Research Methods and Project Proposal (ChEg 5251)

Instructor: Kiros T/haimanot Sinke

Email: adukirost2004@gmail.com

Phone number: +251910805356

ECtS :5 Lecture Hr. 2hr/week

Objective of the Course;

Upon the completion of the course the students are expected to understand

1. What research is:

2. Types of research
3. What is research proposal
4. Main components of research Proposal
5. What research design is
6. Understand the basic statistical tools

Students are also expected to develop skills such as

7. Good Research Proposal Writing

8. Design research experiment
9. Ability to work in teams.
10. Ability to demonstrate a professional level of communication (written,
graphical/drawing and verbal) and presentation skills with clients, vendors
and peers

Chapters to be covered

Chapter One: Introduction to Research

Chapter Two: Research Proposal Writing
Chapter Three: Design and Analysis of Experiments

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 Chapter One: Introduction to Research
1.1. What is Research
 Research is an activity that leads us to finding new facts, information, assisting
us in verifying the available knowledge and in making us question things that are
difficult to understand as per existing data.
 It literally implies repeating a search for something and implicitly assumes that
the earlier search was not exhaustive and complete in the sense that there is
still scope for improvement.
It may be understood in following terms also:
 Research is a continuous activity in majority of disciplines and professions.
 It is helpful in critical assessment of the way we work, execute policies,
and give instructions in our professions.
 It is systematic observation of processes to find better ways to do things
and to reduce the effort being put in to achieve an objective and identifying
the validity of the targets.
 In fact research is a subconscious activity that we are involved in at all
times whether it is purchase of daily use articles , a car, an electronic good
or planning a holiday.

 Research is a scientific approach of answering a research question, solving a

problem or generating new knowledge through a systematic and orderly collection,
organization, and analysis of information with an ultimate goal of making the
research useful in decision-making.

 Research is Scientific method because it relies on the basic postulates which can
be stated as follows.
Research:-
 relies on empirical evidence,
 utilizes relevant concepts,
 is committed to only objective considerations,
 presupposes ethical neutrality,
 results into probabilistic predictions,
 is made known to all concerned through replication, and
 aims at formulating most general axioms

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  Research is systematic because it follows certain steps that are logical in order.
These steps are-
1. Understanding the nature of problem to be studied and identifying the
related area of knowledge.
2. Reviewing literature to understand how others have approached or dealt
with the problem.
3. Collecting data in an organized and controlled manner so as to arrive at
valid decisions.
4. Analyzing data appropriate to the problem.
5. Drawing conclusions and making generalizations.

Generally, research in any field of study involves three basic operations. These are:

1. Data collection: It refers to observing, measuring, and recording information.

2. Data analysis: It refers to arranging and organizing the collected data so that we
may be able to find out what their significance is and generalize about them.
3. Report writing: It is an inseparable part and a final outcome of a research study.
Its purpose is to convey information contained in it to the readers or audience

1.2. Characteristics of a Research

A research has its own characteristics. Some of its characteristics are:-

1. Research is Generalized
 The researcher usually divides the identified population into smaller samples
depending on the resource availability at the time of research being conducted.
This sample is understood to be the appropriate representative of the identified
population therefore the findings should also be applicable to and representative
of the entire population.
 The analytical information obtained from studying these samples should be given
a fair idea of total population of being follower of particular ideology, beliefs,
social stigmas, driving force, etc
2. Research is Controlled
 The concept of control implies that, in exploring causality in relation to two
variables (factors), you set up your study in a way that minimizes the
effects of other factors affecting the relationship. Some variables are
classified as controlling factors and the other variables may be classified as
possible effects of controlling factors.
 Laboratory experiments as in pure sciences like chemistry can be controlled
but any study that involves societal issues cannot be controlled.

