LIS 399: REASEARCH METHODOLOGY

What is Research?
Research is a systematic and structured process of investigation, inquiry, or
exploration aimed at discovering, interpreting, and communicating knowledge.
It involves:
Key Characteristics:
1. Systematic: A structured approach to research, ensuring consistency and
reliability.

Example: Developing a research plan, setting clear objectives, and following

established methodologies.

2. Objective: Seeking truth without bias or personal opinions.

Example: Avoiding leading questions in surveys, using blinded experiments, and

considering multiple perspectives.

3. Empirical: Relying on observation, experience, or experimentation.

Example: Conducting experiments, collecting data through surveys, or analyzing

existing datasets.

4. Critical: Analyzing and evaluating information to form sound judgments.

Example: Assessing sources for credibility, identifying biases, and considering

alternative explanations.

5. Creative: Generating innovative ideas, approaches, or solutions.

Example: Brainstorming novel research questions, developing new

methodologies, or applying existing theories to new contexts.

Research Purposes:

1. Exploration: Identifying problems, phenomena, or research gaps.

Example: Conducting literature reviews, surveys, or focus groups to understand

a topic.

2. Description: Summarizing existing knowledge or characteristics.

Example: Writing a literature review, documenting best practices, or creating a

taxonomy.

3. Explanation: Identifying causes, relationships, or underlying mechanisms.

Example: Conducting experiments, regression analysis, or comparative studies.

4. Prediction: Forecasting outcomes or future trends.

Example: Using statistical models, machine learning algorithms, or scenario

planning.

5. Application: Solving practical problems or improving practices.

Example: Developing new technologies, creating guidelines, or implementing

evidence-based interventions.

Research Types:

1. Basic Research (Pure): Seeking fundamental knowledge without practical

application.

Example: Investigating the properties of materials, studying animal behavior, or

exploring theoretical concepts.

2. Applied Research: Solving practical problems or addressing real-world

issues.

Example: Developing new medical treatments, improving educational programs,

or enhancing software.

3. Action Research: Improving practices through iterative cycles.

Example: Participatory action research, collaborative inquiry, or action learning.

4. Evaluative Research: Assessing programs, policies, or interventions.

Example: Program evaluation, policy analysis, or impact assessment.

5. Qualitative Research: Focusing on meaning, context, and experiences.

Example: Interviews, focus groups, content analysis, or ethnography.

6. Quantitative Research: Emphasizing numerical data and statistical

analysis.

Example: Surveys, experiments, regression analysis, or statistical modeling.

7. Mixed-Methods Research: Combining qualitative and quantitative

approaches.
Example: Triangulation, embedded design, or transformative design.

Research Process:

1. Problem Formulation: Defining research questions or hypotheses.

Example: Conducting literature reviews, identifying gaps, or consulting experts.

2. Literature Review: Surveying existing knowledge.

Example: Searching databases, analyzing relevant studies, or synthesizing

findings.

3. Research Design: Selecting methods and approaches.

Example: Choosing qualitative or quantitative methods, sampling strategies, or

data collection tools.

4. Data Collection: Gathering information.

Example: Surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments.

5. Data Analysis: Interpreting and making sense of data.

Example: Statistical analysis, coding, or thematic analysis.

6. Results: Presenting findings.

Example: Creating tables, figures, or narratives.

7. Discussion: Interpreting results and drawing conclusions.

Example: Relating findings to literature, identifying implications, or

recommending future research.

8. Conclusion: Summarizing key findings and implications.

Example: Highlighting main contributions, limitations, or areas for further

research.

9. Dissemination: Sharing research results.

Example: Publishing articles, presenting at conferences, or creating reports.

Research Ethics:

1. Integrity: Maintaining honesty and transparency.

Example: Avoiding plagiarism, declaring conflicts of interest, or ensuring data

accuracy.

2. Objectivity: Avoiding bias and conflicts of interest.

Example: Using blinded experiments, avoiding leading questions, or considering

multiple perspectives.

3. Confidentiality: Protecting participants' privacy.

Example: Anonymizing data, using secure storage, or obtaining informed

consent.

4. Informed Consent: Ensuring participants understand risks and benefits.

Example: Providing clear information, obtaining signed consent, or ensuring

voluntary participation.

