FEDERAL TVET INSTITUTE

(FTVETI)
Department of ICT
Course title: RESEARCH METHOD IN TECHNOLOGY
(IT542)

RESEARCH METHOD IN TECHNOLOGY

ASSIGNMENT

Name: Behailu Demssei ID. MTR 078/12 Section :- one

Submitted to: venkataramana(Doctor)

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 Table of content
Define research & discuss the objectives of research in detail..........................................3
Meaning & Definition of Research........................................................................................3
Objective of Research..............................................................................................................4
2.Differentiate between the descriptive & analytical research methods.........................4
How do you identify a research problem? Discuss the steps involved in the
investigation process..................................................................................................................4
Research problem....................................................................................................................4
Technique Involved In Defining a Problem........................................................................7
Write down the types of research............................................................................................9
A. Descriptive Vs. Analytical..................................................................................................9
B. Applied Vs. Fundamental...................................................................................................9
C. Conceptual Vs. Empirical..................................................................................................10
D. Some other types of research.........................................................................................10
Research methods versus methodology...............................................................................11
Research Method...................................................................................................................11
Research Methodology.........................................................................................................11
Explain about research proposal and its format.................................................................12
Components of Research Proposals.......................................................................................13

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 LAST DATE OF SUBMISSION: 24-06-2020
SUBMIT TO: venkataramana.t@gmail.com
Name:- Behailu Demissie Department:- ICT Section: one ID :- MTR078/12

1) Define research & discuss the objectives of research in detail

Meaning & Definition of Research
Research in common parlance refers to search for knowledge. Actually the word Research
is derived from French word ‘Researcher’ meaning ‘to search back’. In simple term
research is an in-depth study of the status, to find out the inner truth, inner story of any
subject of interest, and also to solve problems.
One can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information
on a specific topic. In fact research is an art of scientific investigation. In short, research is
all about;
 A careful investigation /inquiry especially through search for new facts in any
branch of knowledge.
 A systematized effort to gain new knowledge.
 Search for knowledge through objective and systematic methods of finding solution
to a problem.
Definitions of Research
- Research is essentially an investigation, a recording and analysis of evidences for
the purpose of gaining knowledge. (Robert Ross).
- Research is an organized enquiry Designed and carried out to provide information
for solving a problem, (Fred kerlinger).
- Research is a careful inquiry or Examination to discover new information or
relationship and to expand to and to verify the existing knowledge. (Francis
Rummel).
- According to Clifford woody Research comprise defining ands redefining problems,
formulating hypotheses, collecting, organizing and evaluating data, making
deduction and reaching conclusions and lastly carefully testing the conclusions to
determine whether they fit for formulating hypotheses. Research is thus
 An original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making
for its Advancement.
 The search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of
finding solutions to a problem.
These definitions emphasis on the following characteristics of research
a) Research must follow a systematic / scientific procedure and well drawn research
plan.
b) It is a controlled, empirical and critical investigation.

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 c) It involves investigation of some hypothetical propositions.
d) Its purpose is to provide information for decision making and solving problems.
Further to establish relationship between the variables.
e) It is an organized and careful investigation /inquiry, recording, analyzing the
available evidence to gain knowledge.
Objective of Research
The purpose of research is to discover answer to questions through the application of
scientific procedures. The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and
which has not been discovered as yet. Though each research study has its own specific
purpose, we may think of research objectives as falling into a number of following broad
groupings.

a) To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insight into it. studies with
this object in view are known as Exploratory Research
b) To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a
group – studies with this object in view are known as Descriptive Research.
c) To Determine the frequency with which something occurs / or with which it is
associated with something else – studies with this object in view are known as
Diagnostic Research studies.
d) To test the hypotheses of a casual relationship between variables – such studies are
known as Hypothesis Testing Research.
2) Differentiate between the descriptive & analytical research methods
Descriptive Vs. Analytical
Descriptive: a research focus on providing an accurate description or picture of the
status or characteristics of a situation/phenomenon. It includes survey and fact finding
enquiries of different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of
the state of affairs as it exists at present. The main characteristic of this method is that
researcher has no control over the variables; he can only report what has happened or
what is happening. The methods of research utilized in descriptive research are survey
method of all kinds including comparative and correlation methods.
Analytical: Analytical research on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts or
information already available and analyze this to make a critical evaluation of a
material or state of affairs. The purpose is to critically evaluate.
3) How do you identify a research problem? Discuss the steps
involved in the investigation process.
Research problem
The first step in the research process is the choice of suitable problem for investigation.
Problem is any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty or difficulty. Problem also
denotes here a question proposed for solution or discussion. On the other hand research

