Training workshop

Planning Research and Statistics Directorate

Concept of Research
Methodology
Obilor B.C.
Software Development Unit,
Directorate of Information Technology and Media Services,
University of Ibadan, Ibadan
 The functions of the Planning and Statistics Directorate(14)

• Undertake and coordinate research programmes on the storage, adulteration, distribution and rational use of food, drugs, medical
devices, cosmetics, chemicals, detergents, drinks and bottled and packaged water.
• Compile and publish relevant data resulting from performance of functions of the Agency.
• Sponsor such National and International Conferences as it may consider appropriate.
• Liaise with relevant establishments within and outside Nigeria in pursuance of the functions of the agency.
• Develop work plan for the Agency.
• Monitor and evaluate programmes, projects and implementation of work plan.
• Manpower training and development including workshops, conferences and seminars.
• Providing secretariat for senior / top management meetings, evaluation and appraisal of documents, correspondence to maintain
good image of the Agency.
• Establishment and operation of data bank and computer services/assistance to other directorates.
• Keep records of approved development plans, projects and budgets of the Agency and their execution time schedule where specified.
• Preparation of annual budgets and rolling plans in collaboration with Administration and finance directorate.
• Attending trade fairs at National and International Levels in liaison with the Public Relations Unit to project the image of the Agency.
• Coordinate Pharmacy Internship and Industrial Attachment Training programmes for the Agency.
• Coordinates the Agency’s overseas cGMP inspections.
 Necessity of the training
Core function of the Planning and Statistics Directorate

Undertake and coordinate research

programmes on the storage, adulteration,
distribution and rational use of food, drugs,
medical devices, cosmetics, chemicals,
detergents, drinks and bottled and packaged
water.
 Recap of Research Definitions:
• An intelligent method of gathering, processing, and interpreting data, and
cogently communicating the discovered results in a report
(McNabb 2009: 3)

• Concerned with collecting and analysing data systematically to help solve

problems that concern us
(Guthrie 2010).

• A systematic and scientific way of collating information for the purpose of

solving a problem, or improving on a phenomenon
(Singh 2006)
Definition of research relative to Planning Research
and Statistics Directorate

A systematic and scientific way of collating storage, adulteration,

distribution and rational use of food, drugs, medical devices,
cosmetics, chemicals, detergents, drinks and bottled and packaged
water information for the purpose of solving a problem associated with
identified entities, or improving on a phenomenon related to the
entities. (Obilor, 2021)
Research Methodology
What is Research Methodology?
What is Research Methodology
• The Research Methodology
refers to the systematic and
theoretical analysis of the
research methods applied to a
field of study that combine the
techniques and approaches of
the used tools for conducting a
scientific research study.
• It is a highly intellectual human
activity used in the investigation
of phenomena, nature, and
matter that deals especially with
the manner in which data is
collected, analyzed, and
interpreted for a scientific
research project.
 Definition Summary
• It is the philosophy or the general principle that guides a research

• it is a detailed procedure used to addressed a research problem .

• it’s about how a researcher systematically designs a study to ensure

valid and reliable results that address the research aims and objectives. 

• It describes in detail what will be done & how it will be done

Issues addressed by research methodology
• Why a particular research study has been undertaken?
2) How the Research problem has been defined?
3) What way and why the hypothesis (basic idea) has been
formulated?
4) Why a particular technique of analyzing data is used? (or) How the
data were collected?
5) How the collected data were interpreted?
6) What deletion was made?
7) What was the conclusion
8) Finally what was the solution for the Research problem?
The Importance of Research Methodology

• It aids in selecting the best method to solve the problem

• It tells about the output of selected method and its accuracy

• It aids in knowing the efficiency of the method

 Sample Research Methodology statement

Methodology

The primary research method for this study is literature review and
conceptual modeling. Constraint identification and classification through a
The methodology explains what you did and how
structured approach is the very first step toward a “zero-constraint” you did it, allowing readers to evaluate the
environment. This study will first review various types of constraints in reliability and validity of the research. It includes:
 The type of research you did
construction and their characteristics. Based on this understanding, a
 How you collected your data
classification method will be developed to categorize constraint factors for
 How you analysed data
the purpose of constraint identification and modeling. In the second stage of
 Any tools or materials you used in the
this study, existing constraint modeling methods will be identified based on research
a comprehensive review of current industry practices and academic  Your rationale for choosing these methods
researches. Finally, once the constraint classification and modeling
techniques are identified, a conceptual framework for total constraint
management will be outlined. This study will be conducted between
September 2010 and May 2011.
Types of Research methodology?