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 E.g. Destination studies are not controllable as they have variables like
geography, climate, accessibility, seasonality, etc but studying the effects of
standard operating procedures in a hotel applied in a particular service can
be controlled.
3. Research is Rigorous.
 One must be careful in ensuring that the procedures followed to find
answers to questions are relevant, appropriate and justified. Again, the
degree of rigor varies markedly between the physical and social sciences
and within the social sciences.
4. Research is Empirical.
 The processes adopted should be tested for the accuracy and each step
should be coherent in progression.
 This means that any conclusions drawn are based upon firm data gathered
from information collected from real life experiences or observations.
Empirical nature of research means that the research has been conducted
following rigorous scientific methods and procedures.
 Quantitative research is easier to prove scientifically than qualitative
research. In qualitative research biases and prejudice are easy to occur
5. Research is Systematic
 The procedure or process being developed to undertake a study should be
carefully drafted to ensure that resources utilization is optimized.
 Chaotic or disorganized procedures would never yield expected outcomes.
 The steps should follow a logical sequence to get to the desired outcome.
6. Research is Reliable
 This is the degree to which the result of a measurement, calculation, or
specification can be depended on to be accurate.
 It is difficult to be measured accurately, but now there are instruments
which can estimate the reliability of a research.
 It is the extent to which an experiment, test, measuring procedure,
research, research instrument, tool or procedure yields the same results on
repeated trials.
 If any research yields similar results each time it is undertaken with similar
population and with similar procedures, it is called to be a reliable research.
7. Research is Valid
 It is the extent to which a concept, conclusion or measurement is well-
founded and likely corresponds accurately to the real world.
 The word "valid" is derived from the Latin validus, meaning strong. This
should not be confused with notions of certainty nor necessity.
 The validity of a measurement tool (for example, a test in education) is
considered to be the degree to which the tool measures what it claims to
measure.

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  Validity is based on the strength of a collection of different types of
evidence. In terms of research validity is the strength with which we can
make research conclusions, assumptions or propositions true or false.
 Validation refers to accuracy of measurement whether or not it measures
what it is supposed to measure.
 It also ascertains the application of research in finding the solution to an
issue in different conditions.
 This gives a clear direction to the research activity. The findings of a study
should be verifiable by the researcher as well as anyone else who wants to
conduct the study on similar guidelines/ under similar conditions.
8. Research employs hypothesis
 Any research definitely begins with formulation of a hypothesis.
 A hypothesis can be defined as an educated guess about the relationship
between two or more variables.
 In simple words a hypothesis is an idea around which one starts working
before it is actually converted to research.
 A question is what forms the base and is later termed as hypothesis and it
may or may not draw a logical outcome.
 Hypothesis may prove to be wrong or null or void after the study is
conducted.
9. Research is Analytical & Accurate
 A research should be focused not only about what is happening but also
on how and why a particular phenomenon, process draws certain
conclusions.
 Any data collected if does not yield results or is unsuitable to be used for
further studies or applications disrupts the purpose of research.
 Therefore, data collected should be reasonable and free of errors to be
easily analyzed.
 Accuracy is also the degree to which each research process, instrument, and
tool is related to each other.
 Accuracy also measures whether research tools have been selected in best
possible manner and research procedures suits the research problem or not.
Selection of appropriate data collection tools is essential for a research
10. Research is Credible
 The extent to which an analysis of finding can be treated to be trustworthy is
tremed as credibility.
 This can only be assured by the use of the best source of information and best
procedures in research.
 Researches based on secondary data are not reliable as such data may have
been manipulated or distorted by earlier researchers to suit their work.

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  The availability of secondary data from public domains is easy but cokes with
lots of risks involved.
 The research study conducted based on primary data is always reliable and
carries more credibility.
 A certain percentage of secondary data can be used if the primary source is
not available but basing a research completely on secondary data when primary
data can be gathered is least credible.
 When researcher gives accurate references in the research the credibility of the
research increases but fake references also decrease the credibility of the
research
11. Research is Critical
 Critical scrutiny of the procedures used and the methods employed is crucial to
a research enquiry. The process of investigation must be foolproof and free
from drawbacks.
 The process adopted and the procedures used must be able to withstand
critical scrutiny

 Research is a process through which we attempt to achieve systematically and with

the support of data to answer a question, the resolution of a problem, or a greater
understanding of a phenomenon.

