This document discusses research, including the definition of research, objectives of research, and the research process. It defines research as a scientific investigation into a problem to find solutions. The objectives of research are listed as gaining familiarity with a phenomenon, accurately portraying characteristics of a situation or group, finding solutions to problems, and testing hypotheses. The research process involves defining the problem, literature review, hypothesis formulation, research design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and hypothesis testing. Data collection methods and types are also discussed.

1. Research is a scientific investigation into a specific problem for the purpose of finding
solution to it.
It is a process of discovering solution to a problem through the planned and systematic
collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
Research is the most important process for advancing knowledge to the society that will
enable man to relate more effectively to his environment.
Research consist of several types which are basic research, Applied Research, Evaluation
research, Action research, Exploratory research, Descriptive research and Explanatory
research.
OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH
I. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it. It Explore
the subject matter. Research provides an understanding to the subject that is being
studied.
II. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group.
It makes a description about phenomena. It aims at giving profile to a situation or a
problem.
III. To find a solution to a social or managerial problem
IV. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are known
as hypothesis-testing research studies).
V. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associate
with something else (studies with this object in view are known as diagnostic research
studies).

2. RESEARCH PROCESS
Research process is the series of actions/steps necessary to carry out a research. It is a
procedure that is significant for a research to be accomplished within the constraints of time
and for it to yield fruitful and timely results and conclusion.
The research process consist of the following
1. Defining the research problem
2. Literature review
3. Hypothesis formulation
4. Research design
5. Data collection
6. Data analysis
7. Interpretation
8. Verification and hypothesis testing
9. Preparation of project report
1. DEFINING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
A research problem refers as the difficulty either in theoretical or practical that a researcher
wants to obtain a solution. It is a first step in research process that a researcher needs to
identify a problem and show the reason for its existence.
Defining the research problem will give an overview on different things such as what kind of
data to be collected and what techniques to be used for the purpose
The techniques/process involved in defining the problem are as follows
I. Statement of the problem in general way
II. Understanding the nature of the problem

3. III. Surveying the available literature
IV. Developing ideas through discussion
The discussion can be with one’s own colleagues or with those having some expertise in the
matter that is on research. It can also be possible by discussing with the individuals that are
facing the problem
V. Rephrasing the research problem
The most important thing in problem identification is that the selected subject for research
should be familiar and feasible that there is a big possibility for achievement after finishing
the research.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
A literature review is a body of text that aims to review the critical points of current
knowledge regarding the problem which undergoing the research. Literature review use
secondary sources of data and it include two main parts.
I. Review of concepts and theories
This involves collecting the literature available from books and reports which is relevant to
the study. For example if a researcher does a research regarding HIV/AIDS, he must find
related books and reports that will give him an understanding regarding HIV/AIDS.
Reviewing concepts and theories will give the researcher the total overall understanding of the
matter that is he is currently working on.
II. Empirical review of other researchers workers
The empirical review focus on findings of other researchers works which are related to the
problem that is undergoing the research. It looks on methodologies and theories covered in
their research. This help the researcher to identify weakness on the previous researches such
as things which were not covered, finding more efficient way to collect ,present and
interpretation of data regarding the problem that the researcher currently working on.
The ultimate goal in literature review is to bring the researcher with up to date current
literature on a topic regarding to what data and other materials available that will help
researcher to specify his own research problem in a meaningful context.

4. 3. HYPOTHESIS FORMULATION
A hypothesis is an idea or explanation that is based on a few known facts but that has not yet
been proved to be true or correct. The hypothesis indicates the expected outcomes the
investigation.
A researcher needs to prepare a working hypothesis.
A working hypothesis is tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or
empirical consequences. The basis for the formulation of working hypothesis is the causes of
the problem which are under the approach of the researcher.
The statement of working hypothesis consists of the two aspects: action and goal. It indicates
that the action should be taken for achieving the goal. Hypothesis should be very specific and
related to the research since it affects the way in which tests must be conducted in the analysis
of data.
The function of hypothesis is to keep the researcher on the right track on his research and
limit him to matters which are not related to research. It guides him in data collection process
by indicating him the type of data required on his study as well as the efficient method of data
analysis on his collected data.
4. RESEARCH DESIGN
A research design is a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for collecting and
analysing the needed information. It shows how the researcher conducts the research.
It includes identifying sampling procedures and data collection techniques
The purpose of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant evidence with
minimal expenditure of effort, time and money. The preparation of the research design,
appropriate for a particular research problem, involves usually the consideration of the
following:
I. The means of obtaining information
II. The availability and skills of the researcher and his stuffs(if any)
III. Explanation of the way in which selected means of obtaining information will be
organised and the reasoning leading to the selection

5. IV. the time available for research
V. The cost factor relating to research, i.e., the finance available for the purpose.
SAMPLING PROCIDURE
Sampling is the process or technique of selecting a suitable sample, or a representative part of
a population for the purpose of determining parameters or characteristics of the whole
population. Sampling consists of obtaining information from a portion of a larger group.
It is a process where by a researcher decide the way of selecting a sample in his sample design
A sample is a finite part of a statistical population whose properties are studied to gain
information about the whole population.
A population is a group of individuals’ persons, objects, or items from which samples are
taken for measurement for example a population of professors, books or students.
The purpose of sampling is to draw conclusion about populations from samples.
For example, A student who has just finished A level that aims on joining higher education
institution, May be he has heard a lot about CBE regarding the quality of teaching they
provide to students and he is curious to find out about CBE, He may do research to CBE
students to understand about the quality of teaching they receive. The student decides to use
interview method of data collection, but since CBE is full of students, and he can not
interview all of them, so what he can do is sampling procedure by selecting sample in the
population. He may select a Sample of 10 students in each course available at CBE, the
results obtained from these samples will represent the entire quality of education that all
students receive at CBE
METHODS OF SAMPLING
I. PROBABILITY SAMPLING
Probability sampling is the one where by each element has a known probability of being
included in the sample. It is a method of sampling that utilizes some form of random
selection.
Probability sampling consists of Simple random sampling, cluster sampling, systematic
sampling, combination sampling and stratified random sampling.

