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Defining Research
We all possess the vital instinct of
inquisitiveness.
When the unknown confronts us, we wonder and
probe to attain full understanding of the
unknown.
This inquisitiveness is the mother of all
knowledge.
The method, which we employ for obtaining the
knowledge of whatever the unknown is,
therefore, research.
Defining Research
Research is more than a reflection of our opinions
and prejudices.
Research is defined as:
a search for knowledge in a scientific manner.
“a careful investigation or inquiry specially
through search for new facts in any branch of
knowledge.”
a “systematized effort to gain new knowledge.”
a movement from the known to the unknown.
a voyage of discovery.
Defining Research
‘Research’ refers to the systematic method
consisting of:
enunciating the problem,
formulating a hypothesis,
collecting data,
analyzing the data and
reaching certain conclusions.
Defining Research
Social research should also fulfil the following
requirements:
1. systematic, i.e. follows precise methods that are
logically consistent, transparent and open to scrutiny
2. non-discriminatory and non-exploitative to its
subjects, i.e. neither directly or indirectly should
discriminate against its subjects, physically or mentally
harm them, nor exploit them for own profit
3. open to criticism, i.e. research should be made public
through publications and be open to scrutiny both for its
procedures and its findings, and
4. independent, i.e. be free from direct or indirect
censorship
Objectives of Research
The purpose of research is to discover answers to
questions through the application of scientific
procedures.
The main aim of research is to find out the truth
which is hidden and which has not been
discovered as yet.
Though each research study has its own specific
purpose, we may think of research objectives as
falling into a number of the following broad
groupings:
Objectives of Research
1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to
achieve new insights into it;
2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a
particular individual, situation or a group;
3. To determine the frequency with which
something occurs or it’s associated with
something else;
4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship
between variables.
Motivations in Research
What makes people to undertake research?
This is a question of fundamental importance.
The possible motives for doing research may be
either one or more of the following:
1. Desire to get a research degree along with its
consequential benefits;
2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the
unsolved problems, i.e., concern over practical
problems initiates research;
Motivations in Research
3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some
creative work;
4. Desire to be of service to society;
5. Desire to get respect;
6. Curiosity about new things,; and
7. Desire to understand causal relationships
Scientific Approaches
The general process called the scientific approach is
influenced by the philosophical views.
The approach can be characterized as having the following
general steps:
◦ Identifying the problem/issue/question.
◦ Defining the research objectives
◦ Develop approaches for achieving the objectives
◦ Conduct the analysis
◦ Interpret the result and draw conclusions.
Scientific Approaches:
Deductive and Inductive Thinking
The modern method of science is broadly of two types:
Induction and Deduction.
Deductive reasoning works from the more general to the
more specific.
◦ Also called a "top-down" approach.
◦ begin with a theory – to specific hypotheses – into
observations.
◦ test the hypotheses with specific data- a confirmation (or
not) of our original theories.
Deductive Reasoning
Scientific Approaches:
Deductive and Inductive Thinking
Inductive reasoning works the other way, moving from
specific observations to broader generalizations and
theories.
◦ this is a "bottom up" approach.
We begin with specific observations and measures, begin
to detect patterns and regularities, formulate some tentative
hypotheses, and finally end up developing some general
conclusions or theories.
Inductive Thinking
Types of Research
The basic types of research are as follows:
(i) Descriptive vs. Analytical:
Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-
finding enquiries of different kinds.
The major purpose of descriptive research is
description of the state of affairs as it exists at
present.
In social science and business research we quite often
use descriptive research.
In analytical research, the researcher analyzes
information to make a critical evaluation of the
material.
Types of Research
(ii) Applied vs. Fundamental: Research can either be
applied (or action) research or fundamental (basic
or pure) research.
Applied research aims at finding a solution for an
immediate problem facing a society or an
industry/organization,
Fundamental research is mainly concerned with
generalizations and with the formulation of a
theory.
Types of Research
(iii) Quantitative vs. Qualitative:
Quantitative research is based on the
measurement of quantity or amount.
It is applicable to phenomena that can be
expressed in terms of quantity.
Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative
phenomenon whose aim is to discover the
underlying motives of human behaviour.
Types of Research
(iv) Conceptual vs. Empirical:
Conceptual research is that related to some
abstract idea(s) or theory.
It is used to develop new concepts or to reinterpret
existing ones.
Empirical research relies on experience or
observation alone, often without due regard for
system and theory.
It is data-based research.
