IS 221: ICT

Research Methods
Introduction
Augustino Mwogosi
 Meaning of research
• Research is the systematic and rigorous investigation of a specific topic
or problem.
• It is a process of inquiry that aims to develop new knowledge, insights, and
understanding about a particular phenomenon or issue.
• Research is a systematic and organized inquiry aimed at discovering new knowledge,
verifying existing knowledge, or refining and enhancing our understanding of a
particular phenomenon.
• It involves a methodical process of collecting, analysing, and interpreting
data to answer specific questions or solve problems.
• Research can be conducted in various fields, including science, social
science, humanities, and business.
 Meaning of research
• The process usually involves
• defining a research question or problem,
• reviewing existing literature,
• designing a study,
• collecting data
• analysing data
• drawing conclusions.
 Significance of research
• The main goal of research is to produce new knowledge
and contribute to the advancement of a particular field or
discipline.
• It can also be used to
• inform policy decisions,
• improve practices, and
• solve real-world problems.
 Examples : Information system
specialist
• Studying the impact of new technology on the information systems of an
organization
• Analyzing the security of information systems to identify potential
vulnerabilities and risks
• Designing and implementing new information systems for an organization
• Evaluating the effectiveness of existing information systems and
recommending improvements
• Developing and implementing strategies to ensure the efficient and
effective use of information systems.
 Examples: Multimedia
technologist
• Designing and developing multimedia content such as video, audio,
and interactive media for educational or marketing purposes
• Developing and implementing multimedia solutions for businesses,
organizations, and government agencies
• Creating visual and audio effects for film, television, and video game
production
• Conducting research on the latest multimedia technologies and trends
• Collaborating with other professionals such as graphic designers,
animators, and programmers to create multimedia content.
 Examples: Computer Engineer
• Developing computer hardware and software systems
• Designing and implementing computer networks
• Conducting research on new computer technologies and
applications
• Testing and evaluating computer systems to ensure their
reliability and functionality
• Providing technical support for computer systems.
 Examples: Computer Scientist
• Conducting research on computer algorithms and data
structures
• Developing new software applications and tools
• Analyzing and solving complex computing problems
• Collaborating with other professionals to develop and
implement new computing solutions
• Teaching computer science courses at the college or
university level.
 Examples: Health Informatician
• Analyzing and organizing healthcare data to improve patient outcomes
and reduce costs
• Developing and implementing electronic health records (EHRs) and other
health information systems
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to design and improve
clinical decision support systems
• Conducting research on the use of technology in healthcare delivery and
outcomes
• Ensuring compliance with privacy and security regulations for healthcare
data.
 Examples: Business Information
Systems
• Analyzing business processes and information systems to identify
areas for improvement
• Developing and implementing new information systems to improve
business efficiency and effectiveness
• Providing technical support for business information systems
• Conducting research on new technologies and applications for
business information systems
• Developing and implementing training programs to help employees
use business information systems effectively.
 Examples: Telecommunications
• Designing and implementing telecommunications networks,
such as cellular networks and satellite systems
• Testing and evaluating telecommunication systems to ensure
their reliability and functionality
• Analyzing and solving complex telecommunications problems
• Conducting research on new telecommunication technologies
and applications
• Providing technical support for telecommunication systems.
 Examples: Instructional
Designer
• Designing and developing instructional materials such as e-learning
courses and training programs
• Analyzing learner needs and developing instructional strategies to meet
those needs
• Collaborating with subject matter experts to develop course content
• Evaluating the effectiveness of instructional materials and making
improvements as necessary
• Conducting research on new instructional technologies and techniques.
 Types of research
• There are different types of research that vary in their goals,
methods, and outcomes.
• These include:
• Basic Research
• Applied Research
• Exploratory Research
• Explanatory Research
• Comparative Research
• Theory Testing
 Basic Research
• Basic research, also known as pure research or fundamental research, is scientific
research that aims to increase our understanding of the natural world, without
necessarily having any immediate practical applications.
• It is a type of research that aims to expand the knowledge base of a particular field.
• Basic research is often driven by curiosity and aims to answer fundamental questions about the
natural world.
• Basic research is conducted for the sake of knowledge itself, rather than for any specific practical
application or goal.
• The primary goal of basic research is to advance scientific knowledge and to develop a
better understanding of how the natural world works.
