1. Define the Research Problem- understanding the problem thoroughly and rephrasing the term into
meaningful terms from a point of view.
2. Review the Literature- literature review provides an overview of what has been written about a specific
topic. It practically includes information and data which are relevant to the topic of the study.
3. Formulate Hypothesis- is the tentative assumption made in order to draw out and tests its logical
consequences.
4. Design Research-its function is to provide for the collection of relevant evidence.
5. Collect Data- methods of data collection used in qualitative research are observations, interviews,
document reviews, audio and visual materials. Obtaining data requires the researchers to perform
necessary skills and strategies and to follow the right procedure in interviewing, observing, and conducting
survey through questionnaires.
6. Analyze Data- the analysis of qualitative data involves identifying, examining and interpreting patterns and
themes in the data gathered by the researcher. This will help you find answers to the research questions
posed at the start of the research project.
7. Interpret and Report- on this part of the research report the researcher finds chance of leaving a lasting
impression. It usually includes a comprehensive summary of the findings. The key points are highlighted
briefly based on the analysis or results of the study.
Functions of Ethics in Research
Ethics as important component in research writing shows the following functions:
1. Norms promote the aims of research such as knowledge, truth and evidence of error.
2. Ethical standards promote the values that are essential to collaborative work such as trust, accountability,
mutual respect and fairness.
3. Ethical norms ensure that researchers can be held accountable to the public.
4. Ethical norms in research, is research that helps build public support quality and integrity of research.
Topics to discuss
Qualitative Research- is primarily an exploratory research. It is used to give an understanding of underlying
reasons, opinions and motivations. The investigation provides insights, into the problem or helps to develop ideas or
hypothesis for potential qualitative research. It is also used to uncover trends in thought and opinions and dig
deeper into the problem. The sample size is typically small.
-Deals with designs, techniques and measures that do not produce discrete numerical data. It
involves extensive narrative data in order to gain insights into phenomena.
Quantitative Research- is used to quantify the problem by way of generating mathematical data that can be
transformed into usable statistics. It quantifies attitudes, opinions, behaviors and other defined variables and
generalize results from a large sample of population.
- Includes designs, techniques and measures that produce numerical or quantitative data
analysis of which is mainly statistical.
Purpose To understand and interpret social interactions To test hypothesis, look at cause and
effect & make predictions
Group studied Smaller & not randomly selected Larger & randomly selected
Variables Study of the whole, not variables Specific variables studied
Type of Data Words, images, or objects Specific variables studied
Collected
Form of Data Qualitative data such as open-ended Quantitative data based on precise
Collected responses, interviews, participant measurements using structured & validated
observations, field notes, reflections data-collection instruments
Type of Data Identify patterns, features, themes Identify statistical relationships
Analysis
View of human Dynamic, situational, social and personal Regular & predictable
behaviour
Most common Explore, discover & construct Describe, explain & predict
research
objectives
Focus Examines the breadth & depth of phenomena Tests specific hypotheses
Final report Narrative report with contextual description & Statistical report with correlations,
direct quotations from research participants comparisons of means & statistical
significance of findings.