KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

BEPE YEAR II LANGUAGE COURSE WORK

STUDENT NAME : Nakomo Allen Noelineh

Student Signature :

Reg no : 18/u/Bepe/25174/PD

Year : Year 3 semester 2.

Course : Bepe

Lecturer : Festus wandhama

COURSE UNIT :

COURSE CODE : ELE 2251

Date of Submission :

Question:

Write brief notes about the following;

a) Research problem
b) Research proposal
c) Research report
d) Research procedure
e) Research Design
 What is a research proposal?

Simply put, a research proposal is a structured, formal document that explains what you
plan to research (your research topic), why it’s worth researching (your justification),
and how you plan to investigate it (your methodology). 

The purpose of the research proposal (its job, so to speak) is to convince your research
supervisor, committee or university that your research is suitable (for the requirements
of the degree program) and manageable (given the time and resource constraints you
will face). 

The most important word here is “convince” – in other words, your research proposal
needs to sell your research idea (to whoever is going to approve it). If it doesn’t
convince them (of its suitability and manageability), you’ll need to revise and resubmit.
This will cost you valuable time, which will either delay the start of your research or eat
into its time allowance (which is bad news). 

What goes into a research proposal?

A good dissertation or thesis proposal needs to cover the “what“, “why” and”how” of
the proposed study. Let’s look at each of these attributes in a little more detail:

The WHAT

Your proposal needs to clearly articulate your research topic. This needs to be specific
and unambiguous. Your research topic should make it clear exactly what you plan to
research and in what context. Here’s an example of a well-articulated research topic:

An investigation into the factors which impact female Generation Y consumer’s

likelihood to promote a specific makeup brand to their peers: a British context

As you can see, this topic is extremely clear. From this one line we can see exactly:

 What’s being investigated – factors that make people promote or advocate

for a brand of a specific makeup brand
 Who it involves – female Gen-Y consumers
 In what context – the United Kingdom
So, make sure that your research proposal provides a detailed explanation of your
research topic. If possible, also briefly outline your research aims and objectives, and
perhaps even your research questions (although in some cases you’ll only develop these
at a later stage). Needless to say, don’t start writing your proposal until you have a
clear topic in mind, or you’ll end up waffling and your research proposal will suffer as
a result of this.

The WHY

As we touched on earlier, it’s not good enough to simply propose a research topic – you
need to justify why your topic is original. In other words, what makes it unique?
What gap in the current literature does it fill? If it’s simply a rehash of the existing
research, it’s probably not going to get approval – it needs to be fresh.

But, originality alone is not enough. Once you’ve ticked that box, you also need to
justify why your proposed topic is important. In other words, what value will it add to
the world if you achieve your research aims?

As an example, let’s look at the sample research topic we mentioned earlier (factors
impacting brand advocacy). In this case, if the research could uncover relevant factors,
these findings would be very useful to marketers in the cosmetics industry, and would,
therefore, have commercial value. That is a clear justification for the research.

So, when you’re crafting your research proposal, remember that it’s not enough for a
topic to simply be unique. It needs to be useful and value-creating – and you need to
convey that value in your proposal. If you’re struggling to find a research topic that
makes the cut, watch our video covering how to find a research topic.

The HOW

It’s all good and well to have a great topic that’s original and valuable, but you’re not
going to convince anyone to approve it without discussing the practicalities – in other
words:

 How will you actually undertake your research (i.e., your methodology)?
 Is your research methodology appropriate given your research aims?
 Is your approach manageable given your constraints (time, money, etc.)?
While it’s generally not expected that you’ll have a fully fleshed-out methodology at the
proposal stage, you’ll likely still need to provide a high-level overview of your
research methodology. Here are some important questions you’ll need to address in
your research proposal:

 Will you take a qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method approach?

 What sampling strategy will you adopt?
 How will you collect your data (e.g., interviews, surveys, etc)?
 How will you analyse your data (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics,
content analysis, discourse analysis, etc, .)?
 What potential limitations will your methodology carry?