• It often involves exploring new areas of research, developing new theories, and testing existing
hypotheses.
• Basic research can lead to discoveries that have practical applications in the future, but this is not its
primary goal.
 Types of basic Research
• Descriptive research: This type of research is used to describe a
phenomenon or situation. It often involves collecting data through
observation, surveys, or interviews.
• Correlational research: Correlational research examines the
relationship between two or more variables. It does not establish
causation but can help identify patterns or relationships.
• Experimental research: Experimental research involves manipulating
one or more variables to determine their effect on an outcome. It is
used to establish causation and typically involves randomly assigning
participants to different groups.
 Types of basic research
• Cross-sectional research: This type of research involves collecting data
at a single point in time. It is often used to examine relationships between
variables and can be used to generate hypotheses.
• Longitudinal research: Longitudinal research involves collecting data
over an extended period of time. It can be used to examine changes in
variables over time and to track the development of individuals or groups.
• Case study research: Case study research involves in-depth analysis of
a particular individual, group, or situation. It can be used to gain insights
into complex phenomena and is often used in fields such as psychology
and sociology.
 Types of basic research
• Qualitative research: Qualitative research involves
collecting data through methods such as interviews, focus
groups, or observation. It is often used to explore complex
phenomena and to gain a deeper understanding of
individuals' experiences or perspectives.
• Quantitative research: Quantitative research involves
collecting data through methods such as surveys or
experiments and analyzing the data using statistical
methods. It is often used to test hypotheses and establish
relationships between variables.
 Examples
• Computer Scientists
• Developing new algorithms for machine learning
• Studying the underlying principles of cryptography
• Exploring new programming paradigms
• Information system specialist:
• Investigating the impact of new technologies on business operations
• Studying the role of information systems in disaster response
• Exploring how information systems can be used to promote social equity
 Examples
• Multimedia technologist:
• Developing new techniques for immersive virtual reality
• Studying the cognitive impact of different types of multimedia on learning
• Investigating the use of multimedia in healthcare education
• Computer engineer:
• Developing new hardware architectures for artificial intelligence
• Studying the impact of different types of memory on computer
performance
• Exploring new approaches to computer networking
 Examples
• Computer engineer:
• Developing new hardware architectures for artificial intelligence
• Studying the impact of different types of memory on computer performance
• Exploring new approaches to computer networking
• Health Informatician:
• Investigating the use of health information systems to improve patient
outcomes
• Studying the impact of electronic health records on patient privacy
• Exploring how machine learning can be used to predict disease outbreaks
 Examples
• Instructional designer:
• Investigating the impact of instructional design on student
engagement
• Studying the use of different types of media in online learning
• Developing new models for evaluating the effectiveness of
instructional design
 Examples
• Telecommunications engineer:
• Studying the impact of new technologies on telecommunications infrastructure
• Investigating the use of artificial intelligence in network management
• Exploring new approaches to wireless communication
• Business information systems specialist:
• Investigating the impact of blockchain on supply chain management
• Studying the use of data analytics in financial forecasting
• Developing new models for assessing the effectiveness of cybersecurity
measures.
 Applied Research
• Applied research is a type of scientific research that is focused on developing
practical applications based on the knowledge gained from basic research.
• It is a type of research that aims to solve practical problems or address specific issues.
• The primary goal of applied research is to solve practical problems, improve existing
technologies, or develop new products, processes, or services.
• Applied research involves taking the insights and discoveries gained from basic
research and using them to develop practical solutions to real-world problems.
• It often involves working closely with industry partners or other stakeholders to ensure that
the research is relevant and useful.
• Applied research is often focused on developing new products, technologies, or strategies.
 Types of Applied Research
• Applied research can be further categorized into two types based on
the nature of the problem being addressed:
• Problem-oriented research: This type of applied research is focused on
addressing specific practical problems or challenges faced by industries or
communities. It involves conducting research to identify the root causes of the
problem, developing and testing potential solutions, and implementing the best
solution.
• Product-oriented research: This type of applied research is focused on
developing new products or improving existing ones. It involves conducting
research to identify customer needs and preferences, developing new products
that meet those needs, and testing and refining the products to ensure they are
effective and efficient.
 Examples
• Computer scientists:
• Developing algorithms and software for machine learning applications in
healthcare to predict medical outcomes
• Developing new methods for optimizing computer networks and data centers
to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency.
