RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

BY

MA ORUDIAKUMO1

Steps In The Research Process (RP)

The research process consist of a series of systematic procedure that a

researcher must go through in order to generate knowledge that will be
considered valuable by the project and focus on the relevant topic.

The RP starts with identifying a research problem and conducting a literature

review to understand the context.

The researcher sets research;

 Questions
 Objectives
 Hypothesis Based on the research problem.

Definition Of Research Process

 It is a systematic and structured approach, that involves the

o Collection
o Analysis
o Interpretation

Of data or information to solve a specific research question or solve a

particular problem.

Steps

1. The research problem

 Identification and definition
 Sources of research problems
 Criteria for selection
 Critiquing research problems
2. Review of literature
The research problem

This involves

 Identification of the research

o identification of a problem is the first step that researcher
engages on when embarking on a research process.
o It involves identifying a problem or questions that needs to be
addressed. Research problems are around us all the time.

The problem should be identified in such a way that it is

researchable.

A well identified problem will lead the researcher to accomplish all

the important phases of the research process, from setting
objectives to selecting the research methodology.

o The research problem /question should be specific, relevant and

focused on a particular area of interest.

Definition of research problem

- It is an extended statement of the area where answers are
needed. It is also an area of problem or situation in need of
solution.

Difference between researchable and non-researchable problems

Non-researchable problems

- A non-researchable problem does not require any research

to arrive at a solution.
- NRP consist of a vague details and cannot be resolved
through research.
- The answer to any question raised in a non-research
setting is almost always obvious. For example the cholera
outbreak following a sever flood is a common phenomenon
in many communities.
- The reason for this is known, it is this not a research
problem. Similarly, the reason for the sudden rise in price
of many essential commodity following the announcement
of the budget by the finance minister needs no
investigation that need research.
- A NRP does not require research for a solution as the
answer is already known.
Researchable problem

- This is a perceived difficulty that requires thorough

investigation and verification through analysis and
collection.
- The RP is primarily concern to a researcher as there is a
feeling of discomfort or discrepancy between a common
belief and reality.

A problem will qualify as a potential researchable problem when the following

3 problems exist.

1. There should be a perceived discrepancy between what is and what it

should have been. This implies that there should be a difference
between what exists and the ideal or planned situation.
2. A question about “why” did the discrepancy exist. This implies that the
reason for the discrepancy is unclear or not known to the researcher.
This makes sense to develop a research question.
3. There should be at least 2 possible answers or solutions to the
question/problem. This last point is important because if there’s only
one possible and plausible answer to the question about the
discrepancy then a research question does not exist.
For example; while visiting a rural area, UNICEF team observed that
some village have female school attendance roles as high as 75%
while some have as low as 10%, although all villages should have
nearly equal attendance rate.
The factors or reasons associated for this include:
- Villages differ in their Socioeconomic background.
- In some villages, the Muslim population constitutes a large
population of the total population. Religion might play a
vital role.
- Schools are far away from some villages. The distance this
may make the difference (75%-10%)
- Because there is more than one answer to the problem. It
is considered a research problem and a study can be
undertaken to find a solution.

Types of researchable problem

 These problems involves describing or documenting a particular

phenomenon even or situation.
 For example, a researcher might investigate the demography of a
particular population such a as their;
- Age
- Gender
- Income
- Education

The types of researchable problems

o Exploratory problem: these problems are designed to explore a

particular topic or issue in-depth, often with the goals of
generating new ideas of hypothesis. For example, a researcher
might explore the factors that contribute the job satisfaction
among employees in a particular industry.
o Explanatory problem: these problems seek to explain why a
particular events or phenomenon occurs and they typically
involve listing hypothesis. For example; a researcher might
investigate the relationship between exercise and mental health
with goal of determining whatever exercise has a causal effect on
mental health.
o Predictive problem: these problems making predictions forecast
about future events or trends. For example; a researcher might
investigate the factors that predict future success in a particular
industry.
o Evaluation problem: these problems involves assessing the
effectiveness of particular Intervention, program or policy. For
example; a researcher might evaluate the impact of a new
teaching method on student learning outcome or student
performance.

Components of a research problem.