It comes up with conclusions which are capable of
being verified by observation or experiment.
The Research Process
Before embarking on the details of research
methodology and techniques, it seems appropriate
to present a brief overview of the research
process.
Research process consists of series of actions or
steps necessary to effectively carry out research
and the desired sequencing of these steps
Design the
Define the research Review the Formulate Research
problem Literature Hypotheses (including
Sampling)
Collect Data
Analyze Data
Interpret and
Report
Defining the Research Problem
Knowing what to research and its purpose is key to the first
step in the research design.
A good research topic is broad enough to allow you to find
plenty of material, but narrow enough to fit within the size
and time constraints of your paper.
• To do a research a topic or a felt practical or theoretical
difficulty must be identified.
The problem identification affects the quality, usefulness,
effectiveness and efficiency of the research activity.
Defining the Research Problem
What does one mean when he/she wants to define
a research problem?
The answer may be that one wants to state the
problem along with the bounds within which it is
to be studied.
It involves the task of laying down boundaries
within which a researcher shall study the
problem.
How to define a research problem is undoubtedly
a herculean/exceptional task.
Defining the Research Problem
However, it is a task that must be tackled
intelligently to avoid the perplexity encountered in
a research operation.
Defining a research problem properly and clearly
is a crucial part of a research study and must in no
case be accomplished hurriedly.
However, in practice this is frequently overlooked,
which causes a lot of problems later on.
Hence, the research problem should be defined in
a systematic manner, giving due emphasis to all
relating points.
The research problem and objectives
The researcher must know exactly what his/her
problem is before he/she begins working on it.
A problem clearly defined is a problem half solved.
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The research problem and
objectives
In defining the statement of the problem, the following
questions could be helpful:
Who is affected and how?
What is missing and where?
What went wrong and to what extent?
What are the notable effects, where, extent for whom?
Is the problem self-expressive or does it generate other
problems?
What have others to say about it? Establishing the gap!
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The research problem and
objectives
The problem is very important in the sense that it should
receive considerable and persuasive attention
Its importance is inevitably subjective and will vary from
researcher to researcher.
Objectivity can be injected by answering questions such
as:
Is the problem of current interest? Is it topical (up-to-
date)?
Is the problem likely to continue into the future?
Would the information about the problem have
practical application?
The research problem and
objectives
Will the information about the problem have
theoretical importance?
How large is the population affected by the problem?
Would this study substantially revise or extend existing
knowledge?
Would this study create or improve an instrument of some
utility?
Would research findings lead to some useful change in
best practice?
Is there evidence or authoritative opinion from others to
support the need for this research?
The research problem and
objectives
The problem statement could close with a question.
Typically, the question could contain two variables, a
measurable relationship, and some indication of
population.
A good example of research question:
"What is the relationship between farm productivity and
farmer use of fertilizer"?
The information needed is:
◦ Productivity levels
◦ Some measure of fertilizer use.
The research problem and
objectives
Hazardous noise is an important occupational health
problem because it leads to hearing loss and may lead to
increased stress and other deleterious physiological effects.
More than 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous
noise on the job…Use of hearing protection devices,
specifically ear plugs is known to reduce noise exposure
and prevent noise – induced hearing loss… there are,
however, relatively few investigators who have examined
factors related to the low use of hearing protection by
workers.
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Literature Review
Academic journals, conference proceedings,
dissertations, government reports, policy reports,
publications of international organizations, books, etc.
must be tapped depending on the nature of the problem.
◦ Usually one source leads to the next and the best place
for the survey is the library.
The main goal is:
◦ to familiarize yourself with the issue and prevent
duplication of what had already been done.
Literature Review
Severalarticles can be summarized in one mention
◦ E.G- There have been numerous studies attempting to
measure the return to education (see Becker (1963);
Mincer (1968); Angrist and Krueger (1988); Bound et al.
(1991)).”
Steps to Conduct a Literature Review
• Step 1: Identify Key Terms or “Descriptors”
• Extract key words from your title (remember, you may
decide to change the title later)
• Use some of the words other authors reported in the
literature
• Scan both electronic and library journals from the past
10 years and look for key terms in the articles
error z / 2 p(1 p) / n
Problems in Sampling
Two types of errors:
Non sampling errors
Sampling errors
1. Non Sampling errors: are biases or errors due to fieldwork
problems, interviewer induced bias, clerical problems in
managing data, etc.
◦ These would contribute to error in a survey,
irrespective of whether a sample is drawn or a census
is taken.