• Information system specialist:
• Implementing and testing new software solutions for managing large
datasets in a financial institution
• Developing cybersecurity strategies to protect against cyber threats and
mitigate risks to critical systems and data.
 Examples
• Multimedia technologist:
• Designing and developing virtual and augmented reality
experiences for education and training purposes
• Creating and editing digital media content for marketing
campaigns, including graphics, audio, and video elements.
• Computer engineer:
• Designing and implementing embedded systems for control and
automation applications in manufacturing and production
environments
 Examples
• Health informatician:
• Developing electronic health record (EHR) systems to improve patient care and reduce medical
errors
• Analyzing and interpreting healthcare data to identify trends and patterns and inform clinical
decision-making

Developing and implementing telemedicine solutions to increase

• Instruction designer:
• Developing online courses and training materials for corporate and educational organizations
• Conducting needs assessments to determine training requirements and identify gaps in
knowledge and skills
• Evaluating the effectiveness of instructional materials and making recommendations for
improvements.
 Examples
• Telecommunication engineer:
• Designing and implementing telecommunications networks for data, voice, and video communication
• Developing and testing new telecommunications technologies for mobile and wireless communication
• Developing security protocols to protect against cyber threats and ensure the integrity of
telecommunications networks and data.
• Business information systems specialist:
• Analyzing and optimizing business processes using data analytics and process modeling techniques
• Developing and implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to streamline operations and
increase efficiency
• Developing and implementing business intelligence solutions to support strategic decision-making and
performance monitoring.
 Exploratory Research
• Exploratory research is a type of research that is used to investigate a new area of
study or to generate new ideas and hypotheses.
• The primary goal of exploratory research is to gain insights into a problem or phenomenon,
develop a deeper understanding of it, and generate new research questions and hypotheses that
can be further tested in future research.
• Exploratory research is typically conducted in the early stages of a research
project, when the researcher has limited information about the problem or
phenomenon being studied.
• It is often used when there is little previous research on the topic, or when the
existing research is inconclusive or contradictory.
• Exploratory research is often used in the early stages of a research project to
gather preliminary information
 Exploratory Research
• The methods used in exploratory research are often qualitative in nature, as
they are focused on understanding the subjective experiences and perspectives
of individuals.
• One of the benefits of exploratory research is that it can help researchers identify new
research questions and develop new theoretical frameworks or models.
• By gaining a deeper understanding of a problem or phenomenon, researchers can generate
new ideas and hypotheses that can be tested in future research.
• However, exploratory research also has some limitations. Because it is often
qualitative in nature, it can be difficult to generalize the findings to larger
populations.
• Additionally, exploratory research can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, as it often
involves collecting and analyzing large amounts of data.
 Examples
• Conducting surveys or interviews to gather feedback on the usability of a new
software system
• Analysing user behaviour data to identify patterns or trends that could inform system
design decisions
• Investigating different approaches to data storage and management to determine the
most effective method for a particular application
• Exploring new technologies and tools for creating and delivering multimedia content
• Conducting user testing to gather feedback on the usability and effectiveness of
multimedia products
• Investigating different multimedia formats and delivery methods to determine the
most appropriate approach for a particular audience or application
 Examples
• Researching new technologies and techniques for designing and developing computer
hardware and software systems
• Investigating the performance of different types of computer hardware to determine the
most effective components for a particular application
• Studying the behaviours of computer systems in different environments to identify
potential vulnerabilities or areas for improvement
• Conducting theoretical research to develop new algorithms or models for solving complex
computational problems
• Investigating the performance of different programming languages and development
frameworks to determine the most effective tools for a particular task
• Analyzing data to identify patterns or trends that could inform the development of new
machine learning or artificial intelligence systems
 Examples
• Investigating the effectiveness of different health information systems in improving
patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs
• Analysing data to identify patterns or trends in patient health data that could inform
the development of new clinical decision support systems
• Exploring the ethical and legal implications of using health data for research purposes
• Investigating the use of different business intelligence tools to improve decision-
making processes
• Analysing data to identify trends and patterns in customer behaviour that could
inform marketing strategies
• Studying the effectiveness of different project management methodologies to improve
business processes and outcomes
 Examples
• Researching new technologies and techniques for
designing and developing communication systems
• Investigating the performance of different communication
protocols to determine the most effective approach for a
particular application
• Analyzing data to identify patterns or trends in network
traffic that could inform the development of new network
management systems.
