ICT and Research Methodology

1.0 What is Research?

We can define research as an activity of systematic enquiry that seeks answers
to a problem (Andrew, 1983). Questions are as a result of events and thoughts
which seek possible solutions, when the question requires a combination of
tools such as observation, hypothesis, experiments, theories, we can term that a
research as it seeks to put together these tools to solve a problem. The results of
this research are presented in form of newspaper articles, books, reports, and
television programmes. For example, we read in the daily newspapers and also
watch on Television shows programmes and news presented with varying
information.

1.1 What Brings About Research Conceptualization?

Conceptualization in research is the process in which the researchers identify

key concepts used in the research and provide a unified explanation of those
concepts so that both the research team and the audience is on the same page.

2.0 Conceptualization of Framework for Design

The common terminology used in conceptualization framework is:

 Ontology: this is claim about what is knowledge. Many times, it is
philosophical in nature and lies in methodology behind questions
(positive, post-positive, constructive, interpretivism. e.t.c).
 Epistemology: is science of knowing (objectivism, subjectivism, e.t.c).
 Methodology: is science of finding (experimental, survey, observation,
e.t.c)
 Methods: is way to capture data (questionnaire,interview, focus group
e.t.c)
Structure: the flow of your writing-Introduction,literature review, methodology,
analysis of data, findings and conclusions). (Sequeira,2014)

The example below is developed for a study into the effect of fertilisers
subsidies in Malawi, in this case the research is contracted by the government
and a major donor with explicit terms of reference. The conceptual framework
is developed to organise the research so that the terms of reference are
addressed; to describe the main elements and processes in the system; to
identify main variables and identify expertise required (Dorward et al 2007).
2.1 Limitations in Conceptualization

There are physical, psychological, cultural and technological limitations to

conceptualization and measurement.

3.0 How is Research Formulated

Formulating suitable research questions from a research problem is the

significant step in both qualitative and quantitative research.
Fig. 1.0 The ‘onion’ diagram of research choices source Frankfort-
Nachmias (1996)

Each layer of the onion presents a different set of choices regarding research
philosophy, research approach, method and so on. All research involves choices
at all these levels, though these choices are not always made explicit. Choices
further into the centre of the onion are often, but not always, contingent on those
made further out.

Question 2
What part of project research conveys the question above

Having understood that constitute a research and how it is formulated the

part of project research that conveys research conceptualization and
formulation is the aim of the project

REFEREES

A.H. Sequeira,2014 Conceptualization in Research

Andrew CO, Hildebrand PE (1982) Planning and Conducting Applied

Agricultural Research. Westview Press Inc.

Dorward AR, Chirwa E, Boughton D, Kelly V (2007) Evaluation of the 2006/7

Agricultural Input Supply Programme, Malawi: Interim Report. Imperial
College London.

Frankfort-Nachmias C, Nachmias D (1996) Research Methods in the Social

Sciences. Edward Arnold.