RESEARCH

Research is a systematic and organized process of investigation aimed at discovering,

interpreting, and establishing facts, theories, principles, or new knowledge. It involves the collection,
analysis, and interpretation of data to answer specific questions or solve problems. Research can be
conducted in various fields, including science, social sciences, humanities, business, and more.

There are several types of research, broadly categorized into two main approaches:
quantitative and qualitative research. Each of these approaches encompasses various research
methods and designs. Here are the main types of research:

1. Quantitative Research:
- Descriptive Research: Involves the description of phenomena, characteristics, or relationships
without manipulating variables. It often uses surveys, observational methods, and content analysis.
- Correlational Research: Examines the relationship between two or more variables without
manipulating them. Correlation does not imply causation.
- Experimental Research: Involves manipulating one or more independent variables to observe
their effect on a dependent variable. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are common in
experimental research.

2. Qualitative Research:
- Ethnographic Research: Involves immersing the researcher in the environment or culture being
studied to gain an in-depth understanding. Ethnographers often use participant observation.
- Case Study Research: Focuses on the in-depth analysis of a particular case, event, or individual.
It provides detailed and contextually rich information.
- Grounded Theory Research: Aims to develop theories based on the data collected. The
researcher systematically analyzes the data to generate theories or concepts.
- Phenomenological Research: Explores and describes individuals' lived experiences to
understand the essence of a phenomenon.

3. Mixed-Methods Research: - Combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods

within a single study to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem.

4. Action Research:
- Involves collaboration between researchers and practitioners to address real-world problems. The
goal is to bring about positive change or improvement in a specific context.

5. Applied Research:
- Conducted with the goal of solving practical problems and generating solutions. Applied research
often has direct implications for policy or practice.

6. Basic or Fundamental Research:

- Aimed at expanding knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles, often without
immediate application.
 PARTS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

The structure of a research paper or thesis typically includes an introduction, which often
consists of several chapters. In the context of qualitative research, Chapter 1 usually serves as the
introduction to the study. Here are the common parts found in Chapter 1 of qualitative research:

CHAPTER 1

1. Rationale/Introduction:
- Purpose: This section introduces the research topic and provides an overview of the study. It
explains why the research is important and relevant.
- Content: The rationale outlines the gap in the existing literature or knowledge that the research
aims to address. It might highlight the significance of the issue, practical applications, or theoretical
contributions.

2. Theoretical Background:
- Purpose: This section delves into the existing theories, frameworks, or concepts related to the
research topic. It establishes a foundation for the study.
 - Content: Researchers review and synthesize relevant literature, explaining key theories and
concepts. This helps readers understand the theoretical underpinnings of the study.

3. Statement of the Problem:

- Purpose: Clearly articulates the research problem or question that the study aims to investigate.
- Content: The statement of the problem defines the focus of the research, identifies gaps or issues,
and frames the study's objectives. It helps readers understand the purpose and context of the research.

4. Scope and Delimitation:

- Purpose: Describes the boundaries and limitations of the study to define what is included and
excluded.
- Content: Researchers specify the scope by identifying the key variables, participants, time frame,
and geographical considerations. Delimitations clarify what aspects will not be addressed in the
study.

5. Significance of the Study:

- Purpose: Highlights the importance and potential impact of the research.
- Content: This section explains the relevance of the study to the academic community,
practitioners, or society. It discusses how the research contributes to knowledge, practice, or policy.

6. Definition of Terms:
- Purpose: Provides clear and precise meanings for key terms used in the study to avoid
misunderstandings.
- Content: Researchers list and define terms that might have specific meanings within the context
of the study. This section ensures that readers and participants share a common understanding of
terminology.

These sections collectively serve to orient readers to the research, justify its importance,
establish a theoretical foundation, and clarify the parameters of the study. They set the stage for the
subsequent chapters, where the methodology, findings, and analysis will be presented.
 CHAPTER 2

Chapter 2 of a qualitative research thesis or paper typically focuses on the literature review.
In this chapter, researchers provide a comprehensive review of existing literature relevant to their
research topic. The literature review serves several purposes in qualitative research:

1. Introduction to the Research Problem:

- Researchers start by introducing the research problem or question that their study aims to address.
- They provide context and background information to help readers understand the significance of
the research.

2. Review of Related Literature:

- This section involves a thorough review of previous research studies, academic articles, books,
and other relevant sources.
- Researchers identify and discuss key concepts, theories, methodologies, and findings from
existing literature related to their research.

3. Identification of Gaps and Rationale for the Study:

- The literature review aims to identify gaps or limitations in existing research that the current
study seeks to address.
- Researchers provide a rationale for their study by explaining why it is important to fill these gaps
and how their research contributes to the existing knowledge.

It's important to note that the structure and content of Chapter 2 can vary, and some
qualitative researchers may integrate aspects of the literature review into other chapters, such as the
introduction or methodology chapter. The goal is to provide a solid foundation for the study and
demonstrate a thorough understanding of the existing body of knowledge in the field.
 CHAPTER 3

Chapter 3 of a qualitative research study typically focuses on the methodology, which

includes various components that guide the research process. Here's a discussion of the parts you
mentioned:

1. Research Design:
- Qualitative research often employs various designs such as phenomenology, case study,
ethnography, grounded theory, or narrative inquiry. The choice of design depends on the research
question and the nature of the phenomenon being studied.

2. Research Locale:
- This refers to the specific place or context where the research is conducted. Describing the locale
is important for readers to understand the environment in which the study took place.

3. Sampling Procedure:
- Qualitative research often uses purposeful or non-probability sampling methods. Common
approaches include convenience sampling, snowball sampling, or theoretical sampling. Researchers
should justify their choice of sampling method and discuss how participants were selected.

4. Research Participants:
- Participants are individuals or groups who are the focus of the study. Researchers need to
describe the characteristics of participants, such as age, gender, background, and any other relevant
information. It's important to discuss how participants were recruited and their informed consent.

5. Research Instrument:
- In qualitative research, the term "instrument" refers to the tools or methods used for data
collection. This could include interview guides, observation protocols, surveys, or artifacts.
Researchers should explain why these instruments were chosen and how they are relevant to the
research questions.

6. Data Collection Procedure:

- This section outlines how the data was gathered. For example, if interviews were conducted, the
researcher should explain how they were structured, whether they were open-ended, and how long
they lasted. Similarly, if observations or document analysis were used, the process should be
detailed.

7. Data Analysis Procedure:

- Qualitative data analysis is often iterative and involves coding, thematic analysis, or other
qualitative analysis techniques. Researchers need to describe how the data was processed, coded, and
interpreted to derive themes or patterns.

8. Ethical Consideration:
- Researchers must discuss the ethical considerations involved in the study, including issues related
to informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, and the well-being of participants. Ethical approval
from relevant institutional review boards should also be mentioned.

These components collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of how the research

was conducted and help readers assess the credibility and validity of the study. Each part plays a
crucial role in ensuring the rigor and ethical conduct of qualitative research.