 Explanatory Research
• Explanatory research is a type of research that is used to test theories and
hypotheses about the relationships between variables.
• The primary goal of explanatory research is to identify the causal relationships
between variables and to explain why those relationships exist.
• Explanatory research typically involves the use of quantitative methods,
such as experimental or quasi-experimental designs, to manipulate one or
more variables and observe the effects on other variables.
• This allows researchers to test their hypotheses and determine whether there is a
causal relationship between the variables.
• It is a type of research that aims to explain the relationship between different
variables. Explanatory research is often used to identify cause-and-effect relationships.
 Explanatory Research
• One of the key features of explanatory research is the use of control
groups or comparison groups to isolate the effects of the independent
variable.
• This helps to ensure that any observed changes in the dependent variable are due
to the manipulation of the independent variable, rather than to other factors.
• Explanatory research is often used in the natural and social sciences to
test theories and hypotheses about the relationships between variables.
• For example, explanatory research might be used to determine whether a
particular drug is effective in treating a disease, or whether a particular teaching
method is more effective than others in improving student learning outcomes.
 Examples
• Information system specialist:
• Investigating the effectiveness of different software development
methodologies in improving project outcomes.
• The research could examine various methodologies such as Agile,
Waterfall, and DevOps and compare their success rates in
delivering projects on time, within budget, and meeting
stakeholders' requirements.
 Examples
• Multimedia technologist:
• Studying the impact of different multimedia design techniques on
user engagement and interaction.
• The research could investigate different approaches such as
virtual reality, gamification, and interactive multimedia to
determine which techniques are most effective in achieving
specific user experience goals.
 Examples
• Computer scientist:
• Investigating the impact of different algorithms on artificial
intelligence (AI) systems' performance.
• The research could examine different algorithms such as decision
trees, neural networks, and support vector machines to determine
their effectiveness in solving specific AI problems.
 Examples
• Health informatician:
• Studying the effectiveness of different electronic health record
(EHR) systems in improving patient outcomes.
• The research could examine different EHR systems' features such
as decision support, clinical documentation, and patient
engagement to determine which systems are most effective in
improving patient care and outcomes.
 Examples
• Business information systems specialist:
• Investigating the factors that influence the adoption and use of
enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in organizations.
• The research could examine different factors such as
organizational culture, user training, and system customization to
determine the most significant factors that affect ERP system
adoption and use.
 Examples
• Telecommunication engineer:
• Exploring the impact of different network topologies on data
transmission performance.
• The research could examine different network topologies such as
star, mesh, and ring to determine their effectiveness in achieving
specific performance goals such as high data transfer rates, low
latency, and reliable connections.
 Comparative research
• Comparative research is a type of research that involves the systematic
comparison of two or more entities, such as countries, regions,
organizations, or individuals.
• The primary goal of comparative research is to identify similarities and differences
between the entities being studied and to explain why those similarities and
differences exist.
• Comparative research can take many forms, including cross-sectional
studies, longitudinal studies, case studies, and experiments.
• The methods used in comparative research are often both quantitative and
qualitative in nature, as they involve collecting and analyzing both numerical and
non-numerical data.
 Comparative research
• One of the benefits of comparative research is that it allows researchers
to identify commonalities and differences across a range of contexts,
which can help to develop more general theories and concepts.
• For example, comparative research might be used to identify common factors that
contribute to economic growth across different countries, or to compare the
effectiveness of different healthcare systems in reducing mortality rates.
• Another benefit of comparative research is that it can help to inform
policy decisions and interventions by identifying best practices and
lessons learned from other contexts.
• For example, a government might use comparative research to identify successful
education policies in other countries that could be adapted to their own context.
 Comparative research: Benefits
• It allows researchers to identify commonalities and differences across a
range of contexts, which can help to develop more general theories and
concepts.
• For example, comparative research might be used to identify common factors that
contribute to economic growth across different countries, or to compare the
effectiveness of different healthcare systems in reducing mortality rates.
• It can help to inform policy decisions and interventions by identifying
best practices and lessons learned from other contexts.
