Chapter 2

Processes in Conducting
Research
By: Senbetu Abebe 1
Nov, 2022
JKU, JINKA, Ethiopia
02/24/2023
 What is State of the Art?
 State of the art is the most advance technology, Process,
methods, technique or knowledge in a particular area at a point in
time.
 The term is commonly used as in advertising to imply that a
product or service is ahead of the competition.
 It also applied as a legal term to determine the novelty of patents
and to asses organizational and professional due diligence.

02/24/2023 2
Current State of the Art Area and Techniques
in Computing
Computer technology and, more broadly, information technology, are
bringing about a fundamental transformation in our society from an
industrial economy to an information economy.
A review of the short history and present state of information technology
identifies two major undercurrents:
I) the miniaturization of computer components, which has produced a
millionfold increase in the complexity possible in a single chip of silicon, and
2) the integration of four previously separate areas of information
technology: computation, communication, databases and the user interface.
Microelectronics, computer networks, data storage and user amenities are the basic
technologies that support these four areas and stimulate their progress.
Future trends in speech recognition, voice synthesis, artificial intelligence, expert
systems, computational imaging and scientific workstations are also examined.
02/24/2023 3
 Research Process
A process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out
research and
The desired sequencing of these steps.
Consists of a number of closely related activities.
But such activities can overlap continuously rather than following a strictly
prescribed sequence.
At times, the first step determines the nature of the last step to be undertaken.
Steps are not exhaustive, nor mutually exclusive, but a series of closely related,
continuously overlapping and interdependent nonlinear steps/ actions.
One should remember that the various steps involved in a research process are
not mutually exclusive; nor they are separate and distinct.
They do not necessarily follow each other in any specific order.
The researcher has to be constantly anticipating at each step in the research
process the requirements of the subsequent steps. 02/24/2023 4
 Continued…
 However, the following order concerning various steps provides a useful
procedural guideline regarding the research process (i.e. Research
involves the following Process):
1. Selecting a broad area of study
2. Problem definition
3. Literature review
4. Developing objectives and hypothesis/research question formulation
5. Design of Research/Research Methodology
6. Execution of the research: Data collection, analysis and
generalization and interpretation. And finally,
7. Reporting/Writing research findings in report form

02/24/2023 5
 1. Selecting a research area/topic
Look for a subject that interests you and will maintain your interest throughout the
various stages of research that will help you to obtain the maximum self-development
from the research.
It should be related with your career.
Some preliminary reading will help to determine the extent of your interest.
Keep in mind the time allotted to you and the expected length of the research paper.
You commonly begin with fairly general topic and then refine it by research and thought
into a more specific one.
Commonly begin with fairly general topic and then refine it into a more specific one.
Try to narrow your topic/idea by focusing on a particular aspect of a particular approach.
Be original as much as you can, avoid duplicate work on a specific topic/idea by review
literatures.
The eventual successful completion of a research study is dependent on the selection of
an appropriate topic.
Before beginning the research, make sure you understand the amount and depth of
research required, & the type of paper expected. 02/24/2023 6
 Identify broad area of study

Supervisor agreed

Initial selection of topic

yes
Is the research feasible? Can topic be appropriately
refined?
yes
Has research sufficient value?no

yes
Is there
sufficient scope?
no

yes
Acceptable topic 02/24/2023 7
 2. Formulating the Research Problem
The task of formulating/defining a research problem is the core point in the
entire research process.
The task of formulating, or defining a research problem is a step of greatest
importance in the entire research process. Because:
It determines the data to be collected,
It determines the characteristic of the data which are relevant,
It determines the type of techniques to be used,
It determines the form of the final report.
Therefore, the researcher must single out the problem he/she wants to study.
The researcher must decide the general area of interest or aspect of a subject
matter that he/she would like to inquire into/study.
The best way of formulating the research problem is:
To discuss it with colleagues.
To discuss it with those that have some experience with the issue.
02/24/2023 8
Note:-A problem clearly stated is a problem half solved.
 Continued…
Some general principles in problem formulation
Be sure the problem really exists.
Learn as much as possible about the problem to be solved.
Consider alternative formulations in case one is not feasible.
Be aware that the problem formulation may influence the phenomena being studied.
Evaluation of a research problem (some questions to be asked):
Is the problem in line with my goals or expectations and the expectation of others?
Will the solution of the problem advance knowledge?
What is the value of potential outcome? (who are the beneficiaries?)
Do I possess or can I acquire the necessary skills, abilities and background knowledge
to study the problem? (Researcher’s capability and interest).
Will the data be accessible?
Do I have access to the necessary resources (time, money, tools, equipment's,
02/24/2023 9
laboratory, subjects, etc.) to conduct the investigation?
 3. Literature Survey