1. Topic
2. Research question
3. Objectives
4. Hypothesis
5. Variables
6. Methodology
7. Scope and limitation
8. Significance
 1. Topic: this is the general subject or area of interest that the research
will explore
2. Research question: a clear and specific question that the research
seeks to answer or investigate.
3. Objective: A statement that describes the purpose of the research,
what it aims to achieve and the expected outcome.
4. Hypothesis: An educated guess or prediction about the relationship
between variables, which is tested during the research.
5. Variables: Factors/Elements that are being studies, measured or
manipulated in the research.
6. Methodology: the overall approach and method that would be used to
conduct the research.
7. Scope and limitations: A description of the boundaries and parameters
of the research, including what would be included or excluded and any
potential constraints or limitations.
8. Significance: A statement that explains the potential value or impact of
the research, it’s contribution to the field of study and how it would
add to the existing knowledge.

Characteristics of research problem

The characteristics of a research problem refers to specific features that a

problem must possess to qualify as a suitable research topic. Some of the
key characteristics of a research problem are;

1. Clarity: research problem should be clearly defined and stated in a way

that is easily understood by the researcher and other readers. The
problem should be specific, unambiguous and easy to comprehend.
2. Relevance: a research problem should be relevant to the field of study
and it should contribute to the existing body of knowledge. The
problem should address gap in knowledge, a theoretical or practical
problem or a real world issue that requires further investigations.
3. Feasibility: A research problem should be feasible in terms of it’s
availability of data resources and research methods. It should be
realistic or practical.
4. Novelty: A research problem should be novel or original in some ways.
It should represent a new or innovative perspective on an existing
theory to a new context.
5. Importance: A research problem should be important or significant in
terms of its potential impacts on the field or society. It should have the
potential to produce new knowledge, advanced existing theories or
address a pressing societal issue.
6. Manageability: A research problems should be manageable in terms of
it’s scope and complexity. It should be specific enough to be
investigated within the available time and resources and it should be
broad enough to provide meaningful results.

Purposes of research problem

1. The purpose of research problem is to identify an area of study that

requires further investigation and to formulate a clear, concise and
specific research question.
2. A research problem defines the specific issue or problem that needs to
be addressed and serves as the foundation for the research projects.
3. Identifying a research is important because it helps to establish the
direction of the research and set the stage for the research design,
method and analysis.
4. It also ensures that the research is relevant and contributes to the
existing body of knowledge in the field.
5. A well formulated research problem provides the framework for
reporting the results and indicates what is probably necessary to
conduct the study and explain how the findings will present the
information.

Advantages of research problem

1. Understanding the research procedure: writing research problems help

in a more comprehensive understanding of the research procedure in a
better way. Many researchers think that formulating a research
problem is simple but that’s not true. A researcher needs to put a lot of
effort into creating a specific problem and understand the research
process.
2. Determining the research objectives: A research problem helps to
understand the intention and of the research. The methodology cannot
be defined without a clear research problem.
3. Design the research process: A research problem helps to identify the
approach to be taken for the research activity. It helps in the
 identification of each step the researcher must take to do the research
so as the sampling strategy, the research design, the research
analysis, the research instruments to be used.
4. Lays the foundation for research: formulating a good research problem
is compared to laying the foundation of a building if the research
problem is well identified, it will face fewer hiccups during the research
process.
5. Focus: a research problem provides a clear and focused direction for
the research problem. It ensures that the study stays on track and does
not deviate from research questions.

Sources of research problem

Research problems are developed from many sources. The sources for
research problems include;

1. Clinical practice: the practice of nursing must’ve based on knowledge

and evidence generated through research. The clinical practice is an
extremely important source for research problems. Problems that are
evolved from clinical observations e g. While watching the behavior of
a patient and family in crisis, one may wonder how the nurse might
intervene to improve the family’s coping skills. A review of patients
record, treatment plans and procedure manual might reveal concerns
or raise questions about practice that could be bases for research
problems. Questions that may be asked are as follows;
a. What nursing intervention will open the lines of communication
with a patient who has had a stroke?
b. What is the impact of home visit on the level of function,
readjustment to the home environment.
c. What is the most effective treatment for acute and chronic pains.
d. What is the best pharmacological agent or agents for treating
hypotension in elderly diabetic patient.
e. What are the cultural factors that promote better birth outcomes
in Nigerian women?
 These clinical questions could direct the researcher in identifying a
significant research problem, purpose and people.

