The classification may be in terms of:

1. Methods employed
2. The time dimension,
3. Research environment or
4. Data used.
Types of research
Descriptive research vs. in analytical research,
Applied vs. Fundamental
Quantitative vs. Qualitative
Conceptual vs. Empirical
Time Dimension in Research
Quantitative economic research may be divided into two groups in terms of the time dimension
1 A single point in time (cross sectional)

2 Multiple points research (longitudinal research)

Types of Longitudinal Research 1. Time series research

2. The panel study

Research Approaches

A. Quantitative approach:
1. Inferential (ከመረጃ መነሳት)
2. Experimental approach
3. Simulation approach (መፍጠር)
B. Qualitative approach
Is concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions and behavior
Criteria of Good Research
Systematic
Logical
Empirical
Replicable
Types of research design;
1. Descriptive research design
2. Experimental research design
3. Correlational research design
4. Diagnostic research design
5. Explanatory research
Type of Data
1. Primary Data
2. Secondary Data:
Sampling Techniques
Non-probability Sampling Techniques(for qualitative research.)
1. Judgmental
2. convenience sampling
3. Quota sampling
4. Snowball sampling
Probability Sampling Techniques
1. Simple Random Sampling
2. Systematic Sampling Technique
3. Stratified Sampling
4. Cluster Sampling
Sample Size Determination
Sample size determination depends on
1. Degree of homogeneity
2. Degree of confidence required
3. Number of sub groups to be studied:
4. Cost
5. Prior information
Methods/Techniques of Data Collection
Data can be acquired from Secondary and primary sources or from both.
Secondary data may be acquired from various sources: Reports of various kinds, books,
periodicals, reference books, (encyclopedia), university publications (thesis, dissertations, etc.),
policy documents, statistical compilations, proceedings, etc.
 Primary Sources of Data
Data that came into being for the first time by the people directly involved in the
research.
There are two approaches to primary data collection:
1. Qualitative approach

2. Quantitative approach

Qualitative Primary data collection approaches

Qualitative data can be acquired from:
Case studies,
Key informant interviews.
Focus group discussions and
Quantitative Primary Data Collection Methods

Primary data may be collected through:

1. Direct personal observation method, or

2. Survey or questioning other persons,
3. Combining them

Surveys could be carried out through:

1. Face to face personal interview

2. by telephone interview
3. by mail interview
4. Online Surveys
5. E-mail and internet
6. By a combination of all these

Methods of Data Analysis

1. Descriptive analysis
2. Inferential analysis