• Qualitative research refers to research which focuses on collecting and analysing words
(written or spoken) and textual data, whereas
• quantitative research focuses on measurement and testing using numerical data.
Qualitative analysis can also focus on other “softer” data points, such as body language
or visual elements.
• It’s quite common for a qualitative methodology to be used when the research aims
and objectives are exploratory in nature. For example, a qualitative methodology might
be used to understand peoples’ perceptions about an event that took place, or a
candidate running for president. 
• Contrasted to this, a quantitative methodology is typically used when the research aims
and objectives are confirmatory in nature. For example, a quantitative methodology
might be used to measure the relationship between two variables (e.g. personality type
and likelihood to commit a crime) or to test a set of hypotheses.
• mixed-method methodology attempts to combine the best of both qualitative and
quantitative methodologies to integrate perspectives and create a rich picture.
 How do I choose a research methodology?

Research Aim and Objectives

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qualitative and therefore you might

consider qualitative data collection
quantitative and you might consider
methods (e.g. interviews) and analysis
quantitative data collection methods
methods (e.g. qualitative content
(e.g. surveys) and analyses (e.g.
analysis). 
statistical analysis)
always start with your research aims and objectives. Every
methodology decision will flow from that.
Research Methods

• Research methods mean techniques, strategies, processes utilized in data collection,

or finding evidence for analysis in order to explore new information or create a better
understanding of a particular research topic. Actually, there are two basic research
methods. Qualitative Research Methods & Quantitative Research Methods.
Quantitative methods intend to measure facts in mathematical and statistical models.
• Qualitative Methods, on the other hand, try to gather detailed, rich data allowing for
an in-depth understanding of research phenomena. this method includes
Ethnography, Focus Group Discussion, Case Study, and so on.
• Mixed methods. Both Qualitative and Quantitative Research methods in order to gain
a more comprehensive understanding & explanation of the research problem being
studied. The combination of both research methods produces more effective results
indeed.
 Research Methodology Vs Research Method
Research Method Research Methodology

Research methods are the methods used by researchers to collect data to A Research methodology is systematic approach to solve the research
conduct research on a particular research topic. problem and to reach a new conclusion.

The objective of the research methodology is to determine the solution by

The objective of the research method is to find the solution. applying correct procedures of research.

Research methods are useful to apply during the latter stage of the research Research methodologies are applied in the initial stage of the research being
process. conducted.

Research methods are small part of research methodology. A Research methodology is a multi-dimensional concept.

Research methods consist of various techniques where various studies and Research methodologies are used applied during the initial stage of the
experiments are used to conduct research and reach an appropriate research to explain the purpose of chosen methods and how they will serve
conclusion. its function.

Research methods consist of different investigation techniques. Research methodologies is a systematic strategy to achieve the decided
objective.

Research method encompasses of carrying out an experiment, survey, test Research methodology encompasses different techniques which are used
and so on. during the performance of the experiment, surveys, and test, etc.
Common composition of subsection under
research methodology
i. Research Design
ii. Research Strategy
iii. Area of the Study
iv. Population of the Study
v. Sample size & Sampling Technique
vi. Method of Data Collection
vii. Method of Data Analysis
viii. Reliability & Validity Test
ix. Ethical consideration
What is a Research Design?
Research design refers to the blueprint that you prepare using the
research method chosen, and it delineates the steps that you need
to take. Research design thus tells what is to be done at what time.
It tells how the goals of a research project can be accomplished. Key
features of any research design are the methodology, collection and
assignment of samples, collection, and analysis of data along with
procedures and instruments to be used.
Research design is a master plan specifying the methods and
procedures for collection and analyzing the needed information.
The Research design highlights certain
decision
1) The nature of the study
2) Purpose of the study
3) Location where the study would be conducted
4) The nature of data required
5) From where the data would be collected
6) The techniques of data collection that would be used
7) What time period the study would cover
8) The type of sample design that would be used
9) How will the issue of validity and reliability be
addressed?
10) The method of data analysis that would be adapted
11)The manner in which the report would be prepared
Importance of research design
• Serves as a foundation to formulate and guide
the research study
• Supports in better planning & execution of the research methodology