2. Researcher and peer interaction: Interaction with researchers and

peers offer valuable opportunities for generating research problems.
Experienced researchers serve as mentors and helps novice
researchers to identify research topics and formulate problems.
Nursing educators assist students in selecting research problems. A
work place that encourages interaction can stimulate nurses to identify
research problems. Nursing conferences and professional meetings are
also sources of problems.
Excellent opportunities for nurses to discuss their ideas and brainstorm
to identify potential problems. The internet has greatly extended the
ability of researchers and clinicians around the world to share ideas
and propose potential problems for research. Most colleagues or
schools or nursing have website that identify research interests and
provide mechanisms for contacting individuals who are conducting
research in area of internet.
3. Literature review: reviewing research journals such as advances in
nursing science, applied nursing research, evidence based nursing,
international journal of psychiatric nursing research, journal of research
in nursing as well as project, these and dissertations acquired novice
researchers with studies conducted in an area of interest. The nursing
specialty journals such we American journal of maternal child nursing
journal of pediatric nursing and oncology nursing forum also place a
high priority on publishing research findings. Reviewing research
articles enables one to identify an area of interest and determine what
is known and unknown in the area.
4. Replication of studies: Replication involves reproducing or repeating a
study to determine whether similar findings will be obtained.
Replication is essential for knowledge development because it
establishes the credibility of the findings, extends the generalizability
of the findings over a range of instances and contacts.
- Reduces the number of errors.
- Corrects the limitations in studies methodology.
- Supports theory development, etc..

Some researchers replicate studies because they agree with the

findings and wonder whether the findings will hold up in different
settings with different subject over time. Others want to challenge the
findings or interpretations of prior investigations.
 5. Theory: Theories are an impossible sources for generating research
problems because they set forth ideas about events and situations in
the real world that requires testing.
A research problem and purpose would be formulated to explore or
describe a concept or to test a proposition form a theory. Some
researchers combine ideas from different theories to develop maps or
modes for testing through research. The maps serves as a framework
for the study and include key concepts and relationships from the
theme that the researcher want to study. For example, the health
promotion/trans theoretical model guided intervention is used in
reading percentage of fat in the diet and increasing physical activity
among low to middle income culturally diverse school students. The
intervention was based on the components of two behaviorally based
research models that have been well tested among adults. Health
Promotion model and trans theoretical model but have not been tested
regarding low fat diet with middle school aged children. As a graduate
student, this model can be used as a framework and test some of the
relationship in clinical settings.

Guides in writing a research problem

This include among others, the following;

1. Statement of the problem

2. Justifying the problem
3. Analyzing the problem

Statement of the problem

A clear and we’ll defined problem statement is considered the foundation for
developing the research proposal. It enables the researcher to systematically
point out why the proposed research on the problem should be undertaken
and what the researcher hopes to achieve with the studies findings. A well
defined statement of the problem will lead the researcher formulate the
research objectives, understand the background of the study and chose a
research methodology.

Justifying the problem

Once the problem situation has been identified and clearly stated, it is
necessary to justify the importance of the problem in justifying the problems,
questions as why the problem of the study is important, how large and wide
spread the problem is, and whether others can be convinced about the
importance as the likes (others) are asked. Answers to the above questions
should be reviewed and presented in one or two paragraphs that justifies the
importance of the problem.

Analyzing the problem

As a first step in analyzing the problem, critical attention should be given to

accommodate the view points of the managers, users and researchers to the
problem through threadbare discussion. The next step is identifying the
factors that may have contributed to the perceived problems. There are
several ways to identify, define and analyze a problem.

