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SBT 2311 Research Methodology and Data Analysis
SK
Lecture 1-2, 15-02-2022

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In this course, we discuss research in science and technology
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Meaning of research

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Research: prefix “re” = again, anew or afresh; the verb “search” = to examine closely and carefully,
to test and try, or to probe
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• Research uses scientific methods, which has the following steps: recognition of the problem;
definition of the problem in clear and specific terms; development of hypotheses; development of
techniques and measuring instruments; collection of data; analysis of data; drawing conclusions
relative to the hypothesis based on the data
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Research is controlled and objective
• Research demands accurate observations and description that is free from bias
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Research is deterministic and logical
• Research is directed to discover new information or to verify existing knowledge
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Research is parsimonious
• Research uses few explanatory factors or variables to explain phenomena or events
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• Research can be repeated or replicated to confirm or raise questions about conclusions of previous
studies
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Research is public
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SBT 2311 Research Methodology and Data Analysis
SK

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Objectives of research

The primary objectives of research are to:
• Discover new facts
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• Analyze events, processes, or phenomena to identify the cause and effect relationship
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• Overcome or solve the problems occurring in our everyday life
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Importance of research

Research is important both in scientific and non-scientific fields, for example:
• Research is the fountain of knowledge and provide guidelines for solving problems
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• It is important in industry and business to improve productivity, gain and quality of products
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• It leads to innovations
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The principal ways by which we acquire or validate knowledge and belief are classified as non-scientific and
scientific methods:
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culture: reflects adopted system of rules, norms, standards and values
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experience: might be sensory experience or experience of others; relates to the
information we take from the surrounding through our senses
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Intuition: ability to gain knowledge without conscious reasoning or rational process; a
phenomenon is largely perceived and explained by instincts
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Authority: expert opinion; knowledge or belief is anchored on authority; the authority can
be based on expertise, tradition, public sanction, religion etc
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Logic: where reasoning is the action of constructing thoughts into a valid argument; there
are two broad methods of reasoning: deductive or inductive
Examples of weaknesses of non-scientific methods include:
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It is difficult or impossible to resolve conflicts among contending perspectives or positions under
any of these non-scientific methods
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Knowledge derived from experience has the following limitations:
o It lacks objectivity and reliability; different interpretation about the same phenomenon
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o Recall is not always accurate
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scientific method
• Grew out of the need to address perceived weakness of the non-scientific methods
• Integrates important aspects of both deductive and inductive reasoning
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• Knowledge is acquired through empirical investigation conducted according to laid down
and well-defined rules and procedures for collecting, analyzing and evaluating
information
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The scientific process
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The scientific method follows laid down steps and procedures for knowledge acquisition
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They include:
STEP 1
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Conduct a literature review
STEP 3
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Determine an appropriate methodology/research design
STEP 5
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Analyze and interpret the results
STEP 7
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Replicate the study (when necessary)
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Types of research
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Research can be classified based on three systems: application of the study, objective of
undertaking the study, or the mode of inquiry employed
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Pure/basic research
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Objective
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Correlative
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Explanatory

Inquiry mode
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Qualitative
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Unstructured approach

Pure (or basic) research
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It is also called theoretical or fundamental research
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It may not have practical application at the present time or in the future
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It helps build new frontiers of knowledge, leads to new theory, a new property of matter or even
the existence of a new matter
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SBT 2311 Research Methodology and Data Analysis
SK

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Applied research is done to solve specific, practical questions
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It is almost always done based on pure research
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Quantitative research

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It is based on the measurement of quantity or amount
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The result of this type of research is usually a number or a set of numbers
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Often begins with the collection of data based on a hypothesis or experiment followed by the
application of descriptive or inferential statistical methods
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Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomenon involving quality
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It aims to get the meaning, feeling and describe the situation
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Qualitative methods can be used to understand the meaning of the numbers obtained by
quantitative methods
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The four approaches are similar in that they place emphasis on interpretation rather than objective
empirical observations
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2 Limitations of qualitative research
• Qualitative research is too subjective
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• Is difficult to replicate
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The main purpose is to describe the state of affairs as it exists at present
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SBT 2311 Research Methodology and Data Analysis
SK

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1 Advantages of descriptive research
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The individuals studied are unaware, so they act naturally
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Allows collection of a large number of notes for detailed studying
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2 Disadvantages of descriptive research
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Does not identify cause behind a phenomenon
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Results of this research can change over the period of time
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The systematic investigation or statistical study of relationships among two or more variables,
without necessarily determining cause and effect
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Uses “correlation coefficient” to measure the strength of the relationship between the variables
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o A negative correlation suggests that when one variable increases, the other will decrease
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Advantages of correlational research
Can collect much information from many subjects at one time
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Study variables that are not easily produced in the laboratory
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Disadvantages of correlational research
It only uncovers relationship; correlation does not indicate causation (cause and effect)
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Correlational research can be a time-consuming process
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It attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship between two or more aspects of a
situation or phenomenon
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It is usually low cost
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Exploratory research

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Exploratory research aims at getting more information on a topic
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SBT 2311 Research Methodology and Data Analysis
SK

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A study carried out to determine the possibility of undertaking a research is called a feasibility study
or a pilot study
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A full study may be undertaken based on the assessment made during
the pilot study
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1 Advantages of explanatory research
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The researcher has a lot of flexibility and can adapt to changes as the research progresses
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It helps lay the foundation of a research, which can lead to further research
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2 Disadvantages of exploratory research
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It is usually inconclusive, although it can point you in the right direction towards what is the answer
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It involves a smaller sample; hence the results cannot be accurately interpreted for a generalized
population
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(a) Distinguish between basic research and applied research;
(b) Outline examples of basic and pure research
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(a) Distinguish between quantitative research and qualitative research
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(a) descriptive research,
(b) correlational research,
(c) explanatory research,
(d) exploratory research

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