Adama Science and Technology University

School of Civil Engineering and Architecture

MSc. In Urban planning and design

Advanced Research Methodology &

Techniques(UPD 6103)
 Chapter one- Introduction: Research
methodology
1.1 Meaning of research
• Research is a very general term for an activity that
involves finding out, in a more or less systematic
way, things you did not know.
• Research Methods are the tools and techniques for
doing research.
• any kind of investigation that is intended to uncover
interesting or new facts.
 Introduction Cont’d …
• If you use the right sort of methods for your
particular type of research, then you should be
able to convince other people that your
conclusions have some validity, and that the new
knowledge you have created is soundly based.
• Being a researcher is as much about doing a
practical job as being academically competent.
• Identifying a subject to research, finding and
collecting information and analysing it, presents
you with a range of practical problems that need
to be solved.
 Introduction Cont’d …
• 1.2 Types of research
a. Descriptive vs. Analytical: Descriptive research
includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of
different kinds whereas analytical research uses
facts or information already available, and analyze
these to make a critical evaluation of the material.
b. Applied vs. Fundamental: Applied research aims at
finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a
society or an industrial/business organisation, whereas
fundamental research is mainly concerned with
generalisations and with the formulation of a theory.
 Introduction Cont’d …
c. Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Quantitative
research is based on the measurement of
quantity or amount. Qualitative research is
concerned with qualitative phenomenon.
d. Conceptual vs. Empirical: Conceptual research
is that related to some abstract idea(s) or
theory. Empirical research relies on
experience or observation alone, often
without due regard for system and theory.
 Introduction Cont’d …
• e. Some Other Types of Research: one-time
research or longitudinal research;
exploratory or formalized; Historical
research; conclusion-oriented and
decision-oriented
 Introduction Cont’d …
1.3 Research approaches
• two basic approaches to research:
quantitative approach and the qualitative
approach.
1. quantitative approach
• further sub-classified into inferential,
experimental and simulation approaches to
research.
 Introduction Cont’d …
a. Inferential approach
•Infer characteristics of a phenomenon through collection of
data
•form a data base from which to infer characteristics or
relationships of population
•survey research where a sample of population is studied to
determine its characteristics
b. 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.
Researcher deliberately changes some variables to know the
causal effects
 Introduction Cont’d …
c. Simulation approach involves the construction of an
artificial environment within which relevant
information and data can be generated. This permits
an observation of the dynamic behaviour of a system
(or its sub-system) under controlled conditions.
• Simulation approach can also be useful in building
models for understanding future conditions
• Researcher artificially construct an environment and
data can be generated. This permits an observation of
the dynamic behavior of a system under controlled
conditions.
 Introduction Cont’d …
2. Qualitative approach to research is
concerned with subjective assessment of
attitudes, opinions and behaviour.
Generally, the techniques of focus group
interviews, projective techniques and depth
interviews are used.
 Chapter two: Research problems
1.1What is research problem
• It is the fuel that drives the scientific process and is the
foundation of any research method and experimental
design
• It is necessary to first define some kind of research problem
in order to provide a reason for doing the research.
• The problem will generate the subject of the research, its
aims and objectives, and will indicate what sort of data
need to be collected in order to investigate the issues
raised and what kind of analysis is suitable to enable you to
come to conclusions that provide answers to the questions
raised in the problem.
 Research problems Cont’d
• A research problem can be based on a question,
an unresolved controversy, a gap in knowledge
or an unrequited need within the chosen subject.
• An awareness of current issues in the subject and
an inquisitive and questioning mind and an ability
to express yourself clearly is required in order to
find and formulate a problem that is suitable for a
research project.
 Research problems Cont’d....
• There is no shortage of problems throughout the
world, but for a problem to be researchable, it needs
to have several crucial features.
It must be:
▪ stated clearly and concisely;
▪ significant i.e. not trivial or a repeat of previous work;
▪ delineated, in order to limit its scope to practical
investigation
▪ possible to obtain the information required to explore the
problem;
▪ possible to draw conclusions related to the problem, as the
point of research is to find some answers.
 Research problems Cont’d....

• In summary, very good research problem has

the following characteristics:
– The problem is significant
– The problem will lead further research
– The problem is researchable (it can be
investigated through the collection of data)
– The problem is suitable (it is interesting and suits
the researchers skills and available resources)
– The problem is ethical (it will not cause harm to
subjects)
 Research problems Cont’d....
Evaluation of the research problem
• Will the research result have social, educational or
scientific values?
• Will it be possible to apply the result in practice?
• Will the research opt new problems and lead to
further research?
• Will it be possible for another research to repeat
the research?
• Are you motivated to undertake the research?
 Research problems Cont’d....
Criteria for selecting a research problem
• Do you have the necessary knowledge and skill to do
the research?
• Do you have the necessary funds for the research?
• Do you have access to the administrative, statistics
and computer facilities the research necessitates?
• Is the problem new?
• Is the solution to this problem helpful for the
development of further knowledge?
• Is the problem feasible for the research?
 Research problems Cont’d....
1.2 Techniques involved in research problems
• Statement of the problem in a general way
• Understanding the nature of the problem
• Surveying the available literature
• Developing the ideas through discussion
• Rephrasing the research problem into a
working proposition