2. sampling errors are error which is attributable to sampling,
and which therefore, is not present in information gathered
in a census.
Problems in Sampling
1.Non-Sampling Error: refers to
◦ Non-coverage error
◦ Wrong population is being sampled
◦ Non response error
◦ Instrument error
◦ Interviewer’s error
Non-Coverage sampling error: This refers to sample frame
defect.
◦ Omission of part of the target population (for instance,
soldiers, students living on campus, people in hospitals,
prisoners, households without a telephone in telephone
surveys, etc).
Problems in Sampling
The wrong population is sampled
◦ Researchers must always be sure that the group being
sampled is drawn from the population they want to
generalize about or the intended population.
Non response error – Common in self-administered surveys
◦ This error occurs when you are not able to find those
whom you were supposed to study.
◦ Some people refuse to be interviewed because they are
ill, are too busy, or simply do not trust the interviewer.
◦ When one is forced to interview substitutes, an
unknown bias is introduced.
Problems in Sampling
Instrument error
◦ The word instrument in sampling survey means the
device in which we collect data- usually a
questionnaire.
◦ When a question is badly asked or worded, the
resulting error is called instrument error.
Example: leading questions or carelessly worded
questions may be misinterpreted by some
researchers.
Problems in Sampling
Interviewer error :
◦ Enumerator can distort the results of a survey by in-
appropriate suggestions, word emphasis, tone of voice
and question rephrasing.
◦ Cheating by enumerators -with only limited training and
under little direct supervision.
◦ Perceived social distance between enumerator and
respondent also has a distorting effect.
E.G: questions about sexual behavior might be
differently answered depending on the gender of the
interviewer.
Problems in Sampling
2 Sampling Errors
◦ Error which is attributable to sampling, and which
therefore is not present in a census.
◦ Sampling errors can be calculated only for probability
samples.
◦ Increasing the sample size is one of the major instruments
to reduce the extent of the sampling error.
◦ Sampling error is related to confidence intervals.
A narrower confidence interval means more precise
estimates of the population for a given level of confidence.
Recap: Sampling
The sampling process
Step 1: Define the population, sampling units, extent and
time.
Step 2: Get a research permit if this is required in the
place you work in.
Step 3: Construct the sampling frame.
Step 4: Determine the sample size.
Step 5: Select a sampling procedure.
Step 6: Select the sample.
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Data Collection and Management
Introduction
◦ Proper data collection, retention, and sharing are vital to
the research enterprise.
Data refers to any group of facts, measurements, or
observations used to make inferences about the problem of
investigation.
◦ can range from material created in a laboratory, to
information obtained in social-science research, such as a
filled-out questionnaire, video and audio recordings, or
photographs, etc.
Introduction
No research project has unlimited funds, so selection of the
most promising data usually is affected by the priorities of
cost and convenience.
So, design an experiment that creates meaningful and
unbiased data, that will not waste resources, and that will
appropriately protect human and animal subjects.
If data are not recorded in a fashion that allows others to
validate findings, results can be called into question.
Data Collection Methods
Integrity
Integrity refers to the trustworthiness of the
information.
Data should not be modified inappropriately,
whether accidentally or deliberately.
The right information is used.
Data Collection Techniques
Data can be acquired from Secondary and primary
sources or from both.
Secondary Sources of data
◦ Secondary sources are those, which have been
collected by other individuals or agencies.
◦ As much as possible secondary data should always be
considered first, if available.
Why reinvent the wheel if the data already exist.
Data Collection Techniques
But, when dealing with secondary data you should ask:
Is the owner of the data making them available to you?
Is it free of charge? If not, how will you pay?
Are the data suitable for your investigation?
A description of the sampling technique, i.e., how the
sample was collected.
Data Collection Techniques
Sources of Secondary Data
Secondary data may be acquired from various sources:
Documents (reports of various kinds, books,
periodicals, reference books (encyclopedia),
university publications (thesis, dissertations, etc.),
policy documents, statistical compilations,
proceedings, personal documents (historical
documents, Data archives, etc.
The Internet
Data Collection Techniques
Advantages of Secondary data
Can be found more quickly and cheaply.
Most researches on past events or distant places have
to rely on secondary data sources.
Limitations
◦ Authenticity: not much may be known about
genuine?
credible?
representative?
Data Collection Techniques
Disadvantages:
◦ Very biased toward wealthy - in Ethiopia
◦ Biased toward young everywhere – even the very poor
have less online access in industrialized world
the demographic profile of the internet user does not
always represent the general population.