 The researcher should also examine all available literatures to get

himself acquainted with the selected problem.
 May continue from beginning to end.
 It is important in defining problems and hypotheses formulation as
well as selection of methods.
 Extensive review is required to know:
 What others have done in the area?
 How did they do it?
 What were the research variables?
 How were the variables measured?
 What were the constraints?
 What could possibly be modified? 02/24/2023 10
 Continued…
The Researcher may review two types of literature
Conceptual literature
- Concerning the concepts and theories.
Empirical literature
- Consisting of studies made earlier which are similar to the one proposed.
Basic Outcomes of the Review
 To understand what data and other materials are available for operational
purposes which will enable the researcher to specify his own research
problem in a meaningful context.
Literature survey and problem formulation are inter-related, because the
problem can only be specifically defined if extensive literature survey is done.
For this purpose - Journals, Conference proceedings, published or
unpublished bibliographies, Government Reports can be used.
Remember – One Source leads to another. 02/24/2023 11
4. Developing objectives and Working Hypothesis:
Objectives:
 Statements that indicate what a researcher intends to
accomplish in a more specific term.
Hypothesis:

An
 assertion about the relationship between two or more concepts.
Important
 bridges between empirical inquiry and theory.
Some
 guidelines in developing objectives:
Objectives
 must be specific, concrete and achievable statements.
The
 objectives should clearly fit to the statement of the problem.
The
 objectives must propose to do things as per the capability of the design
of the study.
Objectives
 should be in their approximate order of importance.
02/24/2023 12
 Continued…
Developing research hypotheses is important since they provide the
focal point of the research.
They indirectly determine the quality of data which is required for
the analysis.
The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher and keep him
on the right track.
Working hypotheses arise as a result of prior thinking about the
subject.

02/24/2023 13
 Continued…
A hypothesis must be
Specific.
limited to the piece of research in hand because it has to be tested.
Conceptually clear in terms of common definitions.
Testable (verification or rejection) by available techniques and resources.
Related to a body of theory;
Stated to provide direction for the research;
Formulated as causal relationships;
Example of hypothesis
Improved training provision will create a more productive reliable and satisfied
workforce.
Smoking and lung cancer are independent.
As a general a rule, working with hypothesis is another basic step of the research
process in most research problems --- but may not be always necessary.
02/24/2023 14
Eg. In Exploratory researches.
 5. Design of the Research
Once the research problem is formulated and working hypothesis
developed, the researcher will be required to prepare a research
Design/methodology.
Research design refers to the arrangement of the conditions for
collection and analysis of data in a manner that will satisfy or achieve the
objectives of a research undertaking.
It is intended to enable the researcher to answer questions as validly,
objectively, accurately and economically as much as possible;
It provides for the collection of relevant data with minimum effort, time
and budget.
 Research Design:- Conceptual structure within which research would
be conducted.
 It sets up the framework for adequate tests of relationships among
study variables. 15
02/24/2023
 Continued…
The research design tells us:
What observations to make?
What variables to measure?
How to make them/measure them?
How to analyze the data?
Sample Design
Data collection tools/techniques
It also suggests how many observations to make.
The type of statistical analysis to be used.

02/24/2023 16
 Continued…
The research design preparation should consider:
The time available for research.
The finance available for the purpose.
The availability and skills of the researcher and his/her staff (if any).
Identifying the study variables.
Identifying study subjects /experimental units,
The means of obtaining the information and reasoning leading to
selection.
The function of research design is to provide for the collection of
relevant evidence with minimal expenditure of effort, time and money.

