Method refers to a wide range of approaches for gathering data necessary for inference and interpretation, for explanation and prediction (Cohen and Manion, 1980). Methods are techniques associated with the scientific process in either collecting or analysing data.
Methodologydescribes and analyzes these methods, throwing light on their limitations and resources and clarifying their presuppositions and consequences (Cohen and Manion, 1980).
Methodology as a broader approach comprises both methods and theoretical underpinnings of the entire research process of which method is only an aspect.
Conclusively therefore, while methods are the nuts and bolts or mechanics of data collection, methodology shapes and informs the process of research (Cornwal, et al, 1994).
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4.0 Conclusion
Research methodology has certain key or central concepts that can be regarded as foundational in the discipline. Although, there are so many of these concepts, our discussion in this Unit was limited to variable, operational definition, hypothesis, theory, theoretical framework, method, methodology and research design. Many other concepts that havenot discussed but are also central are measurement, scale, survey, population, sample, sampling, data, validity, reliability, questionnaire, interview, observation, document, coding, research proposal, references, and bibliography. As foundational concepts, they constitute a basis for thorough comprehension of other research issues.
5.0 Summary
This Unit discussed a wide range of key concepts that would enable you to understand many other issues in research. The discussions focused on such concepts as variable, operational definition, hypothesis, theory, theoretical framework, research design, method and methodology. The nature of these concepts, their importance or functions, types as well as their uses were discussed. A variable for instance is a concept which is amenable to empirical observation and measurement. An operational definition is the assignment of empirically observable, verifiable and measurable values to a variable. A hypothesis is a tentative statement which is subject to confirmation or rejection when exposed to empirical verification. A theory is a set of related empirical generalizations. It is also defined as a verified relationship between facts or variables. Theoretical framework is a strategy or devise for applying the assumptions, postulations, and principles of a theory in the description and analysis of a research problem. Research design is a plan that specifies how data should be collected and analyzed in a research project.A method refers to various means or tools for gathering and analysing data. Lastly, methodology provides meanings to the various methods, their strength and limitations as well as their theoretical underpinnings.
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
(a) Write brief notes on (i) variable, and (ii) operational definition.
(b) Show with practical five ways of formulating hypothesis (c) How does a theory contribute to the creation of knowledge?
(d) With the help of practical application, show how a theoretical framework is used in a research.
(e) Identify and discuss three types of quantitative research designs and two types of qualitative research designs.
7.0 References/Further Reading
Abcarian, G. and Masannat, G. (1970).Contemporary PoliticalSystems. New york: Charcles Scribner’s Sons.
African Development Foundation (ADF), (1993).Research Grant proposal Handbook, Washington: ADF.
Buchanan, W. (1980).Understanding Political Variables. Third Edition, New York, Charles Scribner’s Sons.
38 Caiden, G. (1971).The Dynamics of Public Administration: Guidelines to Current Transformation
in Theory and Practice. Hinsdale, IIIinois: Dryden Press.
Cohen, M.R. and Nagal, E.(1934).An Introduction to Logicand Scientific Method. New York:
Harcourt Brace Jovanorish, Inc.
Cornwal, A. et al, (1994). ‘Acknowledging Process: Methodological Challenges for Agricultural Research and Extension’, in IamScoones and John Thompson: Beyond Farmer First;
London: Intermediate Technology Publications.
Jones, T. (1971). Conducting Political Research, New York Harper and Row Publishers.
Kerlinger, F.N. (1977).Foundations of Behavioural Research New York; Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Lundberg, G.A. (1951).Social Research: A Study in Methodsof Gathering Data. New York:
Longmans.
Isaak, A. (1969).Scope and Methods of Political Science, Homewood ILL: The Dorsey Press.
Marshall, C. and Rossman G.B. (1989): Designing Qualitative Research. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications.
Nwana, O.C.(1981).Introduction to Education Research. Ibadan: Heinemann Educational Books Ltd.
Obasi, I. N. (1999).Research Methodology in Political Science, Enugu: Academic Publishing Company.
Obasi, I.N. et al, (1995). ‘The Morale of Academics in Nigerian Universities: A study
in the Management of Specialized and Professional Manpower’, Final Report submitted to the Social Science Council of Nigeria (SSCN) under its National Research Programme on University Governance in Nigeria (Phase 1).
Obikeze, D.S (1986).Introduction Statistics for the Social Sciences. Enugu: Fourth Dimension Publishers.
Selltiz, C. et al (1974).Research Methods in Social Relations; London: Methuen and Co. Ltd.
Singer, D. (1963). ‘Inter-nation Influence: A Formal Model’. American Political Science Review, vol.57, No2, pp. 420-430:
Strauss, A. and Corbin J. (1990).Basics of QualitativeResearch:Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques. Beverly-Hills: Sage Publications.
Tuckman, B.W. (1972).Conducting Educational Research. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc.
Varma, S. P. (1975).Modern Political Theory,Ghaziabad, U. P. (India): Vikas Publishing House PVT Ltd.
Further Reading
Christensen, L. B., Johnson, R. B., Turner, L. A. (2014). Research Methods, Design, and Analysis (12thed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Devlin, A. S. (2006). Research Methods: Planning, Conducting, and Presenting Research Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.
Gliner, J. A., Morgan, G. A., & Leech, N. L. (2016).Research Methods in Applied Settings:
An Integrated Approach to Design and Analysis (3rd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Graziano, A. M., &Raulin, M. L. (2013). Research Methods: A Process Inquiry(8th ed.).
39 Boston, MA: Pearson.
Leary, M. R. (2012). Introduction to Behavioral Research Methods (6th ed.). Boston, MA:
Pearson.
McBurney, D. H., & White, T. L. (2010).Research Methods (8th ed.). Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth.
Mitchell, M. L., &Jolley, J. M. (2013). Research Design Explained (8th ed.). Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth.
Rosenthal, R., &Rosnow, R. L. (2008). Essential of Behavioral Research: Methods and Data Analysis (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Rosnow, R. L., & Rosenthal, R. (2013). Beginning Behavioural Research: A Conceptual Primer (7th ed.). Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson.
Salkind, N. J. (2017). Exploring Research (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Stangor, C. (2014).Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences (5th ed.). Boston, MA:
Houghton Mifflin.
Whitley, B. E., Jr., & Kite, M. E. (2013). Principles of Research in Behavioral Science (3rd ed.). New York: Routledge.