◦ Therefore, before doing an e-mail or internet survey,
carefully consider the effect that this bias might have on
the results.
Questionnaire Design
Actual instrument design begins by drafting specific
measurement questions in the form of a questionnaire.
Questionnaires are easy to analyze.
Data entry and tabulation can be easily done with
many computer software packages.
Questionnaires are familiar to most people.
Nearly everyone has had some experience completing
questionnaires and they generally do not make people
apprehensive.
Questionnaire Design
Questionnaires reduce bias.
There is uniform question presentation.
The researcher's own opinions will not influence the
answer.
Mailed questionnaires are less intrusive.
When a respondent receives a questionnaire by mail,
he/she is free to complete the questionnaire on his/her
own time-table.
Questionnaire Design
The main Components of a questionnaire
◦ Identification data: respondent’s name, address, time
and date of interview, code of interviewer, etc.
◦ Instruction: Include clear and concise instructions on
how to complete the questionnaire.
◦ Information sought: major portion of the questionnaire
◦ Covering letter: brief purpose of the survey, who is
doing it, time involved, etc.
Questionnaire Design
When the goals of a study can be expressed in a few clear
and concise sentences, the design of the questionnaire
becomes considerably easier.
Hence, ask only questions that directly address the study
goals.
◦ Avoid the temptation to ask questions because it would
be "interesting to know".
Questionnaire Design
As a general rule, long questionnaires get less response
than short questionnaires.
◦ Hence, keep your questionnaire short to maximize
response rate – essentials.
Minimizing the number of questions is highly desirable,
but we should never try to ask two questions in one.
Questionnaire Design
Indeveloping a survey instrument the following issues
need to be considered carefully:
Question content
Question wording
Response form
Question sequence
Questionnaire Design
1. Question Content
Question content depends on the respondent’s:
◦ ability, and
◦ willingness to answer the question accurately.
a) Respondents’ ability:
◦ The respondent information level should be
assessed.
Questions that overtax the respondent’s recall
ability may not be appropriate.
Questionnaire Design
b) Willingness of respondent to answer
◦ Even if respondents have the information, they may be
unwilling to give it.
◦ Some of the main reasons for unwillingness:
The situation is not appropriate for disclosing the
information – embarrassing or sensitive
Disclosure of information is a potential threat to the
respondent
topic is irrelevant and uninteresting for them.
Questionnaire Design
to secure more complete and truthful information
Use indirect statements i.e., “other people”
Change the design of the questioning process.
Apply appropriate questioning sequences that will
lead a respondent from „safe“ question gradually to
those that are more sensitive.
Begin with non-threatening and interesting
questions.
Questionnaire Design
Different types of questions
Types of questions depend on research question and affect
the nature of analysis
◦ Attributes – characteristics of respondents (e.g., age,
sex, etc.)
◦ Behaviour – what people do
◦ Beliefs – what people believe
◦ Knowledge – what people know
◦ Attitudes – what is desirable
Questionnaire Design
Questions should be
◦ Relevant
◦ reliable – same response by same individual and
different people should understand the question the
same way
◦ discriminating – should capture sufficient variation
◦ increasing response rates – sensitive questions and
poor survey administration can reduce response rates
Questionnaire Design
Questions should be
◦ Simple and short
◦ About issues respondents have knowledge of
◦ With same meaning to all
Questions should not be
◦ Double-barrelled – do not ask two questions
◦ Leading – push people to answer in a certain way
◦ Avoid words like usually, often, sometimes,
occasionally, seldom, etc.
Questionnaire Design
2. Question Wording: Using Shared Vocabulary
In a survey the two parties must understand each
other and this is possible only if the vocabulary used
is common to both parties.
So, don’t use uncommon words or long sentences or
abbreviations and make items as brief as possible.
And, don’t use emotionally loaded or vaguely
defined words.
Questionnaire Design
3. Response structure or format -
Refers to the degree and form of the structure imposed on
the responses.
◦ Open-ended or closed questions
a) Open Ended Questions
◦ In open-ended questions respondents can give any
answer.
They may express themselves extensively.
The freedom may be to choose a word in a “fill in “
question.
Questionnaire Design
Advantage
◦ Permit an unlimited number of answers
◦ Respondents can qualify and clarify responses
◦ Permit creativity, self expression, etc.
Limitations
responses may not be consistent.
Some responses may be irrelevant
Comparison and statistical analysis difficult.
Articulate and highly literature respondents have an
advantage, etc.
