Understanding the Essence of Research: A Comprehensive Overview

 
 
Prepared By:
Dr. Shafie Sharif Mohamed
SRA
Managing Director
 
 
 Course Outline
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What is Research?
 
Research is the systematic approach to obtaining and
confirming new and reliable knowledge
Research is a disciplined attempt to address questions or solve
problems through the collection and analysis of primary data
for the purpose of description, explanation, generalization and
prediction (Anderson  1998, p 6)
The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is
hidden and which has not been discovered as yet.
What, how and why things occur
Are there interactions?
 
 
 
Type of Research study
 
To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to
achieve new insights into it (
Exploratory 
research
studies)
To describe accurately the characteristics of a
particular individual, situation or a group
(
Descriptive
 research studies)
To determine the frequency with which something
occurs or with which it is associated with
something else (
Diagnostic 
research studies)
To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship
between variables (
Hypothesis-testing
 research
studies).
 
Importance of Research
 
Addresses gaps in knowledge
Expands knowledge
Educators gain new ideas
Educators gain new insight into methods
Educators gain new insight into students
The possible motives for doing research may be either:
Desire to get a research degree (
PhDs, Masters and
Bachelors)
Desire to service to the society
 
 
Pure and Applied Research
 
Pure research, is conducted without a particular goal in
mind.
Pure research is driven by interest and is more
exploratory in nature than applied research.
The main purpose of pure research is to advance
knowledge.
Findings of a pure research usually have a future use, are
not just meant for use in current time.
Pure research is self-exploratory in nature.
 
Applied Research
 
Applied research, is conducted in order to solve a specific
and practical problem. For that reason, it tends to be
descriptive in nature.
Applied research is conducted with a certain goal in
mind.
The main goal of applied studies is to solve a specific
problem related to real life.
Findings of applied research are always focused on the
problems at hand, rather than the ones that can rise in
future
 
Applied Research Examples
 
How to reverse or manage global warming
How can cyber security be improved?
How does immigration affect the economy?
Is technology use for children helpful or harmful?
Is violence in the media and in video games damaging children’s
mental health?
How does the consumption of Khad in Somalia affect its
economy?
What type of anti-smoking campaigns can reduce smoking
among youth or adults?
 
 
 
WHERE DO I GET MY RESEARCH TOPIC?
 
To choose a topic, you should first begin by thinking about the
theme.  
Possible sources include:
 Existing literature.
 Social concerns.
Your tutors.
 future research recommendations
Interests- what would you like to learn more about?
Personal experiences
 
 
 
 
A topic will be very difficult to research if it is too broad.
One way to narrow a broad topic such is to limit your
topic. Some common ways to limit a topic are:
by geographical area
by culture
by time frame:
by discipline
by population group
 
 Narrow a broad topic :
 
EXAMPLES OF BROAD TOPICS NARROWED AND FOCUSED
 
BROAD TOPIC
:   Women's Health
NARROWED TOPIC
: Women and Cancer
FOCUSED TOPIC
: Women Smokers and Breast Cancer
BROAD TOPIC
:  Computer Games
NARROWED TOPIC
:  Computer Game Violence
FOCUSED TOPIC
:  Computer Game Violence and
Children
 
Research Title
 
Research title is the first part of your research proposal that is
seen by the relevant R&D  committees.
A good title predicts the content of the research paper.
Rarely use abbreviations unless they are commonly known
Identify key variables, both dependent and independent
Is limited to 5 to 12 words
Use words that create a positive impression and stimulate reader
interest
 
Introduction
 
You are attempting to inform the reader about the rationale
behind the work, and to justify why your work is essential in
the field.
You must provide your readers with a little background or
basic information about the topic you are covering. Start
with the broader subject and lead your readers to your
specific topic. Show them how your topic relates to the
bigger picture.
The introduction does not have a strict word limit, unlike
the 
abstract
, but it should be as concise as possible.
Research Problem Identification
 
The purpose of a problem statement is to introduce the
reader to the importance of the topic being studied.
Part A (The ideal):
 Describes a desired goal or ideal
situation; explains how things should be.
Part B (The reality):
 Describes a condition that prevents the
goal, state, or value in Part A from being achieved or realized
at this time.
Part C
 
(The consequences):
 Identifies the way you propose
to improve the current situation and move it closer to the
goal or ideal
14
 
Step 1 (Statement 1)
 
The government of Kenya has a goal to industrialize the
nation by the year 2030 (quote). In this regard it has
encouraged growth-oriented micro and small enterprises
(MSEs) that should graduate into medium and large
enterprises capable of contributing to the industrialization
goal. There are several sessional papers (quote/cite) that
contain specific measures to encourage and support MSEs.
 