02/24/2023 17
 6. Execution of the Research
It is a very important step in the research process.
If the execution of the research proceeds on correct lines, the data to
be collected would be adequate and dependable.
Under this phase the following tasks will be done:
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Generalizations and Interpretation of the results

02/24/2023 18
 Data collection
 Data can be collected by any one or more of the data collection
techniques/tools ways. It may involve:
Field survey /experiments
Laboratory
Questionnaire
Observation
Document Analysis
Interview, etc.
 The researcher should select one/more of these methods of collecting
data by taking into consideration the nature of investigation, objective
and scope of the inquiry, financial resources, available time and the
desired degree of accuracy.
02/24/2023 19
 Data Analysis
After the data have been collected, the researcher turns to the task of
analyzing them.
The analysis of data requires a number of closely related operations.
Before analyzing the data the following operation are processed on
collected data:
Coding
Editing
Tabulation and then drawing statistical inferences.
Quantitative data analysis– quantitative figures
Qualitative data analysis– analytical thinking
Hypothesis testing
02/24/2023 20
 Continued…
Generalizations and Interpretation of the results
If a hypothesis is tested and upheld several times, it may be possible for
the researcher to arrive at generalization, i.e., to build a theory.
As a matter of fact, the real value of research lies in its ability to arrive
at certain generalizations.
If the researcher had no hypothesis to start with, he might seek to
explain his findings on the basis of some theory. It is known as
interpretation.
The process of interpretation may quite often trigger off new questions
which in turn may lead to further researches.

02/24/2023 21
 7. Reporting/Writing Research Reports
Finally, the researcher has to prepare the report of what has been
done.
The result should be communicated to others.
Peers
Policy makers/Developers
Extension workers
General public
Report should be written in a concise and objective style in simple
language avoiding vague expressions such as ‘it seems,’ ‘there may be’,
and the like.
The style and content varies depending on to whom the research is
written to.
The mode of presentation depends on the target audience.
02/24/2023 22
 Continued…
 Some principal guidelines for writing reports of scholarly journals are:
 Avoid using first person pronouns: I, Me, My, We and so on.
 Be stylistically consistent with regard to tables, charts, graphs, section
headings, and so forth.
 Tables, for example, should follow the same format and should be
numbered consecutively.
 Clearly label all displays with meaningful title
 Each table, graph, chart, or figure caption should accurately describe the
material presented and its contribution to the report.
 Use simple language (i.e. avoiding vague expressions)
 Express findings clearly, simply, and accurately.

02/24/2023 23
 Criteria of Good Research
Any types of research should meet the scientific research procedures.
To be a scientific research the research should satisfy the following criteria: (The
scientific research method employed ensures:)
Purpose/ objectives clearly defined in common concepts.
Procedure enumerated to keep continuity.
• The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit
another researcher to repeat the research for further advancement, keeping the
continuity of what has already been attained.
• The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results
that are as objective as possible.
• The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design
and estimate their effects upon the findings.
• Adequate analysis of data with appropriate methods of analysis.
The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and the
methods of analysis used should be appropriate.
02/24/2023 24
• Carefully checked data for validity & reliability.
 Continued…
Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and

limited to those for which the data provide an adequate basis.

Confidence, competence/ reputation, experience, honesty & integrity of researcher.

Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced, has a

good reputation in research and is a person of integrity/honesty.

In other words, we can state the qualities of a good research as follows:
Good research is systematic: It means that research is structured with specified
steps to be taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the well defined set of
rules.
 Systematic characteristic of the research
 Does not rule out creative thinking.
 Reject the use of guessing & intuition in arriving at conclusions.
02/24/2023 25
 Continued…
Good research is logical: This implies that research is guided by rules of
logical reasoning & logical process of induction & deduction.
–The logical process of induction and deduction are of great value in
carrying out research.
–In fact, logical reasoning makes research more meaningful in the context of
decision making.
Good research is empirical: It implies that research is related basically to one
or more aspects of a real situation and deals with concrete data that provides a
basis for external validity to research results (validation).
Good research is replicable: This characteristic allows research results to be
verified by replicating the study and thereby building a sound basis for decisions.
Verified by replicating the study.
Good research is controlled: variables are identified & controlled, wherever
possible. 02/24/2023 26
Proposal Preparation

02/24/2023 27
 Source of Information
What sources of information could be used to devise a research topic?
 Proposals by academic staff or departments
 Past researches
 Brainstorming
 Your own goals and learning objectives
 Reading about / working in the subject area
 Systematic analysis of the subject area
 Research Territory Maps
 Show how topics related to each other
 Relevance Trees
 Break down a particular subject or research question into lower and
lower levels of detail
02/24/2023 28
 Choosing a Research Title
The research needs to be within your capabilities