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problem refers to a problem that someone would like to investigate; a situation that needs
to be changed or addressed. These problems usually consist of area of concern, condition to
be improved, difficulties to be eliminated, and questions seeking answer. A research
problem also defined as an issue or concern that an investigator presents and justifies in
research study.
The identification of research problem is difficult, but it is an important phase of the entire
research process. It requires a great deal of patience and logical thinking on the part of the
researcher. Beginners find the tasks of identifying a research problem a difficult one. Most
of the time researchers select a problem because of his own unique needs and purposes.
There are, however, some important sources which are helpful to a researcher for selecting
problem to be investigated.

Sources of a research problem

Research problem / Idea originate from many sources. We discuss four of these sources for
the time being: Every day life, practical issue, past research (literature), and Inference from
theory.
1. Every day life: is one common source of research problem / idea, Based on
Questioning and inquisitive approach, you can draw from your experiences, and
come up with many research problems. For example think about what type of
management practices in cooperatives you believe work well or do not work well.
Would you be interested in doing a research study on one or more of those
practices?
2. Practical Issue: this is one of most important source of research problem especially
when you are practitioner. What are some current problem facing cooperatives
developments? What research topic do you think can address some of these
problems? By such types of inquisitive approach with regard to the practical issue
you can come up with research problem.
3. Past research (literature): Among the sources of research problems one has to be
very familiar with the literature in the field of one’s interest. Past research is
probably the most important source of research idea / problem. That is
because, importantly research usually generate more questions that it answers. This
also the best way to come with a specific idea that will fit in to and extend the
research literature.
4. Theory (Explanations of phenomenon): inference from theory can be a source of
research problem. The application of general principles involved in various theories
to specific situation makes an excellent starting point for research. The following
question gives illustration how theory can be a source of research problem.
- Can you summarized and integrate a set of post studies in to a theory?
- Are there any theoretical predictions needing empirical testing?

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 - Do you have any theories that you believe have merit? Test them.
- If there is little or no theory in the area of interest to you, then think about
collecting data to help you to generate a theory.
Selecting a research problem
The research problem undertaken for the study must be carefully selected. The task is
difficult one, although it may not appear to be so. The research problem as identified and
defined for the purpose of inquiry should be an amenable to scientific research. As such
every research problem selected for research must satisfy the following criteria.
I. The problem selected for the purpose of research should be original. It should
be problem that is being inquired for the first time. It should not be a problem of
repeated nature and should not have been already probed with some valid reasons.
For this purpose the researcher must attempt a thorough review of the existing
literature. It is useful for identification of specific problems, eliminating the
duplication of works, improving the research techniques over those used earlier in
similar research, avoiding the hounding points of earlier researchers, identification
of gaps, and gathering knowledge of new concepts and technical aspects.

II. The problem taken for the research should not be too general or too specific.
It should be a problem of less general nature and most of specific treatment. In other
word research problem should be moderate and compromising between the spaces
sets out above. A problem of general nature may lead to vague treatment and too
specific problem may end in narrow focus without any consequence.
III. The research problem must be operational and should not be too subjective
and non-measurable. It should be solvable or researchable. Sometimes the
problem may be significant but may not be a single enquiry. A solvable problem
improves the conditions immediately. A problem remains insolvable for two
reasons. They are:
a. That it may concern supernatural or amorphous phenomena. For example a
research problem to know who is responsible to the creation of the world is
beyond one’s research exercise.
b. That it cannot be operationally defined. The problem may not be possible for
measurement. For instance measurement of anxiety, creativity etc, are too
difficult to measure.
IV. The research problem undertaken should be feasible for implementation. The
feasibility of completing the research project should be checked by taking into
consideration the study design, access to organizations and respondents, sample
and universe to be studied must be with in the reach; time and cost required and so
on.
V. The selection of a problem must be proceeding by preliminary study. This may
not be necessary when the problem requires the conduct of research closely similar

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 to one that has already been done. But when the field of enquiry is relatively new
and does not have available set of well developed techniques, a brief feasibility
study must always be undertaken.
Technique Involved In Defining a Problem

The technique for the purpose involves the undertaking of the following steps generally
one after the other: (i) statement of the problem in a general way; (ii) understanding the
nature of the problem; (iii) surveying the available literature (iv) developing the ideas
through discussions; and (v) rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition.
A brief description of all these points will be helpful.

