Research Methodology
1st Semester
2021-2022
Research Methodology
2021-2022
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Research’s Definition & Meaning
• The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English defines the meaning of
research as,”a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new
facts in any branch of knowledge”.
• The Oxford English Dictionary (2002) defines research as, “ the systematic study of
materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions”.
• Research in common parlance is a search for knowledge.
• Research is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information in a specific topic.
• Any honest attempt to study a problem systematically or to add to man’s
knowledge of a problem may be regarded as research.
• As such the term, “research”, refers to the systematic method consisting enunciating
the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analysing the facts
and reaching certain conclusions in the form of solution (s) towards the concerned
problem or in certain generalisations for some theoretical formulation.
Research’s Definition & Meaning…continued
• The search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding
solutions to a problem is a research.
• In practice, research is often an open-ended process that is likely to generate as
many questions as it does answers.
• Research is a thinking person’s game!.
• Research is a creative and strategic process.
Research Process
Exploring your own approach to knowledge:
An individuals’ preference for learning, knowing and researching can be broadly
classified into two categories.
Category I:
In this category, individuals are described as: analytic, organized and logical.
In research, those persons can have difficulty in thinking outside the square; as they
may struggle with randomness and spontaneity.
Category II:
In this category, individuals are described as intuitive, holistic and imaginative. In
research, those persons have difficulty in defining their methods, finishing and writing
up; as they may/can struggle with structure and order.
Research Process
Exploring your own approach to knowledge…continued
There are several learning styles that can help researchers (beginners)
understand how they best process, assimilate and produce knowledge.
These styles are summarized as follows.
Visual learners
Visual learners tend to collect data and grasp knowledge through visual
displays. In research, they often enjoy observation.
Auditory learners
Auditory learners tend to gather data through, ”hearing”, and they benefit
from listening, talking and reading aloud. In research, they enjoy interviews.
Kinesthetic learners
Kinesthetic learners learn best from moving, doing and touching. They enjoy
a hands-on approach to explore the world around them. Kinesthetic researchers
Research Process
Exploring your own approach to knowledge…continued
Assimilator
Assimilator (Theorist) tend to use abstract conceptualization and reflective
observation. Assimilators enjoy creating theoretical models and are
interested in abstract concepts.
Converger
Converger (Pragmatist) tend to use abstract conceptualization with active
experimentation. Convergers enjoy the practical application of ideas. They
prefer to deal with things (physical sciences) rather than people.
Accommodator
Accommodator (Activist) tend to use concrete experience and active
experimentation. Accommodators enjoy, “doing”, and tend to solve
problems intuitively.
Diverger
Diverger (Reflector) tend to use reflective observation and concrete experience
and enjoy thinking about a topic. Divergers are interested in lives and emotions;
thus they tend to specialize in they arts.
Research Process
Research’s Motivations
To investigate some existing situation or problem.
To provide solutions to a problem.
To explore and analyse more general issues.
To construct or create a new procedure or system.
To explain a new phenomenon.
To generate new knowledge.
To pass, get good grades, finishing the degree.
A combination of two or more of any of the above.
• Research’s project execution timelines When
• Research’s methodology including:
• Approaches, How?
• Methods, techniques and tools
• Resources
• Necessities/importance of conducting a research’s topic Why?
• Research area/field What?
• Research’s topic
answers for four questions.
A research project framework comprises four accurate ,clear, and specific
Research Process
Research Process
• Researching is a process that demands planning, forethought, commitment and persistence.
• Research process is not a task. It is a journey that needs to be managed, navigated, negotiated
from early conception to final destination. peers
Research Process
A typical research’s structure/process is illustrated in the figure below.