Criteria for selection of research problem

1. Interest: it is considered the most important of the factors which guide

the formulation of a research problem. A research process often time
require a lot of hard work and are usually time consuming. It helps if
the researcher chooses a topic which interest and challenges him or
her. Thus research is conducted with full enthusiasm and not merely
for it’s accomplishment. Interest in a problem is often driven by the
researcher’s educational background, experience, outlook and
sensitivity.
2. Originality: Each research should be new and unique in itself. Therefore
it is the responsibility of the researcher that innovative knowledge is
used for selecting a research problem so as to extend the growth of
existing body of knowledge in a profession.
3. Researchability: the problem should be researchable i.e. amenable for
finding answers to the questions involved in it through scientific
methods. Some issues and questions are not readily researchable
especially those that borders on morals and ethics. In most cases,
there is no right or wrong answers to them. E.g. should nurse strike for
better pay and conditions of service? Should contraceptive pills be
available for girls under 16yr? Should girls be circumcised. The
answers to these questions are morally implied and lies in individual
opinion, judgement and values.
4. Significance to the discipline: A problem which the researcher us
selecting should have significance to the profession or discipline. The
common/ stakeholders should benefit from the research findings. The
 result will improve the current practice, promote theory development/
testing, provide solution to current practice needs, generate
information to get practical implementation for the profession.
5. Feasibility: The problem may be significant, researchable but not
feasible. Feasibility is an essential consideration of a research project.
A research should be feasible in terms of time, availability of subjects,
facilities, equipment, money and ethical consideration.
6. Administrative support: Many research require administrative support.
Financial and psychological support to conduct research.
7. Peer support: Many research ideas have failed because the researcher
did not receive any peer support. A climate of shared interest among
the professional members promote the research activities smoothly.
8. Availability of subjects: Sometimes the potential subject may not meet
the study criteria or may be unwilling to participate in the study or may
be already participating in another study, therefore the availability of
the subject should be well insured in advance.
9. Researchers competence: A research problem can only be feasible if it
is in accuracy with the researcher’s competence. A researcher should
be capable to handle a given research problem.
10. Ethical soundness: The research problem selected should be
cleared by the ethical committee without endue hurdles. A very
important topic of research cannot be considered feasible until and
unless it is in accordance with the ethical guidelines.
11. Current: A good research problem must be based on the current
problems and needs of the profession. Thus the result generated would
be of more use. Further more, more numbers of the professionals will
be interested on the research conducted on the current issues of their
profession.

CRITIQUING RESEARCH PROBLEMS

What is a critique?

A critique is a response to a body of work, be it performance, concepts,

argument, scholarly article, poem or book.

Definition of critiquing research problem

Research critiquing is defined as a systematic, unbiased, careful

examination of all aspects of a study to judge the merits, limitations,
 meaning and significance based on previous research experience and
knowledge of the topic.

Importance of research critique

1. To broaden understanding for use in practice.

2. For implementing an evidence based nursing practice.
3. Encourage nurses to participate in clinical enquiry and provide
evidence for use in practice.

Purpose of research critiquing

1. To assess students methodological and analytical skills (identifying

limitations and strengths).
2. Written critique is guide to researcher.
3. To advance nursing knowledge and profession.
4. To evaluate understanding of the students.
5. To improve the scientific flaws of the researcher.

Principles of research critique

Some principles should be kept in mind while appraising a research work.

1. Be objective: By making comments on specificity to the work he/she is

reviewing irrespective of the name, job and related information of
author.
First, the researcher should convey a sincere interest and
understanding of the article. Never ridicule or demean the project or
researcher.
2. Be constructive- The expert should start commenting on positive pints
of the report first than should talk about weak points and scope for
improvement in research study.
3. Be balanced: The report should be considered in a balanced way,
identify the inadequacies a swell as adequacies. The evaluator should
focus on a particular aspect of research report, like talking about only
adequacies and inadequacies.
4. Be a good adviser: The evaluator should avoid excessive nit-picking
and fault finding on trivial details and should advice the scope of
improvement in weak areas and suggest alternatives to make things
more trust worthy.
 5. Be a good communicator: An evaluator should be always a good
communicator by choosing clear concise statements to communicate
observations or critique reports

How to critique research problem

A research problem is often first presented to the reader in the introduction

to the study. Depending on what is to be investigated so authors would refer
to it as the purpose of the study. In either case, the statement should at least
broadly indicate to the reader what is to be studied. Broad problems are
often multi-faceted and would need to become narrower and more focused
before they can be researched. The problem should consider the following;

1. Is there a statement of the problem?

2. Is the problem researchable? I.e., can it be investigated through the
collection and analysis of data?
3. Is background information on the problem presented?
4. Is the educational significance of the problem discussed?
5. Does the problem statement indicate the variables of interest and the
specific relationship between those variables which are operationally
defined.

Expectation of critique

1. The critiquing exercise is expected to maintain an objective attitude.

2. Provide constructive ideas
3. Assess the general features, strength and weakness of the study.
4. Make summary appraisal and recommendation.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction

Review of literature is a key step in research process. Review of literature

refers to an extensive, exhaustive and systematic examination of
publications relevant to the research project. Nursing research may be
considered a continuing process by which knowledge gained from earlier
studies is an integral part of research in general.
Definition

The review of literature is defined as a broad, comprehensive, in-depth,

systematic and critical review of scholarly publication, unpublished scholarly
printer material, audio visual materials and personal communications.