(i) Statement of the problem in a general way : First of all the problem should be
stated in a broad general way, keeping in view either some practical concern or
some scientific or intellectual interest. For this purpose, the researcher must
immerse himself thoroughly in the subject matter concerning which he wishes to
pose a problem. In case of social research, it is considered advisable to do some field
observation and as such the researcher may undertake some sort of preliminary
survey or what is often called pilot survey. Then the researcher can himself state the
problem or he can seek the guidance of the guide or the subject expert in
accomplishing this task. Often, the guide puts forth the problem in general terms,
and it is then up to the researcher to narrow it down and phrase the problem in
operational terms. In case there is some directive from an organizational authority,
the problem then can be stated accordingly. The problem stated in a broad general
way may contain various ambiguities which must be resolved by cool thinking and
rethinking over the problem. At the same time the feasibility of a particular solution
has to be considered and the same should be kept in view while stating the problem.
(ii) Understanding the nature of the problem: The next step in defining the
problem is to understand its origin and nature clearly. The best way of
understanding the problem is to discuss it with those who first raised it in order to
find out how the problem originally came about and with what objectives in view. If
the researcher has stated the problem himself, he should consider once again all
those points that induced him to make a general statement concerning the problem.
For a better understanding of the nature of the problem involved, he can enter into
discussion with those who have a good knowledge of the problem concerned or
similar other problems. The researcher should also keep in view the environment
within which the problem is to be studied and understood.
(iii) Surveying the available literature: All available literature concerning the
problem at hand must necessarily be surveyed and examined before a definition of
the research problem is given. This means that the researcher must be well-
conversant with relevant theories in the field, reports and records as also all other

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 relevant literature. He must devote sufficient time in reviewing of research already
undertaken on related problems. This is done to find out what data and other
materials, if any, are available for operational purpose. “Knowing what data are
available often serves to narrow the problem itself as well as the technique that
might be used.” This would also help a researcher to know if there are certain gaps
in the theories, or whether the existing theories applicable to the problem under
study are inconsistent with each other, or whether the findings of the different
studies do not follow a pattern consistent with the theoretical expectations and so
on. All this will enable a researcher to take new strides in the field for furtherance of
knowledge i.e., he can move up starting from the existing premise. Studies on
related problems are useful for indicating the type of difficulties that may be
encountered in the present study as also the possible analytical shortcomings. At
times such studies may also suggest useful and even new lines of approach to the
present problem.
(iv) Developing the ideas through discussions: Discussion concerning a problem
often produces useful information. Various new ideas can be developed through
such an exercise. Hence, a researcher must discuss his problem with his colleagues
and others who have enough experience in the same area or in working on similar
problems. This is quite often known as an experience survey. People with rich
experience are in a position to enlighten the researcher on different aspects of his
proposed study and their advice and comments are usually invaluable to the
researcher. They help him sharpen his focus of attention on specific aspects within
the field. Discussions with such persons should not only be confined to the
formulation of the specific problem at hand, but should also be concerned with the
general approach to the given problem, techniques that might be used, possible
solutions, etc.
(v) Rephrasing the research problem: Finally, the researcher must sit to
rephrase the research problem into a working proposition. Once the nature of the
problem has been clearly understood, the environment (within which the problem
has got to be studied) has been defined, discussions over the problem have taken
place and the available literature has been surveyed and examined, rephrasing the
problem into analytical or operational terms is not a difficult task. Through
rephrasing, the researcher puts the research problem in as specific terms as
possible to that it may become operationally viable and may help in the
development of working hypotheses.
In addition to what has been stated above, the following points must also be
observed while defining a research problem.
 Technical terms and words or phrases, with special meanings used in the
statement of the problem, should be clearly defined.