• Useful in the estimation of probable research errors and handling strategies

• Maintains necessary control over the contents of the study

• Makes the study more systematic, and effective

Types of Research Design:
•
i.Positivist/inductive/objectivist design
ii.Post-positivist/deductive/subjective design
iii.Mixed design: combination of one & two
SN Design Types Tools Used for Collecting Data
Quantitative/Objectivist/Positivist

i. exploratory I. literature review, in-depth & focus group interviews

1
ii. Descriptive ii. observation, questionnaire surveys, mathematical
modelling
iii. causal/Experimental iii. single factor experiment & multifactor experiment
Qualitative/ Subjectivist/Post-positivist
i. case studies, ethnographic studies (observation)
i. explanatory
2 ii. hermeneutic studies, semiotic studies
ii. interpretive
iii. action research & participatory studies
iii. critical
3 Mixed Combination of 1 & 2
 Reliability Validity
objectivity

flexibility,
adaptability, efficiency, Generalizability
economic A good Other features
research
design should
minimize bias and
Adequate
maximize reliability
information
and generalization
Research Strategy

• It is the procedure followed in line

with the overall research operational
plan
• It entails:
i. how your methods are interlinked in
the quest of solving the research
problem, as well as justifying their links
ii. Stating who else have used such kind
of strategy, or unit of your strategy to
attain his or her research aim
 Study Area

• It is concern with stating where

(location) the study is conducted

i. Geographical features of the area:

global location/geo-political location
ii. Demography of the study
population: population, economy &
social features, etc.
iii. What makes the choice area
suitable, or better than other areas
Population of the Study

• Population of the study: is the total group to be

studied, & generalised about
i. Target population: total number of subjects, or
total area of interest to the researcher
ii. Accessible population: part of the total
population that can be researched or accounted
for; used when the target population is too large,
scattered, or cannot be authoritatively ascertained

Information required in writing population of

the study:
i. Size of the population
ii. Composition of the population
iii. Justify the suitability of the composition
Sample Size and Sampling Technique
• Sample is a selected (subset)
individuals, things, or events from
a population
• Sample Size: a representative
fraction of a population; subset
• Sampling Technique: is a
scientific process of selecting a
representative fraction of the
studypopulation
Sampling Technique: is
a scientific process of
selecting a
representative fraction
of the study population
Method of Data Collection - Research
Method
• Method of data collection is
concerned with identifying the tools
used in gathering data, as well as
describing how the tool(s) is/are
designed (instrumentation)
• Method of data collection should be
informed by the research design
adopted
• Types of data & their sources
should be acknowledged:
Data collection methods
1. Primary data collection - raw data collected at the source.
Qualitative data Quantitative data Missed method
Data collection methods cont.
2. Secondary data collection.
• process of collecting data that is
already existing, be it already published
books, journals and/or online portals.
In terms of ease, it is much less
expensive and easier to collect.

• our choice between Primary data

collection and secondary data
collection depend on the nature, scope
and area of your research as well as its
aims and objectives. 
What is a Data Collection Tool?

• Data collection tools refer to the

devices/instruments used to
collect data, such as a paper
questionnaire or computer-
assisted interviewing system.
Case Studies, Checklists,
Interviews, Observation
sometimes, and Surveys or
Questionnaires are all tools used
to collect data.
Data Collection Tools for Interviews? 

• For collecting data through interviews, here are

a few tools you can use to easily collect data.
• Audio Recorder
• An audio recorder is used for recording sound
on disc, tape, or film. Audio information can
meet the needs of a wide range of people, as
well as provide alternatives to print data
collection tools.
• Digital Camera
• An advantage of a digital camera is that it can
be used for transmitting those images to a
monitor screen when the need arises.
• Camcorder
Data collection tools cont.
• FOCUS GROUPS
• A focus group is a data collection method that is tightly facilitated
and structured around a set of questions. The purpose of the
meeting is to extract from the participants' detailed responses to
these questions
• This data collection method focuses more on qualitative research.
It falls under the primary category for data based on the feelings
and opinions of the respondents. This research involves asking
open-ended questions to a group of individuals usually ranging
from 6-10 people, to provide feedback.
• The best tools for tackling Focus groups are: 
• Two-Way - One group watches another group answer the
questions posed by the moderator. After listening to what the
other group has to offer, the group that listens are able to
facilitate more discussion and could potentially draw different
conclusions.
• Dueling-Moderator - There are two moderators who play the
devil’s advocate. The main positive of the dueling-moderator
focus group is to facilitate new ideas by introducing new ways of
thinking and varying viewpoints.
Method of Data Analysis
Method of Data Analysis
• Type of data to be used for the analysis should be stated:
qualitative & quantitative

• State the tool (means) used in conducting the analysis &

the advantages of using its e.g. SPSS,excel, Minitab, Matlab,
etc.