• For example, a government might use comparative research to identify successful
education policies in other countries that could be adapted to their own context.
 Comparative research:
Limitations
• It can be difficult to control for all the variables that might
influence the outcomes being studied, which can make it difficult
to establish causal relationships.
• It can be resource-intensive, as it often involves collecting and
analyzing data from multiple sources.
 Examples
• Information system specialist:
• Comparing the effectiveness of different database management
systems in terms of performance, security, and scalability.
• Comparing the user interface of different project management
tools to determine which is more user-friendly and efficient.
• Comparing the use of open source vs proprietary software in
information system development.
 Examples
• Multimedia technologist:
• Comparing the effectiveness of different video codecs in terms of
compression ratio, visual quality, and encoding speed.
• Comparing the user engagement of different interactive
multimedia applications to determine which one is more effective
in terms of user experience.
• Comparing the performance of different virtual reality systems in
terms of immersion and interaction.
 Examples
• Computer engineer:
• Comparing the power consumption and processing speed of
different CPU architectures.
• Comparing the effectiveness of different memory architectures in
terms of access speed and capacity.
• Comparing the performance of different hardware acceleration
technologies in specific applications, such as video rendering or
machine learning.
 Examples
• Computer scientist:
• Comparing the effectiveness of different machine learning
algorithms in terms of accuracy and training time.
• Comparing the performance of different data structures and
algorithms for specific applications, such as graph traversal or
text search.
• Comparing the security of different cryptographic algorithms and
protocols.
 Examples
• Health Informatician:
• Comparing the effectiveness of different electronic health record
systems in terms of accuracy, completeness, and accessibility.
• Comparing the use of artificial intelligence vs traditional methods
in diagnosing diseases.
• Comparing the effectiveness of different health information
exchange systems in terms of privacy and security.
 Examples
• Business information systems specialist:
• Comparing the effectiveness of different customer relationship
management systems in terms of customer retention and
satisfaction.
• Comparing the efficiency of different enterprise resource planning
systems in terms of supply chain management and inventory
control.
• Comparing the effectiveness of different business intelligence
systems in terms of decision-making support.
 Examples
• Telecommunication engineer:
• Comparing the effectiveness of different network topologies in
terms of speed and reliability.
• Comparing the performance of different wireless communication
technologies in terms of range and data transfer rate.
• Comparing the security of different encryption methods used in
telecommunication systems.
 Theory testing and building
• Theory testing involves the systematic evaluation of existing theories and
hypotheses through empirical research.
• The goal of theory testing is to determine whether the data supports or refutes the
theory or hypothesis being tested.
• This is typically done through the use of quantitative research methods,
such as experimental or quasi-experimental designs, that allow researchers
to manipulate variables and observe their effects on other variables.
• Theory testing is an important part of the scientific method, as it allows
researchers to systematically evaluate and refine theories based on
empirical evidence.
 Theory testing and building
• Theory building, on the other hand, involves the development of new theories or
hypotheses based on existing research and observations.
• The goal of theory building is to create new frameworks for understanding phenomena that have
not been fully explained by existing theories.
• Theory building typically involves a combination of qualitative and quantitative research
methods, as it often requires the exploration of complex phenomena that cannot be fully captured
by numerical data alone.
• Theory testing and building are both important components of the research process.
• Theory testing helps to establish the validity of existing theories and hypotheses, while theory
building helps to generate new ideas and frameworks for understanding the world around us.
• Both activities are essential for advancing our understanding of complex phenomena and
developing evidence-based solutions to real-world problems.
 Examples
• Theory testing and building are important activities for ICT professionals who are involved in the
design, development, and implementation of information and communication technologies.
• Here are some examples of how theory testing and building can be applied in the field of ICT:
• Theory testing:
• Testing the effectiveness of different user interfaces on user engagement and satisfaction
• Evaluating the impact of different security protocols on system performance and user experience
• Investigating the effects of social media use on mental health outcomes
• Theory building:
• Developing a new theory of user acceptance of technology based on qualitative research with end-users
• Proposing a new framework for understanding the use of gamification in educational contexts based on
literature review and expert interviews
• Developing a new theory of digital literacy that incorporates both technical and social dimensions of technology
use.
 Research design vs strategy
• Research design refers to the overall plan or blueprint of a
research project.
• It includes the selection of research methods, sampling
techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis
procedures.
