underlying and unifying any research project is its methodology.
It directs the whole endeavour.
Controls the study.
Detects how data are acquired.
Suggests how the meanings from the data become manifest.
Yields conclusion that lead to an explanation of the knowledge.
In general research methodology has two primary functions:
1. To control and detect the acquisition of data
2. To control the data after their acquisition and extract meaning from them.
Research is cyclical or more exactly helical
1. Research begins with a problem: an answered question in the mind of
the researcher.
2. Research defines the goal in terms of clear statement of the problem.
3. Research subdivides the problem into appropriate sub problems,
4. Research posits tentative solutions to the problem(s) through
reasonable hypotheses. These hypotheses direct the researcher to
appropriate data.
5. Research looks for data directed by the hypotheses and guided by the
problem. The data are collected and organized.
6. Research interprets the meaning of the data, which leads to resolution of a
problem, thus confirming or rejecting the hypotheses and/or providing an
answer to the question that begin the research cycle. At this point one or
more new problem may emerge.
Journals to be read, if available
1. Journal of Business Research
2. Journal of Management
3. Organizational Dynamics
4. Research in Consumer Behaviour
5. Research in Social Problems and Public Policy
6. Training and Development
7. On line journal of peace and conflict
resolution http://www.trinstitute.org/ojpcr/
Links to many journals
http://gort.ucsd.edu/newjour/
Evaluating research
1. In what source did you find the research article? What is reviewed by experts
in the field before it was published?
2. Does the article have a started research question or problem? That is, what
is the focus of the research work?
3. Does the article describe the collection of data or does it describe
and synthesize other studies in which data were collected?
4. Is the article logically organized and easy to follow? What could have
been done to improve its organization?
4
Definition and Characteristics of Research
What is Research?
Characteristics of Research
What is research?
The word research is used in every day speech has a broad meanings, making it a
decidedly confusing term for students, especially graduate students who must learn
to use the word in a narrower, more precise sense. From primary school to college,
students hear the word research used in the context of a variety of activities. In some
situations the word connotes finding an item of information or making notes and then
writing a documented paper. Merchandisers sometimes use the word to suggest the
discovery of a revolutionary product, when in reality; an existing product has been
slightly modified to enhance the product‘s sales appeals. All this activities have been
called research, but more appropriately called other names; information gathering,
library skills, documentation, sales enlightenment or an attention getting sales pitch.
The word research has a certain mystique about it. To many people it suggests an
activity exclusive and removed form everyday life. Researchers are sometimes
regarded as aloof (unfriendly) individuals who seclude (set apart) themselves in
laboratories, scholarly libraries or the ivory tower of large universities. The public is
often unaware of what researchers do on day-to-day basis or how their work
contributes to people over the quality of life and general welfare.
What research is not?
1. Research is not mere information gathering. A forth grade student went to the
library and gathered information about ―Capital punishment‖ and told she
has done research to her mother. This is not research but information
gathering or it may be leaning reference skill.
2. Research is not transformation of facts from one location to another.
Collecting data, assembling reference materials, and referring statements
properly do not add up to a true research. This misses the essence of research;
interpretation of data.
1
,Fundamentals of Research Methods
3. Research is not merely rummaging(Search unsystematically and untidily
through a mass or container)/groping(To search blindly or
uncertainly)/searching for information. The collection information about
the current prices of goods in Addis Ababa by the shop keeper in Harar is
not a research but an exercise in self-engagement.
4. Research is not a catch word to get attention. Look at the following
statement: ―Years of research as proved that Coca Cola is the best soft
drink.‖ The phrase ―Years of research‖ catches the attention of persons.
Peoples say the product is good. But it is the same as other soft drinks. But
people buy it more than other soft drinks because of that catchy phrase.
What research is?
Research is synonymous with systematic process of collecting, analysing, and
interpreting information (data) in order to increase understanding of phenomenon of
interest. People use a systematic approach when they collect data and interpret
information to solve problems of daily life. However, the focus of this course is on
formal research, research in which is internationally set out to enhance understanding
of a phenomenon and expect to communicate to a wider scientific community.
Although research processes vary in complexity and duration, it has eight distinct
characteristics.
1. Research originates with a question or problem?
2. Research requires clear articulation of a goal.
3. Research requires a specific plan for proceeding.
4. Research usually divides the principal problem into more manageable
sub problems.
