Research Methodology

It encompasses the selection of research methods, the design of data

gathering instruments like interview or self-administered questionnaire
schedules, gaining access to the research site, sampling, research ethics
and data analysis.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Research Methodology
Part I
2

LECTURE 1 – INTRODUCTION TO
RESEARCH

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Learning Objectives
3

 After completing this chapter, the student should be able to:

1. Define research in general and Scientific research in particular.
2. Enumerate the characteristics of research and what research is
not.
3. Identify the benefits of research.
4. Identify the different types of research.
5. Describe the (steps) involved in designing a research plan.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Definition of research
4

It is the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation

of data to generate new knowledge and answer a certain
question or solve a problem.

It is a process through which we attempt to achieve

systematically and with a support data the answer to a
question, or a resolution to a problem.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Definitions cont’d
5

Research is the search for knowledge or any systematic

investigation to establish facts. (Wikipedia’s definition).

Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing

information to increase our understanding of the phenomenon
under study (Pearson’s definition).
 the researcher increases the understanding of the phenomenon
and communicates that understanding to others.

• Research is a creation of a new knowledge.

• Research is an organized and systematic way of finding answers
to questions.
BIT 1205 12/08/21
 Explanation of key terms
6

Research is;
• Organized- There is a structure or method in doing
research. It is a planned procedure not a spontaneous one.
It is focused and limited to a specific scope.

• Systematic- Research follows a set of procedures and

steps. There are certain things in the research process
which are always done in order to get the most accurate
results.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Explanation of key terms cont’d
7

• Finding answers- This is the end of all research. Whether

it is an answer to a hypothesis or even a simple question,
research is successful when we find answers that are
either positive or negative.

• Questions- These are central to research. If there is no

question, the answer is of no use. Without a question,
research has no focus, drive or purpose.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Scientific Research
8

According to Wikipedia, research is regarded scientific if it

involves application of a scientific method. Where,
 Scientific method refers to a body of techniques for
investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or
correcting & integrating previous knowledge.
 If a method of inquiry is based on gathering observable,
empirical, and measurable evidence subject to specific
principles of reasoning, then it is scientific.
 Therefore, scientific method consists of the collection of
data through observation and experimentation, and the
formulation and testing of hypotheses.
BIT 1205 12/08/21
 Characteristics of good research
9

Research is systematic. From the beginning to the end,

pre-established rules & regulations should be followed

Research is an activity based on the work of others. No,

this does not mean that you copy the work of others (that
is plagiarism), but you always look at the work that has
already been done to provide a basis for the subject of your
research and how you might conduct your own work.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Characteristics of good research cont’d
10
Good research is generalizable to other settings. This
means for example if adolescent boys are susceptible to
peer pressure in one setting, then the results would be
generalized in a different but related setting.

Research generates new questions or is cyclical in nature.

answering one question leads to generating many other
new questions.

Good research if replicable; thus verified by proving the

study.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Characteristics of good research cont’d
11

 Research is an activity that should be undertaken for the betterment

of the society.

 Research requires the collection and interpretation of data in

problem resolution.

 Research is empirical. This means that any conclusions drawn are

based upon hard evidence gathered from information from real life
experiences or observations.
 ‘Empirical’ comes from the Greek empeiria, meaning “knowledge
based on experience and observation” (Gummesson, 2000: 64)

 Research is feasible.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 What research is not
12

If the above attributes make good research, what is bad

research? It takes the opposite approach of all the things
stated above. In sum, bad research is;
 Plagiarizing other peoples work
 Falsifying data to prove a point
 Misrepresenting information and misleading participants
 Providing in-adequate references for your work
Unfortunately, there are researchers whose work is
characterized by these practices, but they are the minority.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Why research?
13

 Obtain a (higher) degree, or promotion (this mainly

applies to the academic career.
 To acquire new knowledge.
 To find answers to questions.
 To solve a problem in the practical world.
 Enhance critical skills in communication, independent
thinking, creativity and problem-solving.
 To face a challenge.
 To get intellectual joy.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Types of Research
14
 Note: several sources classify research in many different
ways.
 But, there are generally two types of research:
1. Basic Research (also known as fundamental or pure
research)
 Basic research focuses on improving one’s knowledge and
understanding about an underlying phenomena without
specific applications in mind.
 The main motivation is to expand man’s knowledge not to
create or invent something.
 E.g A neuron-surgeon who studies the brain to learn about
its general workings is doing basic research.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Types of Research cont’d
15

2. Applied Research
 Systemic study to gain knowledge or understanding
designed to solve a practical problem of the modern
world, rather than to acquire knowledge for ones sake.
 E.g. neurologist who is searching for the origins of
memory loss disease is involved in applied research.
 A BIT final year student who implements his project is
also doing applied research.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Qualitative vs. Quantitative research
16

Quantitative research is concerned with investigating

things which we could observe and measure in some way.

Such observations and measurements can be made

objectively and repeated by other researchers.

Quantitative research is more concerned with questions

about: how much? How many? How often? To what
extent? etc.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Qualitative vs. Quantitative research cont’d
17

Qualitative research. The study is classified as qualitative

if the purpose of the study is primarily to describe a
situation, phenomenon or event.

Qualitative research attempts to increase our understanding

of why things are the way they are in our social world and
why people act the way they do.

Qualitative research is concerned with finding the answers

to questions which begin with: why? How? In what way?
BIT 1205 12/08/21
 Designing a Research Plan
18
A research plan helps you to manage your time as a
researcher.

Research involves several activities e.g. reading,

working, writing, reflecting, & even relaxing!

Time allocation to the activities involved in your research

is vital.
 But the time you allocate to some of the activities varies with the
type of research or research area/ discipline you are working on.

BIT 1205 12/08/21

 Steps involved in designing a research plan
19

1. Create a complete list of tasks in your research

2. Arrange the tasks in a logical, sequential order
3. Assign an approximate and reasonable time period
against each task
• If you do this using project management software,
you can see the tasks on critical path.
4. Convert your schedule into a calendar
5. Develop a more detailed research plan, describing the
actual research methodology in a little more detail

BIT 1205 12/08/21