Research Method All
Research Method All
The major and important elements for a good research problem can be framed in a Clarity,
Specificity, Relevance, and Originality manner.
Steps:
Identify a Broad area of Interest: Choose a general field or domain you are passionate about.
Narrow Down the Focus: Specify a particular aspect of the broad area. (Example: From
Review The Literature: Understand existing knowledge and identify gaps(we have a clear
understanding of what has been done and what remains unexplored).
Contextualize the problem: Situate the problem within its real-world setting(It would help
us to align the research with practical or theoretical relevance).
Define the Problem Statement: Clearly articulate the issue to be addressed.
Set Objectives and Questions: Define what the research aims to achieve.
Criteria for a Well-Defined Research Problem
Observation and real-world Issues :insights gained from everyday experiences and societal
challenges.
Existing Literature: Gaps or unresolved questions in academic research.
Professional Experience: Challenges or insights from practical work or problem exposure.
Technological Advancement :New technologies creating opportunities or challenges.
Policy gaps and Changes: Inadequacies or shifts in policies leading to research
opportunities.
Social and cultural issues :Problems affecting specific communities or cultural practices.
Personal interest/curiosity: Topics driven by personal passion or questions.
Interdisciplinary perspectives: Combining knowledge from multiple disciplines to address
Emerging trends: New patterns or phenomena in society, technology, or science.
Unexplored areas: Topics with little or no prior research.
A research proposal can be defined as a document that is used to outlining the research plan,
rationale, and methodology for a proposed study.
To define the research problem: Clearly state the issue or question the research will address.
Outline the research plan: Detail the approach, methodology, and steps for the study.
Rationalize the research: Justify why the research is necessary and impactful.
Securing funding approval: Persuade funders or institutions to support the research.
Aspiring reader: Capture the reader’s interest and ensure they are well-informed.
Make them pre informed : the readers become timely aware of our study by taking a look
at the proposal
Characteristics of a research proposal
A good proposal is:
Demonstrating the Significance of the Study: Literature reviews show the relevance and
importance of the research topic by highlighting its contributions to the field.
Developing a Theoretical Framework: A literature review helps in identifying existing theories
and concepts that support the research.
Establishing Credibility and Academic Rigor: A thorough review of relevant literature
demonstrates the researcher’s command of the field.
Identifying Research Gaps: The literature review identifies areas where research is lacking
or insufficient, pointing out opportunities for new studies.
Justifying the Research Design and Methodology: The review justifies the choice of
research methods by referencing studies that used similar approaches.
Providing a Foundation for Hypotheses or Research Questions
Providing Context and Background: Literature reviews provide historical, cultural, and
contextual background relevant to the research topic.
Supporting Data Interpretation: The review helps interpret the findings of the study by
comparing them with existing literature.
Literature Review Sources
The following are the primary types of sources used in a literature review:
Academic Journals: Peer-reviewed articles that present original research, findings, and
theoretical advancements.
Books: Scholarly books that provide in-depth exploration of topics, theories, and
historical perspectives.
Case Studies: Detailed examinations of specific instances or events that offer insights into
broader patterns.
Conference Proceedings: Published papers or summaries of presentations given at
academic or professional conferences.
Government and Institutional Reports: Official documents and publications produced by
government bodies, organizations, or think tanks.
Newspapers and Magazines: Publications that offer current events, trends, and public
opinions on various topics.
Online Databases: Digital repositories containing academic papers, articles, books, and other
scholarly materials.
Professional Associations and Websites: Websites and resources from professional groups
and organizations dedicated to specific academic fields.
Review Articles:Articles that summarize and synthesize existing research on a particular
topic.
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses:Rigorous reviews that systematically analyze and
summarize research findings, often through statistical methods.
Theses and Dissertations: In-depth research documents written by graduate students as part of
their degree requirements.
Step1: Choose Databases and Search Engines: densify reputable databases and search
engines relevant to your field (e.g., Google Scholar, PubMed, JSTOR)Consider discipline-
specific resources like education leadership, language, community, engineering,
psychology, etc. Use library access for journal subscriptions.
Step2: Define Your Research Question or Topic:
Chronological Approach: Organizing the literature review based on the timeline of the
research development in the field.
Thematic Approach; Organizing the literature review around themes or topics within
the research area.
Methodological Approach: Organizing the review based on research methodologies
used in the studies: Theoretical Approach:
Comparative Approach: Organizing the review around key theories or conceptual
frameworks used in the studies.
Narrative Approach: A more storytelling-style approach that presents a synthesis of
the literature.
Systematic Approach: A highly structured and methodical approach that aims to review all
relevant studies systematically.
Chapter 4: Sampling and Data Collection Methods
Population: The entire group of items, people, or data points you are interested in studying.
Sample: A smaller group selected from the population that represents it.
Cost Effectiveness: Larger or more diverse samples can be expensive and time-consuming.
Ethical and feasible:
Ensure informed consent from participants.
Avoid exploitative or intrusive sampling methods.