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  Basic assumptions or postulates (if any) relating to the research problem
should be clearly stated.
 A straight forward statement of the value of the investigation (i.e., the criteria
for the selection of the problem) should be provided.
 The suitability of the time-period and the sources of data available must also
be considered by the researcher in defining the problem.
 The scope of the investigation or the limits within which the problem is to be
studied must be mentioned explicitly in defining a research problem
4) Write down the types of research
Types of research
A. Descriptive Vs. Analytical
Descriptive: a research focus on providing an accurate description or picture of the status
or characteristics of a situation/phenomenon. It includes survey and fact finding enquiries
of different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of
affairs as it exists at present. The main characteristic of this method is that researcher has
no control over the variables; he can only report what has happened or what is happening.
The methods of research utilized in descriptive research are survey method of all kinds
including comparative and correlation methods.
Analytical: Analytical research on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts or
information already available and analyze this to make a critical evaluation of a material or
state of affairs. The purpose is to critically evaluate.
B. Applied Vs. Fundamental
Applied Research: it is a research focus on answering practical questions to provide
relatively an immediate solution. It aims at finding solutions for an immediate problem
facing a society or an industrial/business organization. Any research aimed at certain
conclusion (say solution) facing concrete social or business problem is an example of
applied research. Research to identify social, economic or political trends that may affect a
particular institution or evaluation research are examples of applied research. Thus, the
central aim of applied research is to discover a solution for some pressing practical
problem.
Fundamental/pure research: is mainly concerned with generalization and with the
formation of theory. Gathering knowledge for knowledge sake is termed as pure or basic
research. Researches concerning some natural phenomenon, human behavior and so on
carried out with the view to make generalizations are examples of fundamental research.
The central aims of pure/fundamental research is finding information that has a broader
base of applications and thus add to the already existing organized body of scientific
knowledge. In short, pure/fundamental research is a type of research aimed at generating
fundamental knowledge and theoretical understanding about basics of human and any
other natural processes.

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C. Conceptual Vs. Empirical
Conceptual Research: conceptual research is a research that is related to some abstract
ideas or theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts
or to reinterpret the existing one.
Empirical research: on the other hand empirical research relies on experience or
observation alone, often without due regard/consideration for system and theory.
Empirical research is usually based on observation experiment and experience.
- It is data based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being
verified by observation or experiment.
- We can call it as experimental type of research. In such research it is necessary to
get facts at first hand, at their source, and actively to go about doing certain things to
simulate the production of desired information.
- In such a research, the researcher must first provide himself with working
hypotheses or research questions to be answered. He then work to get enough data
to prove or disprove his hypothesis.
- Such research is thus characterized by the researchers control over the variables
under the study and deliberate manipulation of one of the variable in order to study
the effect.
- Empirical research is appropriate when proof is sought that certain variables affect
other variables in some way.
D. Some other types of research
All other types of variations of one or more of the type of research stated hereunder are
based on either the purpose research, the time required to accomplish research, and the
environment in which research is done.
Longitudinal and one- time research: in for more case data are collected at multiple time
points and comparisons are made across time. In other word research is carried on over
several time periods. Where as in the later case the research is confined to a single time
period. In one time research data are collected at a single point in time and it is also known
as cross sectional research.
Conclusion oriented and Decision oriented: a research can be also conclusion oriented and
decision oriented. While doing conclusion oriented research, a researcher is free to pick up
a problem, redesign the enquiry as he proceeds and prepared to conceptualize as he
wishes. Decision oriented research is always for the need of decision makers and the
researcher in this case is not free to embark up on research according to his inclinations.
Operation research is an example of decision oriented research since it is a scientific
method of providing executives with a quantitative base for decision regarding operation
under their control.
Historical Research: is a research that utilizes historical survey like documents remains,
etc, to study event or ideas of the past including the philosophy of persons and groups at

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any remote point of time. In other word, it is a research about events in the past; the
process of systematically examining past events or events to arrive at any account of what
happened in the past.
5) Research methods versus methodology
Research Method Vs. Research Methodology
Research Method: research method is all about all those methods / techniques /
procedures for conduction of research. Research method, thus, refers to the methods the
researchers use in performing research operations. In other words, all those methods
which are used by the researcher during the course of studying his research are termed as
research methods.
In short, research methods can be put into the following three groups:

a. Those methods which are concerned with the collection of Data (i.e. methods of data
collection)
b. Those methods / statistical techniques which are used for establishing relationship
between the data and the unknowns (i.e., methods of analysis)
c. Those methods which are used to evaluate the accuracy of the result obtained.