This process has eight distinct characteristics. Research…

1) Originates with a question or problem.

2) Requires a clear articulation of a goal.
3) Follows a specific plan of procedure.
4) Usually divides the principal problem into more manageable sub-problems.
5) Is guided by the specific research problem, question, or hypothesis.
6) Accepts certain critical assumptions.
7) Requires the collection and interpretation of data in attempting to resolve the
problem that initiated the research.
8) Is by its nature, cyclical; or more exactly, helical.

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1.3. Qualities of Good Research
A good research has also the following qualities –

1. It is systematic: Research is structured with specified steps to be taken in a

specified sequence in accordance with the well-defined set of rules. Systematic
characteristic of the research does not rule out creative thinking but it certainly
does reject the use of guessing and intuition in arriving at conclusions.
2. It is logical: Research is guided by the rules of logical reasoning and the
logical process of induction and deduction are of great value in carrying out
research. Induction is the process of reasoning from a part to the whole
whereas deduction is the process of reasoning from some premise to a
conclusion, which follows from that very premise. In fact, logical reasoning
makes research more meaningful in the context of decision making.
3. Good research is empirical: Research is related basically to one or more
aspects of a real situation and deals with concrete data that provides a basis
for external validity to research results.
4. Good research is replicable: Research results to be verified by replicating the
study and thereby building a sound basis for decisions.

1.3.1.How to ensure a good quality Research?

1)Purpose should be clearly defined.
2)Common concepts should be used that can be understood by all.
3)Research procedures should be explained in detail.
4)Research design should be carefully planned.
5)Researcher should declare all the possible errors and their possible impact on
findings.
6) Analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal significance.
7) The methods of analysis should be appropriate.
8) The validity and reliability of the data should be checked carefully.
9) The researcher should good command over research methodologies and should
be intelligent and experienced.
10) Ethics in research refers to a code of conduct of behavior while conducting
research. Ethical conduct applies to the organization and the members that
sponsor the research, the researchers who undertake the research, and the
respondents who provide them with the necessary data.

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1.4. Types of Research
Research can be classified into various categories depending on the perspective under
which the research activity is initiated and conducted. The categorization depends on
the following perspectives in general:

I. Application of research study

II. Objectives in undertaking the research
III. Inquiry mode employed for research

1.4.1. Classification based on Application:

1. Pure / Basic / Fundamental Research:

 As the term suggests a research activity taken up to look into some aspects of a
problem or an issue for the first time is termed as basic or pure.
 It involves developing and testing theories and hypotheses that are intellectually
challenging to the researcher.
 Basic research is driven by a scientist's curiosity or interest in a scientific question.
 The main motivation is to expand man's knowledge, not to create or invent
something.
 There is no obvious commercial value to the discoveries that result from basic
research.
For example, basic science investigations probe for answers to questions such as:
• How did the universe begin?
• What are protons, neutrons, and electrons composed of?
• What are the chemical components of water?
 It may or may not have practical application at the present time or in the future.
 The knowledge produced through pure research is sought in order to add to the
existing body of research methods.
 Pure research is theoretical but has a universal nature.
 It is more focused on creating scientific knowledge and predictions for further
studies.
 Basic research lays down the foundation for the applied science that follows.

2. Applied / Decisional Research:

 Applied research is done on the basis of pure or fundamental research to solve
specific, practical questions; for policy formulation, administration and understanding
of a phenomenon.
 Applied research is designed to solve practical problems of the modern world, rather
than to acquire knowledge for knowledge's sake. One might say that the goal of the
applied scientist is to improve the human condition.
 It can be exploratory, but is usually descriptive.

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 The purpose of doing such research is to find solutions to an immediate issue,
solving a particular problem, developing new technology and look into future
advancements etc.
 This involves forecasting and assumes that the variables shall not change.

