Introduction - TRW

Research Methods
And Technical Report Writing

1. Introduction to Research Methods
◦ Introduction
◦ Types of research
◦ Research approaches
◦ Research Process
2. Defining Research Problems
◦ Research Problem
◦ Defining a problem
◦ Techniques used in defining a problem
AAU, EiABC, Research Methods & TRW, Lecture Notes, October 2018, Muluken T. 1
Research Methods
3. Research Design
◦ General
◦ Research design for various types of researches
◦ Developing a research plan
◦ Elements of a research proposal
4. Research Methodology
4.1Sample Design
 Sampling basics
 Bias and error in sampling
 Selecting the sample
 Types of samples 2
AAU, EiABC, Research Methods & TRW, Lecture Notes, October 2018, Muluken T.
Research Methods
4.2 Measurement Techniques
 Measurement basics
 Common response formats
 4.3 Data Collection
 Collecting data
 Selecting data collection methods
 Mixing data sources and methods
 Data collection instruments
Research Methods
5. Processing and Analyzing Data
◦ Introduction
◦ Processing operations
◦ Elements/types of analysis
◦ Statistics in research
6. Technical Report Writing
◦ Introduction
◦ Report contents
◦ Thesis writing
◦ Minutes of Meeting writing
◦ Building progress report content
Construction Management Chair
COTM 5241: Research Methods

And
Technical Report Writing
Chapter 1
Introduction to Research Methods
MULUKEN TILAHUN
October 2018
Contents
Introduction to Research Methods
1. Introduction
2. Types of Research
3. Research Approaches
4. Research Process
1. Introduction
1.1 Research: Definition
 Research is the primary tool used in virtually all areas of
science to expand the frontiers of knowledge (Marczyk,
et al., 2005).
 Research is a process, that is undertaken within a frame
work of set of philosophies, uses procedures, methods
and techniques that have been tested for their validity and
reliability; and designed to be unbiased and objective
(Kumar, 1999).
 Research can be defined as scientific and systematic
search for pertinent information on a specific topic.
 It can also be defined as the pursuit of truth with the help
of study, observation, comparison and experiment.
 In short, a Research is the search for knowledge through
objective and systematic method of finding solution to a
problem.
1. Introduction
1.1 Research: Definition
 In general a research refers to the systematic method
consisting of identifying the problem, formulating a
hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analyzing the
facts and reaching to certain conclusions either in the
form of solutions(s) towards the concerned problem or in
certain generalizations for some theoretical formulation.
 Research is:
 Systematic: so ordered, planned and disciplined;
 Controlled: the researcher can have confidence
research outcomes;
 Empirical: putting beliefs, ideas, assumptions to
test; and
 Critical: many truths are tentative and are subject
to change as a result of subsequent research.
1. Introduction
1.2 Objectives of Research
 Progress in almost every field of science depends on the
contributions made by systematic research; thus research
is often viewed as the cornerstone of scientific progress.
 The purpose of research can be summed up as follows:
 To answer questions and acquire new knowledge;
 To discover answers to questions through the
application of scientific procedures; and
 To find out the truth which is hidden and which has
not been discovered yet.
1. Introduction
1.2 Objectives of Research
 Though each research study has its own specific purpose,
research objectives may fall into a number of broad
groupings as follows:
 To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve
new insights into it (studies with this objective are
termed as exploratory or formulative research studies);
 To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular
individual, situation or a group (studies with this
objective are known as descriptive research studies);
and
 To determine the frequency with which something
occurs or with which it is associated with something
else (studies with this objective are known as
diagnostic research studies).
1. Introduction
1.3 Motivation in Research
 What makes people to undertake research? It is a
question of fundamental importance.
 The possible motives for doing research may be the desire
to either one or more of the following:
 To get a research degree along with its consequential
benefits;
 To face challenge in solving the unsolved problems,
i.e., concern over practical problems initiates research;
 To get intellectual joy of doing some creative work;
and
 To provide service to society.
 Research can be classified on the basis of its goal,
specific objective and approach.
