A.

Definition of a research

Research is a methodical process of investigation to discover new facts, verify and test
hypotheses, or to investigate new ideas. It is the methodical process of collecting, analyzing,
and interpreting data. The primary aim of research is to provide solutions to questions,
resolve problems, and contribute to the total body of knowledge concerning any subject or
phenomenon. Research is conducted in various disciplines such as science, social science,
humanities, and engineering.

There are various types of research, each having a specific aim:

Basic Research: It is conducted with the aim of advancing knowledge and understanding and
without specific focus on application. For example, a physicist studying the inherent nature of
matter is conducting basic research.

Applied Research: Applied research attempts to solve real-world problems using scientific
principles. Applied research is usually carried out in domains like medicine, engineering, and
social science. For instance, performing new disease treatment research is applied research.

Descriptive Research: This research seeks to describe a phenomenon or the interaction

between variables but not manipulate them. An example would be a survey conducted to
determine the shopping habits of a population.

Exploratory Research: There is no prior information regarding a topic in hand in this type
of research. It identifies things of interest and those variables to which they should return. An
example would be a causation study of a new illness.

Causal Research: It is research aimed at determining cause-and-effect relationships among

variables. For instance, studies in the impact of air pollution on human health are explanatory
research.

Qualitative Research: It is research that deals with understanding people's experiences,

feelings, or behaviors in the form of non-numerical data, for example, interviews, case
studies, or focus groups. Qualitative research is extremely prevalent in the social sciences.

Quantitative Research: This research deals with data that can be measured and statistical
calculation in order to seek patterns and correlations. Surveys and experiments are common
tools involved in quantitative research.
Correlational Research: This research examines the correlation of two or more variables
without manipulating them. A study of the correlation between sleeping patterns and grades
would be an example of correlational research.

(b) Eight steps of research procedures

The research process typically involves the following steps:

1. Identification of the Research Problem: The first step is to identify a problem or an issue
to be researched. It can be a knowledge gap, social issue, or an area that has not been
researched adequately.

2. Literature Review: A thorough reading of the existing research has to be done in order to
determine the state of the art on the topic. This specifies and focuses gaps and also sharpens
the study question.

3. Hypothesis Formulation: A hypothesis is a statement or prediction of an empirical nature

concerning a relationship between variables. It provides direction to the study and is tested
during the research.

4. Research Design: The research strategy is chosen in this phase

i.e., will the research be quantitative or qualitative and deciding data collection method (e.g.,
experiments, surveys, interviews). 5. Data Collection: The researcher gathers data based on
the research methods used. This may involve distributing questionnaires, performing
experiments, or observing behavior. Validity and reliability of data matter at this point.

6. Data Analysis: The data gathered should thus be analyzed for pattern, trend, or
relationship. Depending on the nature of the study, statistical packages or qualitative coding
processes may be used.

7. Interpretation of Results: Interpretation of results is the phase where the findings answer
the research question, and the implications of the findings in support or against the hypothesis
are determined by researchers.

8. Conclusion and Reporting: The final step entails the drawing of conclusions from the
result, implications on recommendations, and recommendations for future study. A research
paper or report with methodology, findings, and references is ultimately documented.
(c) What is a research hypothesis? How is it stated? And what is its importance in scientific
research (10 Marks)

Research hypothesis is a clear and testable prediction or statement of the relation between
two or more variables. It constitutes the heart of the scientific method and the foundation of
empirical study. A hypothesis is made to be tested by experiment or observational studies,
and it can be confirmed or rejected by the accumulated data.

A hypothesis may be stated in any of the following forms:

1. Null Hypothesis (Ho): It states that there is no relationship or effect between the variables.
For example, "There is no relationship between sleep and grades."

2. Alternative Hypothesis (Hi): It states that there is a relationship or effect between the
variables. For example, "More sleep improves grades."

Significance of Research Hypothesis in Scientific Study:

Guiding Research: The hypothesis directs researchers to put their attention and determine the
research design, approach, and data gathering methods.

2. Providing Direction: It provides a clear direction to the research, determining what is to be

examined, thus rendering the research process more oriented and focused.

3. Testing Hypotheses: A hypothesis allows researchers to test current theory and

assumptions regarding a problem and validate or invalidate them with empirical facts.

4. Facilitating Data Analysis: A hypothesis makes data analysis easier by allowing

researchers to account for findings with the help of what is being examined.

5. Promotion of Scientific Knowledge: Hypotheses are crucial in promoting scientific

knowledge in the sense that they allow scientists to test or falsify claims and add to what is
known.

6. Encouraging Objectivity: Hypothesis-making avoids bias in research by developing a

testable, specific prediction rather than permitting researchers to dictate the direction of the
research as a function of what they might happen to suppose or anticipate.

A good hypothesis is essentially required to direct scientific activities so that the research is
kept concentrated and purposeful

References:
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches (4th ed.). Sage publications.

Kumar, R. (2019). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (5th ed.). Sage
publications.

Neuman, W. L. (2013). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th
ed.). Pearson Education.

Robson, C. (2011). Real world research (3rd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.