• Research strategy, on the other hand, refers to the
approach or method used to conduct research.
• It includes the use of experimental, survey, case study, or other
methods.
 Research design vs strategy
• When designing a research project, it is essential to carefully
consider the research design.
• This means choosing the appropriate research methods, sampling
techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures.
• The research strategy employed in a study can greatly
impact the outcomes.
• For instance, an experimental research strategy may allow for greater
control over variables, while a survey research strategy may be more
efficient for studying large populations.
 Research design vs strategy
• A researcher who is interested in studying the effectiveness of a new
teaching method may choose to use a quasi-experimental research
design.
• This could involve selecting two groups of students, one of which receives the
new teaching method and one of which does not, and comparing their outcomes.
• A case study research design could be used to investigate the
experiences of individuals who have undergone a particular medical
procedure.
• This might involve selecting a small group of participants and conducting in-
depth interviews to gain a detailed understanding of their experiences.
 Research design vs strategy
• A researcher interested in understanding the factors that
influence consumer purchasing decisions may choose to
use a survey research strategy.
• This could involve administering a questionnaire to a large sample
of consumers and analyzing the responses to identify common
themes and trends.
 Philosophical perspectives
• There are different philosophical perspectives that underpin
research. These include:
• Positivism: It is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the
importance of empirical evidence and scientific methods. Positivism
assumes that reality is objective and can be studied through observation
and experimentation.
• Interpretivism: It is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the
importance of subjective experience and meaning.
• Interpretivism assumes that reality is constructed through social
interactions and language.
 Philosophical perspectives
• Critical Theory: This perspective emphasizes the role of power and inequality in
society. Critical theorists argue that social problems cannot be fully understood or
addressed without examining the underlying power dynamics that create and
sustain them.
• Feminism: Feminist philosophy emphasizes the importance of gender and
intersectionality in understanding human experience. Feminist researchers often
focus on the ways in which gendered power relations shape social phenomena
and the experiences of individuals.
• Postmodernism: This perspective questions the idea that objective truth exists,
and instead emphasizes the role of language and discourse in shaping our
understanding of reality. Postmodern researchers often seek to deconstruct
dominant narratives and question the assumptions underlying them.
 Philosophical perspectives
• Pragmatism: This perspective emphasizes the practical, real-
world implications of research.
• Pragmatists argue that knowledge is provisional and should be
evaluated based on its usefulness in solving practical problems.
• Constructivism: This perspective emphasizes the active role of
individuals and groups in constructing their own understanding of
reality.
• Constructivists argue that our perceptions of the world are shaped by
our experiences and cultural backgrounds, and that knowledge is
therefore always situated and context-dependent
 Research Methods vs
Methodology
• Research methods refer to the specific techniques and
tools used to collect and analyse data.
• These include surveys, experiments, case studies, interviews, and
observation.
• Methodology, on the other hand, refers to the overall
framework or approach used to conduct research.
• It includes the selection of research methods, sampling
techniques, and data analysis procedures.
 Research Methods vs
Methodology
•

• Research methods: Qualitative research methods such

as focus groups and content analysis were used to collect
and analyze data in this study. Methodology: The
methodology of this study was grounded theory, which
emphasizes the development of theories based on the
analysis of data.
 Research Methods vs
Methodology
• Research methods: A survey questionnaire was administered to a
sample of 500 participants to collect data on their attitudes towards
climate change.
• Methodology: The methodology of this study was cross-sectional, which involved
collecting data at a single point in time from a representative sample of the
population.
• Research methods: This study employed a randomized controlled trial
design to test the effectiveness of a new medication for treating a
specific disease.
• Methodology: The methodology of this study was experimental, which involves
manipulating variables to test causal relationships.
 Research Methods vs
Methodology
• Research methods: A case study approach was used to
investigate the implementation of a new educational
program in a particular school.
• Methodology: The methodology of this study was interpretive,
which involves understanding and interpreting the meanings and
experiences of the participants.
Inductive, deductive, and abductive
research approaches
• Inductive research is a bottom-up approach that starts
with specific observations and then develops a general
theory or explanation.
• Deductive research, on the other hand, is a top-down
approach that starts with a general theory or explanation
and then tests it through specific observations.