Questionnaire Design
b) Closed Questions
◦ Generally preferable in large surveys.
dichotomous or multiple-choice questions.
Advantages
◦ Easier and quicker for respondents to answer
◦ Easier to compare the answers of different respondents
◦ Easier to code and statistically analyze
◦ Are less costly to administer
◦ reduce the variability of responses
◦ make fewer demands on interviewer skill, etc.
◦ don’t discriminate against the less talkative
Questionnaire Design
Limitations
◦ Can suggest ideas that the respondents would not
otherwise have
◦ too many choices can confuse respondents
During the construction of closed ended questions:
The response categories provided should be exhaustive.
They should include all the possible responses that
might be expected.
The answer categories must be mutually exclusive.
Questionnaire Design
4) Question Sequence – the order of the questions
The order in which questions are asked can affect the
overall data collection activity.
Grouping questions that are similar will make the
questionnaire easier to complete, and the respondent will
feel more comfortable.
◦ Questions that use the same response formats, or those
that cover a specific topic, should appear together.
Questionnaire Design
Questions that jump from one unrelated topic to another
are not likely to produce high response rates.
Each question should follow comfortably from the
previous question.
Transitions between questions should be smooth.
Questionnaire Design
5) Physical Characteristics of a Questionnaire
An improperly laid out questionnaire can lead respondents
to miss questions, can confuse them.
So, take time to design a good layout
◦ ease to navigate within and between sections
◦ ease to use the questionnaire in the field; e.g., questions
on recto and codes on verso sides of the questionnaire
◦ leave sufficient space for open-ended questions
◦ questionnaire should be spread out properly.
Questionnaire Design
Putting more than one question on a line will result in
some respondents skipping the second question.
Abbreviating questions will result in misinterpretation
of the question.
Formats for Responses
◦ A variety of methods are available for presenting a
series of response categories.
Boxes
Blank spaces
Questionnaire Design
Providing Instructions
◦ Every questionnaire whether to be self administered by
the respondent or administered by an interviewer should
contain clear instructions.
General instructions: basic instructions to be followed in
completing it.
Introduction: If a questionnaire is arranged into subsections
it is useful to introduce each section with a short statement
concerning its content and purpose.
Questionnaire Design
Specific Instructions: Some questions may require
special instructions.
Interviewers instruction: It is important to provide clear
complementary instruction where appropriate to the
interviewer.
Questionnaire Design
6) Reproducing the questionnaire
A neatly reproduced instrument will encourage a higher
response rate, thereby providing better data.
◦ Pilot Survey: The final test of a questionnaire is to try
it on representatives of the target audience.
◦ If there are problems with the questionnaire, they
almost always show up here.
Data Management
Data analysis ranges from very simple summary statistics
to extremely complex multivariate analyses.
Data Preparation and Presentation
Data processing starts with the editing, coding,
classifying and tabulation of the collected data.
Data Management
i) Editing
◦ Editing of data is the process of examining the
collected raw data to detect errors and omissions.
◦ In general one edits to assure that the data are:
Accurate
Consistent with other information/facts gathered
Uniformly entered
Data Management
The editing can be done at two levels
a) Field level Editing
After an interview, field workers should review
their reporting forms, complete what was
abbreviated, translate personal shorthand, rewrite
illegible entries, and make callback if necessary.
b) Central editing
when all forms have been completed and returned to
the office data editors correct obvious errors such as
entry in wrong place, recorded in wrong units, etc.
Data Management
ii) Coding
Coding refers to the process of assigning numerals to
answers so that responses can be put into a limited
number of categories or classes -coding sheet.
iii) Classification and Tabulation
large volume of raw data must be reduced into
homogenous groups if we are to get meaningful
relationships.
Classification is the process of arranging data in groups or
classes on the basis of common characteristics.
Data Management
Tabulation is the orderly arrangement of data in columns
and rows.
Simple or complex tables.
◦ Simple tabulation gives information about one variable.
◦ Complex tabulation shows the division of data into two
or more categories.
SPSS, R, excel, STATA, etc.
Data Management
Tabulation provides the following advantages:
It conserves space and reduces explanatory and
descriptive statement to a minimum.
It facilitates the process of comparison
It facilitates the summation of items and the detection
of errors and omissions
It provides a basis for various statistical computations
such as measures of central tendencies, dispersions, etc.
Data Measurement
•Data Measurement
•Measurement of the data is the first step in the
process that ultimately guides the final analysis.