Summary Notes for Research Methods
1. Core Research Concepts 📚
Pure vs. Applied Research
• Pure (Basic) Research: Expands knowledge without immediate practical application. Aims
at theory building and discovering new principles. Example: Studying how memory works
in humans to expand psychology theory.
• Applied Research: Oriented toward solving practical, real-world problems. Uses existing
theories to find actionable solutions. Example: Designing a new teaching method to improve
classroom performance.
Research Method vs. Research Methodology
• Research Method: Specific tools and techniques used to collect and analyze data.
Examples: Surveys, interviews, focus groups, experiments, observation, regression models.
• Research Methodology: The overall strategy, logic, and rationale behind selecting specific
research methods. Explains why particular methods were chosen and how they fit the
research objectives. Includes philosophical stance (positivism, interpretivism, mixed
methods).
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Quantitative: Uses numerical data, statistical analysis, and answers 'how much' or 'how
many'.
Qualitative: Uses textual/visual data, explores meaning, and answers 'why' or 'how'.
Key Differences:
• Quantitative → Deductive, objective, uses large samples, produces charts & regression
results.
• Qualitative → Inductive, subjective, uses small samples, produces themes & narratives.
Critiquing Literature
Critiquing literature is more than summarizing. It includes analyzing the
strengths/weaknesses of previous studies, identifying gaps, comparing results across
authors, and synthesizing them into a logical argument for why your research is needed.
2. The Research Project: Chapters & Process 📝
Typical Five-Chapter Structure
1. Introduction – Background, problem statement, objectives, significance, scope,
definitions.
2. Literature Review – Theoretical framework, review of past studies, identification of gaps.
3. Methodology – Design, population, sampling, data collection tools, validity & reliability,
analysis plan.
4. Data Presentation & Analysis – Tables, charts, descriptive & inferential statistics.
5. Conclusion & Recommendations – Summary of findings, conclusion, recommendations,
limitations, future research.
Research Proposal Components
• Title Page
• Abstract/Executive Summary
• Introduction & Problem Statement
• Objectives & Research Questions
• Preliminary Literature Review
• Methodology (Design, Population, Sampling, Data Collection, Analysis)
• Ethical Considerations
• Work Plan & Timeline
• Budget (if required)
• References & Appendices
3. Data Collection & Referencing 📊
Types of Data
• Primary Data – Collected firsthand through surveys, interviews.
• Secondary Data – Already existing sources such as books, reports.
• Cross-sectional – Data collected at one point in time.
• Time Series – Data collected over multiple time periods.
• Panel (Longitudinal) – Tracks the same participants over time.
Referencing
Referencing prevents plagiarism, acknowledges sources, and allows readers to verify your
work.
APA Example:
In-text: (Smith & Jones, 2023)
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 📈
Regression equation: Y = b0 + b1X1 + b2X2 + ... + ε
• Intercept (b₀): Predicted value of Y when all X’s = 0.
• Coefficients (b₁, b₂): Effect of a one-unit change in predictors.
• Significance (p-value): p < 0.05 means statistically significant.
• R² (Coefficient of Determination): % of variance explained by predictors. Adjusted R² is
better for model comparison.
5. Characteristics of Good Research ✔️
• Systematic – Follows logical steps.
• Logical – Sound reasoning.
• Empirical – Based on observable data.
• Replicable – Can be repeated by others.
• Ethical – Respects confidentiality & consent.
• Relevant – Addresses meaningful problems.
• Objective – Minimizes bias.
• Reliable & Valid – Produces consistent and accurate results.