2.1 Research based on Goal of Research
 As cited above the main goal of a research is to solve
problems and to contribute knowledge.
 Research based on goal of research can be either Basic
(Fundamental or Pure) or Applied.
2.1.1 Basic Research
 Basic research is mainly concerned with generalizations
and with the formulation of a theory. For instance;
research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating
to pure mathematics are examples of fundamental
research.
 Research studies, concerning human behavior carried on
with a view to make generalizations about human
behavior, are also examples of Basic Research.
 Basic research asks:
 How is the universe begin?
 At what point in human history did logical thought
arise?
 What is the mind-body connection?
 What are protons and neutrons composed of?
 In general, Basic research is directed towards finding
information that has a broad base of applications and
thus, adds to the already existing organized body of
scientific knowledge.
 The major aim of basic research is:
 Obtaining and using empirical data to formulate,
expand, or evaluate theory;
 Discovery of knowledge solely for the sake of
knowledge.
 Basic research may take any of the following forms:
 Discovery: where a totally new idea or explanation
emerges from empirical research which may
revolutionize thinking on that particular topic.
 Invention: where a new technique or method is created;
and
 Reflection: where an existing theory, technique or group
of ideas is re-examined possibly in a different
organizational or social context.
2.1.2 Applied Research
 Applied research aims at finding a solution for an
immediate problem facing a society, an industrial or
business organization.
 Research aimed at certain conclusions (say, a solution)
facing a 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 the marketing
research or evaluation research are examples of applied
research.
 Applied research asks:
 What is the way to solve a specific problem?
 Thus, the central aim of applied research is to discover a
solution for some pressing practical problem.
2.2 Research based on Specific Objective
 Research based on its specific objective can be classified
as: descriptive, explanatory and exploratory researches.
2.2.1 Descriptive Research
 Descriptive research includes surveys 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.
 Descriptive research can be used to identify and classify the
elements or characteristics of the subject, e.g. number of
days lost because of industrial action.
 The main characteristic of this method is that the researcher
has no control over the variables; he can only report what
has happened or what is happening. For example, frequency
of shopping, preferences of people, or similar data.
2.2.1 Descriptive Research
 The methods of research utilized in descriptive research
are survey methods of all kinds, including comparative
and correlation methods.
 Quantitative techniques are often used to collect, analyze
and summarize data.
 Descriptive research can be:
 Survey studies,
 Correlation studies,
 Observation studies, and
 Case studies.
2.2.2 Analytical Research
 Analytical research often extends the Descriptive
approach to suggest or explain why or how something is
happening, e.g. underlying causes of industrial action.
 An important feature of this type of research is in locating
and identifying the different factors (or variables)
involved.
 In Analytical research the researcher has to use facts or
information already available, and analyze these to make
a critical evaluation of the material.
2.2.2 Analytical Research
A. Explanatory Research
 Sometime referred to as analytical study
 The main aim of explanatory research is to identify any
causal links between the factors or variables that pertain
to the research problem
 Such research is also very structured in nature.
 Experimental: when active independent variable
involves.
 Ex-post facto: when an investigation is needed.
B. Exploratory Research
 This is the most useful (and appropriate) research design for those
projects that are addressing a subject about which there are high levels
of uncertainty and ignorance about the subject, and when the problem
is not very well understood (i.e. very little existing research on the
subject matter).
 Such research is usually characterized by a high degree of flexibility
and lacks a formal structure.
 Exploratory research is undertaken when few or no previous studies
exist.
 The aim is to look for patterns, hypotheses or ideas that can be tested
and will form the basis for further research, i.e. it is precursor for
formal research.
 It is preliminary and can’t conclude or verify a hypothesis.
2.3 Research based on Approach
 Research based on approach can be of the following
types: quantitative, qualitative and mixed researches.
2.3.1 Quantitative Researches
 The emphasis of quantitative research is on collecting
and analyzing numerical data; it concentrates on
measuring the scale, range, frequency etc. of phenomena.
 It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in
terms of quantity.
