OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH METHODS

Dr. Kimaro

INTRODUCTION

Why Research;• Increase body of knowledge• Explain social phenomena• Test theoretical hypothesis• Explain relationships• Assess influence/impact of various factors• Assess needs for capacity building and training

TYPES OF RESEARCH

• Basic Research• Applied Research• Summative evaluation • Formative evaluation• Action Research• Operational Research

Basic Research

• Basic Research; Seeks the knowledge as an end in itself, and contribute to theory.

The world is patterned and those patterns are knowable and explainable

Applied Research

• Seeks to understand nature and sources of human and society problems.

• Address questions which are important to the society and formulate problem-solving program

• Is based on the premises, human and societal problem can be understood and solved with right knowledge.

Summative Evaluation

• The purpose is to determine the effectiveness of human intervention and actions (Programs, policies and products)

• Is to make judgement and generalizations about interventions

• About effective interventions and in what effort and condition.

Formative Evaluation Research

• Seeks to improve the chances of success of program, policy, product or personnel

• It aims in providing recommendation for improvement.

Action Research

• The purpose is to solve organizational or community problems

• The basic premise is people in a particular setting can solve their problem by studying them.

Operational Research

• Research within the workplace• On going• Focuses on quality improvement.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL COMPONENTS

• Study title• Brief introduction/background• Problem statement• Study objectives• Study question• Hypothesis• Brief proposed methodology with conceptual

framework of the study

Study title

• Outline in few words the matter to be researched

• Structured to denote the researcher’ interest• Stated in strong and few words• Not more than 15 words

Introduction

• Begin with something interesting, a quote or story to capture the readers’ interest.

• Introduce your question or curiosity• Tell why there is a need for the study• Describe the intended audience for your study,

what are they going to benefit• Describe your study product• Conclude your introduction with an overview of

the study

Steps in Research Process

• Choosing a research problem• Stating the assumption and hypothesis• Formulate research design (survey, field studies,

experimental)• Data management ( observation, interviews, mail

questionnaire)• Gathering data• Analyse• Conclude • Make inference• Reporting, publication and dissemination.

ASSIGNMENT

• Write a title for a research which you intend to carry

• Write down a page of introduction