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Lecture 1 &2 Introduction

The document provides an overview of research, defining it as a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to solve problems. It outlines the components of research, including its systematic, objective, and empirical nature, as well as the types of research: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods. Each type of research is described in terms of its applicability and methodology, emphasizing the importance of rigorous data collection and analysis.

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7 views43 pages

Lecture 1 &2 Introduction

The document provides an overview of research, defining it as a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to solve problems. It outlines the components of research, including its systematic, objective, and empirical nature, as well as the types of research: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods. Each type of research is described in terms of its applicability and methodology, emphasizing the importance of rigorous data collection and analysis.

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madarakasauda
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© © All Rights Reserved
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TOPIC I: THE CONCEPT OF

RESEARCH
Lecturer: Dr Mtallo, G.R
The term research means to look for, examine,
investigate or explore.

It is the process of arriving at dependable


solutions to problems through the planned
systematic collection, analysis and interpretation
of data (Orodho & Kombo, 2002)
CONT.

It is a systematic, controlled empirical


and critical investigation of
hypothetical propositions about
presumed relations among natural
phenomena (Kerlinger, 1973).
CONT.

Tuchman (1978) describes research as


a systematic attempt to provide answers
to questions.

Generally, research can be defined as a


systematic process of collecting,
examining and interpreting data.
Research Components

Research involves the following


components:
a. It is systematic – research attempts to
solve problems whether social,
economic, political, cultural or health
related in a systematic way. I.e. it
follows a general system which involves
 Identification of the problem
Review of related literature
Data collection
Components cont.
b. It is objective: Research
attempts to find an objective,
unbiased solution to the
problem. It involves gathering
new data from primary sources
(first hand) and secondary
sources(using existing data)
Component cont.

c.It is based on observable


experience or empirical evidence
d. It employs carefully designed
procedures and rigorous analysis

Assignment: Write down any two


research topics of your interest
(5marks)
Types of Research
1. Qualitative Research
2. Quantitative Research
3. Mixed-methods research
Qualitative Research
 This is the form of research that involves
descriptions. It seeks to describe and analyse the
culture and behaviour of humans and their groups
from the point of view of those being studied.
 Examples of qualitative research include case
studies of communities and institutions.
 Qualitative research uses the natural setting, for
instance, a classroom setting and not a laboratory.
This means the scenario is not artificial.
Applicability for qualitative
research
Qualitative research is appropriate under the following
conditions:
a. When the subject matter is unfamiliar. For instance
when you want to know the causes and effects of a
certain phenomenon and the answer is unfamiliar to
the researcher.
For example: Effect of free primary education on school
accessibility and retention
OR
The effect of price increases on commodity consumption.
Cont.
b. When a researcher wants to relate particular
aspects of behaviour to the wider context.

For example: When one wants to find out the effects


of abortion on academic performance.

In this study, a few schools and students will be


sampled.
The findings of the study will be applicable to a
wider context.
Cont.
c. When meanings rather than
frequencies are sought.
For example: When analysing the
effect of abortion on education ,
the researcher may be more
interested in why students procure
abortions and the effect abortion
has on their education.
In this regard, the emphasis will be
on the causes and impact of
Cont.
d. When the focus is on studying selected
issues, cases or events in depth and detail
Forms of Qualitative Research
a) Ethnographies, which are observations of
groups

b) Phenomenological studies which study subjects


over a period of time through developing
relationships with them and reporting findings
based on research experiences.

c) Case studies which use various data to


investigate the subject over time and by activity.
Quantitative Research

Quantitative research relies on the principle of


verifiability. That means confirmation, proof,
corroboration or substantiation.

Quantitative research focuses on measurement i.e.


the assignment of numerical events according to
rules.
The numbers are specified, for instance, sex: male
or female.
Applicability for Quantitative
research
Quantitative research is applicable
under the following conditions:

a. When the research incorporates the


statistical (how many?) element
designed to quantify the extent to
which a target group is aware of, thinks
this, believes that or is inclined to
behave in a certain way.
Cont.
b. When frequencies are sought to explain
meanings. The quantitative approaches involve the
collection of numerical data in order to explain
certain phenomena.

c. When data analysis is mainly statistical (deductive


process).

d. When the scenario is artificial, for instance in a


laboratory.
Mixed methods research
Mixed methods involves the
collection and “mixing” or
integration of both quantitative
and qualitative data in a study.
Cont.
It involves the collection of both qualitative
(open-ended) and quantitative (closed-
ended) data in response to research
questions or hypotheses.

It includes the analysis of both forms of data.


The procedures for both qualitative and
quantitative data collection and analysis
need to be conducted rigorously (e.g.,
adequate sampling, sources of information,
data analysis steps).
Cont.
The two forms of data are integrated in the design
analysis through merging the data, connecting the
data, or embedding the data.

These procedures are incorporated into a distinct


mixed methods design that also includes the timing
of the data collection (concurrent or sequential) as
well as the emphasis (equal or unequal) for each
database.
Cont.
Cont.
Cont.
CONT
CONT.
Cont.

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