So, be sure to give some thought to the practicalities of your research and have at least a
basic methodological plan before you start writing up your proposal. If this all sounds
rather intimidating, the video below provides a good introduction to research
methodology and the key choices you’ll need to make.

How To Structure A Research Proposal

Now that we’ve covered the key points that need to be addressed in a proposal, you may
be wondering, “But how is a research proposal structured?“.

While the exact structure and format required for a research proposal differs from
university to university, there are four “essential ingredients” that commonly make up
the structure of a research proposal:

1. A rich introduction and background to the proposed research

2. An initial literature review covering the existing research
3. An overview of the proposed research methodology
4. A discussion regarding the practicalities (project plans, timelines, etc.)
A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be
improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly
literature, in theory, or in practice that points to the need for meaningful understanding
and deliberate investigation. In some social science disciplines the research problem is
typically posed in the form of a question. A research problem does not state how to do
something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question.

The purpose of a problem statement is to:

1. Introduce the reader to the importance of the topic being studied. The
reader is oriented to the significance of the study and the research questions or
hypotheses to follow.
2. Places the problem into a particular context that defines the parameters of
what is to be investigated.
3. Provides the framework for reporting the results and indicates what is
probably necessary to conduct the study and explain how the findings will present this
information.

So What!

In the social sciences, the research problem establishes the means by which you must
answer the "So What?" question. The "So What?" question refers to a research problem
surviving the relevancy test [the quality of a measurement procedure that provides
repeatability and accuracy]. Note that answering the "So What" question requires a
commitment on your part to not only show that you have researched the material, but
that you have thought about its significance.

To survive the "So What" question, problem statements should possess the
following attributes:

 Clarity and precision [a well-written statement does not make sweeping

generalizations and irresponsible statements],
 Identification of what would be studied, while avoiding the use of value-
laden words and terms,
 Identification of an overarching question and key factors or variables,
 Identification of key concepts and terms,
 Articulation of the study's boundaries or parameters,
 Some generalizability in regards to applicability and bringing results into
general use,
 Conveyance of the study's importance, benefits, and justification [regardless
of the type of research, it is important to address the “so what” question by
demonstrating that the research is not trivial],
 Does not have unnecessary jargon; and,
 Conveyance of more than the mere gathering of descriptive data providing
only a snapshot of the issue or phenomenon under investigation.

There are four general conceptualizations of a research problem in the social

sciences:

1. Casuist Research Problem -- this type of problem relates to the

determination of right and wrong in questions of conduct or conscience by analyzing
moral dilemmas through the application of general rules and the careful distinction of
special cases.
2. Difference Research Problem -- typically asks the question, “Is there a
difference between two or more groups or treatments?” This type of problem statement
is used when the researcher compares or contrasts two or more phenomena.
3. Descriptive Research Problem -- typically asks the question, "what is...?"
with the underlying purpose to describe a situation, state, or existence of a specific
phenomenon.
4. Relational Research Problem -- suggests a relationship of some sort
between two or more variables to be investigated. The underlying purpose is to
investigate qualities/characteristics that are connected in some way.

A problem statement in the social sciences should contain:

 A lead-in that helps ensure the reader will maintain interest over the study
 A declaration of originality [e.g., mentioning a knowledge void, which
would be supported by the literature review]
 An indication of the central focus of the study, and
 An explanation of the study's significance or the benefits to be derived from
an investigating the problem.

Sources of Problems for Investigation

Identifying a problem to study can be challenging, not because there is a lack of issues
that could be investigated, but due to pursuing a goal of formulating a socially relevant
and researchable problem statement that is unique and does not simply duplicate the
work of others. To facilitate how you might select a problem from which to build a
research study, consider these three broad sources of inspiration:

Deductions from Theory

This relates to deductions made from social philosophy or generalizations embodied in
life in society that the researcher is familiar with. These deductions from human
behavior are then fitted within an empirical frame of reference through research. From a
theory, the research can formulate a research problem or hypothesis stating the expected
findings in certain empirical situations. The research asks the question: “What
relationship between variables will be observed if theory aptly summarizes the state of
affairs?” One can then design and carry out a systematic investigation to assess whether
empirical data confirm or reject the hypothesis and hence the theory.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Identifying a problem that forms the basis for a research study can come from academic
movements and scholarship originating in disciplines outside of your primary area of
study. A review of pertinent literature should include examining research from related
disciplines, which can expose you to new avenues of exploration and analysis. An
interdisciplinary approach to selecting a research problem offers an opportunity to
construct a more comprehensive understanding of a very complex issue than any single
discipline might provide.

