RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Meaning: Research Methods refer to the techniques for doing research. Research
methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problem. In other words, research
methodology may be understood as a science of studying how research is done scientifically.
Research is a systematic, organized, and objective process of investigating phenomena to
generate new knowledge or validate existing theories. OR
Research is a systematic process of collecting information and interpreting it. In short the
term research refers to a continuous search for knowledge. Generally, the word research is a
term used liberally for any kind of investigation that is intended to uncover truth or new facts.
Research processes involve:
• Identifying a problem,
• Collecting data,
• Analyzing information, and
• Drawing conclusions.
In Business Administration (BA), research helps in solving organizational problems, improve
decision-making, and guide policy formulation.
Sources of Knowledge
Knowledge can be acquired from different sources:
i. Personal Experience i.e. learning through direct involvement in events or activities.
Questions may arise as one carries out his/her daily tasks as: Professionals, students,
etc. i.e., participating in class discussions, reading articles in news papers and
journals, or interacting with others. For instance examining some of the questions we
commonly ask ourselves about our daily practices such as, why does that happen?
What causes that? What would happen if? How would a different group respond to
this? Such questions are probably the most common source of knowledge as they
capture our interests.
ii. Authority i.e. accepting information from experts, teachers, or institutions. It is hard
to imagine an expert who has never had a feeling about a better way of doing
something e.g., increasing learning or improving student behaviour (in case an
educator).
iii. Tradition/Common Sense relies on cultural practices, intuition, or everyday
reasoning.
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iv. Reasoning is related with using logical deduction (general to specific) and induction
(specific to general). Deductive reasoning is a type of reasoning in which reasoning
starts from general to specific. That is it bases on inferences from general principles
for example:
a) All BBA students must pass Research Methodology course.
b) Sarah is a BBA student.
c) Therefore, Sarah must pass Research Methodology course.
On the other hand, inductive reasoning is a type of argument in which the reasoning starts
from specific to general. It is normally used in applications that involve prediction,
forecasting or behaviour. This is because it makes broad generalization from specific
observation. For example (a)
1. In the past three years, BBA students from Mbeya University have successfully
started small businesses after graduation.
2. This year’s graduates are also opening businesses.
3. Therefore, BBA graduates from Mbeya University generally become entrepreneurs.
Example (b):
1. In group projects, students who specialize in human resource often take leadership
roles.
2. In another project, the human resource students again led the team.
3. Therefore, human resource students in the BBA program usually take leadership
roles.
v. Scientific Method involves using a systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis
that produces verifiable and generalizable knowledge.
vi. Library source are essential sources of knowledge in the research process. Nevertheless,
it is most useful to the researcher after a research topic has been narrowed.