Gives proper understanding for search

1. INTRODUCTION TO SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
According to the Cambridge edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica (1911),
etymologically, the word research is from the French word chercher, meaning ‘to
search for ‘and the Latin word ‘circare’ meaning ‘to go round in a circle’. Research
is an investigation aimed at discovery facts. Any type of investigation that is based
on original sources of knowledge is regarded as research. Research is an
investigation for the verification of fresh theory or for enriching existing theories
by fresh knowledge (Ahmadu, 2003).
What is research?
Research is an investigation aimed at discovering fact or relationship or problems
about a phenomenon in the universe.
Concept of Research
The term research is a process aimed at producing reliable solution to problems
through planned systematic collection, organization, analysis and interpretation of
data. It is a purposeful planned activities aimed at investigating and subsequently
discovering facts, relationship or problems which characterize a given
phenomenon (Bakari and Mohammed, 2007)
Basic Reasons for Embarking on Research
a. Research can be conducted to satisfy personal curiosity
b. For solving societal problems

2. c. For the advancement of knowledge
d. For promoting individual, community or national progress
e. For the discovery of relationships among phenomena in the universe
f. For refuting inadmissible view point of scholarly work
Types of Research
Research is described as either
i. Basic (Pure) research is a fact finding research that tries to discover a
phenomenon or an event. In carrying out pure research, the researcher
tries to answer the questions ‘what is or what are? For example what is
the nature of soil in Zamfara state?
ii. (ii) Applied research sometimes called expository research tries to
expose an event or phenomenon. It is aimed at discovering why certain
events or phenomenon happen, hence, it answers the question ‘why’?
Under applied research, it is assumed that the problem of investigation
exist or has been already established. For instance, a student of the
department of radiography, who excelled in year one, two and three with
‘A’ grades failed year four, and the department wants to know the cause
of the failure. The study carried out to know why, is certainly, an applied
research. Pure and applied researches are the two main types of research,
however, should not be regarded as classification of research.
Main Classifications Research;

3. i. Survey research; studies the population or the phenomenon under
investigation. Under survey research the researcher is faced with all the
issues or objects in the population. Therefore, the survey researcher
selects or samples from the population from the objects of the population
using some techniques of sampling. The samples should be drawn
carefully for intensive study of the characteristics of the population. The
techniques used in selecting the sample will determine the ability of the
researcher to generalize his findings for the whole population.
Statisticians advised that the strict rules of random sampling techniques
should be maintained by the researcher for the valid generalization of the
findings of the sample for the entire population.
The method of investigation in survey research begins with data
collection, organization, analysis, interpretation, conclusion and
generalization
Instruments for data collection
1. Mail Questionnaire
Mail Questionnaire carries carefully structured instructions and questions
seeking for an answer that is sent to respondents who may not have the
opportunity of seeing and asking for clarification from the interviewer.
Characteristics of mail questionnaire
i. It only operates in a literate community
ii. The research is expected to be very effective in communication techniques
iii. It is accompanied by a covering letter, containing purpose of the study
and use of the findings and it ends by seeking for the respondent’s
cooperation.
iv. It is accompanied by stamped self-addressed envelope for returning
completed questionnaire

4. v. It carries a promise of confidentiality
2. Personal interview; involves a person seeking the information called the
interviewer and the person giving the information called the respondent.
The interviewer meets the respondents and asks questions and records the
response himself. The topic and the pattern of discussion are guided by the
interviewer.
3. Observations are used in some study situations where the researcher
can collects data on watching and recoding information. Observations
include motoring behavioral activities and conditions of sample objects. On
behavioral observation is used in recording physical processes and
conditions such as weather to see if its rain, was bright, or cloudy.
Behavioural observation is used in non-verbal analysis, linguistic analysis
and spatial analysis (i.e. how we relate physically to others).
4. Participant observations require the person seeking the information to
participate and observe to get the information required from the population
of study. For instance a researcher who wants to conduct a research on the
behaviours of prisoners can only get the correct information if he pretends
to be one of them and lives with them. Same applied to those studying the
behaviours armed robbers and drug barons
Experimental research; tries to uncover the nature of relationships
among variables. Sometimes experiments can be planned to suit the
researcher (i.e. the researcher may manipulates) and the experiment can be
performed the way the research wants it, hence the control, rejection and
elimination of certain variables existing in the situation.
Experimentation is carried out in two ways

5. i. Field experiment
ii. ii. Laboratory experiment
Under experimental research, laboratory apparatus and equipments
are use in the collection of the information and observation of the
experiments under investigation.
3. Ex-Post Facto Research; under this type of research the event of
investigation has already taken place. Ex-post facto research means
‘after the event. for instance if there is fire disaster or communal
clash in a particular community the government may decide to setup
a committee to find out the immediate and remote cause of such
disaster or communal clash. However, all the instruments use for
collecting data under survey research can be used for data collection
under the Ex-post factor research.
Research Methodology
Research methodology is described as the overall strategy used by the researcher in
collecting and analyzing data for the purpose of investigation of problems (Osuala,
1987). Methodology is a scientific ways of carrying out activities that formed the
research process. Research methodology is a philosophy adopted by the researcher
in carrying out the activities which constitute the research process (Bakari and
Mohammed, 2007).
The research process also described the research design is structured in the
following order;
i. Formulation of the problem
ii. Data collection
iii. Sample collection
iv. Data analysis and interpretation

6. v. Research reporting
Formulation of the Problem The research process usually begins with
formulation of Hypothesis; a tentative statement expressing the relationship
between two or more variables that can be verified at the end the findings; the
hypothesis should be planned for easy observation and easy determination of
statistical tools to be used; it should state the level of probability in which it will
be tested.
Data Collection A researcher collects information with a view to answering his
objectives, testing his hypothesis or answering his research questions. The data
could be primary or secondary. The primary data are the information collected in
the field for the purpose of the study intended. Data obtained from sources such as
records of organizations, internet sources, and other published and unpublished
documents
Sample Collection; A sample is a portion of the population selected for intensive
study in order to obtain some knowledge and make generalization about the
population it represents. A sample is selected from the population after a clear
definition of the population and identifying its characteristics. There are several
sampling techniques to choose from depending on the nature of the research
problem, the level of precision, purpose of the research and resource availability.
Sampling techniques such as systematic sapling, stratified sampling, purposive
sampling, random sampling and host of others are used in sample collection. The
use of samples in research minimizes labour, cost and save time.
Data Analysis and Interpretation; Data analysis is meant to provide answers to
your research questions or test your hypothesis by offering some explanation on
the outcome from the data. Data analysis also involves prediction and projection.

7. Basically, these also involved some statistical techniques. 2.9.1 Statistical
Techniques Used In Data Analysis a. Descriptive statistics presents the data inform
of tables, charts, diagrams, and graphs. However, the measure of central tendencies
such as (mean, median, and mode), proportions, percentages, range, variance and
deviations are all aspects of descriptive statistics used in answering research
questions. c.Inferential statistics involves predictions from the data using
regression analysis, linear programming, and moving averages. It also involves
probabilities based on normal, binomials and Poisson distributions used in testing
hypotheses.
Research Reporting This is the point at which a researcher is expected to
determine the extent to which objectives of his research are achieved and see if the
research has answered the research questions, prove or disprove the hypotheses.
The researcher is also expected to compare his results with other previous
researches and offer explanations. The researcher is also expected to discuss the
major findings and link the theoretical framework and literature review and make
personal judgment.