Interviewing Practitioners
The identification of research problems about particular topics can arise from formal or
informal discussions with practitioners who provide insight into new directions for
future research and how to make research findings increasingly relevant to practice.
Discussions with experts in the field, such as, teachers, social workers, health care
providers, etc., offers the chance to identify practical, “real worl” problems that may be
understudied or ignored within academic circles. This approach also provides some
practical knowledge which may help in the process of designing and conducting your
study.

Personal Experience
Your everyday experiences can give rise to worthwhile problems for investigation.
Think critically about your own experiences and/or frustrations with an issue facing
society, your community, or in your neighborhood. This can be derived, for example,
from deliberate observations of certain relationships for which there is no clear
explanation or witnessing an event that appears harmful to a person or group or that is
out of the ordinary.

Relevant Literature
The selection of a research problem can often be derived from an extensive and
thorough review of pertinent research associated with your overall area of interest. This
may reveal where gaps remain in our understanding of a topic. Research may be
conducted to: 1) fill such gaps in knowledge; 2) evaluate if the methodologies employed
in prior studies can be adapted to solve other problems; or, 3) determine if a similar
study could be conducted in a different subject area or applied to different study sample
[i.e., different groups of people]. Also, authors frequently conclude their studies by
noting implications for further research; this can also be a valuable source of problems
to investigate.

What Makes a Good Research Statement?

A good problem statement begins by introducing the broad area in which your research
is centered and then gradually leads the reader to the more narrow questions you are
posing. The statement need not be lengthy but a good research problem should
incorporate the following features:

Compelling topic
Simple curiosity is not a good enough reason to pursue a research study. The problem
that you choose to explore must be important to you and to a larger community you
share. The problem chosen must be one that motivates you to address it.

Supports multiple perspectives

The problem most be phrased in a way that avoids dichotomies and instead supports the
generation and exploration of multiple perspectives. A general rule of thumb is that a
good research problem is one that would generate a variety of viewpoints from a
composite audience made up of reasonable people.

Researchable
It seems a bit obvious, but you don't want to find yourself in the midst of investigating a
complex  research project and realize that you don't have much to draw on for your
research. Choose research problems that can be supported by the resources available to
you. Not sure? Seek out help  from a librarian!
NOTE:  Do not confuse a research problem with a research topic. A topic is something
to read and obtain information about whereas a problem is something to solve or framed
as a question that must be answered.

Mistakes to Avoid

Beware of circular reasoning. Don’t state that the research problem as simply the
absence of the thing you are suggesting. For example, if you propose, "The problem in
this community is that it has no hospital."

This only leads to a research problem where:

 The need is for a hospital

 The objective is to create a hospital
 The method is to plan for building a hospital, and
 The evaluation is to measure if there is a hospital or not.

This is an example of a research problem that fails the "so what?" test because it does
not reveal the relevance of why you are investigating the problem of having no
hospital in the community [e.g., there's a hospital in the community ten miles away] and
because the research problem does not elucidate the significance of why one should
study the fact that no hospital exists in the community [e.g., that hospital in the
community ten miles away has no emergency room].
Research Report
Research reports are recorded data prepared by researchers or statisticians after
analyzing the information gathered by conducting organized research, typically in the
form of surveys or qualitative methods.

A research report is a reliable source to recount details about a conducted research. It is

most often considered to be a true testimony of all the work done to garner specificities
of research.

The various sections of a research report are:

1. Summary
2. Background/Introduction
3. Implemented Methods
4. Results based on Analysis
5. Deliberation
6. Conclusion

Components of Research Reports

Research is imperative for launching a new product/service or a new feature. The

markets today are extremely volatile and competitive due to new entrants every day
who may or may not provide effective products. An organization needs to make the
right decisions at the right time to be relevant in such a market with updated products
that suffice customer demands.