The research needs to have sufficient scope

The research needs to interest you

The research needs to have a serious purpose

The research needs to have a clear outcome

The research needs to be related to your degree programme

The resources required are available or can be obtained

02/24/2023 29
 Suitability Tests for a Research Title
‘So what?’ test
Is the topic meaningful?
Will it be of value for anyone?
What contribution will it make?
Justification
Can you explain your research topic and justify it in simple terms?
Estimating your understanding
Can you put a figure on what you know about your chosen subject?

Suitability Tests for a Research Title (cont’d)

Contacts
Are the contacts you require for your research (including your
supervisor) available, accessible, and willing to help?
02/24/2023 30
 Expanding Knowledge
 It is describable to expand your breadth of knowledge on the selected
topic
 Read the fundamentals on the topic to build up the foundation for
your research
 Although not immediately evident, these efforts pay off in the longer
run
 Feel open about broadening the scope of the topic as you build up on
it

02/24/2023 31
 Preparing a Research Proposal: Implicit
Content
Introduction to the subject area
Sets the context for the research
Should motivate the relevance of the subject area
Overview of current research in the area
Demonstrates current activities in the subject area
Shows your understanding of current research
Identify a gap
Identify a need for further investigation or re-interpretation
Identify how your work fills the gap
Explain how your research fills the gap
Identify risks and solutions
Highlight the benefits that can be derived from your research
02/24/2023 32
Account for the risks to your research
Preparing a Project Proposal: Explicit Structure
Title
 Clear, Concise, Preferably no acronyms
Aims and Objectives
 Aims: Broad statement(s) of intent Identify the research’s purpose
 Objectives: Identify specific, measurable achievements Quantitative and qualitative measures
by which completion of the research can be judged
Expected outcomes/deliverables
 Identify what will be produced/submitted in the research
Keywords
Identify the topic areas that the research draws on
Introduction/Background/Overview
Overview of the research(Identification of research questions and hypotheses, elaboration of
aims)
Motivation for the research
Motivation for you conducting the research
Related Research
02/24/2023 33
Identifies other work and publications related to the topic
Preparing a Project Proposal: Explicit(cont’d)
Methods
Identifies the research methods and research methods that will be used (e.g.
theoretical investigation, case study)
Research Requirements
Identifies the resources that will be needed for the research (e.g. hardware,
software, data, personnel)
Research Plan
More or less detailed ‘timetable’ for the research
Deadlines for deliverables
E.g., Computer Networks->Wireless Networks->Cellular Networks
->Performance, reliability, security
E.g., Operating Systems->Resource management->Power conservation-
>Specific versus general
02/24/2023 34
Activities: Broad topic selection
 Review of Literature
 This is where you provide about what others have done in the area,
and what you propose to do.
 The literature review is a critical look at the existing research that is
significant to the work that you are carrying out.
 Obviously, at this point you are not likely to have read everything
related to your research questions, but you should still be able to
identify the key texts with which you will be in conversation as you
write your dissertation.
 Literature reviews often include both the theoretical approaches to
your topic and research (empirical or analytical) on your topic.

02/24/2023 35
 Cont’d
Writing the literature review allows you to understand:
How other scholars have written about your topic (in addition to what they have
written).
The range of theories scholars use to analyze their primary materials or data
How other scholars connect their specific research topics to larger issues, questions, or
practices within the field.
The best methodologies and research techniques for your particular topic.
The literature review has four major functions or rhetorical goals that you should keep in
mind as you write:
It situates the current study within a wider disciplinary conversation.
It illustrates the uniqueness, importance of and need for your particular project by
explaining how your research questions and approach are different from those of other
scholars.
It justifies methodological choices.
It demonstrates your familiarity with the topic and appropriate approaches to studying it.
02/24/2023 36
 Cont’d
Effective literature reviews should:

Flesh out the Introduction’s brief description of the background of

your study.
Critically assess important research trends or areas of interest

relevant to your study.

Identify potential gaps in knowledge.

Establish a need for current and/or future research projects.

02/24/2023 37
THANK YOU!!
?

02/24/2023 38