Research Methodology: Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the

research problem. It may be understood as a science of studying how research is done
scientifically. In it we study the various steps that are generally adopted by the researcher
in studying his research problem along with the logic behind them. It is necessary to the
researcher to know not only the research methods / techniques but also the methodology.
Researcher not only need to know how to develop certain questionnaires, indices or tests,
how to calculate, how to apply particular research techniques, but they also need to know
which of these method or technique are relevant and which are not and what would they
mean and indicate and why. Researchers also need to understand the assumption
underlying various methods and they need to know the criteria by which they can decide
that certain methods / procedures will be applicable to certain problems and others will
not.
From what has been stated above, we can say that research methodology has many
dimensions and research methods do constitute a part of research methodology. The scope
of research methodology is wider than that of research method.
“Research Methodology is generally refers to different approaches to systematically inquiry
developed within a particular paradigm with associated epistemological assumptions. (e.g.
Experimental / Non-experimental, Action / grounded / …)
Thus, when we talk about research methodology we are not only talk of research methods
but also consider the LOGIC behind the methods we use in the context of our research

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study and explain why we are using a particular method and why we are not using others
so that research result are capable of being evaluated.
 Why research study has been undertaken?
 How the research problem has been defined?
 Why the hypotheses has been formulated and in what way?
 What data have been collected and what particular method has been adopted? And
why not others?
 Why particular method of analysis has been used?, and

Differences between Research Methods and Research Methodology

Methods Methodology
Are defined as the methods or techniques Provides an explanation and rationale
that are used to gather evidence and behind the methods employed in said
conduct research. research.
Involves the acquisition of knowledge
Involves conducting surveys, interviews, surrounding various techniques used to
experiments, etc. conduct research such as surveys,
interviews, experiments, etc.
The main objective is to use the correct
The main objective is to discover solutions
procedures to discover solutions to
to research problems.
research problems.
Narrow scope of practice (i.e., consists of
Much wider scope of practice, which
various research strategies, methods,
includes the research methods.
techniques, tools, etc.)

6) Explain about research proposal and its format

Research proposal is written document that summarize the prior literature, identify the
research topic area and the research question to be answered, and specifies the procedures
will be followed in obtaining an answer to these research questions”. It is also a written
plan for the research project. It enables the researcher to design and organize his project.
For the researcher themselves, they are essential for ensuring that careful consideration is
given to why the research is needed, and what methods will best suit the purpose of the
study. Since it encompasses a specific course of actions that will be followed, a proposal
helps the researcher to think through various aspects of the study that may be otherwise

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overlooked. The very purpose of constructing research proposal is to communicate the
problems being investigated and the procedures that will be used in the investigation.
Further research proposal helps to persuade readers that your project is worthwhile and
fulfills a need. Research proposal act as a blue print for the research project and is
completed before conducting a study.

A well thought out and well written proposal save time, helps to avoid mistakes and results
in a higher quality research study and successfully answers questions like:
- Why is the research worthwhile?
- What are the chances of success?
- How will the project be carried out?
- When will the project be carried out?
- Where will the data collection take place?
- Who will benefit?

Components of Research Proposals

The overall structure of research proposal is fairly structured. However, different groups
(ex: funding agency) may have a particular requirement, so it is essential that you read
carefully any specific instructions and elements provided by the target group for the
proposal.
The typical elements/parts/ components of a research proposal include:
1. Title:
The titles clearly identifying the study and contain a description of the study design and
objectives precisely. A good title is usually a compromise between conciseness and
explicitness. Although title should be comprehensive enough to indicate the nature of the
proposed study, they should also brief. One good way to cut the length of titles is to avoid
words that add nothing to a reader understands such as “Study on----”, “Investigations----”,
“A study of----” or “Research on some problems in----”. Further a title should include key
terms that readily identify the scope and nature of study. In short, a title should be
descriptive and concise and meaningful. It should provide first impression of the content
and design of the study.

