1.
Research Methodology
Definition: Systematic framework for conducting research,
collecting data, and analyzing findings.
Components:
Design (experimental, correlational, descriptive, case
study)
Data Collection (quantitative: surveys, qualitative:
interviews)
Sampling (random, stratified, purposive)
Data Analysis (statistical or thematic)
Ethics (consent, privacy)
Validity & Reliability
2. Objectives of Research Methodology
Define process and design
Ensure accuracy, validity, and reliability
Facilitate objectivity and reproducibility
Promote clear interpretation and transparency
3. Motivation for Using Methodology
Generate reliable knowledge
Address complex questions
Enhance credibility and trust
Reduce bias
Drive innovation and discovery
Contribute to knowledge base
4. Research Problem
Definition: A specific issue or gap to be explored.
Steps:
1. Choose broad interest area
2. Review literature
3. Narrow the focus
4. Assess relevance
5. Formulate research questions/hypotheses
6. Check feasibility
Importance:
Guides design
Clarifies goals
Ensures relevance and precision
5. Research Design
Definition: Blueprint of how research will be conducted.
Types:
Exploratory, Descriptive, Explanatory, Experimental
Data: Quantitative or Qualitative
Sampling: Random, stratified, purposive
Methods: Surveys, case studies, ethnography,
experiments
Importance:
Provides structure
Ensures validity and replicability
Minimizes bias
6. Data Collection
Primary Methods:
Surveys
Interviews
Observations
Experiments
Focus Groups
Secondary Methods:
Literature Reviews
Official Reports
Census Data
Web/Internet Sources
Historical Documents
7. Data Processing & Analysis
Processing:
Cleaning
Coding
Entry
Transformation
Analysis:
Descriptive (mean, SD)
Inferential (t-test, ANOVA)
Qualitative (thematic, content)
Visualization (charts, graphs)
Interpretation (relate to objectives, identify limitations,
suggest further research)
8. Hypothesis Testing
Steps:
1. Null (H₀) & Alternative (H₁) hypotheses
2. Set significance level (usually 0.05)
3. Choose test (t-test, chi-square, ANOVA)
4. Calculate p-value
5. Accept or reject H₀
6. Draw conclusions
9. Interpretation & Report Writing
Interpretation:
Link findings to hypothesis
Discuss implications
Note limitations
Recommend future research
Report Structure:
Title, Abstract
Introduction, Literature Review
Methodology
Results, Discussion
Conclusion, References, Appendices
10. Role of Computers in Research
Functions:
Data collection & entry (e.g., surveys)
Data analysis (SPSS, R, Python)
Visualization (Excel, Tableau)
Literature access (JSTOR, PubMed)
Reference management (Zotero, EndNote)
Simulations & modeling
Collaboration tools (Google Workspace, Teams)
Report writing (Word, LaTeX)
Presentations (PowerPoint, Prezi)
AI/ML for advanced data analytics
Benefits:
Speed, accuracy, scalability
Enhanced collaboration
Cost-effectiveness
Scopus:
What it is: A large, multidisciplinary abstract and citation
database of peer-reviewed literature.
Provided by: Elsevier.
Content includes: Journals, conference papers, books,
patents.
Use in research:
Tracks author publications and citations.
Used to analyze research impact.
Commonly used for academic promotions, grant
applications, and ranking institutions.
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🔹 H-Index (Hirsch Index):
What it is: A metric that measures both productivity and
impact of a researcher.
How it works:
An author has an h-index of h if h of their papers have at
least h citations each.
For example, h-index = 10 → 10 papers with at least 10
citations each.
Scopus h-index: Calculated based on citations in Scopus-
indexed documents only.
Advantages:
Balances quantity and quality.
Easy to interpret.
Ethics in Research – Summary
Research ethics are a set of principles that guide
responsible and moral conduct in scientific investigation.
These principles help ensure integrity, credibility, and
respect for participants and the environment.
Here is a concise summary of key ethical principles in
research:
1. Honesty – Report data, results, and methods truthfully
without fabrication or falsification.
2. Integrity – Keep promises and agreements; act with
sincerity.
3. Objectivity – Avoid bias in experimental design, data
analysis, peer review, and interpretation.
4. Confidentiality – Protect personal and sensitive
information of participants.
5. Informed Consent – Participants must voluntarily agree
to take part after understanding the research fully.
6. Respect for Participants – Treat all participants with
dignity; avoid harm or exploitation.
7. Beneficence – Maximize benefits and minimize harm to
participants and society.
8. Non-maleficence – Do not cause unnecessary harm or
risk.
9. Justice – Ensure fair distribution of the benefits and
burdens of research.
10. Accountability – Researchers must be answerable to
ethical standards and institutional bodies.
11. Respect for Intellectual Property – Acknowledge
sources and avoid plagiarism.
12. Responsible Publication – Publish to advance research
and knowledge, not personal gain.
13. Animal Welfare – Treat animals ethically in
experiments, minimizing suffering.
14. Environmental Responsibility – Avoid environmental
damage through careful research practices.