Purpose of review of literature

1. Determine how well theory and research are developed in the study.
2. Define concept: It provides new ideas and approaches that may have
not occur to the researcher.
3. Examine research design, method and scales, instrument, measures
and technique of data collection and analysis use by others
4. Identify a study for replication and comparison.
5. Examine difficulties reported by others.
6. Define ethical implication of similar studies. Identify a guide to use in
writing the research report.

This review of literature helps in many ways starting from selection and
formulation of problem, providing conceptual framework for the study assess
feasibility, providing methodology and making generalization.

Objectives of the literature review

The main objectives of the review of the literature are as follows;

1. Determine what is known and not known about a subject, concept or

problems.
2. Determine gaps, consistencies and inconsistencies in the literature
about a subject, concept or problem.
3. Discover unanswered questions about a subject concept or problem.
4. Describe the strength and weakness of design, methods of inquiring
and instrument used in earlier works.
5. Discover conceptual traditions used to examine problems.
6. Generate useful research questions of projects/activities for the
discipline.
7. Determine the appropriate research design and methods (instrument,
data collection and analysis method) for answering research questions.
8. Determine the need for replication of well designed study or
refinement of a study.
9. Promote development of protocols and policies related to nursing
practices, service, administration, education and research.
 10. Uncover a new practice intervention to gain support for changing
a practice intervention.

Sources of the literature review

The type of information source for a review of literature are conceptual and
data base literature. The common sources of both these literature are books,
chapter of books, journal articles, abstract publish. In conference proceeding,
professional a d governmental report and unpublished doctoral dissertations
and thesis. The references can be categorized a being either primary or
secondary sources.

1. Primary sources: A primary source is written by a person who

developed the theory or conducted the research of it is the description
of investigation written by the person who conducted it. Most primary
sources are found in published literature e.g. nursing research article. A
credible literature review reflect the use of mainly primary sources.
2. Secondary sources: A secondary source is written by a person other
than the individual who develop the theory/conducted research.
Otherwise known as the description of study or studies prepared by
someone other than the original researcher. Often secondary source
represent a response to or a summary and critique of a theorist or
researchers work. The secondary sources may be used when there is
an unavailability of primary sources and of we want to know different
ways of looking at an issue or problem.

Critical evaluation skills needed in reviewing primary and secondary

literature

1. Read the primary source of a study or theory not just secondary

sources.
2. Seek assistance about the critique from researchers.
3. Read secondary sources from referred/previewed journals that provide
a commentary critique/ response by a recognized researcher.
4. Discuss the response to secondary source articles with a guide/faculty
advisers.
5. Form scholarly reading groups with fellow nursing students or
consumer of research, nurse colleagues and discuss the result with the
guide)faculty advisers.
6. Confer with the reference librarian and guide about most useful
reputable referred scholarly journals.
 Important elements in searching literature

1. Report of closely related problems that have been investigated.

2. Design of the study including the procedure employed and data
gathering instruments used.
3. Population that were sampled and sampling methods involved.
4. Variable that were defined.
5. Extraneous variable that could have affected the findings.
6. Faults that could have been avoided.
7. Recommendation for further studies.

Characteristics of relevant review of literature

Written summary and critique of each reviewed source of information

relevant to the project reflect critical thinking and scholarly writing. The
content satisfies the following;

1. Purposes of a literature review were met

2. Summary adequately represents the reviewed source.
3. Critiquing (objective critical evaluation)reflect analysis and synthesis of
material.
o Analysis: Application of accepted critiquing criteria to analyze for
the strengths, weakness or limitations, conflicts and gaps in
information as it is related directly and indirectly to the area of
interest.
o Synthesis: Evidence of synthesis of the critics of each sources of
information pitting the parte together to form a new whole or
connecting link or what is to be studied replicated development
or implement.
4. Review consist of mainly primary sources
5. Sufficient number of sources are used, especially databased sources.
6. Summaries/paraphrases material rather than continually quoting
contents.
7. Summaries/critics of studies are presented in a logical flow ending with
a conclusion or synthesis of the reviewed material why studies,
projects or conceptual stands should be taken.
 Selected sources of review of literature

1. Journals
2. Bibliography
3. Abstract and excerpts
4. Dictionaries
5. Encyclopedias. Guide to library
6. Hand books
7. Inventories
8. Year books

