By Bakampa Brian Baryaguma
[Dip. Law (First Class)–LDC; Cert. Oil & Gas–Mak; LLB
(Hons)–Mak]
bakampasenior@gmail.com;
www.huntedthinker.blogspot.ug
August 2022
1.
Introduction
According to Gradireland, a social researcher is a person who, “Designs,
manages and undertakes research projects that aim to investigate social issues
such as employment, unemployment, gender, health, education and social policy.”[1]
Denis Asiimwe Katebire avers that the purpose of a social researcher is to
explore, describe or analyse social phenomena or events.[2] From Katebire’s
averment, it can be deduced that a social researcher is a person who explores,
describes or analyses social phenomena or events.
The term methodology
is fairly easy to understand, but not easy to define. According to Denis
Asiimwe Katebire, “Research methodology
[i]s an attempt by scholars and researchers to
validate the rationale behind the selected research design and provide
justification of why it is appropriate in solving the selected
research problem. Generally, in a methodology there is an overall
philosophical approach to the problem.”[3] For their part, J. W. Buckley, M. H. Buckley and H.
Chiang define research methodology as, "the strategy or architectural
design by which the researcher maps out an approach to problem-finding or
problem-solving."[4] Alternatively, PhD Monster states that, “Research methodology is a scientific
and logical technique that helps you decide on an appropriate research method
to collect data.”[5] I deduce from these definitions that methodology is a
systematic plan for scientifically and logically addressing a research matter
or problem.
The methodology section in a research paper, thesis or
dissertation comprises the following:
(i)
Research
design – describes the nature and pattern the research intends to follow;
(ii)
Research
approaches – qualitative vis-à-vis quantitative;
(iii)
Description
of geographical area and population of study;
(iv)
Description
of population to be sampled;
(v)
Sampling
strategies used in selecting representative elements or population subjects;
(vi)
Data
collection methods, including instruments and procedures to be used;
(vii)
Data
quality control i.e. reliability and validity of instruments used in data collection;
(viii)
Measurements
i.e. formulae or scales in the study; and
(ix)
Data
analysis, involving organization and interpretation of data generated.[6]
2.
Considerations for Selecting Appropriate Methodology
There is nothing like methodology in the abstract. Methodology
applies in a given setting where some preconditions must exist. As such
therefore, selecting an appropriate methodology is premised on many underlying considerations
that a researcher must put in place. The following are the notable ones.
1.
Concept
The first thing is to have a concept. A concept is an
idea that one is interested in. If the researcher’s idea is to determine the
relationship of one thing to another, then he would need to use quantitative
methodology that can help him collect statistical data, with which to make clear
numerical descriptions or inferences. On the other hand, if the researcher’s
idea is to explore things like characteristics, reasons, opinions, perceptions
and motivations, then the qualitative research methodology is ideal because these
cannot be easily statistically quantified,[7] but can best be easily
stated verbally or non-numerically.
2.
Variables
A variable is a non-constant object of enquiry.[8]
Like the name suggests, it is something that varies – as opposed to something
that is deemed, within a research setting, to be fixed and unchanging.[9]
It is a characteristic of a person, object or phenomenon, which can take on different
values.[10]
Variables can be numerical or quantitative, for
example age, distance, weight, income, etc.[11] They can also be
categorical i.e. can be expressed in terms of categories, for example colour of
eyes, blood group, sex, staple food of a locality,[12] political party
affiliation, etc.
If a researcher is dealing with numerical or
quantitative variables, he will use quantitative methodology that enables
statistical analysis of phenomena and expression of findings. But if the
researcher is handling categorical variables, he will need qualitative
methodology that can be used to for instance verbally describe the nature of
population sampled.
3.
Hypotheses and Research Questions
Research is always a targeted endeavour, focusing on
specific matters of interest to the researcher and therefore interested in
specific answers to those matters. Being, “… starting point, clear assumptions
about the likely relationships between the variables to be studied, or … clear
questions about such relationships,”[13] hypotheses and research
questions determine the kind of data needed to verify or answer those
assumptions and questions.[14]
(a)
Hypotheses
According to Denis Asiimwe Katebire,
“A hypothesis is a tentative
assumption made in order to draw out and
test its logical and
empirical consequences. It is a proposition that is
stated in testable form and
predicts a particular relationship or lack of it
between two or more
variables. … it must be a statement of fact and susceptible to empirical
investigation.”[15] Therefore a hypothesis is a statement of
expectation or prediction that will be tested by research. It expresses
expectation of or predicts the relationship between variables.
There are two kinds of hypotheses: statistical
hypothesis / null hypothesis, which is a statement claiming or predicting
equality between the variables under study;[16] and a research
hypothesis / alternative hypothesis, which is a statement of inequality between
the variables under study.[17]
Katebire avers that, “Hypotheses are a feature of quantitative
studies which require statistical tests to prove or refute them, although
research hypotheses are also used in qualitative studies.”[18] It
follows from this that where a researcher assumes some things by way of
hypotheses, he necessarily involves quantitative methodology to experimentally or
statistically prove or disprove the existence, accuracy or otherwise of the
things assumed at the commencement of the study. But where research hypotheses
are concerned, the researcher uses qualitative methodology to explore or
discover the reality of things assumed.
