Formulating the Research Problem
1. Types of Research Problems:
o States of Nature: Focuses on the current situation or condition (e.g.,
demographic trends, behaviors).
o Relationships Between Variables: Investigates how different variables are
interconnected (e.g., cause and effect relationships).
2. Research Problem Development:
o Initially, the problem is broad and general.
o Over time, it is narrowed down to more specific research questions.
3. Clarifying the Research Problem:
o Consulting Experts and engaging with individuals who have knowledge on the
topic.
o Conducting a Literature Review to see what has already been studied.
o Clarifying Objectives and Scope to ensure the research remains focused and
relevant.
Literature Survey
1. Purpose of Literature Review:
o To identify gaps in existing knowledge.
o To build context for the current study.
o To help refine and sharpen the research problem.
2. Sources to Use:
o Academic Journals
o Government Reports
o Books and other credible resources.
Developing Working Hypotheses
1. Hypotheses:
o Tentative statements or assumptions to guide the research.
o Formed from discussions, data examination, and previous studies.
2. Characteristics of Hypotheses:
o They should be specific and relevant to the research question.
o Provide a basis for testing and further analysis.
Preparing the Research Design
1. Purpose of Research Design:
o It outlines the framework for the study.
o Ensures that data collection and analysis are effective and efficient.
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2. Key Considerations:
o The research purpose: exploration, description, diagnosis, or experimentation.
o Available resources and budget.
o Choice of methods: experimental or non-experimental designs.
Sample Design
1. Defining Sample Design:
o Strategy for selecting participants from the larger population.
2. Sampling Methods:
o Probability Sampling (random, stratified): Ensures representativeness.
o Non-Probability Sampling (convenience, judgmental): Easier but may introduce
bias.
3. Ensuring Accuracy:
o Sample selection should be aligned with research goals to avoid bias.
Data Collection
1. Types of Data:
o Primary Data: Collected firsthand through experiments, surveys, or direct
observation.
2. Survey Methods:
o Observation: Directly observing subjects (limited by cost and scope).
o Personal Interviews: Face-to-face interviews with structured questions.
o Telephone Interviews: Efficient for industrial surveys when time is limited.
o Mailing Questionnaires: Most common method; requires pilot studies to refine
questions.
o Schedules: Data collected by enumerators with specific guidelines.
3. Choosing the Right Method:
o Should depend on the study's nature, budget, time, and desired accuracy.
Execution of the Project
1. Proper Execution:
o Ensures reliability and validity of collected data.
o The project must follow a systematic approach.
o Tools like structured questionnaires and interviewer training are essential.
o Field checks and handling non-response (e.g., sub-sampling non-respondents)
are critical.
Data Analysis
1. Organizing and Analyzing Data:
o Organize raw data into manageable forms (e.g., coding, tabulation).
o Use statistical analysis (e.g., regression, t-tests) to interpret relationships and
differences.
2. Using Computers:
o Computers and software are often used to handle large datasets and complex
analysis.
Hypothesis Testing
1. Testing Hypotheses:
o Use statistical tests (e.g., chi-square, t-tests) to determine if the hypothesis is
supported.
o Results may lead to new hypotheses or refine existing ones.
Generalizations and Interpretation
1. Generalization:
o If hypotheses are consistently supported, they may lead to broad conclusions or
theories.
o Alternatively, findings might prompt the researcher to interpret the data
differently and propose new research questions.
Report Preparation
1. Structure of the Research Report:
o Preliminary Pages: Title, acknowledgments, table of contents, list of
tables/graphs.
o Main Text:
Introduction (objective and methodology).
Summary of findings.
Detailed analysis and conclusions.
o End Matter: Bibliography, index, and any additional technical data.
2. Writing Tips:
o Be concise, objective, and clear.
o Use simple language and well-organized content.
o Include charts or illustrations only when they clarify the content.
