RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Student Handout & Workbook

COURSE TITLE: Research Methodology

LEVEL: Undergraduate / Graduate

FORMAT: Handout and Workbook for Students

DURATION: 4–6 Weeks (Self-paced / Facilitator-led)

SECTION A: STUDENT HANDOUT (REFERENCE MATERIAL)

1. Definition and Overview

Research is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Methodology is the strategy, plan, and process that lies behind the methods used in conducting research.

2. Purpose of Research

To explore new knowledge
To solve problems
To support decision-making
To test hypotheses and validate theories

3. Types of Research

Category	Type	Description
By Purpose	Basic / Pure	Seeks to advance knowledge
	Applied	Aims to solve practical problems
By Method	Qualitative	Focuses on understanding meaning
	Quantitative	Uses statistical/numerical data
	Mixed Methods	Combines both approaches
By Time	Cross-sectional	Data at one point in time
	Longitudinal	Data over a period of time

4. The Research Process (10 Steps)

Identify a research problem
Review literature
Formulate questions/hypotheses
Choose design and methodology
Select population/sample
Collect data
Analyze data
Interpret findings
Draw conclusions
Present report

5. Research Design

Types include Descriptive, Experimental, Case Study, Survey, Historical, Correlational, etc.

6. Sampling Techniques

Random
Stratified
Convenience
Purposive
Snowball

7. Data Collection Methods

Interviews
Questionnaires
Observations
Documents
Focus Groups

8. Data Analysis Techniques

Quantitative: Statistical analysis, SPSS, Excel, graphs
Qualitative: Thematic analysis, content coding, NVivo

9. Validity and Reliability

Validity: Accuracy of measurement
Reliability: Consistency of results

10. Ethical Principles

Informed consent
Confidentiality
Avoiding harm
Transparency

11. Structure of a Research Report

Title Page
Abstract
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Note: Before proceeding to Section B (Student Workbook – Activities and Tasks), you are kindly requested to follow the link below to complete the Lecture on Research Methodology. Upon completion, please return to this page to carry out the assigned activities and tasks.

LECTURE ON RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

SECTION B: STUDENT WORKBOOK (ACTIVITIES & TASKS)

Activity 1: Define Key Terms

Match the definitions with the correct term:

Terms: Hypothesis, Population, Reliability, Mixed methods
Definitions:
a) Using both qualitative and quantitative methods
b) Consistency in measurement results
c) A predictive statement
d) Entire group being studied

Activity 2: Identify the Type of Research

Determine the category for each scenario:

A study measuring how prayer impacts anxiety using questionnaires
An interview-based analysis of traditional leadership roles in rural Africa
Using both surveys and focus groups to evaluate education reform impact

Write: Quantitative / Qualitative / Mixed Methods

Activity 3: Research Problem Formulation

Write a clear and concise research problem for this topic:

\”The influence of social media on academic performance among university students.\”

Note: Please refer to the Research Post located at the end of this page as a structural guide for your submission.

Activity 4: Sampling Design

Design a simple sampling plan for a study involving 500 secondary school students in your state. Include:

Sampling method
Sample size
Justification

Activity 5: Ethical Case Study

You’re conducting research on HIV status in a community. One participant requests anonymity but your supervisor insists on full disclosure of data.

Question: What should you do? Justify your answer.

Activity 6: Mini Project

Design a mini research proposal (max 300 words) including:

Title
Background
Research question(s)
Methodology
Expected outcome

Final Note:
Students are encouraged to collaborate, consult credible sources, and seek feedback from instructors or peers during their research journey.

Submissions of all activities and tasks are to be sent to the EMI International Academic Board via email, presented in a properly formatted Word document and accompanied by complete student details.

Prepared by: EMI Global Researchers Network
Contact: englishmasterinstitute@gmail.com
Website: www.englishmasterinstitute.data.blog

RESEARCH POST