EMTC MISSIOLOGY AND THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

WOLKITE CAMPUS

Assignment on “Research method one”

Prepared By

Daniel Lerago

Jan 17, 2024

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 QUESTIONS
1. What is a Research Methods mean according to the aspects of Theology?
Research methods in theology refer to the systematic approaches and techniques used to study
religious beliefs, practices, texts, and traditions. These methods often involve interdisciplinary
tools such as historical analysis, textual criticism, hermeneutics, and comparative studies to
explore theological concepts within their historical, cultural, and spiritual contexts. Theological
research aims to deepen understanding of divine revelation, religious doctrines, and human faith
experiences, often integrating philosophical reasoning and ethical inquiry. It seeks to bridge the
gap between ancient theological sources and contemporary questions, fostering both scholarly
rigor and spiritual reflection.
2. What does the word methods mean?
The word methods refers to systematic and organized ways of doing something, typically
involving specific steps or procedures designed to achieve a goal or solve a problem. It
emphasizes a structured approach, ensuring consistency and reliability in the process. In broader
contexts, methods can encompass strategies, techniques, or practices tailored to a particular field
or purpose, such as scientific methods for research, teaching methods for education, or creative
methods in art.
3. How many research methods are there in academic circle?
In the academic circle, research methods are generally categorized into three broad types, each
with subcategories and variations depending on the discipline. These are:
3.1 Quantitative Methods:
Focus on numerical data, statistical analysis, and measurable outcomes.
Examples include surveys, experiments, and data modeling.
3.2 Qualitative Methods:
Emphasize understanding subjective experiences, meanings, and processes.
Examples include interviews, ethnography, case studies, and content analysis.
3.3 Mixed Methods:
Combine quantitative and qualitative approaches to capitalize on the strengths of both.
Examples include explanatory sequential designs (quantitative followed by qualitative) and
exploratory designs (qualitative followed by quantitative).

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Within these types, there are numerous specific methodologies tailored to different fields, such
as historical research in humanities, action research in education, and grounded theory in social
sciences. The choice of method depends on the research question, objectives, and discipline.
4. Differentiate the academic writing methods that are MLA, APA, CHICAGO.
MLA, APA, and Chicago are three distinct academic writing methods, each with specific
guidelines for formatting, citations, and structuring research. Here's how they differ:
4.1. MLA (Modern Language Association)
Primary Use: Humanities, especially literature, language studies, and cultural studies.
In-Text Citations: Uses the author-page format (e.g., Smith 123).
Works Cited Page: Lists all references at the end, alphabetized by the author's last name.
Key Features
Double-spacing throughout the document.
Indented paragraphs without extra space between them.
Titles of books italicized; articles in quotation marks.
4.2. APA (American Psychological Association)
Primary Use: Social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and education.
In-Text Citations: Uses the author-date format (e.g., Smith, 2020, p. 123).
References Page: Includes detailed information about sources, ordered alphabetically by the
author's last name.
Key Features
Title page with running head and paper title.
Abstract summarizing the paper's purpose and findings.
Headings and subheadings for organization.
4.3. Chicago Style (or Turabian)
Primary Use: History, arts, and some humanities.
Two Citation Systems
Notes and Bibliography: For humanities, uses footnotes or endnotes and a bibliography.
Author-Date: For sciences and social sciences, uses parenthetical citations similar to APA.
Key Features
Flexibility in formatting depending on the citation system.
Detailed footnotes or endnotes for additional context or commentary.

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Bibliography at the end for all cited sources.
Key Differences Summary
MLA focuses on simplicity and author-page citations for humanities.
APA emphasizes date-based citations and a structured layout for social sciences.
Chicago offers versatility with its two systems, catering to both detailed historical work and
author-date citations for other disciplines.
5. Develop your understanding on the APA?
The APA (American Psychological Association) style is a widely used academic writing format,
especially in the social sciences, behavioral sciences, education, and related fields. Its primary
focus is on clarity, precision, and consistency in presenting research, ensuring that ideas are
clearly attributed and easily understood.
Key Features of APA Style:
General Format:
Page Layout:
1-inch margins on all sides.
Double-spacing throughout, including references.
Use of a standard font like Times New Roman (12-point) or a legible alternative like Arial.
Running Head:
Includes a shortened version of the title (50 characters max) in the header, along with page
numbers.
Title Page:
Includes the title, author(s), institutional affiliation, course name and number, instructor's name,
and submission date.
Citations:
In-Text Citations:
Use the author-date format for citing sources in the body of the text.
Example: (Smith, 2022) or (Smith & Jones, 2022, p. 45).
Reference List:
A complete list of all sources cited in the text, formatted alphabetically by the author's last name.
Includes details like author(s), publication year, title of the work, and source (e.g., journal, book,
or website).

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Example (Journal Article):
Smith, J. (2022). The role of psychology in education. Journal of Educational Studies, 45(3),
123-134. https://doi.org/xxxx
Organization:
Abstract:
A concise summary of the paper (150-250 words) that describes the research question,
methodology, results, and conclusions.
Headings and Subheadings:
Use a structured hierarchy for sections with five levels of headings, ensuring clarity and flow.
Figures and Tables:
Clearly labeled and cited, with explanatory notes if needed.
Ethical and Accurate Representation of Sources:
APA emphasizes citing reliable and scholarly sources.
Avoid plagiarism through proper attribution and paraphrasing.
Updates in APA 7th Edition (current version as of now):
Inclusion of guidelines for citing diverse sources, such as social media posts and online videos.
Simplified citation rules for multiple authors (e.g., "et al." for works with three or more authors
in in-text citations).
More inclusive language recommendations, like using singular "they."
By providing clear guidelines, APA ensures academic integrity and aids in communicating
complex ideas effectively across disciplines. It serves as a standard for presenting research in a
professional and organized manner.