Step 2 
Despite the said government efforts, there is
slow growth of micro into small enterprises and even
slower growth of small into medium scale enterprises
(quote, show statistics). The government has officially
acknowledged that there exists a “missing middle” in
Kenya meaning that there is a gap between small and
large enterprises in the country (cite, quote).
 
Step 3 
Should the “missing middle” gap persist,
the industrialization goal may be difficult to
achieve. A need therefore arises to investigate
why there is a persistent “missing middle”
despite government efforts.
 
Objectives of Research
 
In general, research objectives describe what
we 
expect to achieve
 by a project.
Research objectives should be closely related to the
statement of the problem and summarize what you
hope will be achieved by the study.
The research objectives drive all aspects of the
methodology, including instrument design, data
collection, analysis, and ultimately the
recommendations.
 
 
Objectives of Research
 
Objectives can be general or specific. The 
general
objective
 of your study states what you expect to achieve
in general terms. 
Specific objectives
 break down the
general objective into smaller, logically connected.
Objectives are usually headed by infinitive verbs such as:
 
 
 
 
Paraphrasing research questions as research
objectives
 
 
Research Question 
   
Research Objective
 
 
Why have organizations 
  
To identify organization’s
 
introduced early retirement ?  
 
objectives for introducing
     
retirement schemes.
 
 
 
What are the consequences 
 
To describe the consequences of
 
of early retirement schemes ? 
 
Early retirement for employees.
 
 HYPOTHESES
 
The hypothesis states the researchers’ expectations concerning
the relationship between the variables in the research problems.
Hypothesis states what the researcher thinks the outcome of the
study will be.
Hypotheses ensure collection of the evidence necessary to
answer the question posed in the statement of the problem
Statistical hypotheses consist of the null hypotheses (H0) and
the alternative hypothesis (H1)
Researchers usually base their conclusions on the results of the
tests of their hypotheses.
 
Characteristics of a Hypothesis
 
States a relationship between two or more variables
Is stated affirmatively (not as a question)
 
Can be tested with empirical evidence
 
Most useful when it makes a comparison
 
States how multiple variables are related
Theory or underlying logic of the relationship makes
sense
 
Hypotheses from a Single Research Question (Figure 3.4)
 
Significance of the study
 
Significance of the study provides information to the reader
on how the study will contribute.
Your problem statement can guide you in identifying the
specific contribution of your study. You can do this by
observing a one-to-one correspondence between the
statement of the problem and the significance of the study.
Write the significance of the study by looking into the
general contribution of your study, such as its importance to
society as a whole, then proceed downwards.
 
Limitation and Delimitations  of the study
 
The limitations and delimitations sections of your research
proposal describe situations and circumstances that may
affect or restrict your methods and analysis of research
data.
Limitations
 are influences that the researcher cannot
control.
Delimitations
 aim to narrow the scope of a study. For
example, the scope may focus on specific variables, specific
participants, specific sites,
 
Limitations
 
Since …. Is beyond the scope of this study
It is not the purpose of this study to … but rather to …
I will not attempt here to .. Rather than focus upon … my
intention is …
I do not attempt to describe or compare ….instead, I seek to
Only the data from … are considered here
 
Dependent & independent variables
 
Variable is a factor whose change or difference you study
Researchers choose their  variables on the basis of their
interests and their ideas about what would be especially
important to investigate.
Poorly chosen variable s yield useless results.
A variable may be independent in one part of the study and
dependent in other part.
 
                 Cause
 
 
                 Is related to
 
 
                                  +
 
 
                                   _
Amount of Study
Academic Performance
Parties attended
Academic Performance
 
A concept is independent in one case does not mean that it
should always be treated as independent for example
Amount of Study
Academic Performance
Academic Performance
Intention to go to
university
Study
Intention to go
to university
Party
going
Academic
Performance
 
Chapter Summary
 
Summary
, is intended to be read quickly and easily by an audience
that is not necessary expert on the topic.
Remember:
Do not rewrite the original piece.
Keep your summary short.
Use your own wording.
Refer to the central and main ideas of the original piece.
Read with who, what, when, where, why and how questions in
mind.
Do not put in your opinion of the issue or topic discussed in the
original piece.
 