 This type of research, although harder to design initially,
is usually highly detailed and structured and results can
be easily collated and presented statistically.
2.3.2 Qualitative Research
 Qualitative research is more subjective in nature than
Quantitative research and involves examining and
reflecting on the less tangible aspects of a research
subject, e.g. values, attitudes, perceptions.
 Qualitative research, is concerned with qualitative
phenomenon, i.e. phenomena relating to or involving
quality or kind.
 For instance, when a researcher interested in investigating
the reasons for human behavior (i.e., why people think or
do certain things), it is advisable to employ qualitative
research.
 This type of research aims at discovering the underlying
motives and desires, using in depth interviews for the
purpose.
2.3.2 Qualitative Research
 Qualitative research is specially important in the
behavioral sciences where the aim is to discover the
underlying motives of human behavior. Through such
research it is possible to analyze the various factors which
motivate people to behave in a particular manner or
which make people like or dislike a particular thing.
 Although this type of research can be easier to start, it
can be often difficult to interpret and present the
findings; the findings can also be challenged more
easily.
2.3.3 Mixed Approach
 Many research projects combine a number of approaches,
e.g. may use both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
2.4 Conceptual Vs. Empirical Researches
 Conceptual research is that related to some abstract
idea(s) or theory.
 It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to
develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.
 On the other hand, empirical research relies on
experience or observation alone, often without due
regard for system and theory.
 It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions
which are capable of being verified by observation or
experiment.
2.5 Deductive Vs. Inductive Researches
A. Deductive Research
 Deductive research moves from general ideas/theories to
specific particular and situations: the particular is
deduced from the general, e.g. broad theories.
 It is theory based to prove or disprove the already existing
knowledge;
B. Inductive Research
 Inductive research moves from particular situations to
make or infer broad general ideas/theories.
 It is a problem initiated for theory/knowledge
contribution;
 The above description of the types of research brings to
light the fact that there are two basic approaches to
research: i.e. quantitative and qualitative approach.
 Quantitative approach involves the generation of data in
quantitative form which can be subjected to rigorous
quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid fashion.
 This approach can be further sub-classified into
inferential, experimental and simulation approaches to
research.
 The purpose of inferential approach to research is to
form a data base from which to infer characteristics or
relationships of population.
 This usually means survey research where a sample of
population is studied (questioned or observed) to
determine its characteristics, and it is then inferred that
the population has the same characteristics.
 Experimental approach is characterized by much
greater control over the research environment and in
this case some variables are manipulated to observe their
effect on other variables.
 Simulation approach involves the construction of an
artificial environment within which relevant information
and data can be generated.
 Qualitative approach to research is concerned with
subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions and
behavior.
 Research in such a situation is a function of researcher’s
insights and impressions.
 Such an approach to research generates results either in
non-quantitative form or in the form which are not
subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis.
4. Research Process
 The following order concerning various steps provides a
useful procedural guideline regarding the research
process:
 Problem identification;
 Frame research objectives and questions;
 Select research methodology;
 Extensive literature survey;
 Developing the hypothesis;
 Preparing the research design;
 Determining sample design;
 Collecting the data;
 Execution of the project;
 Analysis of data;
 Hypothesis testing;
 Generalizations and interpretation; and
 Preparation of the report or presentation of the results, i.e., formal
write-up of conclusions reached.
4. Research Process
4.1 Problem Identification
 There are two types of research problems, those which
relate to states of nature and those which relate to
relationships between variables.
 At the very outset the researcher must single out the
problem he wants to study, i.e., he must decide the
general area of interest or aspect of a subject-matter that
he would like to inquire into.
 Initially the problem may be stated in a broad general
way and then the ambiguities, if any, relating to the
problem be resolved.
 Then, the feasibility of a particular solution has to be
considered before a working formulation of the problem
can be set up.
4. Research Process
 The formulation of a general topic into a specific
research problem, thus, constitutes the first step in a
scientific enquiry.