• Abductive research is a combination of inductive and
deductive approaches that involves generating a
hypothesis to explain a particular phenomenon and then
testing it through observation and experimentation.
Inductive, deductive, and abductive
research approaches
• Inductive research: a researcher may observe that users who
use a particular software feature tend to complete their tasks
faster.
• Based on this observation, the researcher may develop a hypothesis that
using this feature can improve task completion time.
• Inductive research: in telecommunication engineering, a
researcher may observe that users who use a particular network
protocol tend to experience fewer dropped calls.
• Based on this observation, the researcher may develop a hypothesis that
using this protocol can improve network reliability.
Inductive, deductive, and abductive
research approaches
• Deductive research: A researcher starts with the theory
that people who exercise regularly have better mental
health.
• The researcher then tests this theory by conducting a study in which
participants are randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a
control group, and their mental health is assessed before and after
the intervention.
• The researcher finds that the exercise group shows significant
improvements in mental health compared to the control group,
supporting the original theory.
Inductive, deductive, and abductive
research approaches
• Abductive research: A researcher observes that some
people who have experienced trauma develop post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others do not.
• The researcher generates a hypothesis that individual differences
in coping strategies may explain why some people develop PTSD
while others do not.
• The researcher then tests this hypothesis by conducting a study in
which participants who have experienced trauma are assessed for
coping strategies, and their rates of PTSD are compared over time.
 Qualitative vs quantitative
research
• Quantitative research is a type of research that involves the collection and analysis of
numerical data. It is often used to test hypotheses or identify cause-and-effect
relationships.
• Qualitative research is a type of research that involves the collection and analysis of
non-numerical data. It is often used to explore complex phenomena or generate new
theories.
• Mixed research is a type of research that involves the integration of quantitative and
qualitative methods.
• It aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue by
combining the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative research approaches.
• This approach can help to provide a more complete picture of complex issues, as it allows for both
numerical data and rich contextual information to be taken into account.
 Scientific methods
• Scientific methods are a set of principles and procedures
that guide research.
• They include the formulation of hypotheses, the collection
and analysis of data, and the interpretation and
communication of findings.
• Scientific methods aim to ensure that research is
conducted in a systematic, rigorous, and transparent way,
in order to produce reliable and valid results.
 Scientific methods
• Scientific methods involve the use of empirical evidence to test theories and hypotheses.
This means that researchers rely on data and observations to evaluate their ideas, rather
than relying on intuition or personal beliefs.
• Scientific methods require researchers to design experiments that can be replicated by
others. This helps to ensure that the findings are not just a fluke or the result of chance,
but are consistent across multiple trials
• Scientific methods prioritize objectivity over subjectivity. Researchers strive to minimize
bias in their studies by using standardized procedures and avoiding preconceptions that
could influence their interpretations of the data.
 Scientific methods
• Scientific methods are constantly evolving as new technologies and techniques become
available. This means that researchers must stay up-to-date on the latest developments in
their field and be willing to adapt their methods as needed.
 Research process
• The research process typically involves several stages, including identifying a research
question or problem, conducting a literature review, selecting appropriate research
methods, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting findings, and communicating results.
• It is important to follow a structured and systematic approach to research in order to
ensure that it is conducted in a rigorous and valid way
•
 Research process
• Identify the research problem: This involves identifying a gap in knowledge
or an issue that needs to be addressed through research.
• Conduct a literature review: This involves reviewing existing research
studies and publications related to the research problem to identify what has
already been done and what is still unknown.
• Develop research questions or hypotheses: Based on the research problem
and literature review, the researcher formulates research questions or
hypotheses that they will address through their study.
• Design the study: This involves determining the research design, methods for
data collection, and sampling strategy. The researcher also needs to ensure
that ethical considerations are addressed.
 Research process
• Collect data: This involves collecting data using the selected research methods, such as
surveys, experiments, interviews, or observation.
• Analyze data: This involves analyzing the collected data using appropriate statistical or
qualitative analysis techniques to answer the research questions or test the hypotheses.
• Interpret findings: This involves interpreting the results of the data analysis and
drawing conclusions based on the findings.
• Report results: This involves writing up the research study in a formal report or
manuscript, which includes the research problem, literature review, methodology, results,
and conclusions.
• Disseminate findings: This involves sharing the results of the research study with other
researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders through conferences, publications, or other
means.