1.
Core Research Concepts
Pure vs. Applied Research
• Pure (Basic) Research:
o Expands knowledge without immediate practical application.
o Aims at theory building and discovering new principles.
o Example: Studying how memory works in humans to expand psychology theory.
• Applied Research:
o Oriented toward solving practical, real-world problems.
o Uses existing theories to find actionable solutions.
o Example: Designing a new teaching method to improve classroom performance.
Research Method vs. Research Methodology
• Research Method:
o Specific tools and techniques used to collect and analyze data.
o Examples: Surveys, interviews, focus groups, experiments, observation,
regression models.
• Research Methodology:
o The overall strategy, logic, and rationale behind selecting specific research
methods.
o Explains why particular methods were chosen and how they fit the research
objectives.
o Includes philosophical stance (positivism, interpretivism, mixed methods).
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Aspect Quantitative Qualitative
Goal Measure & quantify phenomena Explore & understand phenomena
Aspect Quantitative Qualitative
Data Numerical (e.g., scores, counts) Textual, visual, verbal
Approach Deductive – test hypotheses Inductive – develop theories
Tools Surveys, experiments, statistics Interviews, focus groups, case studies
Charts, regression results, statistical Themes, narratives, conceptual
Output
significance models
Critiquing Literature
• Goes beyond summarizing. Involves:
o Analyzing quality: assessing research design, sampling, validity, reliability.
o Comparing findings: highlighting consensus, contradictions, and gaps.
o Identifying research gaps: showing where further study is needed.
o Synthesizing: connecting past studies logically to your study.
• Builds a strong rationale for your research.
2. The Research Project: Chapters & Process
Typical Five-Chapter Structure
1. Chapter 1 – Introduction
o Background of the study
o Statement of the problem
o Research objectives, questions, and/or hypotheses
o Significance/justification
o Scope & limitations
o Definition of terms
2. Chapter 2 – Literature Review
o Theoretical/conceptual framework
o Review of empirical studies
o Gap identification
o Summary of literature
3. Chapter 3 – Research Methodology
o Research design (survey, experimental, case study)
o Target population, sampling technique, sample size
o Data collection methods and instruments
o Validity and reliability testing
o Data analysis plan (statistics, software used)
4. Chapter 4 – Data Presentation and Analysis
o Presentation of results (tables, charts, graphs)
o Descriptive and inferential statistics
o Interpretation of results relative to objectives/hypotheses
5. Chapter 5 – Summary, Conclusion, Recommendations
o Summary of key findings
o Conclusion based on findings
o Practical recommendations and implications
o Limitations of the study
o Suggestions for future research
Research Proposal (Blueprint for Research)
• Title Page
• Abstract/Executive Summary
• Introduction & Problem Statement
• Objectives and Research Questions
• Preliminary Literature Review
• Methodology (Design, Population, Sampling, Data Collection, Analysis)
• Ethical Considerations
• Work Plan & Timetable
• Budget (if required)
• References & Appendices (questionnaires, interview guides)
3. Data Collection & Referencing
Types of Data
• Primary Data: Collected firsthand (e.g., questionnaires, interviews).
• Secondary Data: Already existing (e.g., books, government statistics).
• Cross-sectional: Snapshot of data at one point in time.
• Time Series: Data over time (e.g., monthly sales).
• Panel (Longitudinal): Repeated observations on same units over time.
Referencing
• Purpose: Avoid plagiarism, give credit, enable verification, show depth of reading.
• APA Style Example:
o In-text: (Smith & Jones, 2023)
o Reference List:
Smith, J., & Jones, A. (2023). Effects of tax policy on SMEs. Journal of Business
Studies, 14(2), 45–59. https://doi.org/xxxx
4. Regression Analysis & Statistics
Key Concepts
• Regression Equation:
𝑌 = 𝑏0 + 𝑏1 𝑋1 + 𝑏2 𝑋2 +. . . +𝜀
• Intercept (b₀): Predicted value of Y when all X’s = 0.
• Coefficients (b₁, b₂…): Effect of a one-unit change in each predictor, holding others
constant.
• Significance (p-value):
o p < 0.05 → statistically significant
o p ≥ 0.05 → not statistically significant
• R² (Coefficient of Determination): Proportion of variance explained by predictors.
o R² close to 1 → strong explanatory power.
• Adjusted R²: Corrects R² for number of predictors, better for comparing models.
5. Characteristics of Good Research
A sound research study should be:
• Systematic: Follows a logical sequence and step-by-step process.
• Logical: Conclusions flow from data and reasoning.
• Empirical: Based on observed evidence.
• Replicable: Others can repeat and verify.
• Ethical: Protects participants (consent, confidentiality).
• Relevant: Addresses a meaningful, real-world problem.
• Objective: Minimizes bias and subjectivity.
• Reliable & Valid: Produces consistent and accurate results.
