LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

DEFINITIONS

Grinnell (1993: 4): ‘research is a structured inquiry that utilizes acceptable

scientific methodology to solve problems and creates new knowledge that
is generally applicable.’

Burns (1997: 2): research is ‘a systematic investigation to find answers to a

problem’.

Kerlinger (1986: 10): ‘scientific research is a systematic, controlled

empirical and critical investigation of propositions about the presumed
relationships about various phenomena’.
OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH
The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which
has not been discovered as yet.
1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (studies
with this object in view are termed as exploratory or formulative research studies).
2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a
group (studies with this object in view are known as descriptive research studies).

3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is

associated with something else (studies with this object in view are known as
diagnostic research studies).

4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are

known as hypothesis-testing research studies).
TYPES OF RESEARCH BASED ON DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

1. Applications of the findings of the research study.

2. Objectives of the study.
3. Mode of enquiry used in conducting the study.
 TYPES OF
RESEARCH:
APPLICATION
PERSPECTIVE

Source:
http://couri.utep.edu/index.php/
basicvapplied
TYPES OF RESEARCH: OBJECTIVE PERSPECTIVE

1. Descriptive Study. To describe systematically a situation, problem,

phenomenon, attitude, service or programme.

Examples:

living conditions of slum dwellers

needs of a community
administrative structure of an organization
how a child feels living in a house with domestic violence
attitudes of employees towards management

Aim: To describe individual variables existing in a group.

2. Correlational Study. To discover or establish the existence of a
relationship/association/interdependence between two or more aspects
of a situation (2 or more variables).

Examples:

What is the impact of an advertising campaign on the sale of a product?

What is the relationship between stressful living and the incidence of
heart attack?
What is the relationship between technology and unemployment?
3. Explanatory Research. To clarify/explain why and how there is a
relationship between two aspects of a situation or phenomenon.

Examples:

Explain why stressful living results in heart attacks

Explain why a decline in mortality is followed by a fertility decline
Explain how the home environment affects children’s level of academic
achievement.

4. Exploratory Research. To explore an area where little is known or to

investigate the possibilities of undertaking a particular research study.

Examples: Feasibility study or pilot study

TYPES OF RESEARCH:
MODE OF ENQUIRY

Source:
http://www.qualitativedataanalysis
.net/qualitative-and-quantitative-
data-analysis/
CONSIDERATIONS IN CHOOSING A MODE OF ENQUIRY

1. Research Paradigm. A paradigm is a worldview or set of

assumptions that a researcher brings to a study. Guda (1990) defines
paradigm as a ‘basic set of beliefs that guide action.’

2. Research Design. The overall strategy to answer effectively, validly,

and accurately the research problem. It is the blueprint collection,
measurement, and analysis of data.

3. Research Methods. The process of collecting, analyzing, and

interpreting data.
TYPES OF RESEARCH PARADIGMS

1. Post-positivism

Ontology: Real, external, independent, single reality “out there”

Events are caused by other circumstances (Determinism).

Epistemology: Knowledge is based on experience of senses and can be obtained by

observation and experiment (Empiricism).
Discover the laws or theories that govern the world.
Knowledge is conjectural.
Generalize the observation of particular to the world at large (Generalization).

Axiology: Value-free; researcher is detached, neutral, and independent of what is

researched (Objectivity)
TYPES OF RESEARCH PARADIGMS

2. Interpretivism or Constructivism

Ontology: Reality is socially constructed and subjective.

Reality is multiple and relative.

Epistemology: Knowledge acquired is socially constructed rather than objectively determined.

Seeks to understand the meaning of events or experiences.
Meanings are varied and multiple so the researcher looks for common themes.

Axiology: The researcher and participants are mutually interactive.

Human interests drive science.
TYPES OF RESEARCH PARADIGMS

3. Critical or Transformative

Ontology: Reality is rife with inequalities and injustices.

Social oppression is happening in the world.
Groups of people are marginalized and disenfranchised.

Epistemology: Seeks knowledge of inequalities and injustices and how to empower people.

Axiology: Research is a form of advocacy that will change the lives of people.
Research provides a voice for the powerless and marginalized.
Research aims to improve the lives of people.
TYPES OF RESEARCH PARADIGMS

4. Pragmatic

Ontology: Any view is chosen as long as it is helpful to understand the problem or issue.

Epistemology: Seeks knowledge of methods, procedures, and techniques that can best meet
needs and purposes of the researcher.
Seeks knowledge that is useful, that is, able to solve problems.

Axiology: Not value free.

 Research Designs Research Methods
Survey Design Questionnaires
Observational Design Interview
Correlational Design Observation
Differential Design Focus group discussion
Within Subject Design Documents and records
Between Subject Design Surveys
Cross-sectional or Longitudinal Design
Nonequivalent Group Design
Pre-test/Post-test Design
Phenomenological Design
Narrative Inquiry
Grounded Theory