For example, applied researchers may investigate ways to:

improve the energy efficiency of homes, offices, or modes of transportation

Improve production capacity and quality in chemical reactions (processes)

Key Differences between Basic and Applied Research

 Basic Research can be explained as research that tries to expand the already
existing scientific knowledge base. On the contrary, applied research is used to
mean the scientific study that is helpful in solving real-life problems.
 While basic research is purely theoretical, applied research has a practical
approach.
 The applicability of basic research is greater than the applied research, in the
sense that the former is universally applicable whereas the latter can be applied
only to the specific problem, for which it was carried out.
 The primary concern of the basic research is to develop scientific knowledge and
predictions. On the other hand, applied research stresses on the development of
technology and technique with the help of basic science.
 The fundamental goal of the basic research is to add some knowledge to the
already existing one. Conversely, applied research is directed towards finding a
solution to the problem under consideration.

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 1.4.2. Classification based on Objectives:

1. Exploratory Research:

 It is foundational, establishing that it should be the first kind of research to be

conducted around an issue or problem that has not yet been clearly defined.

 Exploratory research is preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem about which the

researcher has little or no knowledge. It is similar to a doctor’s initial investigation of
a patient suffering from an unfamiliar malady for getting some clues for identifying it.

 It is ill structured (unstructured) and much less focused on predetermined objectives.

It usually takes the form of a pilot study.

 Exploratory research is characterized by its flexibility. When a problem is broad and

not specifically defined, the researchers use exploratory research as a beginning
step.

 Exploratory research usually relies on qualitative data from small sample sizes;
however, the flexibility surrounding the research lends to the number of data
collection methods that can be used for this type of research.

 Exploratory research is unstructured with no pre-planned design for analysis and is

generally filled up by either descriptive or explanatory research.
 Exploratory research is conducted by first identifying the problem, next by creating a
hypothesis, then by conducting research, and lastly, deciding whether the subject is
worth further research.

 The purpose of an exploratory study may be:

1. To generate new ideas or
2. To increase the researcher’s familiarity with the problem or
3. To make a precise formulation of the problem or
4. To gather information for clarifying concepts or
5. To determine whether it is feasible to attempt the study.

2. Descriptive Research:
 Is likely the second step in an attempt to gain knowledge around a research question.

 Its purpose is to explore situations while providing further information regarding the
research topic.

 Descriptive research is the type of research that expands knowledge of a project or

phenomenon by describing it according to its characteristics or concerning the population
to answer the questions of what, when, and how but not the why.

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 This type of structured research can be used to present trends, public beliefs or
perceptions, and even how those viewpoints help to develop new trends among the
studied population.

 Usually, descriptive studies are concerned with present phenomena; however, previous
events can be considered about current conditions.

 In this method researcher does not control any variables he only takes an account of
what has accused or happening.

 It uses mostly quantitative data, although quality data is also sometimes used for
descriptive purposes.

 Data collection instruments used for descriptive research include questionnaires,

interviews with closed-ended questions, and observations.

3. Explanatory Research:
 Explanatory research is a technique used to gain a deeper understanding of the
underlying reasons for, causes of, and relationships behind a particular phenomenon
that has yet to be extensively studied.

 Since there is limited information regarding the phenomenon being studied, it’s up to
the researcher to develop fresh ideas and collect more data.

 Explanatory research tests new theories and establishes cause-and-effect

relationships between different study variables.

 It usually involves several data collection methods, including surveys, interviews,

experiments, and observation.

 The results and conclusions drawn from explanatory research give researchers a
deeper understanding and help predict future occurrences.

 It usually starts with a theory or hypothesis and after gathering evidences it

approves or disapproves a theory.

 It does not give us complete evidence but help us understand the problem more
effectively.

 Its main purpose is to increase the researcher’s understanding of a particular topic.

 It does not give solid results because of its lack of mathematical power, but it does
cause the researcher to decide how and why things happen.