VISIT
 
Somali Researchers Association
Website
 
WWW.SRA.SO
 
 
Thank You!
Thank You!
 
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Research is a systematic pursuit of new knowledge, aiming to unveil hidden truths through data collection and analysis. This course outline delves into the fundamentals of research, covering topics such as types of research studies, importance of research, and distinctions between pure and applied research. It emphasizes the significance of formulating research questions, selecting topics, and addressing limitations. The content explores the goals of research, such as description, explanation, generalization, and prediction, highlighting its role in expanding knowledge and fostering innovation in educational settings.


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  1. Prepared By: Dr. Shafie Sharif Mohamed SRA Managing Director admin@sra.so

  2. Course Outline What is Research? Research Quest. & Objectives Importance of Research Hypothesis Pure, Applied, Action, & Evaluation Research Dependent & independent variables Topic Selection Tips Significance of the study Limitation of the study Title Selection Tips Background & Introduction Summary Problem Statement

  3. What is Research? Research is the systematic approach to obtaining and confirming new and reliable knowledge Research is a disciplined attempt to address questions or solve problems through the collection and analysis of primary data for the purpose of description, explanation, generalization and prediction (Anderson 1998, p 6) The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered as yet. What, how and why things occur Are there interactions?

  4. Type of Research study To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (Exploratory research studies) To describe accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, (Descriptive research studies) To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else (Diagnostic research studies) To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (Hypothesis-testing research studies). situation or a group

  5. Importance of Research Addresses gaps in knowledge Expands knowledge Educators gain new ideas Educators gain new insight into methods Educators gain new insight into students The possible motives for doing research may be either: Desire to get a research degree (PhDs, Masters and Bachelors) Desire to service to the society

  6. Pure and Applied Research Pure research, is conducted without a particular goal in mind. Pure research is driven by interest and is more exploratory in nature than applied research. The main purpose of pure research is to advance knowledge. Findings of a pure research usually have a future use, are not just meant for use in current time. Pure research is self-exploratory in nature.

  7. Applied Research Applied research, is conducted in order to solve a specific and practical problem. For that reason, it tends to be descriptive in nature. Applied research is conducted with a certain goal in mind. The main goal of applied studies is to solve a specific problem related to real life. Findings of applied research are always focused on the problems at hand, rather than the ones that can rise in future

  8. Applied Research Examples How to reverse or manage global warming How can cyber security be improved? How does immigration affect the economy? Is technology use for children helpful or harmful? Is violence in the media and in video games damaging children s mental health? How does the consumption of Khad in Somalia affect its economy? What type of anti-smoking campaigns can reduce smoking among youth or adults?

  9. WHERE DO I GET MY RESEARCH TOPIC? To choose a topic, you should first begin by thinking about the theme. Possible sources include: Existing literature. Social concerns. Your tutors. future research recommendations Interests- what would you like to learn more about? Personal experiences

  10. Narrow a broad topic : A topic will be very difficult to research if it is too broad. One way to narrow a broad topic such is to limit your topic. Some common ways to limit a topic are: by geographical area by culture by time frame: by discipline by population group

  11. EXAMPLES OF BROAD TOPICS NARROWED AND FOCUSED BROAD TOPIC: Women's Health NARROWED TOPIC: Women and Cancer FOCUSED TOPIC: Women Smokers and Breast Cancer BROAD TOPIC: Computer Games NARROWED TOPIC: Computer Game Violence FOCUSED TOPIC: Computer Game Violence and Children

  12. Research Title Research title is the first part of your research proposal that is seen by the relevant R&D committees. A good title predicts the content of the research paper. Rarely use abbreviations unless they are commonly known Identify key variables, both dependent and independent Is limited to 5 to 12 words Use words that create a positive impression and stimulate reader interest

  13. Introduction You are attempting to inform the reader about the rationale behind the work, and to justify why your work is essential in the field. You must provide your readers with a little background or basic information about the topic you are covering. Start with the broader subject and lead your readers to your specific topic. Show them how your topic relates to the bigger picture. The introduction does not have a strict word limit, unlike the abstract, but it should be as concise as possible.