Steps in review of literature

1. Identify, select and list the key words or concepts that are associated
with the topical of investigation.
2. Use the selected key words or concepts to assess relevant references
from such preliminary sources or information as a catalogue, the index
and dissertation abstract or computerized referencing services.
3. With the useful references consult libraries and other information
depositions in order to access reference materials.
4. Prepare a note card or index card for each reference materials
consulted such as that at the end, they are arranged sequentially
according to subheads in the literature review.
5. Read the reference materials and make brief notes laying attention to
the problem, procedure, design, result or just the summary for
theorized opinions.
6. Compare the content such as theoretical perspective, definitions,
research designs, methods, instruments and findings.
7. For quick identification code each entry in an index card using key
words for the broad topic.
8. Choose a referencing style and be consistent with it.
9. Ensure to review more of the information than the secondary sources
to authenticate the work.
10. Make her it most recent references first.
11. To save time, read through the abstract and of referencing
materials first. This will enable the researcher to quickly ascertain the
relevance of the material to the study.
12. Organize and write up all the insight received while reading. This
should be a critical appraisal if the state of the heart in the area of
investigation.
 Communicating a review of literature

The review of literature does not merely summarize findings, it also identifies
empirical and theoretical patterns and inconsistencies, interpret literature
and relate earlier literature to one’s own work. Communicating a review of
literature involved considering the following;

1. The content: the content of the review includes the investigator’s

recounting and interpretation of the literature that forms the
foundation for the current study. Including both theoretical and
empirical literature in the review is appropriate. The scope of the
review may vary considerably with the type of problem and the space
limitation for the review.
2. Organization: Initially, organizing the review into an outline is helpful.
Creating an outline of major concept areas or major relationships that
have special relevance to current study allows the investigator to insert
material or each study or theoretical paper at an appropriate point in
the review. In some instances, historical organizations proceeding from
earliest to the most contemporary work is quite effective in illustrating
the progression of scientific thought. In other instances, organization
according to specific conceptual or theoretical position is more
appropriate.
3. Style: The style of presenting the result of a literature review and
analysis will vary according to the style requirements for courses,
journals, thesis, dissertations and grants proposals. However each of
the style require documentation of the citations that support the
statement the investigator makes

Index citations

There are many types of citations one can think of but it depends on the one
the faculty or institution adopts. The APA (American psychological
association) is the one most adopted. Examples of citations are;

1. Beginning of a sentence: Okoro (2020),…….

2. Middle of a sentence: According to Okoro (2020)
3. End of a sentence: ………..(Okoro, 2020)
4. For two authors
a. Beginning: Thomas and Peter (2020),…
b. Ending: …………(Thomas and Peter, 2020)
5. For more than two authors
 a. Beginning : Thomas et al., (2020),……..
b. Ending: ……….(Thomas et al., 2020)

Here are additional multiple-choice questions (MCQs) extracted from your Research
Methodology document:

Research Process & Problem Identification

1. What is the first step in the research process?

a) Conducting a literature review
b) Identifying a research problem
c) Setting objectives
d) Formulating a hypothesis
Answer: b) Identifying a research problem

2. A research problem must be:

a) Broad and vague
b) Clear, specific, and researchable
c) Based only on personal opinions
d) A question with a single answer
Answer: b) Clear, specific, and researchable

3. What is the difference between researchable and non-researchable problems?

a) Researchable problems have known answers
b) Non-researchable problems require thorough investigation
c) Researchable problems require investigation and data collection
d) Researchable problems cannot be tested
Answer: c) Researchable problems require investigation and data collection

4. Which of the following is an example of a researchable problem?

a) The impact of COVID-19 on global economies
b) Why the sky is blue
c) The best color for a car
d) Whether ice melts in heat
Answer: a) The impact of COVID-19 on global economies

Types of Research Problems

5. Which type of research problem focuses on predicting future trends?

a) Exploratory
b) Explanatory
c) Predictive
d) Evaluation
Answer: c) Predictive

6. What is the main goal of an explanatory research problem?

a) To explore a new phenomenon
b) To explain relationships between variables
c) To predict future outcomes
d) To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention
Answer: b) To explain relationships between variables

7. What type of research problem assesses the impact of a policy or intervention?

a) Exploratory
b) Predictive
c) Evaluation
d) Explanatory
Answer: c) Evaluation

Components of a Research Problem

8. What is the significance of formulating a hypothesis in research?

a) To collect data
b) To make a testable prediction
c) To summarize findings
d) To define research objectives
Answer: b) To make a testable prediction

9. Which of the following is NOT a key component of a research problem?

a) Objectives
b) Variables
c) Research questions
d) Personal opinions
Answer: d) Personal opinions