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 2. Introduction /Background:
The introduction is the part of the proposal that provides readers with the background
information for the study. Thus the introduction should be comprehensible to an informed
layman. It should give enough background to enable him to a place your particular research
problem in a context of common knowledge and should show how its solution will advance
the field or be important for other work.
Its purpose is to establish a framework for the study, so readers can understand how it is
related to other research and to sell the idea, convince the readers that the study needs
doing, who it will impact, the possible benefits and that you are the one to do it.
Generally the introduction part of a research proposal presents the problem to be
addressed and background information from previous studies .It further contain/describes
the nature and purpose of the study, present the guiding research questions and explain
the significance of the study.
In an introduction, the writer should create readers interest in the topic; laid the broader
foundation for the problems that leads to the study; places the study within the large
context to the scholarly literatures; reach out the specific audience.
Background: Separate section for background may not be necessary if the proposal is
relatively simple and if the introduction can present the relevant background. If previous
/related works must be discussed in the some details, however, or if the literature of the
subject must be reviewed a background section is desirable. Sufficient details on
background of the study helps to make clear what the research problem is and exactly what
has been accomplished, to give evidence for your own competence in the field and to show
why the previous works needs to be continued.
3. Statement of the problem:
A problem might be defined as the issue that exist in the literature, theory or practices that
leads a need for the study. The purpose of any research study is to address’ a research
problem or question. This section should therefore include a concise statement about the
desired out comes that will be achieved in conducting the research and about the context
for the study and it also should identify the general analytical approach. A problem

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statement should be presented within a context, and the context should be provided and
briefly explained, including a discussion of the conceptual or theoretical framework in
which it is embedded.
It is important in proposal that the problem stand out that the reader can easily recognize
it. This description will later serve as the point of departure for the wording of the title of
the research paper. Effective research problem answer the question “Why does this
research need to be conducted.” If the researcher is unable to answer this question clearly
then the statement of the problem will come off as ambiguous.
4. Purpose/ objective or the study:

The purpose statement should provide a specific and accurate synopsis of the overall
purpose of the study. If the purpose is not clear to the writer, it cannot be clear to the
reader. Purpose of the study helps to briefly define and delimit the specific area of the
research, foreshadow the hypotheses to be tested or the question to be raised and describe
the rationale for the study.
Key points to keep in mind when writing a purpose statement:
i. Try to incorporate a sentence that begins with “The purpose of the study is…”This
will clarify your own mind as to the purpose and it will inform the reader directly
and explicitly.
ii. Clearly identified and define the central concepts/ ideas of the study
iii. Clearly identify the methodological steps that will be used.
iv. Identify the unit of analysis in the study.
Objectives: This section describes what the investigator hopes to accomplish with the
research. After reading this section, the reader should be clear about the questions to be
asked, the kind of answer expected and the nature of the information to be provided by the
proposed research. The objective of the study should be:
- Clear and specific, achievable and merit study
- Concise and precise described in one or two sentence presented in logical sequence or
chronologically (i.e., follow logically, from the rationale hypotheses for a quantitative
study and towards the hypotheses for qualitative study).
- Expressed as a small number
- We can have general and specific objectives in a research proposal.

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 5. Significance of the study:
Significance of the study indicates how the proposed research will refine, revise, or extend
existing knowledge in the area under investigation. Note that such refinements, revisions
or extensions may have substantive, theoretical or methodological, significance.
Most of the studies have two potential audiences; practitioners and professional peers.
Statements relating the research to both groups are in order. In this respect, this can be a
difficult section to write. It warrants thinking about the implications how results of the
study may affect scholarly research, theory, practices, interventions and policies. When
thinking about the significant of your proposed study, ask yourself the following questions:
- What will results mean to the theoretical framework that framed the study?
- What suggestion for subsequent research a rise from finding?
- Will results influence programs/methods/interventions/policies?
- What will be improved / changed as a result of the proposed research?
- How will the results of the study be will implemented?
- Who will be benefited?
6. Limitations and Delimitations of the study:
Limitation of the study: A limitation identifies potential weaknesses of the study. Think
about your analysis, the nature of self-report, your instruments and the sample
(size/design) and threats to internal validity that may have been impossible to avoid or
minimize _ explain. However, it is not recommended to start with limitations in recent
research approaches.
Delimitation of the study: Delimitation addresses how a study will be narrowed in scope,
that is, how it is bound. This is the peace to explain the things that you are not doing and
why you have chosen not to do them; the Literature you will not review (and why not); the
population you are not studying (and why not); and the Methodological procedure you
will not use (and why you will not use them). Limit your delimitations to the things that a
reader might reasonably expect you to do but that you, for clearly explained reasons, have
decided not to do.
7. Review of the Literature: The review of literature provides the background and context
for the research problem to be investigated. It establishes the need for the research and
indicates that the writer is knowledgeable about the area. It helps also to relate the

