Research proposal/ Project support Ethics

What is research methodology? Why is it important?
Many scholars are at pain to explain the role of research methodology.

To start with, this section helps a scholar in identifying the philosophy which is a school of knowledge that the study is based on. There exist two distinct philosophies in research: interpretivism and positivism. We shall look into these in our next session.

In this section, one is expected to identify the design they wish to use with a clear justification. This means that one is required to say reasons as to why the design is appropriate.
One is also expected to identify the precise elements making up the population. These need to be elements with a common observable characteristic of feature.
If the population is large and not cost effective for a census, a researcher is expected to scientifically calculate a representative sample that would help in providing data that can be generalized to the entire population. It is at this point that information concerning site of study is given.
The next key element or research methodology is data analysis which involves identification of research instruments, their structure and why they are appropriate. It may be also Important for the researcher to outline the procedures to be followed to ensure reliable data is collected. Talking of reliability, a researcher needs to say how he or she will ensure that the instrument passes the tests of validity and reliability. Tests such as test a d retest, triangulation and Cronbach could be explored. Elements to do with pilot and consultations with persons with expert knowledge may come in handy.
A researcher is further expected to say how they intend to analyze the data so as to make sense for responding to the research objectives. At this point, one is expected to say how they will analyze qualitative and quantitative data. It is also important to identify inferential statistics to be carried out and what they aim to achieve. Some of the commonly used inferential tests include regression analysis, correlation and factor analysis.
It may also be important for the researcher to outline key ethical considerations to be observed so as to ensure that the study subjects do not suffer any harm.

Join me next time for more information on how to conduct research.

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Many people have reached out to me asking to know key sections a typical research thesis / project. I will briefly describe them here:

Projects generally have intoduction section where the researcher is expected to bring out the conceptual and contextual arguments. It also highlights statement of the problem where clear gaps necessitating the research are highlighted. One is also expected to have the purpose of the study what some people call purpose of the study. In addition, there is objectives which are linked to the conceptual framework. To justify the undertaking of the study, a researcher is expected to identify a number of beneficiaries. Other schools may require that the researcher identifies the scope and limitations.

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