10. The term "variables" in research refers to:

a) The methods of data collection
b) Elements that are being measured or manipulated
c) The research problem statement
d) The literature review sources
Answer: b) Elements that are being measured or manipulated
Characteristics of a Good Research Problem

11. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good research problem?

a) Clarity
b) Relevance
c) Manageability
d) Ethical violation
Answer: d) Ethical violation

12. A research problem should be feasible. What does this mean?

a) It should be difficult to solve
b) It should be researchable with available resources
c) It should not require ethical approval
d) It should only be theoretical
Answer: b) It should be researchable with available resources

Research Design & Literature Review

13. Why is a literature review important in research?

a) To summarize the research findings
b) To identify gaps in existing knowledge
c) To write the conclusion
d) To define the research variables
Answer: b) To identify gaps in existing knowledge

14. Which of the following is a primary source in research?

a) A textbook summarizing multiple studies
b) A newspaper article about a scientific discovery
c) A journal article written by the original researcher
d) A review article analyzing past studies
Answer: c) A journal article written by the original researcher

15. What is the purpose of a conceptual framework in research?

a) To present statistical data
b) To explain the theoretical basis of the study
c) To replace the literature review
d) To collect participant data
Answer: b) To explain the theoretical basis of the study
Research Methods & Data Collection

16. Which research method is best for exploring people's experiences and opinions?
a) Experimental research
b) Qualitative research
c) Correlational research
d) Meta-analysis
Answer: b) Qualitative research

17. A research design that involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its
effects is called:
a) Descriptive research
b) Experimental research
c) Survey research
d) Historical research
Answer: b) Experimental research

18. What is the primary goal of a case study?

a) To generalize findings to a large population
b) To analyze a specific individual or group in detail
c) To compare statistical trends
d) To develop a theoretical model
Answer: b) To analyze a specific individual or group in detail

Ethical Considerations in Research

19. Which of the following is an essential ethical principle in research?

a) Ignoring participants' confidentiality
b) Obtaining informed consent
c) Manipulating data for better results
d) Publishing false results
Answer: b) Obtaining informed consent

20. What is the purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

a) To approve funding for research
b) To ensure research ethics are followed
c) To edit research manuscripts
d) To conduct experiments
Answer: b) To ensure research ethics are followed
Data Analysis & Interpretation

21. Which statistical test is used to compare means between two groups?
a) Chi-square test
b) T-test
c) Correlation analysis
d) Regression analysis
Answer: b) T-test

22. The measure of how well a study's results can be applied to other settings is called:
a) Reliability
b) Validity
c) Generalizability
d) Accuracy
Answer: c) Generalizability

23. What is the purpose of a research hypothesis?

a) To summarize the research findings
b) To predict the relationship between variables
c) To replace the literature review
d) To provide a conclusion
Answer: b) To predict the relationship between variables

24. Which of the following is a measure of variability in a dataset?

a) Mean
b) Median
c) Standard deviation
d) Mode
Answer: c) Standard deviation

Conclusion & Reporting Research Findings

25. What is the final step in the research process?

a) Collecting data
b) Analyzing results
c) Reporting and disseminating findings
d) Reviewing literature
Answer: c) Reporting and disseminating findings

26. Which section of a research paper summarizes the key findings and implications?
a) Introduction
b) Methods
c) Conclusion
d) Literature review
Answer: c) Conclusion

27. What is the primary reason for referencing sources in research?

a) To make the paper longer
b) To acknowledge other researchers' work
c) To replace the introduction section
d) To avoid conducting a literature review
Answer: b) To acknowledge other researchers' work

28. Research Problem Identification & Hypothesis

28. What is the primary purpose of defining a research problem?

a) To identify a gap in existing knowledge
b) To finalize data collection techniques
c) To ensure research is quick and easy
d) To review other researchers' work
Answer: a) To identify a gap in existing knowledge

29. A hypothesis is best defined as:

a) A research objective
b) A testable prediction about relationships between variables
c) A literature review summary
d) A research question
Answer: b) A testable prediction about relationships between variables

30. A null hypothesis states that:

a) There is no significant relationship between variables
b) There is a strong positive correlation between variables
c) The study findings will always be positive
d) Research is unnecessary
Answer: a) There is no significant relationship between variables

31. Which of the following is an example of a directional hypothesis?

a) There is a relationship between sleep and productivity
b) Increased sleep leads to improved productivity
c) There is no relationship between sleep and productivity
d) Sleep patterns are unpredictable
Answer: b) Increased sleep leads to improved productivity
32. Literature Review & Research Sources