 Essentially two steps are involved in formulating the
research problem, these are:
 Understanding the problem thoroughly, and
 Rephrasing it into meaningful terms from an analytical
point of view.
 The best way of understanding the problem is to discuss
it with one’s own colleagues or with those having some
expertise in the matter.
 Besides this, the researcher must at the same time
examine all available literature to get himself acquainted
with the selected problem.
4. Research Process
 The researcher may review two types of literature: the
conceptual literature concerning the concepts and
theories, and the empirical literature consisting of studies
made earlier which are similar to the one proposed.
 The basic outcome of this review will be the knowledge
as to 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.
 After this the researcher rephrases the problem into
analytical or operational terms i.e., to put the problem in
as specific terms as possible. This task of formulating, or
defining, a research problem is a step of greatest
importance in the entire research.
4. Research Process
4.2 Framing Research Objectives and Questions
 What is the main aim of your research? Write just one or
two sentences that summarize the overall objective of
your project.
 Then, identify specific research questions that flow from
this main research aim.
 But first, ask yourself:
 Will you be able to find answers easily to them?
 Will you be able to get access to information that can
lead to possible resolution of the questions raised?
 If ‘no’, then identify questions where information is
more accessible.
 Don’t forget, this is a small scale research project, so you
should aim to generate a manageable number of research
questions. If you have more than three questions in mind,
discuss these with your supervisor first.
4. Research Process
4.3 Select Research Methodology
 Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the
research problem.
 Research methodology shall identify the research basis,
research hypothesis or questions, research design and
research analysis.
 “Methodology” should be thought of as encompassing the
entire process of conducting research (i.e., planning and
conducting the research study, drawing conclusions, and
disseminating the findings).
 Research methodology refers to the principles, procedures,
and practices that govern research, whereas research design
refers to the plan used to examine the question of interest.
 By contrast, “research design” refers to the many ways in
which research can be conducted to answer the question
being asked.
4. Research Process
4.3 Select Research Methodology
 What methods do you intend to adopt to gather
information in pursuit of answers to your research
questions?
 Note down brief answers to the following questions:
 Where and how will you gather secondary data? Is it
easily available?
 Where, how, and when will you gather primary data, if
applicable?
 Remember, it may be difficult to gather primary data,
and you may have to settle for analyzing secondary, and
more easily available data.
4. Research Process
4.4 Extensive Literature Survey
 At this juncture the researcher should undertake
extensive literature survey connected with the problem.
 For this purpose, the abstracting and indexing journals
and published or unpublished bibliographies are the first
place to go to.
 Academic journals, conference proceedings, government
reports, books etc., must be tapped depending on the
nature of the problem.
 In this process, it should be remembered that one source
will lead to another. The earlier studies, if any, which are
similar to the study in hand, should be carefully studied.
4. Research Process
 In the literature review section, outline what previous
research has been done on the topic and how it has
guided or informed your own research.
 You can engage with some or all of the following
questions:
 What previous research has already been done on this
topic?
 Who did it, when and, perhaps, why?
 What conclusions did previous researchers reach?
 How relevant are these conclusions today generally
and for your own research?
 How relevant are these conclusions today generally
and for your own research?
 How will your research build on previous research?
How is it similar or different?
4. Research Process
 What theories, models or practices are particularly
relevant to prepare or analyze your research topic and
findings?
 How has previous research influenced your own
intended research methodology and methods?
 The research topic, the research questions you intend to
raise and previous work done on this topic, will influence
your methodology.
4. Research Process
4.5 Development of Working Hypothesis
 After extensive literature survey, researcher should state
in clear terms the working hypothesis or hypotheses.
 Working hypothesis is tentative assumption made in order
to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences.
 In most types of research, the development of working
hypothesis plays an important role.
 Hypothesis should be very specific and limited to the
piece of research in hand because it has to be tested.
 The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher by
delimiting the area of research and to keep him on the
right track. It sharpens his thinking and focuses attention
on the more important facets of the problem.
 It also indicates the type of data required and the type of
methods of data analysis to be used.