(b)
Research
Questions
In simple terms, a research question is a question
that a research study sets out to answer.[19] It is a concise interrogative
statement, normally stated in the present simple tense.[20] Research
questions normally focus on what variables are to be described and what
relationship might exist among them.[21]
A research question determines the methodology to use
depending on how it is crafted. If it is a how
or why format, then qualitative methodology
will be used[22] because how
or why questions tend to be
open-ended, providing direct quotations and make the researcher an integral
part of the study,[23] thus being best achieved in an explorative
manner: a key element of qualitative research.[24] If however, the
research question is crafted in a where
or when format, then quantitative
methodology will be used in the study[25] because where and when require objective methods that attempt to remove the
investigator from the investigation, which can best be achieved in a
quantitative approach.[26] But if a research question is coined in what fashion, then mixed research[27]
methodology will be used because answering the what will most likely require a blend of both verbal descriptions
(qualitative) and numerical analysis (quantitative), since both techniques will
be mixed in a single study.
4.
Frame of Reference
A reference is something turned to or gone to for
information, guidance, etc. Thus, a frame of reference informs, guides or
shapes a research study. This is a framework within which to conduct a research
study.[28] More technically, “A frame of reference is a theoretical
analysis or abstract conceptualization that places the study within a context
of meaningful reference.”[29] The American Psychological Association
defines the term frame of reference
in psychology terms, but their definition can be helpful in helping us
understand it. They say that a frame of reference, “in social psychology, [is] the
set of assumptions or criteria by which a person or group judges ideas,
actions, and experiences.”[30] From this definition we may infer
that in social research, frame of reference is a set of assumptions or criteria
by which a researcher judges social phenomena or events.
The framework (whether theoretical or conceptual)
comprises concepts or variables, their relationship to one another and a basic
theory explaining them.[31] A frame of reference is very important
because it determines the methodology to use during research in two main ways:
(a)
on
basis of concepts and variables – if the framework identifies comparative ones in
the sense of determining relationships, then quantitative methodologies will be
used; but if the concepts and variables are exploratory, inquiring into new
phenomena and events, then qualitative methodologies are to be used; and
(b)
on
theoretical or conceptual basis – if there is a dominant theory that explains
the state of things as are presently, then that theory should be interrogated
more for veracity and accuracy which requires qualitative methodologies; but if
there are different explanations for various perceptions of or ideas about the subject
of study, then quantitative methodology would be ideal to explain or predict
the more authentic one.
5.
Appropriate Data Collection Instruments
A data collection instrument is a tool used to collect
research data. Using appropriate tools is crucial because, “Accurate and
systematic data collection is critical to conducting scientific [and social]
research.”[32] Examples of data collection instruments are
questionnaires, interviews, observations, experiments and scales (including
measuring and weighing tapes).[33]
Data collection instruments are appropriate if and
when they produce valid and reliable results. The instruments chosen must possess
certain qualities and standards so as to collect data that is acceptable as
appropriate and authentic.[34] Appropriateness and authenticity are determined
by the validity and reliability of the data collected,[35] which
inevitably depends on the kind of data collection instrument used. This is how
critical the data collection instrument is. And so, a researcher must ensure
that the right tools are in place while selecting a methodology to use in the
course of study. Interestingly, the instrument chosen to collect the data will also
depend on the type of data planned on collecting (qualitative, quantitative or mixed)
and how it is planned to collect it.[36] The most used data collection
instruments are questionnaires, interviews and observations.[37]
(a)
Questionnaires
Invented by Sir Francis Galton, “A questionnaire is a
data collection instrument consistent of a series of questions and other
prompts for the purpose of gathering information from respondents.”[38]
Questionnaires are best suited for quantitative methodology,[39]
where data collected is objective (i.e. not subject to individual tastes and
preferences) and is statistically significant representing a large sample of
the population covered.[40]
But questionnaires are also ideal for mixed
methodology, measuring both qualitative / subjective data and quantitative /
objective data.[41] This usually happens in situations where respondents
are asked to explain their previous choice, hence inviting inclusion of
personal perceptions and attitudes in the study.
(b)
Interviews
Interviews are active interactions between two or more
people leading to a negotiated contextually based result.[42] Data
is collected by asking questions through listening to individuals, recording,
filming their responses, or a combination of methods.[43] Interviews
are popular as a data-collection tool because of their flexibility.[44]
They can be structured or semi structured to generate insights and concepts.[45]
It is important to hold interviews because they help the researcher understand
other people’s constructions of reality in their terms and in a depth which
addresses the rich context that is the substance of their meanings.[46]
Interviews are a tool mainly for the collection of
qualitative data,[47] and so they are best suited for qualitative
methodologies like probing, which enable collecting complex information with a higher
proportion of opinion-based information.[48]
(c)
Observations
Observation is a systematic data-collecting technique
that involves watching people or things in their natural environment or in a
naturally occurring situation.[49] It can cover individuals, groups
and whole communities.[50] The researcher cum observer can participate
at different levels ranging from wholly participant to non-participant.[51]
Data is collected through field notes, video or audio recordings.[52]
Observation is most suitable for qualitative
methodologies which permit searching for patterns, themes and holistic
features, in order to generate new hypotheses and theories grounded in the data
collected.
