6 major steps in Research Methodology

This post discusses the methodology  used in Research; it begins by giving an overview of the research design of the study. It then gives the population of the study and sample size; it then goes on to give the tools and instruments to be used to collect data, , data analysis and research Ethics. A research methodology therefore is a broad term involving all strategies that describe how, when and where data is to be collected and analysed (Patton, 1990)

Research Design

Patton (1990) explains research design as a plan of scientific research from the first to the last step, meaning that it is a program designed to guide the research in collecting, and analysing data.

EXAMPLE 1

The research design that will be used for this study is a case study, A case study is defined as “…a holistic research method that uses multiple sources of evidence to analyse or evaluate specific phenomenon or instance” (Patton, 1990: 60). The case study will be used because it will enable the researcher to have an in-depth understanding of causes and effects of abortion on secondary school students.

Population

Patton (1990) views population as all the numbers of a hypothetical set of people, event or object to which we wish to generalize the results of our research.

EXAMPLE 1

All secondary school female students who have aborted will comprise the study population. Sample

A sample can be described as a group of subjects from who the data will be collected (McMillan and Schumacher, 2006)

EXAMPLE 1

The sample will be comprised of 110 girls who have aborted before.

Sampling procedure

A sampling procedure is a technique that shows how the sample or subjects that are representative of the population will be selected ( Kasonde -Ng’andu ,2013 )

Example 1

The study will use purposeful sampling. Salant, and Dillman (1994) define purposive sampling as a non-probability sampling technique in which the researcher’s judgment about some appropriate characteristics is required of the sample members. Purposeful sampling will be used because it allows the researcher to only include the respondents that have the desired characteristics that suit the study

Data collection procedure/method

Data collection refers to the process of finding information for the research problems (Salant, and Dillman 1994).

Example 1

The study will use semi structured interviews in data collection. The researcher will conduct interviews in secondary schools. The semi-structured interviews will be used because the instrument is reliable for collecting sensitive information. The instrument also allows the researcher to probe or ask follow up questions to the respondents.

Data Analysis

Data analysis refers to the quantitative or qualitative process that is used to draw meaning and conclusions from: the collected information that relate to the particular area or field of study (McMillan and Schumacher, 2006).

Example

The study will use qualitative data analysis procedures. The data will be qualitatively categorised, compared, synthesized and interpreted in themes to provide an explanation of causes and effects of abortion among secondary school girls.

Ethics in the research Methodology

Ethics refers to moral values or the way people distinguish right from wrong, what is supposed to be done and what not is supposed to be done (Salant, and Dillman (1994).

Example 1

The researcher will seek clearance from the University of Zambia ethics committee by way of asking for an introductory letter before going for data collection. The researcher will explain the aim of the research and ask the participants to sign the informed consent form without duress.

The participants will also be assured of confidentiality and privacy of all the information that they will provide. Anonymity of names also be observed by not disclosing respondents’ names. There will be an assurance that the information collected would be kept in privacy and that it would be used for no other purpose than academic research.