4. Research Process
4.6 Preparing Research Design
 The research problem having been formulated in clear cut
terms, the researcher will be required to prepare a
research design, i.e., he will has to state the conceptual
structure within which research would be conducted.
 The preparation of such a design facilitates research to be
as efficient as possible yielding maximal information.
 In other words, the function of research design is to
provide for the collection of relevant evidence with
minimal expenditure of effort, time and money.
 But how all these can be achieved depends mainly on the
research purpose. Research purposes may be grouped into
four categories: Exploration, Description, Diagnosis,
and Experimentation.
4. Research Process
4.6 Preparing Research Design
 A flexible research design which provides opportunity for
considering many different aspects of a problem is
considered appropriate if the purpose of the research study
is that of exploration.
 The preparation of the research design, appropriate for a
particular research problem, involves usually the
consideration of the following;
 Means of obtaining the information;
 Availability and skills of the researcher and his staff (
 Explanation of the way in which selected means of
obtaining information will be organised and the
reasoning leading to the selection;
 Time available for research; and
 Cost factor relating to research, i.e., the finance available
for the purpose.
4. Research Process
4.7 Determining Sample Design
 All the items under consideration in any field of inquiry
constitute a ‘universe’ or ‘population’.
 A complete enumeration of all the items in the
‘population’ is known as a census inquiry.
 It can be presumed that in such an inquiry when all the
items are covered no element of chance is left and highest
accuracy is obtained.
 But in practice this may not be true. Even the slightest
element of bias in such an inquiry will get larger and
larger as the number of observations increases.
4. Research Process
4.7 Determining Sample Design
 Hence, quite often only a few items are selected from the
universe for study purposes.
 The items so selected constitute what is technically called
a sample.
 The researcher must decide the way of selecting a sample
or what is popularly known as the sample design.
 In other words, a sample design is a definite plan
determined before any data are actually collected for
obtaining a sample from a given population.
4. Research Process
4.8 Data Collection
 In dealing with any real life problem it is often found that
data at hand are inadequate, and hence, it becomes
necessary to collect data that are appropriate.
 There are several ways of collecting the appropriate data
which differ considerably in context of money costs,
time and other resources at the disposal of the researcher.
 Primary data can be collected either through experiment
or survey.
4.8.1 Experiment
 If the researcher conducts an experiment, he observes
some quantitative measurements, or the data, with the
help of which he examines the truth contained in his
hypothesis.
4. Research Process
4.8 Data Collection
4.8.2 Survey
 But in the case of a survey, data can be collected by any
one or more of the following ways:
A. Observation
 This method implies the collection of information by way
of investigator’s own observation, without interviewing
the respondents.
B. Personal Interview
 The investigator follows a rigid procedure and seeks
answers to a set of pre-conceived questions through
personal interviews.
 This method of collecting data is usually carried out in a
structured way where output depends upon the ability of
the interviewer to a large extent.
4. Research Process
4.8 Data Collection
4.8.2 Survey
C. Mailing of Questionnaires
 The researcher and the respondents do not come in
contact with each other if this method of survey is
adopted.
 Questionnaires are mailed to the respondents with a
request to return after completing the same.
 It is the most extensively used method in various
economic and business surveys.
 Before applying this method, usually a Pilot Study for
testing the questionnaire is conduced which reveals the
weaknesses, if any, of the questionnaire.
4. Research Process
4.9 Execution of the Project
 Execution of the project is a very important step in the
research process. If the execution of the project proceeds
on correct lines, the data to be collected would be
adequate and dependable.
 The researcher should see that the project is executed in a
systematic manner and in time.
 If the survey is to be conducted by means of structured
questionnaires, data can be readily prepared. In such a
situation, questions as well as the possible answers may
be coded.
4. Research Process
4.9 Execution of the Project
 If the data are to be collected through interviewers,
arrangements should be made for proper selection and
training of the interviewers.
 Occasional field checks should be made to ensure that
the interviewers are doing their assigned job sincerely
and efficiently. A careful watch should be kept for
unanticipated factors in order to keep the survey as much
realistic as possible.