  14. Research Problem Identification The purpose of a problem statement is to introduce the reader to the importance of the topic being studied. Part A (The ideal): Describes a desired goal or ideal situation; explains how things should be. Part B (The reality): Describes a condition that prevents the goal, state, or value in Part A from being achieved or realized at this time. Part C (The consequences): Identifies the way you propose to improve the current situation and move it closer to the goal or ideal 14

  15. Step 1 (Statement 1) The government of Kenya has a goal to industrialize the nation by the year 2030 (quote). In this regard it has encouraged growth-oriented micro and small enterprises (MSEs) that should graduate into medium and large enterprises capable of contributing to the industrialization goal. There are several sessional papers (quote/cite) that contain specific measures to encourage and support MSEs.

  16. Step 2 Despite the said government efforts, there is slow growth of micro into small enterprises and even slower growth of small into medium scale enterprises (quote, show statistics). The government has officially acknowledged that there exists a missingmiddle in Kenya meaning that there is a gap between small and large enterprises in the country (cite, quote).

  17. Step 3 Should the missingmiddle gap persist, the industrialization goal may be difficult to achieve. A need therefore arises to investigate why there is a persistent missingmiddle despite government efforts.

  18. Objectives of Research In general, research objectives describe what we expect to achieve by a project. Research objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem and summarize what you hope will be achieved by the study. The research objectives drive all aspects of the methodology, including instrument design, data collection, analysis, and ultimately the recommendations.

  19. Objectives of Research Objectives can be general or specific. The general objective of your study states what you expect to achieve in general terms. Specific objectives break down the general objective into smaller, logically connected. Objectives are usually headed by infinitive verbs such as: To establish To describe To identify To determine To develop To estimate To analyze To compare To collect

  20. Paraphrasing research questions as research objectives Research Question Research Objective Why have organizations introduced early retirement ? objectives for introducing To identify organization s retirement schemes. What are the consequences of early retirement schemes ? Early retirement for employees. To describe the consequences of

  21. HYPOTHESES The hypothesis states the researchers expectations concerning the relationship between the variables in the research problems. Hypothesis states what the researcher thinks the outcome of the study will be. Hypotheses ensure collection of the evidence necessary to answer the question posed in the statement of the problem Statistical hypotheses consist of the null hypotheses (H0) and the alternative hypothesis (H1) Researchers usually base their conclusions on the results of the tests of their hypotheses.

  22. Characteristics of a Hypothesis States a relationship between two or more variables Is stated affirmatively (not as a question) Can be tested with empirical evidence Most useful when it makes a comparison States how multiple variables are related Theory or underlying logic of the relationship makes sense

  23. Hypotheses from a Single Research Question (Figure 3.4)

  24. Significance of the study Significance of the study provides information to the reader on how the study will contribute. Your problem statement can guide you in identifying the specific contribution of your study. You can do this by observing a one-to-one correspondence between the statement of the problem and the significance of the study. Write the significance of the study by looking into the general contribution of your study, such as its importance to society as a whole, then proceed downwards.

  25. Limitation and Delimitations of the study The limitations and delimitations sections of your research proposal describe situations and circumstances that may affect or restrict your methods and analysis of research data. Limitations are influences that the researcher cannot control. Delimitations aim to narrow the scope of a study. For example, the scope may focus on specific variables, specific participants, specific sites,

  26. Limitations Since . Is beyond the scope of this study It is not the purpose of this study to but rather to I will not attempt here to .. Rather than focus upon my intention is I do not attempt to describe or compare .instead, I seek to Only the data from are considered here

  27. Dependent & independent variables Variable is a factor whose change or difference you study Researchers choose their variables on the basis of their interests and their ideas about what would be especially important to investigate. Poorly chosen variable s yield useless results. A variable may be independent in one part of the study and dependent in other part.

  28. Cause Is related to + Amount of Study Academic Performance _ Parties attended Academic Performance

  29. A concept is independent in one case does not mean that it should always be treated as independent for example Amount of Study Academic Performance Intention to go to university Academic Performance Study Academic Performance Intention to go to university Party going

  30. Chapter Summary Summary, is intended to be read quickly and easily by an audience that is not necessary expert on the topic. Remember: Do not rewrite the original piece. Keep your summary short. Use your own wording. Refer to the central and main ideas of the original piece. Read with who, what, when, where, why and how questions in mind. Do not put in your opinion of the issue or topic discussed in the original piece.

  31. VISIT Somali Researchers Association Website WWW.SRA.SO

  32. Thank You!

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