Types of Sampling
Non-Probability Sampling
Probability Sampling
Selection is based on convenience or specific
Every member of the population has a known chance of being
criteria, not random chance.
selected.
Probability Sampling
Allows for generalization of findings to the population.
Stratified Sampling
The population is divided into subgroups, and random samples are drawn from each subgroup.
Cluster Sampling
The population is divided into clusters, and a random sample of clusters is selected. Then, all members within
the selected clusters are included in the sample.
Systematic sampling
It is a probability sampling technique where every ---th member of the population is selected
after a random starting point.
Non-Probability Sampling
Convenience Sampling
Convenience sampling involves selecting participants who are readily available or easy to reach.
Example: a researcher conducting a survey at a shopping mall would be using convenience sampling.
Judgmental (Purposive) Sampling
Snowball Sampling Snowball sampling involves starting with a small group of individuals who meet the criteria and
asking them to refer other eligible participants.
researcher studying a rare disease might use snowball sampling to reach individuals with the disease by asking them to refer
other affected individuals.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Non-Probability Sampling
Advantages: Cost-effective, convenient, easier to access participants, can be used to study specific groups.
Disadvantages: May not represent the entire population, less generalizable, prone to biases, limited
statistical analysis.
Why we use sample?
Representativeness
Representativeness
Accurately Reflects
Sampling aims to select a representative sample that mirrors the characteristics of the entire population.
Generalizability
The findings from a representative sample can be generalized to the broader population, providing valuable insights
about the whole.
Practicality and Efficiency
Time-Saving Feasibility
Targeted Analysis
Deep Dive
Sampling allows researchers to focus on specific Researchers can obtain a more detailed
understanding of specific phenomena or
subgroups or characteristics within a population
Sampling Error and Sampling bias:
Sample Size Determination:
Close –ended Questionnaire: it is a type of survey/ assessment tool that consists of questions offering a limited set of
predefined answers for respondents to choose from.
Open-ended Questionnaire: it is a type of survey that allows respondents to give detailed, unrestricted, and subjective
answers in their own words to qualify ther answer.
Psychological test is a standardized instrument designed to measure specific mental functions, traits, or
behaviors. It evaluates a range of psychological constructs such as intelligence, personality, aptitude, emotions,
and mental health.
Educational assessment is the process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to evaluate students'
knowledge, skills, abilities, or learning progress in an educational setting.
Qualitative Data Collection
Post Positivism:
Ontology: Reality exists but is imperfectly understood due to human limitations.
Epistemology: Knowledge is probabilistic and subject to revision.
Methodology: Mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative).
Critical Theory:
Interpretivisms:
Ontology: Reality is socially constructed and varies across contexts.
Epistemology: Knowledge is subjective and derived from human experiences and interpretations.
Methodology: Qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, participant observation).
Pragmatism:
Ontology: Reality is dynamic and shaped by practical outcomes.
Epistemology: Knowledge is based on practical problem-solving and action.
Methodology: Mixed methods (based on what works best for the problem).
Paradigm Ontology Epistemology Methodology
Observation &
Positivism Objective reality Quantitative
measurement
Post-Positivism Imperfect reality Probabilistic knowledge Mixed methods
Socially constructed
Critical Theory Power & context-focused Qualitative
reality
Socially constructed
Interpretivism Subjective interpretation Qualitative
reality
Pragmatism Practical and dynamic Problem-centered Mixed methods
Applications in Research
Positivism: Natural sciences, large-scale surveys.
Post-Positivism: Social sciences, health research.
Critical Theory: Gender studies, cultural analysis.
Interpretivism: Education, anthropology.
Quantitative Research Design
A research design is a plan one has to thoughtfully undertakes to accomplish the task ahead.
Sometimes, the phrase “research method” is also used interchangeably with “ design”.
Both concepts imply to shape or structure the way the research is going to be conducted in an
effective and scientific way.
Research design also hints or explicitly puts forward the efficient and convincing ways of
determining our sampling procedures, the data sources and means of collecting such relevant
data or evidence to accomplish the planned tasks within available resources and efforts that
can be exerted.
How can a researcher decide their research design or method?
The following basic questions should be answered:
objective of the study
rationale or reason of the study
where (specific area) the study can be conducted
what type of data can help (to) meet the set research objective
time (period) of the study
what sampling convention (s) to be applied and why (justification)
techniques of data collection (face-to-face or vicariously)
way (techniques) of analysis of the collected data, and
mode of reporting or presenting the work.
The research design or method can be summarized into major activities:
Sampling design: to decide or select the samples
Statistical design: way/ procedure/ of gathering and analysing the data
Operational design: the overall strategy by which what have been put as means of ensuring
or realizing the research (e.g. sampling, statistical, etc.) to achieve the research goals
-Comparative studies: used to establish relationship between two phenomena or situations
makes comparison of prevailing conditions that are of cause-effect relationship to be
established.
Survey study- deals with several types of data which are related to the subject under study.
- is broad-sized but with less depth as its main aim is to find description of current status of a
thing/phenomenon.