 This, in other words, means that steps should be taken to
ensure that the survey is under statistical control so that
the collected information is in accordance with the pre-
defined standard of accuracy.
4. Research Process
4.10 Data Analysis
 After the data have been collected, the researcher turns to
the task of analysing them.
 The analysis of data requires a number of closely related
operations such as establishment of categories; the
application of these categories to raw data through
coding, tabulation and then drawing statistical
inferences.
 Analysis work after tabulation is generally based on the
computation of various percentages, coefficients, etc., by
applying various well defined statistical formulae.
4. Research Process
4.11 Hypothesis Testing
 After analysing the data as stated above, the researcher is
in a position to test the hypotheses, if any, he had
formulated earlier.
 Do the facts support the hypotheses or they happen to be
contrary? This is the usual question which should be
answered while testing hypotheses.
 Various tests, such as Chi square test, T-test, F-test, have
been developed by statisticians for the purpose.
 The hypotheses may be tested through the use of one or
more of such tests, depending upon the nature and object
of research inquiry.
 Hypothesis-testing will result in either accepting the
hypothesis or in rejecting it.
4. Research Process
4.12 Generalization and Interpretation
 If a hypothesis is tested and upheld several times, it may
be possible for the researcher to arrive at generalisation,
i.e., to build a theory.
 As a matter of fact, the real value of research lies in its
ability to arrive at certain generalisations.
 If the researcher had no hypothesis to start with, he might
seek to explain 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.
4. Research Process
4.13 preparation of the Report or the Thesis
 Finally, the researcher has to prepare the report of what
has been done. Writing of report must be done with great
care keeping in view the following:
 The layout of the report should be as follows:
 The preliminary pages;
 The main text, and
 The conclusion.
 In its preliminary pages the report should carry title and
date followed by acknowledgements and foreword. Then
there should be a table of contents followed by a list of
tables and list of graphs and charts, if any, given in the
report.
4. Research Process
 The main text of the report should have the following
parts:
 Introduction: It should contain a clear statement of the
objective of the research and an explanation of the
methodology adopted in accomplishing the research. The
scope of the study along with various limitations should
as well be stated in this part.
 Summary of findings: After introduction there would
appear a statement of findings and recommendations in
non-technical language. If the findings are extensive, they
should be summarised.
 Main report: The main body of the report should be
presented in logical sequence and broken-down into
readily identifiable sections.
4. Research Process
 Conclusion: Towards the end of the main text, researcher
should again put down the results of his research clearly
and precisely.
 In fact, it is the final summing up. At the end of the
report, appendices should be enlisted in respect of all
technical data. Bibliography, i.e., list of books, journals,
reports, etc., consulted, should also be given in the end.
 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.
 Charts and illustrations in the main report should be
used only if they present the information more clearly
and forcibly.
 Calculated ‘confidence limits’ must be mentioned and
the various constraints experienced in conducting
research operations may as well be stated.
5. Research Proposal
General
 Before an attempt is made to start with a research project,
a research proposal should be compiled.
 For the beginner researcher, this is usually among the
most difficult parts. It is, however, the most important
aspect of the research project and should be considered
carefully by the researcher.
 This does not only require subject knowledge, but also
insight into the problem that is going to be investigated,
so as to give logic and structure to the research
envisaged/imagined/.
 The purpose of a proposal is to explain the type, scope,
and nature of your research. The proposal is the
foundation of the thesis.
5.2 Title of the Proposal
 It is vital to pick a project topic that is feasible, which
means ‘do-able’ in the short time the researcher have.
 The proposal should include a working title, that is, one
that may be changed later.
 A good title mentions the most important key terms in the
beginning and uses clear, unambiguous phrasing.
 Each topic that is proposed for research has to be judged
according to certain guidelines or criteria.
 There may be several ideas to choose from. Before
deciding on a research topic, each proposed topic must be
compared with all other options.
 The guidelines or criteria for selecting a research topic:
 Relevance/Significance;
 Avoidance of duplication;
 Urgency of data needed (timeliness);
 Feasibility of study;
 Applicability of results;
 Interest to the researcher; and
 Ethical acceptability.