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hypotheses, definition and operationalization of terms/variables, methodology and data
analysis that follows. It summarizes the result of previous studies that have reported
relationship among the variables included in the proposed research. The literature review
accomplishes several important things:
- It shares with the reader the result of other studies that are closely related to the
study being reported.
- It relates a study to the larger, ongoing dialogue in the Literature about a topic,
filling in gap and extending prior studies.
- It provides a framework for establishing the importance of the study as well as of a
study with other findings.
- It “frames” the problem earlier identified.
- Demonstrate to the reader that you have comprehensive grasp of the field and are
aware of important recent substantive and methodological development.
- Show what is not in the Literature and how your study is going to fill this
hole, and how your work will add to the body of Literature.
The Literature review must addressed three areas:
Topic /problem area: This part of the literature review covers material directly related to
the problem being studied. There will usually be at least two substantive areas reviewed
because most research involves variables that have been studied in separate substantive
areas.
I. Theory area: Investigators must identify the social science theory, which relates to
the problem area. The theory area provides the theoretical “Lens” through which
the writer chooses to view and understand the problem. It provides guidelines for
explaining the etiology of problems and the linking mechanisms that connect
variables.
II. Methodology area: Investigators must review the literature, which is appropriate
to various aspects of chosen method, including design, selection of subjects, and
methods of data collection. This section describes research methods and
measurement approaches used in previous investigation in the area. This content
should be considered in designing the proposed research and used to support the
choice of design and measurement techniques. Otherwise the investigator must

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 explain why he has chosen methods or approaches that have not been used
previously.
In a proposal, the literature review is generally brief and to the point, and the literature
selected should be pertinent and relevant .You should not state statements that imply that
little has been done in the area or that what has been done is to extensive to permit essay
summary. Statements of this sort are usually taken as indications that the writer is not
really familiar with the literature.
As specified in the areas that should be addressed by literature review, after reading the
literature review, the reader should understand the problem area you have selected and
the theoretical models, findings, methodologies, and measurement techniques that have
been used in previous, related research efforts. The literature review should lead up to
specific hypotheses, which are then listed at the end of the literature review.
8. Research Question and /or Hypotheses:
Research Question: Poses a relationship between two or more variables but phrase the
relationship as a question. Relevant to normative and/or census types or research (How
many of them are there? Is there a relationship between them?). Most often used in
qualitative enquiry.
Hypotheses: The practice of using hypotheses was derived from using the scientific
method in social science iniquity. They have philosophical advantage in statistical testing as
a researcher should be and tend to be constructive and cautious in their statement of
conclusion.Hypotheses present a declarative statement of the relationship between two or
more variables. Relevant to theoretical research and are typically used only in quantitative
enquiry. Hypotheses can be couched in four kinds of statements:
i. Literary null: a “No Difference” from in terms of theoretical constructs.
ii. Operational null: a “No Difference” from in terms of the operation required to test
the hypotheses.
iii. Literary Alternative: a form that states the hypotheses you will accept if the null
hypotheses rejected, stated in terms of theoretical constructs. This is usually what
you hope the result will show in other words.
iv. Operational Alternative: Similar to the literary alternative except that the operations
are specified.

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In general, the Null hypotheses are used if theory, Literature does not suggest hypothesized
relationship between variables under investigation; the ALTERNATIVE is generally
reversed for situations in which theory/ research suggests a relationship or directional
interplay.
Note that deciding whether to use research questions or hypotheses depend on the factors
such as the purpose of the study, the nature of design and methodological approaches and
the audience of the research.
9. Methodology:
Research Methodology is away to systematically solve the research problem. It may be
understand as a science of studying how research is done scientifically. It has many
elements; research design, method, procedures and instruments do constitute a part of
research methodology. The scope of research methodology is wider than that of research
methods. Thus, when we talk of research methodology we not only talk of the research
methods but also consider the logical behind the methods we use in the context of our
study and explain why we are using a particular method/ procedure/ techniques and why
we are not using others so that research results are capable of being evaluated either by
the researcher himself or by others.
Research Methods: may be understood as all those methods/ techniques that are used for
conduction of research (i.e. it refers to the methods that the researchers use in performing
research operation). Research methodology indicates the methodological steps you will
take to answer every question or to test every hypothesis illustrated in the questions and
hypotheses sections. This section is the heart of the research proposal and the
methodological elements should be described with as much detail as possible, and the
continuity between them should be apparent.
Methodological part of the research proposal usually consists sampling design, Methods of
data collection, Methods of data analysis; instruments will be used in conducting the
research and precise description of the study context/ area.
Methodological elements of the research proposal are briefly discussed hereunder.
a) Design: This section will describe the type of research design to be used will it be
survey, quasi- experimental or experimental design? Will it be cross sectional or

