Basic Research Methods
Holy Trinity University
Abba Hailegebriel Girma (PhD, EdD)
2015/ 2022
What is Research?
Definition: An organized, systematic, data-based
critical scientific inquiry or investigation into a specific
problem, undertaken with the objective of finding
answers or solutions to it.
Outcome: Information that enables managers to
make decisions to rectify problems.
Data : Primary (first-hand) or Secondary (readily
available); Quantitative or Qualitative
What is Research?
Research is what we do when we have a
question or a problem we want to resolve
We may already think we know the answer
to our question
We may think the answer is obvious,
common sense even
But until we have subjected our problem
to rigorous scientific scrutiny, our
'knowledge' remains little more than
guesswork or at best, intuition. 3
Research Objectives
What do you want to achieve from
your research
State
your objectives in clear and
concise manner.
4
QUALITIES OF RESEARCH
Good research is systematic as it follows
certain steps.
These steps are:
Problem identification
Reviewing the literature
Collecting data
Analysing data
Drawing conclusions and making
generalizations
Types of Research
1. Application- Pure and Applied Research
Applied- Finding solutions for immediate problems
facing a society/organization
Pure- Concerned with generalization and
formulation of a theory
2. Inquiry Mode- Quantitative and qualitative
Quantitative- Measurements of quantity or amount
Qualitative- Concerned with qualitative phenomena
(reasons for human behavior)
6
Research and research methods
Research methods are split broadly into
quantitative, qualitative, and Mixed
Methods
Which you choose will depend on
your research questions
your underlying philosophy of research
your preferences and skills
Planning
• Statement of the problem
• Literature review
• Choice of research method
• Design of the study
• Data collection
• Analysis of data
• Write-up
The Structure of Thesis (1)
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Background of the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions or Objectives
Definition of Terms
Delimitations and Limitations of the Study
Summary of Chapter One
The Structure of Thesis (2)
Chapter 2 – Literature Review
Covers important theories and research findings upon
which the research problem was based.
Chapter 3 – Research Methodology
Describes in detail how the research will be conducted
Chapter 4 – Findings
Focuses on the data gathered throughout the procedures
used in the study.
Chapter 5 – Summary, Discussions, Conclusions, and
Recommendations
Research Proposal
Every theological research project should begin with a
research proposal.
Before writing a thesis or a dissertation, your proposal
needs to be approved by a panel of experts.
The University requires you to submit a brief proposal
for a term paper.
You will benefit from preparing one for yourself; it will
focus your thoughts and give your research direction.
The ability to conceptualize and write a quality
proposal is the mark of a man ready to do independent
research.
What is a research proposal?
Statement of intent
Academically prepared to complete
the research
Audience: peers, supervisors,
examiners
What is a research proposal?
A research proposal is your PLAN
It describes in detail your study
Decisions about your study are based
on the quality of the proposal
Approvals to proceed by the
Institutional Review Board
Importance of a research proposal?
Contract between you and your
committee
[Link] to protect the student
Demanding additional requirements
[Link] the committee from the
student
From delivering a degree of poor quality
What are the essential ingredients?
The Issue
What problem does
your research
address?
Research
Benefit
Design What will the
How will the research research contribute?
achieve its objective?
The Elements of a Research Proposal
A research proposal consists of two main
parts:
The first part, the research problem, addresses
“the what” of the study; it describes the
problem the researcher will attempt to solve.
Part two, the research plan, focuses on “the
how” of the study; it explains how the
researcher will go about solving the research
problem.
The Components of a Research
Proposal (1)
Part 1: The research problem
1- The statement of the problem
1.1 The main problem
1.2 The Research questions
2- The elucidation of the problem
2.1 Delimitations of the study
2.2 Definitions of key terms
2.4 Preliminary literature review
3- The value of the study
3.1 Theological value
3.2 Practical value
Research Proposal (2)
Part 2: The research plan
4- The research design
4.1 The model
4.2 The structure
4.3 The timeframe
5- The research methodology
5.1 The data
5.2 The tools
5.3 The steps
6- The annotated bibliography
Research Proposal – Short Form
Initial Research Title
Introduction - What is your research area, the motivation of
research, and how important is it for the industry
practice/knowledge advancement?
Problem Statement - What is the specific problem in that
research area that you will address?
Research questions
Objectives - What are the benefits/impacts?
Preliminary Literature Review - What is known/what have
been done by others? And, why your research is still necessary?
Methodology - Which research methods will be used
References – APA
APA Citation
Leedy, P.D. (1993). Practical research: planning
and design. 5th Ed. New York: MacMillan.
Mouton, J. (2001). How to succeed in your
master's and doctoral studies. Pretoria, South
Africa: Van Schaik.