Researches fundamentals are of great importance in disciplines and interested people on searching various knowledge or solution to a phenomenon. The main purpose of the book is to share scholarly knowledge about research and its complexity. This book can be used to train the basics and techniques involved on doing inquiries from different views. The experience shows that, no one single cure for all diseases. So when comes to research, there is no single research methodology or technique which fits all circumstances. Hence, the book tries to identify a family of approaches towards various research situations and distinguish their outcomes. Thus, various disciplines example human resource management, accounts and project management have different environmental set up i.e. matters in question, study elements involved and the study plan can determine research context. The study consulted scholars in different disciplines through their publications that explain various research methodologies. Generally the books highlighted some technical guide lines on conducting researches and report writing which provide overview on research plans. In chapter one, the book tried to explain how to choose among the methods of inquiries. It includes the meaning of research, research approaches and types. Chapter two addressing the types of variables deployed in a study. Either, chapter three tells how to generate research idea. Rather, the book through chapter four described how to develop a re-searchable topics. Meanwhile chapter five gives explanation on how to carry out literature survey that forms a crucial party of studies. Then chapter six is critically explain research designs and research management. The book concludes with the application of computer software in research process. Therefore, the book intended to guide researchers, academician and groom young researchers to conduct different inquiries. This is due to the fact that, human activities and environmental changes created complexity in life as well as challenges. So far; challenges need answers from fundamental questions such as what, where, who and how. It is the main reason for interested groups such as researchers, academician and practitioners to seek guidance during research. This is done to attain answers towards fundamental questions.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Meaning of research
Evaluation research
Research approaches
Qualitative research
Quantitative research
Triangulation research
Deductive approach
Inductive approach
Inductive and Deductive study approaches
Research types
CHAPTER TWO
RESEARCH VARIABLES
Dependent variables
Independent variables
Intervening variables
Background variables
CHAPETR THREE
HOW TO DEVELOP RESEARCH IDEA AND TOPICS
Idea generations
Processes to identifying a research topics
How to identify gaps from publications and literatures review
Research topics from discussions
Researcher units and consultancy
How to state research problems
CHAPTER FOUR
CHARACTERISTIC OF SEARCHABLE TOPICS
CHAPTER FIVE
LITERATURE SEARCH/SURVEY
Collect relevant information to support the topic
Literature review process.
Categories of literature review
Why literature review
How to carry out literature reviews
Critically distinguish the known information from unknown
Researchers expectation on project idea
Identify relevant theories as per study conducted
Determine research variables and their relationship
Conceptualise the study
CHAPTER SIX
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research design
Non-experimental research designs
Population
Sampling techniques
Probability sampling
Non- probability sampling
Data collection techniques
Schedules for interviews or group discussions
Questionnaires
Schemes for recording behaviour or observations (experiment)
Survey
Observation
Experiment
Case studies
Telephone conversation
Research partners/ Agencies
Data handling and its interpretation
Data entry, edit/error check
Use computer software for data analysis
Testing correlation and regression from observed frequencies
T- test
Data presentation
Data interpretation
HOW TO DEVELOP RESEARCH PROPOSALS
Understand research process, guide lines and theories
Format/research proposal components
PROPOSAL AND REPORT WRITTING STRUCTURE
Single Author
Research management
Validity of the research instrument
Generalisation
Research or study limitations
Communication, reporting and contact handling
Budget, resource allocation and funding options
Duration and scheduling
CHAPTER SEVEN
COMPUTER APPLICATION IN RESEARCH
The use of internet for research work
Blogging
The use of internet for data collection
Applied software for research
Software for communication purposes
Software for data analysis and presentation
Correlations and Regression
Research Objectives and Focus
This book aims to provide comprehensive guidance on social science research methodology, covering the entire research process from conceptualization and topic development to data collection, analysis, and the application of computer software in research inquiries.
- Foundational concepts in research approaches and types
- Systematic processes for developing research ideas and topics
- Methodologies for literature review and variable analysis
- Practical techniques for data collection and computer-aided data analysis
Excerpt from the Book
Triangulation research
In most cases the triangulation research approach referred to various methods used to achieve both study finding and conclusion. Its purpose is to create a mechanism to validate and check the results. That means the study deploys multiple data collection techniques which depend on researchers combinations. These wide ranges of study techniques tend increase to strength of the findings through cross validation. However, this convergence of different research methods is also creating data credibility and congruent to its sources. If the data tends to diverge then the assumption is that, there is a gap within the explanation given by research participants. Building on this assumption the researchers need to be confident with the findings developed from Triangulation research. Because the researcher is able to verify, validate and fill the weakness caused in any of the methods. So the applications of various study strategies in order to achieve study objectivity and reliability (Thompson,2002).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: Provides an introduction to the meaning of research, various research approaches, and fundamental research types.
CHAPTER TWO: Explains the different categories of research variables, including dependent, independent, intervening, and background variables.
CHAPETR THREE: Details the processes for generating research ideas, identifying topics, and formulating research problems.
CHAPTER FOUR: Discusses the key characteristics and criteria necessary for defining a searchable and viable research topic.
CHAPTER FIVE: Explains the process and significance of conducting a thorough literature survey and critical review.
CHAPTER SIX: Covers the strategic planning of research methodology, including research design, sampling techniques, and data collection tools.
CHAPTER SEVEN: Focuses on the practical application of internet resources, blogging, and computer software like MS Excel and SPSS for research purposes.
Keywords
Research types, research variables, literature review, research management, Data analysis, triangulation, deductive approach, inductive approach, research methodology, survey design, computer applications, SPSS, sampling techniques, ethical considerations, research proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of this book?
The book serves as a guide for researchers, academicians, and students, providing scholarly knowledge on research methodologies and the complexity involved in conducting various inquiries.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
Key themes include research approaches, variable identification, literature review strategies, research design, sampling methods, and the use of computer software for data analysis.
What is the core research question addressed by the text?
The text focuses on answering fundamental questions about how to conduct systematic research, specifically addressing "what, where, who, and how" in the context of various academic disciplines.
Which scientific methodologies are detailed?
The book details both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, including triangulation, deductive, and inductive paradigms, as well as experimental and non-experimental designs.
What does the book cover regarding the research process?
It covers the entire spectrum, from initial idea generation and topic selection to data collection techniques, rigorous data analysis using software, and proper reporting structures.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as research methodology, data analysis, literature review, research design, variables, and software applications like SPSS.
How does the book guide the use of SPSS in research?
The book provides step-by-step instructions for entering data, defining variables, managing files, and performing statistical tests like Chi-square and linear regression within the SPSS environment.
What role does the "triangulation research" approach play?
Triangulation is highlighted as a critical method for validating results by combining multiple data collection techniques to improve the objectivity and reliability of research findings.
How are research ethics addressed in the text?
The book emphasizes the importance of confidentiality, integrity, informed consent, and adherence to intellectual property laws to protect participants and ensure credible research outcomes.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dr. George Kanire (Autor:in), 2012, Social Science Research Methodology: Concepts, Methods and Computer Applications, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/203950