The details of a research report may change with the purpose of research but the main
components of a report will remain constant. The research approach of the market
researcher also influences the style of writing reports. Here are seven main components
of a productive research report:

 Research Report Summary: The entire objective along with the overview
of research are to be included in a summary which is a couple of paragraphs in length.
All the multiple components of the research are explained in brief under the report
summary. It should be interesting enough to capture all the key elements of the report.
 Research Introduction: There always is a primary goal that the researcher
is trying to achieve through a report. In the introduction section, he/she can cover
answers related to this goal and establish a thesis which will be included to strive and
answer it in detail. This section should answer an integral question: “What is the current
situation of the goal?”.  After the research was conducted, did the organization conclude
the goal successfully or they are still a work in progress –  provide such details in the
introduction part of the research report.
 Research Methodology: This is the most important section of the report
where all the important information lies. The readers can gain data for the topic along
with analyzing the quality of provided content and the research can also be approved by
other market researchers. Thus, this section needs to be highly informative with each
aspect of research discussed in detail. Information needs to be expressed in
chronological order according to its priority and importance. Researchers should include
references in case they gained information from existing techniques.
 Research Results: A short description of the results along with calculations
conducted to achieve the goal will form this section of results. Usually, the exposition
after data analysis is carried out in the discussion part of the report.

 Research Discussion: The results are discussed in extreme detail in this

section along with a comparative analysis of reports that could probably exist in the
same domain. Any abnormality uncovered during research will be deliberated in the
discussion section. While writing research reports, the researcher will have to connect
the dots on how the results will be applicable in the real world.
 Research References and Conclusion: Conclude all the research findings
along with mentioning each and every author, article or any content piece from where
references were taken.

Tips for Writing Research Reports

Writing research reports in the manner can lead to all the efforts going down the drain.
Here are 15 tips for writing impactful research reports:

 Prepare the context before starting to write and start from the
basics: This was always taught to us in school – be well-prepared before taking a
plunge into new topics. The order of survey questions might not be the ideal or most
effective order for writing research reports. The idea is to start with a broader topic and
work towards a more specific one and focus on a conclusion or support, which a
research should support with the facts. The most difficult thing to do in reporting,
without a doubt is to start. Start with the title, the introduction, then document the first
discoveries and continue from that. Once the marketers have the information well
documented, they can write a general conclusion.
 Keep the target audience in mind while selecting a format that is clear,
logical and obvious to them: Will the research reports be presented to decision makers
or other researchers? What are the general perceptions around that topic? This requires
more care and diligence. A researcher will need a significant amount of information to
start writing the research report. Be consistent with the wording, the numbering of the
annexes and so on. Follow the approved format of the company for the delivery of
research reports and demonstrate the integrity of the project with the objectives of the
company.
 Have a clear research objective: A researcher should read the entire
proposal again, and make sure that the data they provide contributes to the objectives
that were raised from the beginning. Remember that speculations are for conversations,
not for research reports, if a researcher speculates, they directly question their own
research.
 Establish a working model: Each study must have an internal logic, which
will have to be established in the report and in the evidence. The researchers’ worst
nightmare is to be required to write research reports and realize that key questions were
not included.

 Gather all the information about the research topic. Who are the
competitors of our customers? Talk to other researchers who have studied the subject of
research, know the language of the industry. Misuse of the terms can discourage the
readers of research reports from reading further.
 Read aloud while writing. While reading the report, if the researcher hears
something inappropriate, for example, if they stumble over the words when reading
them, surely the reader will too. If the researcher can’t put an idea in a single sentence,
then it is very long and they must change it so that the idea is clear to everyone.
 Check grammar and spelling. Without a doubt, good practices help to
understand the report. Use verbs in the present tense. Consider using the present tense,
which makes the results sound more immediate. Find new words and other ways of
saying things. Have fun with the language whenever possible.
 Discuss only the discoveries that are significant. If some data are not
really significant, do not mention them. Remember that not everything is truly important
or essential within research reports.