5. Accountability: Taking responsibility for research conduct.

Example: Documenting procedures, reporting errors, or addressing ethical

concerns.

Research Benefits:

1. Advancing knowledge: Expanding understanding of phenomena.

Example: Discovering new species, developing theories, or improving models.

2. Improving practices: Enhancing decision-making and performance.

Example: Informing policy, developing guidelines, or improving technologies.

3. Informing policy: Supporting evidence-based decision-making.

Example: Evaluating programs, analyzing data, or providing expert testimony.

4. Enhancing critical thinking: Developing analytical skills.

 Module 1: Introduction to Research

1.1 Definition of Research

Research involves systematic investigation into a problem or question,
gathering and analyzing data to draw conclusions, and communicating findings.

1.2 Value and Importance of Research in LIS

Research improves library services, enhances information literacy,
supports decision-making, informs policy development, and promotes
innovation.

1.3 Ethics and Responsibilities

Researchers must respect participants' rights, maintain confidentiality,
avoid plagiarism, ensure data integrity, and obtain informed consent.

1.4 Research Paradigms

1. Quantitative Research: Quantitative research focuses on numerical data,

statistical analysis, and objective measurements.

Characteristics:

❖ Objective measurement
❖ Numerical data
❖ Statistical analysis
❖ Hypothesis testing
❖ Generalizability
❖ Experimental or quasi-experimental design

Examples:
❖ Surveying 1,000 students to measure attitudes toward library services.
❖ Analyzing circulation data to identify trends in book borrowing.
❖ Conducting experiments to compare effectiveness of different search
algorithms.

Methods:
❖ Surveys
❖ Experiments
❖ Quasi-experiments
❖ Content analysis (quantitative)
❖ Statistical analysis (descriptive, inferential)
Advantages:
❖ Generalizability
❖ Objectivity
❖ Precision
❖ Efficiency

Limitations:
❖ Lack of depth
❖ Contextual limitations
❖ Assumption of objectivity

2. Qualitative Research
Qualitative research explores meanings, contexts, and experiences
through non-numerical data.

Characteristics:
❖ Subjective interpretation
❖ Non-numerical data (text, images, observations)
❖ Exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory design
❖ Small sample sizes
❖ Contextual understanding

Examples:
1. Conducting in-depth interviews with librarians to understand
information-seeking behaviors.
2. Analyzing focus group discussions on library services.
3. Observing user behavior in library spaces.

Methods:
1. Interviews
2. Focus groups
3. Observational studies
4. Content analysis (qualitative)
5. Thematic analysis

Advantages:
1. Depth and richness
2. Contextual understanding
3. Flexibility
4. Exploratory potential

Limitations:
1. Limited generalizability
2. Subjectivity
3. Time-consuming
 3. Mixed Methods Research
Mixed Methods research combines quantitative and qualitative
approaches to provide comprehensive understanding.

Characteristics:
1. Integration of quantitative and qualitative methods
2. Triangulation of data
3. Sequential or concurrent design

Examples:
❖ Surveying students (quantitative) and conducting follow-up interviews
(qualitative) to understand library usage.
❖ Analyzing circulation data (quantitative) and conducting focus groups
(qualitative) to inform collection development.

Methods:
1. Sequential design (quantitative → qualitative or vice versa)
2. Concurrent design (simultaneous quantitative and qualitative data
collection)
3. Triangulation (combining multiple methods)

Advantages:
❖ Comprehensive understanding
❖ Validation through triangulation
❖ Increased generalizability
❖ Contextual depth

Limitations:
❖ Complexity
❖ Resource-intensive
❖ Potential for conflicting findings

These research approaches can be used individually or in combination to

address various research questions and objectives.
 Module 2: Types of Research

2.1 Survey Research

Survey research involves self-administered questionnaires or interviews to
collect data from a sample population, analyzing responses using descriptive and
inferential statistics.

2.2 Historical/Documentary Research

Historical research analyzes past events or documents to identify patterns,
themes, and contextualize findings.

2.3 Empirical Research

Empirical research involves observing and measuring phenomena to test
hypotheses, using experiments, observations, or simulations.

2.4 Experimental Research

Experimental research manipulates variables to study cause-and-effect
relationships, using control and experimental groups.