 The best projects are those where:
 The topic is of particular interest to you;
 You can easily collect information – the information is
readily available, or you can collect and analyze it
easily, and within a short time period; and
 The aim of the project is focused on a particular aspect
of a chosen topic
5.3 Writing a Research Proposal
 Writing a proposal is the first formal step in writing the
thesis. It is important not to rush into this before clearly
defining your ideas and completing each step of the
“preparation stage” properly.
 A proposal is written in future‐tense and usually consists
of the first three chapters of the thesis: the introduction,
literature review and methodology.
 Although it is helpful to write the full chapters at this
point and not pile up the work, many people do not
actually write the full three chapters. A solid foundation
for the chapters is satisfactory.
 A good way to start writing a proposal is to read an
example of one to get an idea of what it should look like.
Your advisor should have some old proposals for you to
examine or you could find them on your own.
5.4 What is Research Proposal?
 After proper and complete planning of a research, the
plan should be written down.
 The research proposal is the detailed plan of study.
 The term "research proposal" indicates that a specific
course of action will be followed.
 It is a document which sets out your ideas in an easily
accessible way.
 The intent of the written research proposal is to present a
focused and scholarly presentation of a research
problem and plan.
 The objective in writing a proposal is to describe what
you will do, why it should be done, how you will do it
and what you expect will result.
 A vague, weak or fuzzy proposal can lead to a long,
painful, and often unsuccessful research writing
exercise. A clean, well thought-out, proposal forms the
backbone for the research itself.
 A good research proposal hinges on a good idea. Getting
a good idea hinges on familiarity with the topic. This
assumes a longer preparatory period of reading,
observation, discussion, and incubation.
 Read everything that you can in your area of interest.
Figure out what are the important and missing parts of
our understanding. Figure out how to build/discover those
pieces.
 Then just write the important parts as the proposal.
 The written proposal:
 Forces the researchers to clarify their thoughts and to
think about all aspects of the study;
 It is a necessary guide if a team is working on the
research;
 It is essential if the study involves research on human
subjects or on experimental animals, in order to get the
institution’s ethical approval;
 It is an essential component submitted for funding.
 Once a proposal for a study has been developed and
approved, and the study has started and progressed, it
should be adhered to strictly and should not be changed.
 Violations of the proposal can discredit the whole study.
 A well-thought out and well-written proposal can be
judged according to three main criteria.
 Is it adequate to answer the research question(s), and
achieve the study objective?
 Is it feasible in the particular set-up for the study?
 Does it provide enough detail that can allow another
investigator to do the study and arrive at comparable
results?
5.5 Components of Research Proposal
 The basic components of a research proposal are the
same in many fields. However, how they are phrased and
staged may vary by discipline.
 The following components can be regarded as steps in the
writing of the research proposal. They are important and
should be followed for the actual composition of the
proposal.
 The organization of the contents of a proposal may vary
somewhat with the nature of the activity proposed.
 Generally, the basic components of a proposal are
described in this part in the order in which they most
logically appear in a proposal.
 Title Page;
 Introduction:
 Research background;
 Problem statement;
 Significance to knowledge /Justification of the study;
 Scope/delimitation of the study;
 Research objectives (general and specific); and
 Research questions.
 Literature review:
 Previous research (others and yours);
 Interlocking findings and Unanswered questions;
 The remaining questions and inter-locking logic; and
 Rephrasing research question(s) in this context.
 Research Methodology:
 Approach;
 Study area, design and subjects;
 Eligibility criteria (if any);
 Sample size and sampling method;
 Method of Data collection;
 Description of Variables;
 Data quality assurance;
 Operational definitions; and
 Analytic techniques (plan of data analysis) and interpreting
results.
 Work plan/Schedule;
 Budget;
 References or Bibliography; and
 EiABC,
AAU, Appendices/Annexes.
Research Methods & TRW, Lecture Notes, October 2018, Muluken T. 65
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