- due to its limited depth, survey study is characterized as simply “scratching of the surface’’
Experimental research:
-Is carried out through testing of hypothesis. It will have treatment variable (experimental)
and control groups to establish cause-effect relationship.
- The variable to be measured to establish the effects of the experimental treatment is known
as dependent variable or criterion variable
Correlational research:
Its main objective is to determine relationship in order to make predictions. This is done by
analysing two variables which are highly related to make or result in third factor or event to
happen.
Qualitative Research Design
Case studies: unlike survey studies, they have more depth and go beneath the
surface in attempting to discover the causes of factors.
Help to identify the unique feature of a situation
Ethnographic
It is a systematic study of people and culture.
The term means “portrait of a people” and it is a methodology for
descriptive studies of cultures and peoples.
A two-phase mixed-methods approach where quantitative data collection and analysis are
followed by qualitative data collection to explain or expand on the quantitative findings.
Convergent parallel
Mixed-methods approach where quantitative and qualitative data are collected and
analyzed simultaneously, and the results are compared or merged for a comprehensive
understanding.
Exploratory Sequential( Quali-qunati)
Mixed-methods research integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain a broader perspective
on a research question.
Embedded design
It is a design approach where a secondary data type (qualitative or quantitative) is embedded within a larger
primary data collection strategy.
Transformative
An approach driven by a specific theoretical or conceptual framework aimed at addressing issues of social
justice, power, or marginalized groups.
Chapter 6: data Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation
The term population mean, which is the parameter of a given population, is represented by:
μ = ( Σ Xi ) / N
P100
Median
There are two steps to finding the median in a sample with an odd number of data:
List the data in numerical order
Locate the value in the middle of the list
It is denoted by Md
“ The median is that value of the variable which divides the group into two equal parts, one
part comprising of all values greater, and the other, all values less than median”- Connor
Inferential Statistics
Content Analysis (thematic content analysis, frame work content analysis, conventional
content analysis, directed content analysis, and connotation content analysis)
Software for Analyzing Qualitative data (MAXQDA, Dedoose, QDA Miner, and F4Analyze)
Chapter 7: The Research Report
Report Format (APA is the best fit for our case)
Preliminary pages
Cover page (name of the organization, title, author, purpose, date and place)
Sample
Debre Markos College of Teacher Education
Department of Education
By
Alemu Kebede
January, 2025
Debre Markos
Declaration
This is to certify that the dissertation report titled “-------------------------” is submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirement for the degree of mathematics, Department of mathematics , DMCTE, is my original work written by me and
has never submitted to this or any other institutions to get any degree or certificate.
Acknowledgement
First and foremost, I express my gratitude to my advisor, --------for his invaluable guidance, constructive feedback, and
genuine concern. His/her exceptional knowledge and behavior are truly remarkable. Additionally, I would like to extend my
thanks to all the deans, teachers, administrative staff, and students who participated in the study. I am also appreciative of my
friends , for the insightful discussions we had during our coursework and the research process.
Abstract
Sample
This study examines the effects of derailed (DrLB) and laissez-faire leadership (LLB) on teachers’ social
engagement with students (TSES) and colleagues (TSEC). A correlational predictive design with a quantitative
approach was employed. A total of 397 teachers and 366 students were participants. Data were collected using
questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. DrLB and LLB exhibited in CTEs (t
(396) = 20.61, Cohn’s d = 1.03, p < 0.01) and (t (396) = 26.76, Cohn’s d = 1.35, p < 0.01), respectively. Teachers
were engaged with students and colleagues (t (396) = 24.34, Cohn’s d = 1.22, p < 0.01) and (t (396) = 20.18,
Cohn’s d = 1.01, p < 0.0) and (t (365) = 7.94, Cohn’s d = 0.42, p < 0.01) and (t (365) = 12.45, Cohn’s d = 0.66, p <
0.01) from teachers and students’ data. There was a significant relationship between TSEC and LLB (r = .751, p
< 0.01). DrLB and LLB predict TSES and TEC (Wilks’ Λ = .164, F (60, 813) = 9.18, p < .01, partial η2 = .42) and
LLB (Wilks’ Λ = .17, F (55, 804) = 9.03, p < .01, partial η2 = .4.), respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that
teachers are struggling with d DrLB and LLB. Finally, recommendations were forwarded to potential
stakeholders such as the regional education bureau, deans, teachers and board members of CTEs.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Content Page
Acknowledgment----------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
Abstract----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Chapter One: Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------5
1.1 Background of the study-----------------------------------------------------------6
1.2 Problem Statement -----------------------------------------------------------------7
List of Tables
Table Page
Table 1: Population and sample---- ----------------------------------------------------------------3
Table 2: Reliability-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Table3: Demographic --------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
List of Figurs
Table Page
Figure 1: Normal Distribution--- ----------------------------------------------------------------3
Figure 2: study site -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Figure 3: Graphs --------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
List of Abbreviations and ACRONYMS