5. Research is guided by the specific research problem, question or hypothesis.
6. Research accepts certain critical assumptions.
7. Research requires the collection and interpretation of data in an attempt
to resolve the problem that initiated the research.
8. Research is by its nature cyclical, or more exactly, helical.
Research usually divides the principal problem into more manageable problems.
It is often helpful to divide the main problem to sub problems that contribute toward
solving the main problem. This is not only used in research but a strategy of every day
life.
Example:
Main problem: How do I get from town A to town B?
Sub problems: 1. what is the most direct route?
2. How far do I travel on the high way?
3. Which exit do I take to leave the high way?
Research is guided by specific research problem, question or hypothesis
After stating the problem the researcher forms two or more hypotheses about what he
or she may discover. A hypothesis is a logical supposition, a reasonable guess, an
educated conjecture (speculation or inference). It provides a tentative explanation for
2
,Fundamentals of Research Methods
a phenomenon under study. It may direct thinking towards possible sources of
information.
Examples of hypotheses for lamp‘s failure:
1. The bulb has broken out.
2. The bulb is not plugged into the wall output.
3. A late afternoon thunderstorm interrupted an electrical service.
4. The wire from the lamp to the wall output is defective.
5. The electric bill was not paid on time.
This lead to search for information to determine which hypothesis is correct.
The research hypotheses are not proved or disproved. They are either supported or
not supported. When they are not supported by data they are rejected. Then another
more explanation of the phenomenon under study is sought. Hypothesis supported
overtime by a growing body of data develops into a theory.
A theory is an organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain
particular phenomenon.
Research accepts certain critical assumptions
An assumption is a condition that is taken or granted without which the research
problem is pointless. It is not a hypothesis which is a prediction that may be born out
in the data.
Example: Students learn unique grammatical structures of a language more quickly by
studying only one foreign language at a time than two foreign languages at a time.
Assumptions for this problem are:
1. The teachers are competent in teaching unique grammatical structures.
2. The students are capable of mastering unique grammatical structures they
are studying.
3. The languages selected for the study have differently sufficient
grammatical structures.
Some assumptions in the research are self-evident (OBVIOUS OR CLEAR) and
unnecessary to mention them. For instance two assumptions underline almost
all research.
1. The phenomenon under investigation is almost lawful and predictable; it is
not comprised of completely random events.
2. Certain cause-effect relationship can account for the patterns observed in
the phenomenon.
Research requires the collection and interpretation of data in an attempt
to resolve the problem that initiated the research
The significance of data depends on how the researcher extracts meaning out of them.
Un interpreted data by the human mind is worthless. They can never help the research
questions that are posed.
Different minds often find different meanings in the same sets of facts.
3
, Fundamentals of Research Methods
Research methodology:
Underlying and unifying any research project is its methodology.
It directs the whole endeavour.
Controls the study.
Detects how data are acquired.
Suggests how the meanings from the data become manifest.
Yields conclusion that lead to an explanation of the knowledge.
In general research methodology has two primary functions:
1. To control and detect the acquisition of data
2. To control the data after their acquisition and extract meaning from them.
Research is cyclical or more exactly helical
1. Research begins with a problem: an answered question in the mind of
the researcher.
2. Research defines the goal in terms of clear statement of the problem.
3. Research subdivides the problem into appropriate sub problems,
4. Research posits tentative solutions to the problem(s) through
reasonable hypotheses. These hypotheses direct the researcher to
appropriate data.
5. Research looks for data directed by the hypotheses and guided by the
problem. The data are collected and organized.
6. Research interprets the meaning of the data, which leads to resolution of a
problem, thus confirming or rejecting the hypotheses and/or providing an
answer to the question that begin the research cycle. At this point one or
more new problem may emerge.
Journals to be read, if available
1. Journal of Business Research
2. Journal of Management
3. Organizational Dynamics
4. Research in Consumer Behaviour
5. Research in Social Problems and Public Policy
6. Training and Development
7. On line journal of peace and conflict
resolution http://www.trinstitute.org/ojpcr/
Links to many journals
http://gort.ucsd.edu/newjour/
Evaluating research
1. In what source did you find the research article? What is reviewed by experts
in the field before it was published?
2. Does the article have a started research question or problem? That is, what
is the focus of the research work?
3. Does the article describe the collection of data or does it describe
and synthesize other studies in which data were collected?
4. Is the article logically organized and easy to follow? What could have
been done to improve its organization?
4