 Try and stick to the survey questions. For example, do not say that the
people surveyed “were worried” about an research issue, when there are different
degrees of concern.
 The graphs must be clear enough so that they understand themselves.
Do not let graphs lead the reader to make mistakes: give them a title, include the
indications, the size of the sample, and the correct wording of the question.
 Be clear with messages. A researcher should always write every section of
the report with an accuracy of details and language.
 Be creative with titles– Particularly in segmentation studies choose names
“that give life to research”. Such names can survive for a long time after the initial
investigation.
 Create an effective conclusion: The conclusion in the research reports is
the most difficult to write, but it is an incredible opportunity to excel. Make a precise
summary. Sometimes it helps to start the conclusion with something specific, then it
describes the most important part of the study, and finally, it provides the implications
of the conclusions.
 Get a couple more pair of eyes to read the report. Writers have trouble
detecting their own mistakes. But they are responsible for what is presented. Ensure it
has been approved by colleagues or friends before sending the find draft out.
A research procedure
A research procedure is a systematic method for conducting research, which includes
the steps or actions taken to gather and analyze data. This can include designing the
study, formulating a research question or hypothesis, selecting a sample, collecting and
analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. The specific steps in a research procedure will
vary depending on the type of research being conducted, but they generally follow a
logical and structured approach
What is Research Design?

Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques chosen by a

researcher to conduct a study. The design allows researchers to sharpen the research
methods suitable for the subject matter and set up their studies for success.

Creating a research topic explains the type of research (experimental, survey

research, correlational, semi-experimental, review) and its sub-type (experimental
design, research problem, descriptive case-study). 

There are three main types of designs for research:

 Data collection
 Measurement
 Data Analysis

The research problem an organization faces will determine the design, not vice-versa.
The design phase of a study determines which tools to use and how they are used.

The Process of Research Design

The research design process is a systematic and structured approach to conducting

research. The process is essential to ensure that the study is valid, reliable, and produces
meaningful results.

1. Consider your aims and approaches: Determine the research questions

and objectives, and identify the theoretical framework and methodology for the study.
2. Choose a type of Research Design: Select the appropriate research design,
such as experimental, correlational, survey, case study, or ethnographic, based on the
research questions and objectives.
3. Identify your population and sampling method: Determine the target
population and sample size, and choose the sampling method, such as random,
stratified, or convenience sampling.
4. Choose your data collection methods: Decide on the methods, such as
surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments, and select the appropriate instruments
or tools for collecting data.
5. Plan your data collection procedures: Develop a plan for data collection,
including the timeframe, location, and personnel involved, and ensure ethical
considerations.
6. Decide on your data analysis strategies: Select the appropriate data
analysis techniques, such as statistical analysis, content analysis, or discourse analysis,
and plan how to interpret the results.

The process of research design is a critical step in conducting research. By following the
steps of research design, researchers can ensure that their study is well-planned, ethical,
and rigorous.

Research Design Elements

Impactful research usually creates a minimum bias in data and increases trust in the
accuracy of collected data. A design that produces the slightest margin of error in
experimental research is generally considered the desired outcome. The essential
elements are:

1. Accurate purpose statement

2. Techniques to be implemented for collecting and analyzing research
3. The method applied for analyzing collected details
4. Type of research methodology
5. Probable objections to research
6. Settings for the research study
7. Timeline
8. Measurement of analysis

Characteristics of Research Design

A proper design sets your study up for success. Successful research studies provide
insights that are accurate and unbiased. You’ll need to create a survey that meets all of
the main characteristics of a design. There are four key characteristics:

 Neutrality: When you set up your study, you may have to make
assumptions about the data you expect to collect. The results projected in the research
should be free from bias and neutral. Understand opinions about the final evaluated
scores and conclusions from multiple individuals and consider those who agree with the
results.
 Reliability: With regularly conducted research, the researcher expects
similar results every time. You’ll only be able to reach the desired results if your design
is reliable. Your plan should indicate how to form research questions to ensure the
standard of results.
 Validity: There are multiple measuring tools available. However, the only
correct measuring tools are those which help a researcher in gauging results according
to the objective of the research. The questionnaire developed from this design will then
be valid.
 Generalization: The outcome of your design should apply to a population
and not just a restricted sample. A generalized method implies that your survey can be
conducted on any part of a population with similar accuracy.