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 4. Experimental Research
 Experimental research is the inspection where one or more dependent variables is
controlled to determine the effect on one or more variable.
 It employs the use of two group that is control and experimental group where the
experimental group is given the treatment and control group is no manipulated in
order to forme the nature of the relationship between the studied.
 Experimental research is a scientific method of research, in which one or more
variables are modified and applied to one or more dependent variables to measure
their impact on the latter.
 The impact of independent interdisciplinary variables is often observed and recorded
over time, to assist researchers in making a logical conclusion about the
relationships between these two variables
 The experimental research methodology is widely used in physical and social
sciences, psychology, and education. It is based on comparisons between two or
more direct groups, which, however, may be difficult to make.
 Related to the laboratory testing process, experimental research projects involve
collecting quantitative data and performing statistical analysis on it during the study.
 Experimental research design is common.
 The design of experimental research is especially useful if you want to explore how
different aspects affect the situation, making this type of design more versatile.
 The design of the experimental research uses a scientific approach, which includes
features such as hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, control
variable.
 Hypothesis is a statement that describes what you are predicting that your
research will reveal.
 Independent variable is a variable that does not depend on other variables.
 Dependent variables are variables that depend on other variables.
 The control variables are static variables that remain constant during the
experimental study.

1.4.3. Classification based on Inquiry Mode:

1. Structured approach:/ Quantitative Research

 The structured approach to inquiry is usually classified as quantitative research.
Here everything that forms the research process- objectives, design, sample, and
the questions that you plan to ask of respondents- is predetermined.
 It is more appropriate to determine the extent of a problem, issue or
phenomenon by quantifying the variation.

2. Unstructured approach/ Qualitative Research

 The unstructured approach to inquiry is usually classified as qualitative research.
 This approach allows flexibility in all aspects of the research process.

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  It is more appropriate to explore the nature of a problem, issue or phenomenon
without quantifying it.
 Main objective is to describe the variation in a phenomenon, situation or attitude
e.g., description of an observed situation, the historical enumeration of events, an
account of different opinions different people have about an issue, description of
working condition in a particular industry. E.g. when guest is complaining about the
room not being comfortable and is demanding a discount the staff has to verify
the claims empathically.

1.5. Steps in Conducting a Research

Irrespective of the category of a research study, the steps followed in conducting it are
the same. These steps are –

1.5.1. Selecting and Defining Problem:

 This marks the beginning of a research study and is the most difficult and
important step. This involves – (i) identifying and stating the problem in specific
terms; (ii) identifying the variables in the problem situation and defining them
adequately; (iii) generating tentative guesses (hypotheses) about the relation of the
variables or in other words the solution of the problem, or writing explicitly the
questions (research questions) for which answers are sought; and (iv) evaluating
the problem for its research ability. To achieve this, you review the literature
related to the problem to know what other researchers have done and discovered
and to identify the possible methodology for conducting the research.

1.5.2. Describing Methodology of Research:

 You need to state the purpose of the study and to define the problem clearly.
This guides you in deciding the methodology of research which involves: (a)
identifying the method of research; (b) specifying the subjects of study; (c)
selecting an adequate representative sample of subjects; (d) selecting/constructing
valid and reliable instruments for measuring the variables in the problem; (e)
selecting a research design and describing the procedure to be employed for
conducting the research study.

1.5.3. Collecting Data:

 This step involves conducting the study as per the designed procedure
(manipulating the experimental variables in the case of an experimental method),
administering instruments for measuring variables and/or gathering information
through observation. It also involves tabulating the data thus collected for the
purpose of analysis.

1.5.4. Analyzing and Interpreting Results:

 The results of the study are generated at this stage. The data are summarized, in
other words analyzed to provide information for testing the hypotheses. Appropriate

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 statistical methods of analysis are used to test the hypotheses. You can perform
the analysis manually, by using a hand calculator or a computer as per the
demands of the problem, and the available facilities. After completing the analysis
results are tied together or summarized. The results are interpreted in the light of
the hypotheses and/or the research problem. These are then discussed in relation
to: the existing body of knowledge, consistencies and inconsistencies with the
results of other research studies, and then the conclusions are drawn. This is
followed by writing the research report.

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