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Handout 2

The document outlines the concept of research methodology, defining it as a systematic plan for solving specific problems and detailing the procedures for conducting research. It distinguishes between 'method' as a technique for data gathering and 'methodology' as the theoretical framework guiding research practices. The research process is described in a series of steps, from formulating a research problem to analyzing data and drawing conclusions.

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2 views3 pages

Handout 2

The document outlines the concept of research methodology, defining it as a systematic plan for solving specific problems and detailing the procedures for conducting research. It distinguishes between 'method' as a technique for data gathering and 'methodology' as the theoretical framework guiding research practices. The research process is described in a series of steps, from formulating a research problem to analyzing data and drawing conclusions.

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Djillali Liabes University Level : 3rd Year Students

Faculty of Letters, Languages and Arts MTU

Department of English Dr Amari

LECTURE 2: Research Methodology

1. Research Methodology
Research methodology is a systematic plan to solve a specific problem. It is a science that
describes how research is to be carried out i.e. the procedures by which researchers go to
describe, explain and interpret phenomena. Harrell, (1978). Methodology refers to the rules of
obtaining, interpreting and analyzing data. It helps determine the logical steps towards the
exploration and description of the experiences and behaviours involved in the research process.
It is a coherent group of methods that complement one another to deliver data and findings that
reflect the problematic and achieve the research purposes. Thus, it is a framework of theories
and principles on which procedures and methods are based. It is also defined as the study of
methods by which knowledge is gained. It involves a description of the research procedures
(how research is done, how we find out data about things, and how knowledge is gained).

2. Method vs. Methodology

Method: a technique for gathering reliable data (the various ways of gathering information)

Methodology: The underlying theories of how research should proceed (a description of the
research procedures). It may be defined as the study of how research is done, how we find out
data about things, and how knowledge is gained. In other words, methodology is about the
principles that guide research practices. Methodology therefore explains why we are using
certain methods or tools in research. Thus, methodology refers to the rationale and the
philosophical assumptions that underlie any natural or social study.

3. The Research Process

Research is a creative and systematic procedure of gathering knowledge, and using theories
to devise new applications. (Baker and Howell,1958). The research process consists of a set of
actions or steps to effectively carry out research. These actions or steps are as follow:

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 Formulating the research problem: The starting point for making research is to get a
general idea of the area being investigated. This can be done through formulating a
problematic that can be investigated through careful examination of data.

 Extensive literature: Once the problem is formulated, the researcher should prepare an
extensive literature review in relation to the problem under investigation. This can be
done through gathering definitions and paraphrasing scholars’ ideas and quotes.

 Drawing the research questions.

 Developing the research hypotheses: After constructing a rich literature review,


researchers should state in clear terms the suggested hypotheses as tentative
assumptions to test logical or empirical relationships.

 Preparing the research design: After forming hypotheses, researchers have to prepare a
research design and structure to reach their objectives and answer the formulated
questions.

 Determining the sample population: A sample population should be selected before


proceeding to experimental approaches, observations and measurements.

 Collecting the research data: There are several ways of collecting the appropriate data
that differ in context and nature. Data can be collected through observations, interviews
or questionnaires.

 Analysis of data: The analysis of data requires a number of closely related operations
to raw data through coding, tabulation and statistical inference. Analysis is generally
based on percentages and coefficients.

 Hypothesis testing: After analysing the collected data, the researcher can test the
hypothesis by trying to respond to questions such as: Do the facts and data gathered
support that hypothesis? This is the usual question which is to be answered by applying
various tests. Testing will result in either accepting the hypothesis or rejecting it. If the
researcher had no hypothesis to start with, generalizations established on the basis of
data cannot be valid.

 Generalization and interpretations: If a hypothesis is tested, it may be possible for the


researcher to arrive at generalizations, construct theories and form answers. The real
value of research lies in its ability to arrive at certain generalizations.

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4. Conclusion

Research is undertaken within most fields. It is more than a set of skills; it is a way of
thinking and examining the various aspects of a certain problematic by formulating steps that
govern particular scientific conventions, and testing ideas that contribute to the advancement of
practices.

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