The above factors affect how respondents answer the research questions, so they should
balance all the above characteristics in a good design.

Research Design Types

A researcher must clearly understand the various types to select which model to
implement for a study. Like research itself, the design of your analysis can be broadly
classified into quantitative and qualitative.

 Qualitative research

It determines relationships between collected data and observations based on

mathematical calculations. Statistical methods can prove or disprove theories related to
a naturally existing phenomenon. Researchers rely on qualitative research methods that
conclude “why” a particular theory exists and “what” respondents have to say about it.

 Quantitative research

It is for cases where statistical conclusions to collect actionable insights are essential.
Numbers provide a better perspective for making critical business decisions.
Quantitative research methods are necessary for the growth of any organization. Insights
drawn from complex numerical data and analysis prove to be highly effective when
making decisions about the business’s future.

In summary, qualitative research is more exploratory and focuses on understanding the

subjective experiences of individuals, while quantitative research is more focused on
objective data and statistical analysis.

You can further break down the types of research design into five categories:

1. Descriptive: In a descriptive composition, a researcher is solely interested in

describing the situation or case under their research study. It is a theory-based design
method created by gathering, analyzing, and presenting collected data. This allows a
researcher to provide insights into the why and how of research. Descriptive design
helps others better understand the need for the research. If the problem statement is not
clear, you can conduct exploratory research. 

2. Experimental: Experimental research establishes a relationship between the cause

and effect of a situation. It is a causal design where one observes the impact caused by
the independent variable on the dependent variable. For example, one monitors the
influence of an independent variable such as a price on a dependent variable such as
customer satisfaction or brand loyalty. It is an efficient research method as it contributes
to solving a problem.

The independent variables are manipulated to monitor the change it has on the
dependent variable. Social sciences often use it to observe human behavior by analyzing
two groups. Researchers can have participants change their actions and study how the
people around them react to understand social psychology better.

3. Correlational research: Correlational research is a non-experimental research

technique. It helps researchers establish a relationship between two closely connected
variables. There is no assumption while evaluating a relationship between two other
variables, and statistical analysis techniques calculate the relationship between them.
This type of research requires two different groups.

A correlation coefficient determines the correlation between two variables whose values
range between -1 and +1. If the correlation coefficient is towards +1, it indicates a
positive relationship between the variables, and -1 means a negative relationship
between the two variables. 

4. Diagnostic research: In diagnostic design, the researcher is looking to evaluate the

underlying cause of a specific topic or phenomenon. This method helps one learn more
about the factors that create troublesome situations. 

This design has three parts of the research:

 Inception of the issue

 Diagnosis of the issue
 Solution for the issue

5. Explanatory research: Explanatory design uses a researcher’s ideas and thoughts on

a subject to further explore their theories. The study explains unexplored aspects of a
subject and details the research questions’ what, how, and why.
Benefits of Research Design

There are several benefits of having a well-designed research plan. Including:

 Clarity of research objectives: Research design provides a clear

understanding of the research objectives and the desired outcomes.
 Increased validity and reliability: To ensure the validity and reliability of
results, research design help to minimize the risk of bias and helps to control extraneous
variables.
 Improved data collection: Research design helps to ensure that the proper
data is collected and data is collected systematically and consistently.
 Better data analysis: Research design helps ensure that the collected data
can be analyzed effectively, providing meaningful insights and conclusions.
 Improved communication: A well-designed research helps ensure the
results are clean and influential within the research team and external stakeholders.
 Efficient use of resources: reducing the risk of waste and maximizing the
impact of the research, research design helps to ensure that resources are used
efficiently.

A well-designed research plan is essential for successful research, providing clear and
meaningful insights and ensuring that resources must be practical.