Paper CQP 206

Research Methodology

This subject is designed to introduce learners to basic knowledge of scientific research. It introduces learners to scientific research concepts, theories and techniques thus enabling them to refine their research skills, knowledge and critical thinking. The subject exposes learners to full-life cycle of the scientific research process which comprise identification of the research process, formulation of the research objectives/questions, outlining the research design, identifying data collection methods as well as data analysis and presentation methods.

On completion, a candidate should be able to

Understand the scientific research process
Develop skills of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data Develop a research proposal/project
Use the knowledge acquired to identify alternative ways of solving real-life problems
Appreciate the role of research in accelerating economic growth

Content

1
Introduction to Research
Discuss various types of research
1. Meaning of Scientific Research
2. Basic Terms in Research
3. Types of Research
4. Advantages of research
5. Disadvantages of Research
6. The Scientific Research Process
7. Differences between research and religion
8. Differences between research and traditions
2
The Research Problem
Formulate research objectives questions and hypotheses from a research problem
1. The meaning of a research problem
2. Sources of research problems
3. Criteria of selecting a research problem
4. Factors influencing problem selection
5. Features of a good research problem
6. Formulation of research
  1. bjectives
7. Formulation of research questions
8. Formulation of alternative hypotheses
3
Literature Review
Develop a conceptual framework
1. Meaning of literature review
2. Sources of literature review
3. Functions of literature review
4. Advantages and disadvantages of literature review
5. Meaning of a theory
6. Theoretical approaches
7. Functions of theories in research
8. Meaning of empirical review and role in research
9. Knowledge gaps
10. Development of conceptual framework
11. Types of variables
4
Research Methodology
Describe various research designs, sampling techniques, data collection instruments
1. Meaning of research methodology
2. Types of research designs
3. Functions of research designs in research
4. Probability sampling Techniques
5. Non-probability sampling techniques
6. Data collection instruments Advantages and disadvantages of data collection instruments
7. Features of effective data collection instruments
8. Validity and reliability of the research instrument
9. Methods of data analysis and presentation
10. Ethical consideration in research
5
Analysis and Presentation of Findings
Analyze, present and interpret data
1. Meaning of data analysis
2. Techniques of data analysis
3. Advantages of data analysis
4. Data analysis errors
5. Presentation of data
6. Interpretation of data
7. Discussion of data
6
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
Make conclusions and recommendations based on the findings of the study
1. Summary of the findings
2. Conclusions 3 . Recommendations
7
Referencing
Understand the importance of referencing in research and the guidelines to referencing
1. Meaning of referencing
2. Advantages of referencing in research
3. Referencing guide:
4. APA referencing style
5. MLA referencing style
6. Harvard referencing style
7. Chicago referencing style
8
Appendices
Explain the key information reflected in the appendix section
1. Meaning of appendices
2. Type of information to include in the appendix section:
3. Introductory Letter
4. Research Instrument
5. Data analysis Tables
6. Pictures if any
7. Research Budget
8. Research work plan
9. Map of the study areas
10. Research Permit