2.5 Case Study Research

Case studies involve in-depth analysis of a single case to identify unique
characteristics, contexts, and transferability.

2.6 Comparative Research

Comparative research compares two or more cases or groups to identify
similarities, differences, and generalizability.
 Module 3: Research Sources

3.1 Primary Sources

Primary sources include original research articles, journals, books,
conference proceedings, and government reports.

3.2 Secondary Sources

Secondary sources summarize or synthesize primary sources, such as
review articles, abstracts, indexes, and bibliographies.

3.3 Tertiary Sources

Tertiary sources provide general information, including encyclopedias,
dictionaries, handbooks, and textbooks.

3.4 Electronic Sources

Electronic sources include databases, online archives, digital libraries,
and websites.
 Module 4: Documentation in Research

4.1 Citation Styles

Citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago) ensure consistency and accuracy in
referencing sources.

4.2 Reference Management Tools

Tools like Mendeley, Zotero, and EndNote organize and format references.

4.3 Plagiarism and Academic Integrity

Plagiarism involves passing off others' work as one's own; proper citation
and referencing prevent this.
 Module 5: Evidence in Research

5.1 Internal Evidence

Internal evidence includes literature reviews, conceptual frameworks,
theoretical perspectives, and research questions.

5.2 External Evidence

External evidence involves data collection and analysis, observation,
experimentation, validity, and reliability.
 Module 6: Steps in Research

6.1 Formulating Research Questions/Hypotheses

Researchers identify research gaps, develop objectives, operationalize
variables, and formulate hypotheses.

6.2 Conducting Literature Review

Literature reviews search, select, evaluate, and synthesize sources.

6.3 Designing Research Methodology

Methodology involves choosing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods
approaches.

6.4 Collecting and Analyzing Data

Data collection involves surveys, interviews, observations; analysis
involves statistics and visualization.

6.5 Interpreting Results

Researchers draw conclusions, identify limitations, discuss implications.
 Module 7: Data Collection and Analysis

7.1 Quantitative Data Collection

Quantitative data comes from surveys, experiments, observations, using
questionnaires, interviews.

7.2 Qualitative Data Collection

Qualitative data comes from interviews, focus groups, content analysis.

7.3 Data Analysis Techniques

Techniques include descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, data
visualization.
 Module 8: Writing a Research Proposal

8.1 Components of a Research Proposal

❖ Title: Concise and informative title
❖ Abstract: Summary of proposal (150-250 words)
❖ Introduction: Background, research question, objectives
❖ Literature Review: Critical analysis of relevant sources
❖ Methodology: Research design, sampling, data collection, analysis
❖ Expected Outcomes: Anticipated results and implications
❖ Timeline: Project schedule and milestones
❖ Budget: Detailed breakdown of costs

8.2 Proposal Writing Tips

❖ Clarity and concision
❖ Organization and coherence
❖ Adherence to guidelines

8.3 Best Practices

❖ Collaboration with colleagues
❖ Seeking feedback
❖ Revision and refinement

8.3.1 Collaboration with colleagues

Working with colleagues can:
❖ Enhance research design and methodology
❖ Provide diverse perspectives and expertise
❖ Improve data collection and analysis
❖ Increase credibility and validity
❖ Foster a supportive research community

Benefits:
❖ Shared knowledge and expertise
❖ Division of labor
❖ Enhanced creativity
❖ Improved research quality

8.3.2 Seeking feedback

Seeking feedback involves:
❖ Sharing research or proposals with peers or mentors
❖ Requesting constructive criticism and suggestions
❖ Encouraging open communication

Benefits:
❖ Identifies potential flaws or gaps
❖ Improves clarity and coherence
❖ Enhances validity and credibility
 ❖ Fosters growth and learning

8.3.3 Revision and refinement

Revision and refinement involve:
❖ Reviewing and revising research or proposals based on feedback
❖ Refining research questions, methodology, or analysis
❖ Ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency

Benefits:
❖ Improves research quality and validity
❖ Enhances clarity and coherence
❖ Increases confidence in research findings
❖ Supports publication and funding success

By adopting these best practices, researchers can:

❖ Enhance research quality and validity
❖ Improve collaboration and communication
❖ Increase credibility and publication potential
❖ Foster a culture of continuous improvement