• State types of analysis conducted: descriptive statistics or

inferential statistics, or both.


i. Types of analysis to be conducted should be informed by

sampling technique (s) adopted
ii. If probabilistic use parametric statistics (normal curve;
interval & ratio scale data), if nonprobabilistic use non-
parametric statistics (abnormal curve; nominal & ordinal
scale data)
Quantitative Vs Qualitative data analysis
techniques
Selecting the Right Statistical Analysis Tool
for Your Research
Advanced Data analysis Methods/Techniques

•Monte Carlo simulation

•Factor analysis
•Cohort analysis
•Cluster analysis
•Time series analysis
•Sentiment analysis
DATA ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

Open Source
 
JASP
OFA
GNU PSPP
SCI LABS  
Jamovi
MacAnova
Past
Develve
Minitab – Best for colleges and universities
Invivostat
Stata – Best all-in-one statistical analysis solution
JMP – Best for targeted customer segmentation and
market research 
 
Reliability & Validity Test
 Reliability test
• Is for measuring the consistency of a
scale (research instrument) in
replicating result, it is also used to
dictate the level of a scale random error.
• Two frequently used indicators of a
scale’s reliability are:
i. test-retest reliability (also referred to
as ‘temporal stability’): correlation of
two scores
ii. internal consistency: Cronbach’s
coefficient alpha (α)
Validity test
•
Content validity refers to the adequacy with
which a measure or scale has sampled from the
intended universe or domain of content; it is
concern about source, getting the right
respondents.
Construct validity test is concerned with a
variable measurement instrument measuring
particularly that which it is intended to measure.
 It is tested administering the same set of
questionnaires to two different set of
respondents, and the correlation of their
responses are computed. If the correlation
obtained is above 0.5,
it is said to satisfy construct validity
Ethical consideration
• Is an attestation from a research confirming its adherence to research
ethical standards of professional behaviour
• Conformance to ethical standards are focused on two aspects:
a. Ethical consideration relating to stakeholders: informed consent,
privacy & confidentiality,& respect for societal customs
b. Ethical consideration in planning, conducting & reporting research:
methodological, objective,relevance
Other components of Research Design

Interpretation of result
Reporting the findings
Financial budgeting
Interpretation of Research results
The usual step proceeding data analysis is
interpretation. “Interpretation involves attaching
meaning and significance to the analysis, explaining
descriptive patterns, and looking for relationships and
linkages among descriptive dimensions. Once these
processes have been completed the researcher must
report his or her interpretations and conclusions”
(Krueger, 1994).
Interpretation of Research results
Interpretation of Research results
• UN publishes 1st quarter Demography Report 2019 
•     There are 7.9Billion people on planet . (earth). 
• The report shows:-
• 
• Women = 5.6Billion,
• Men = 2.2Billion.
• 
•  • One billion are married already.
• • 130 million are in prison.
• • 70 million are mentally ill.
• 
• That means that we have just about 1 billion men available for marriage and out of the
• 1billion:
•  • 50% are jobless
• • 3% are gay
• • 5% are Catholic Priests
• • 10% are your relatives
• • 32% are above 66years.
• So, they advised women to be careful in showing attitudes to any man because out of the 2.2 Billion men:
• So, ladies both the married and singles should handle men with respect
Reporting the findings

• Once you have obtained, entered, and analyzed the data, the next step is to
share the results. You may have several different intended audiences or stakeholders,
each with unique interests in the evaluation.

• Keep in mind that different audiences will have different interests in the evaluation
findings. Some audiences will have a solid background in the evaluation and will want to
know specific things about the findings. Other audiences will be more interested in an
overview of the findings, rather than specifics. Determine if each audience is interested
in ‘hard facts’ or a more anecdotal narrative of the evaluation findings.
• Things to keep in mind
Know your audience
Get input
Formatting
Use straightforward and interesting language
Get creative
Reporting the findings
Reporting the findings
Reporting the findings
Financial budgeting
References
• C. George Thomas, (2021) Research Methodology and Scientific
Writing Second , Springer,ISBN 978-3-030-64864-0 ISBN 978-3-030-
64865-7 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64865-7

• Pattron, D. 2000. Fundamentals of Scientific Research. New York:

Scientific Publishers http://owl.english.purdue.edu

• A RESEARCH SEMINAR LECTURE by Dr. Ibrahim I. Inuwa, 2015

END