Advanced Research Methodology

What is Research?
Research must be systematic and follow a series of steps and a rigid standard
protocol. These rules are broadly similar but may vary slightly between the
different fields of science.

Types of research:

There are two types of research:

Applied research:
To solve a particular problem faced by a particular organization.

Basic research:
To better understand some phenomena as it applies to all industries/business in
general.
 The Thought Process: Induction & Deduction.

Induction: is a process of establishing a general proposition (hypothesis) based

on observed fact. To induce is to draw conclusion from one (or more) particular
fact. The conclusion explains the facts.

Deduction: is a process of arriving conclusion by logical generalization of a

known fact.

Problem Identification:

Identification of research problem refers to the sense of awareness of a prevalent

social problem, a social phenomenon or a concept that is worth study as it
requires to be investigated to understand it. The researcher identifies such
a research problem through his observation, knowledge, wisdom and skills.

VARIABLES:
Four main types:
1. Dependent variable (Criterion variable)
2. Independent variable (predictor variable)
3. Moderating variable
4. Intervening (mediating) variable

1. Dependent Variable (DV):

i. It is the primary interest to the researcher.

ii. The researcher’s goal is to understand & describe the dependent variable.

2. Independent Variable (IV):

It is the one that influence the dependent variable the predictor the
explanatory variable.

3. Moderating Variable:

i. The presence of a third variable modifies the original relationship between IV

and DV.
ii. Answer the issue of ‘when’ or ‘who’.

4. Intervening (IVV) Variable (some call it mediating variable):

i. It is the one that surface between the times the independent variable start
operating to influence the dependent variable.
ii. It help us to understand ‘HOW’.

Problem Formulation:
Problem situations can be generated from a number of sources, among them are:

1. PERSONAL PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

2.CRITICAL STUDY OF THE LITERATURE
3.INTERACTION WITH OTHERS

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROPOSED RESEARCH:

1. Contribution to the basic knowledge relevant to the solution of educational

problems.

2. Contribution to educational theory.

 3. Contribution to the development of methodology tools, either for
educational practice or research.

4. Contribution to the solution of educational problems.

5. The potential generalizability of anticipated results.

SELECTING A PROBLEM:

The central element in any educational research is the problem. Once the
problem has been identified and adequately defined, the systematic and
scientific process of making observation and collecting data can be more easily
carried out. However, the large part of the solution to the problem lies in
knowing precisely what the problem is. How can you solve a problem if you
don’t know what the problem is?
THE RESEARCH PROCESS:
1. Selection of topic
2. Reviewing the literature
3. Development of theoretical and conceptual frameworks
4. Clarification of research question/hypothesis
5. Research design
6. Data collection
7. Data analysis
8. Drawing conclusions
Alternative to Research:
1. Authority:
When you accept something as true just because someone in a position of
authority says it is true or it is an authoritative publication, you are using
authority as basis of knowledge.
Example: Parents, Teachers, Books.
2. Tradition:
Tradition is a special case of authority-the authority of the past. It means you
accept something as being true because “it’s the way things have always been.
3. Common Sense:
You rely on what everyone knows and what “just makes sense”.
4. Media Myths:
Media tends to perpetuate the myths of a culture. The content of television
shows, movies, and newspaper and magazine articles; one of the six ways of
knowing.
5. Personal Experience:
If something happens to you, if you personally experience it or see it, you accept
it as true.