32. Why is a literature review an essential part of research?

a) It provides background knowledge and identifies research gaps
b) It ensures that no new research is needed
c) It replaces the need for data collection
d) It helps researchers copy previous studies
Answer: a) It provides background knowledge and identifies research gaps

33. What is a secondary source in research?

a) A journal article written by the original researcher
b) A book or article summarizing another study
c) An experiment conducted by a scientist
d) A participant's personal experience
Answer: b) A book or article summarizing another study

34. Which type of research article provides an overview of multiple studies on a topic?
a) Experimental study
b) Meta-analysis
c) Case study
d) Literature review
Answer: b) Meta-analysis

35. Research Design & Data Collection

35. Which research design allows for the manipulation of variables?

a) Experimental research
b) Descriptive research
c) Qualitative research
d) Observational study
Answer: a) Experimental research

36. Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research?

a) It focuses on numerical data
b) It explores participants' experiences and meanings
c) It only uses controlled experiments
d) It does not require a hypothesis
Answer: b) It explores participants' experiences and meanings

37. Which method is commonly used in qualitative research?

a) Surveys
b) Interviews
c) Laboratory experiments
d) Statistical modeling
Answer: b) Interviews

38. Which sampling method ensures that every member of a population has an equal
chance of selection?
a) Convenience sampling
b) Purposive sampling
c) Random sampling
d) Snowball sampling
Answer: c) Random sampling

39. What is the primary disadvantage of convenience sampling?

a) It requires too many participants
b) It introduces selection bias
c) It ensures random selection
d) It is the most expensive method
Answer: b) It introduces selection bias

40. Ethical Considerations in Research

40. Informed consent in research ensures that participants:

a) Are forced to participate
b) Understand the study and voluntarily agree to join
c) Are unaware of the study's risks
d) Must answer all research questions truthfully
Answer: b) Understand the study and voluntarily agree to join

41. Anonymity in research means that:

a) Participants' identities are completely protected
b) Participants must provide personal details
c) Data is published with names attached
d) The researcher knows the participants personally
Answer: a) Participants' identities are completely protected

42. What is the main purpose of ethical approval in research?

a) To ensure the research is funded
b) To protect participants from harm
c) To reduce research costs
d) To eliminate the need for a literature review
Answer: b) To protect participants from harm

43. What is considered unethical in research?

a) Collecting participant consent before the study
b) Manipulating data to support a hypothesis
c) Using proper citations in the literature review
d) Keeping participant details confidential
Answer: b) Manipulating data to support a hypothesis

44. Data Analysis & Interpretation

44. Which statistical test is used to determine the relationship between two variables?
a) T-test
b) Chi-square test
c) Correlation analysis
d) Regression analysis
Answer: c) Correlation analysis

45. What does a high standard deviation indicate in a dataset?

a) The data points are close to the mean
b) The data points are spread out from the mean
c) The dataset is small
d) There is no variability in the data
Answer: b) The data points are spread out from the mean

46. The p-value in hypothesis testing helps researchers determine:

a) The sample size
b) The significance of results
c) The type of data collection method
d) The best hypothesis to use
Answer: b) The significance of results

47. A p-value less than 0.05 indicates that:

a) The results are statistically significant
b) The null hypothesis is accepted
c) The study is unreliable
d) The data collection method was incorrect
Answer: a) The results are statistically significant

48. Research Report Writing & Dissemination

48. Which section of a research report presents the key findings and conclusions?
a) Introduction
b) Methods
c) Results and Discussion
d) Literature Review
Answer: c) Results and Discussion
49. What is the main purpose of referencing in research?
a) To increase the word count
b) To acknowledge the original sources of information
c) To create new data
d) To make the research more complex
Answer: b) To acknowledge the original sources of information

50. What is the best way to present numerical research findings?

a) Through personal opinions
b) Using tables, graphs, and charts
c) Through long paragraphs
d) By avoiding statistical tests
Answer: b) Using tables, graphs, and charts

51. In which part of a research paper do authors discuss study limitations?

a) Introduction
b) Literature review
c) Discussion and Conclusion
d) References
Answer: c) Discussion and Conclusion

Final Question: Application of Research Knowledge

52. What is the most important reason for conducting research?

a) To fill knowledge gaps and solve real-world problems
b) To prove a hypothesis correct
c) To confirm personal opinions
d) To increase the complexity of academic papers
Answer: a) To fill knowledge gaps and solve real-world problems