But if observations are coded to exact numerical data,
this instrument can be used in quantitative methodologies by summarizing the data
and identifying statistical relationships.
3.
Conclusion
Methodology is very vital for the success of a
research activity or project. Selecting the appropriate methodology is
dependent on many considerations as discussed above. A researcher should put those
considerations in place at the start of the research study.
REFERENCES
[1] Gradireland, ‘Social researcher’ (2022). Accessed online at https://gradireland.com/careers-advice/job-descriptions/social-researcher,
on 12 April 2022, at 16:01 GMT.
[2] Denis Asiimwe Katebire, Social
Research Methodology: An Introduction (2007), at 15.
[3] Ibid., at 19.
[4] J. W. Buckley,
M. H. Buckley and H. Chiang, Research
Methodology & Business Decisions (1976). Accessed
online at https://maaw.info/ArticleSummaries/ArtSumBuckley76.htm#:~:text=The%20authors%20define%20research%20methodology,six%20parts%20as%20indicated%20below.,
on 12 April 2022, at 12:47 GMT.
[5] PhD Monster, ‘Factors
to Consider while Choosing the Right Research Methodology’ (2019). Accessed
online at https://www.phdmonster.com/factors-to-consider-while-choosing-the-right-research-methodology/,
on 9 April 2022, at 13:00 GMT.
[6] Makerere
University, ‘Guidelines for the Format of Research Proposals, Research Reports,
Thesis and Dissertations’ (2011), at 4.
[7] See Denis Asiimwe Katebire, supra note 2, at 9, for the difference between qualitative and
quantitative research.
[8] Lee Harvey,
‘Social Research Glossary’ Quality
Research International (2022). Accessed online at https://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/socialresearch/variable.htm#:~:text=The%20object%20of%20enquiry%2C%20treated,gender%20and%20party%20political%20preference.,
on 12 April 2022, at 18:06 GMT.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Denis Asiimwe Katebire, supra note 2, at 19.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Ibid.
[13] Ibid., at 26.
[14] Ibid.
[15] Ibid.
[16] Ibid.
[17] Ibid., at 27.
[18] Ibid.
[19]
Wikipedia, ‘Research question’ (2022). Accessed online at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_question,
on 13 April 2022, at 05:11 GMT.
[20] Denis Asiimwe Katebire, supra note 2, at 27.
[21] Ibid.
[22] Wikipedia, supra note 19.
[23] Denis Asiimwe Katebire, supra note 2, at 62.
[24] Ibid., at 15.
[25] Wikipedia, supra note 19.
[26] Denis Asiimwe Katebire, supra note 2, at 62.
[27] Ibid., at 8, defines mixed research as,
“… that one in which quantitative and qualitative techniques are mixed in a
single study.”
[28] Ibid., at 28.
[29] Ibid.
[30] American Psychological Association, APA Dictionary of Psychology (2022).
Accessed online at https://dictionary.apa.org/frame-of-reference,
on 13 April 2022, at 08:07 GMT.
[31] Denis Asiimwe Katebire, supra note 2, at 28.
[32] Dr. Karim
Abawi, ‘Data Collection Instruments (Questionnaire & Interview)’ (2014), at
2. Accessed online at https://www.gfmer.ch/SRH-Course-2013/Geneva-Workshop/pdf/Data-collection-instruments-Abawi-2014.pdf,
on 13 April 2022, at 12:00 GMT.
[33] Coventry
University, ‘Data-collecting instruments: An overview of instruments to collect
qualitative or quantitative data for analysis’ FutureLearn (2022). Accessed online at https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/research-construction-management/0/steps/75098,
on 13 April 2022, at 08:40 GMT.
[34] Denis Asiimwe Katebire, supra note 2, at 29.
[35] Ibid.
[36] Coventry
University, supra note 33.
[37] Ibid.
[38] Dr. Karim
Abawi, supra note 32, at 3.
[39] Coventry
University, supra note 33; Dr. Karim Abawi, supra
note 32, at 10.
[40] Dr. Karim
Abawi, supra note 32, at 10.
[41] Ibid.
[42] Coventry
University, supra note 33.
[43] Dr. Karim
Abawi, supra note 32, at 11.
[44] Coventry
University, supra note 33.
[45] Ibid.
[46] Ibid.
[47] Ibid.
[48] Dr. Karim
Abawi, supra note 32, at 13.
[49] Coventry
University, supra note 33.
[50] Ibid.
[51] Ibid.
[52] Ibid.
