Module One (1)

Research
 What is Research?
A systematic process of collecting/
gathering and analyzing data and
information.
It is a systematic and organized way to
find answers.
It is the use of qualitative and
quantitative techniques of investigation
to obtain desired information on a
given phenomenon.
 Types of Research Methods
Qualitative Research
Methods
Quantitative Research
Methods
Mixed Methodology
 Types of Research Methods
Before choosing a research method, on has
to think about the purpose of the study.
If your aim to find in depth, specific and
comprehensive details about the population,
then the qualitative method is used.
If your aim is to find generalized data on a
large population, then you would use the
quantitative approach.
 Types of Research Methods
1. Quantitative
 focuses on that which can be counted,
measured and quantified (percentages)
Describes data collected and predicts
based on it.
Use of large sample for generalization.
Statistical in nature
 Types of Research Methods
Advantages of Quantitative Research
Larger sample sizes often make the conclusions from
quantitative research generalized
 Statistical methods mean that the analysis is often considered
reliable
 Appropriate for situations where systematic, standardized
comparisons are needed.
Less interaction between researcher and subjects – more
objectivity
Safeguards used to minimize or eliminate bias
Easily narrowed down and data easily analyzed.
 Types of Research Methods
Disadvantages of Quantitative Research
Does not get in depth data and information
 Individuals’ decisions not evaluated based on their
culture or social interactions.
Can be expensive and depending on sample size time
consuming.
Does not always shed light on the full complexity of
human experience or perceptions
Can reveal what / to what extent, but cannot always
explore why or how
May give a false impression of homogeneity in a
sample.
 Types of Research Methods

Types of Quantitative Research

Descriptive Research
Correlational Research
Casual- comparative/ Quasi-
Experimental
 Types of Research Methods
2. Qualitative Research Method :
Focuses on what may be inferred and
deduced from behavioural observation.
Makes interpretation based on data collected
Use of smaller sample but informative
sample
Hard to interpret findings
Findings recorded using technical and
scientific language
 Types of Research Methods
 Advantages of Qualitative Research
 Rich, in-depth detail is possible (e.g. participants can elaborate on
what they mean)
 Perceptions of participants themselves can be considered (the
human factor)
 Appropriate for situations in which detailed understanding is
required
 Events can be seen in their proper context
 more holistically
 Helps explain relationships in detail; individualistic
 Can help validate quantitative findings by further investigation.
 Less dependent on instrument
 Can bring change in institutions and society:
In-depth, Personalized, Examines specific issues.
 Types of Research Methods
Disadvantages of Qualitative Research Methods
Strong dependency on sample population
Access
Honest and valid information
Time and resources needed for collection and analysis
is intensive
Lack of objectivity and bias by researcher
Inferences made/ Incorrect conclusions
Convenience sampling
Lack of training or knowledge about methodology
Lack of ability to produce and comprehend research
Not recognized
Types of Qualitative
Research
Historical Research
Ethnographic Research
Focus Groups
Case Studies
 DATA VS INFORMATION
Data can be referred to facts, figures, numbers, text
images and words that are obtained from experiments,
observations or a set of premises.
Data is mere facts that are independent in nature and
unlimited in number. Data ARE MERE FACTS THAT
ARE INDEPENDENT AND UNPROCESSED,
Information is the arrangement of data into meaningful
knowledge. Information is capable of being perceived.
 Data Collection Methods
Data Collection Methods for Research
Survey/ Questionnaire-
Used mostly with quantitative studies
Can be open ended or closed ended
Used to quickly and/ easily get lots of information from a large
sample
-it can be completed anonymously
Inexpensive to administer
Easy to complete and analyze
Can get lots of data
Existing samples
Can be administered in a variety of ways via mail etc
 Data Collection Methods
Shortfalls
Might not get careful feedback
Wording can bias respondents’ responses
Quite impersonal
May need sampling expert
Doesn’t get full story
Researcher cannot ask additional or follow up
questions
May not get to observe respondents
May not get additional details
 Data Collection Methods
 Interviews used in qualitative research .
 Face to face interviews- this is when the interviewer visit
respondents to directly ask them questions to gather data.
 Telephone interviews- this is an interview done over the
telephone.
 Computer Assisted Interviews-this operates in the same
principle as a telephone interview. The only difference is that
the responses are keyed into computer to save time spent
recording and processing data.
 In-depth interviews: this entails the interviewer asking
questions, listening and recording the responses of those
interviewed. The questions are open-ended and respondents
are encouraged to speak freely and in their own words. The
interviewer is
 Semi-structured interviews –this type of interview is guided
by a list of re-determined question. The interviewer may ask
 Data Collection Methods
Standard Open ended interviews are carefully
worded and arranged in advance. The interviewer
asks the same questions in the same sequence to
each respondent.
Interviews allow researchers to get full range and
depth of information, develop a relationship with
participants and allows for flexibility. It has a high
response rate, better quality information, allows for
observation, probe answers, ask additional
questions, systematic/ focused on specific areas,
can clarify questions, accurate and consistent
responses.
Disadvantages include: costly, questions may be
leading, respondents may be untrue out of fair of
 Data Collection Methods
Observation
This is used to gather accurate information
about how a program actually operate.
It is first hand identification, accurate
description and recoding of a pre-
determined phenomenon within the target
population.
It is a real life study of people and the
environments in which they live.
Observation allows the researcher to gain a
better understanding of the context within
which the phenomenon occurs.
 Data Collection Methods
Types
Participant Observation /Overt Observation:
This involves the researcher joining and
becoming a part of the group or population
that is being studied.
Direct/ Covert Observation- this includes an
unobtrusive or undetected observation of a
situation and behaviours. The target group is
not aware they are being studied.
 Data Collection Methods
Advantages of observation
Better able to understand and appreciate the
factors being studied.
Able to view the operations of a group as they are
actually occurring.
Get information respondents may not want to give
in an interview.
Disadvantages: can be difficult to interpret
behaviours. Respondents may alter behaviours,
researcher can lose objectivity, expensive.
Data Collection Methods
A focus group is a small group
discussion guided by a trained
leader, used to learn more about
opinions on a designated topic, and
then guide future action.
4-8 persons
Data Collection Methods
Advantages
On can quickly and reliably get
common impressions
Ca be efficient way to get much range
and depth of information in a sort
period of time
Can convey key information about
programs
 Data Collection Methods
Disadvantages
Can be hard to analyze responses
Need good facilitate for safety
and closure
Difficult to schedule for 6-8
people