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 longitudinal? Will it be retrospective or prospective design? It also describes the
sequence of events that will occur in conducting the research.
b) Sampling (sample design/ subjects): subjects/samples can be individuals, families,
groups, organizations, states, or countries depend up on the unit of analysis. This
section describes how the samples in the study will be selected. For example: will
volunteers be solicited? Will every subject who volunteers are included? If not what
criteria will be used to choose those to be included? These sections describe how
subjects will be chosen, and provide a rational for the selection approach/ techniques
taken.
The key reason for being concerned with sampling is that of validity (i.e. the extent to
which the interpretation of the result of the study follow from the study it self and the
extent to which result may be generalized to other situation with other people), and
representative ness (i.e. how representative is the sample of the survey population and the
group from which the sample is selected) and how representative is the survey population
of the target population (the larger group to which we wish to generalize).
c) Methods of data collection: This selection outlines the general plan and specific steps
intended to follow to carry out data collection. This may include survey administrative
procedure, interview or observation procedures, focus group etc. It also includes an
explicit statement covering the field controls to be employed. It is also important to
provide a general outline of the time schedule you expect to follow during the time of
data collection. In This section of the research proposal you should answer questions
like:
- How are you going to collect the information you need?
- Where does this data come from?
- Will you use an existing data set, or collect your own (i.e.) types of data
needed secondary/ primary)? One should be specific and explain why
you are making this choice.
d) Methods of Analysis: This section explains how the data will be analyzed once they are
collected. Usually, more than one analysis is conducted. Each analysis that will be used
to meet each objective listed above should be described. The data analysis section of the
research proposal should:

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 - Specify the procedures you will use, and label them accurately. If coding
procedures are to be used, describe reasonable detail.
- Indicate briefly any analytic tools you will have available and expect to use.
- Provide a well though –out rationale for your decision to use the design, and
analysis you have selected.
- Should be linked to the hypotheses so that it is clear how each hypothesis will be
tested.
e) Instrumentation: This section outlines the instruments you propose to use (survey,
scales, interview protocols, observation guide). If instruments have previously been
used, identify previous studies and findings related to reliability and validity. If
instruments have not previously been used, outline procedures you will have follow to
develop and test their reliability and validity. In the late case, a pilot is nearly essential.
10. Budget: This section of a research proposal answer question like; what are the
associated with the study? Budget for research can include costs of salary for
research personnel and all expected expenses; supplies, travel, telephone cost,
coping etc. It is important to ensure in this section that the budget is sufficient to
achieve the objective of the study, is justifiable, and demonstrates accountability.
11. Time Table/ Work plan: This section describes the sequence of activities
necessary to conduct the research. It will include the time necessary to complete
each activity. In short it is all about “activity against time”.
12. Reference/ Bibliography: The Reference list at the end of the proposal should
include all works cited in the proposal; conversely, all items listed as a reference
must have been cited in the text of the proposal. Only references cited in the text of
the proposal are including in the reference list. However, exceptions can be found to
this rule. For example, if your reader require evidence that you are familiar with a
broader spectrum of literature then that immediately relevant to your research. In
such instances, the reference list may be called a bibliography. The bibliography
includes a list of full reference documentation for all articles and texts relevant to
the study and mentioned in the proposal.
13. Appendices: The need for complete documentation generally dictates the inclusion
of appropriate appendices in the proposal. Appendices of a proposal should include

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 data collection tools, such as consent forms, letter of introduction to the subject,
questionnaire, Interview protocols, and the like. The appendices section should
begin with its own cover page, followed by its own table of contents page.

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