6. II. NON PROBABILITY SAMPLING
This is the sampling that involves a process which does not give all the individuals in the
population equal chances of being selected.
Subjects in non probability sample are usually selected on the basis of their accessibility or by
the purposive personal judgment of the researcher.
Non probability sampling consist of Quota, Judgement, Convenience, Snowball
All in all Sampling is very important as it saves time since a sample may provide the needed
information quickly.
DATA COLLECTION IN RESEARCH DESIGN
The research design outlines
I. How much data to be collected
II. What kind of data to be collected: Primary or secondary or both
III. Modes of data collection
5. DATA COLLECTION
Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest,
in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research questions, test
hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes
Data collection process involves collecting information to discover or prove some facts so as
to enable the researcher to make appropriate conclusion/ decision on a subject matter under
study.
A researcher needs to consider about his data collection techniques and the sources of
information before collecting data.

7. TYPES OF DATA
I. PRIMARY DATA
This is the data type that is obtained directly from first-hand sources which is gathered
directly from respondent/ source. Primary data consist of information collected by the person
who is doing the research and it is considered to be more accurate since it is collected by the
researcher himself.
Primary data is the original data and has never been published before. Primary data is also
known as raw data, it has not been processed.
The sources in collecting data in primary data are known as primary sources.
The main disadvantage in primary data collection is time consuming and cost a lot in
obtaining information from the respondents/sources, e.g. preparing questionnaires, sending
questionnaires to respondents do cost
METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION IN PRIMARY DATA
A. QUESTIONNAIRE
Questionnaires refer to the series of questions in a written form in which the respondent is
supposed to fill in answers in response to a given study. The researcher prepares a series of
questions to be answered by the respondent for the purpose of obtaining information.
The questions need to be simple and understandable to the respondent.
TYPES OF QUESTIONS IN QUESTIONNAIRE
OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS
These are questions that give a respondent freedom to give his/her own answers in a given
questions.
For example, why do you think a lot of students fail at primary level of education? With this
question a respondent may answer it the way he desire.

8. CLOSED ENDED QUESTIONS
These are questions in which a respondent is given the alternative answers to select in
response to the given questions.
Example: Have you ever travelled out of Tanzania?
a. Yes b. No
From the above question, the answer is already given; a respondent is required to select one
answer to the given alternatives
Questionnaire may include both type of questions or a single type of question depending on
the researcher’s needs.
Questionnaire can also be classified according to mode of administration or how they are
administered.
SELF ADMINISTERED QUESTIONNAIRE
It is one self administered questionnaire; the researcher himself interacts directly with
respondents. He goes to the respondent and administers the questions.
This is considered to be very efficient as it gives fast results to the researcher as well as a
chance for clarification of questions to the respondents.
MAILED QUESTIONNAIRE
Mailed questionnaire is the one that a researcher prepares his questions, select his respondents
and send his questions via Email or postal box.
Mailed questionnaire save time and money.
For example if a researcher is doing research in 5 cities, he may use mailed questionnaire.
This is going to save time as well as travelling expenses for researcher.

9. B. INTERVIEW
Interview is an interactive process between the interviewer and interviewee in the course of
data collection for a particular study.
On interview there is interaction between the researcher and the respondent, where by the
researcher collects the data personally, He approaches the respondents and collects the
information. This method requires the researcher to be aware of the environment and
languages of his intended respondents.
TYPES OF INTERVIEW
STRUCTURED INTERVIEW
This is an interview in which questions are standardized, they contain the same wording
sequences and they are presented to the respondents with exactly same questions and order
that are identical to every respondent.
A researcher prepares questions that are standardized and fixed. These questions will be
identical and follow the same series of questions during asking to individuals who are
expected to be interviewed.
A researcher may ask questions systematically starting from 1 to 10 to all individuals and not
asking questions randomly.
For example: A researcher do not ask question 4, then follow 1 or 6 to respondent but follow
a specific series starting 1 to 10 to all individuals.
UNSTRUCTURED INTERVIEW
Unstructured interview is an interview in which neither the question nor the answer categories
are predetermined. They rely on social interaction between the researcher and respondent to
extract information.
Unstructured interview is an interview in which questions are not prearranged, allowing for
spontaneity and for questions to develop during the course of the interview.
Unstructured interviews allow questions based on an interviewee's responses
On unstructured interview there is no predetermined question and it is not standardized.

10. Unstructured interview is mostly used when the researcher is not fully aware of the subject
matter.
C. OBSERVATION
Observation is a fundamental method of picking up detailed information about the subject
being studied. It involves selection and recording of behaviours of subjects in their
environment. In observation researchers view participants in their natural environment and
collect information in their own observation without interviewing the respondents.
The major problem in observation is that natural response is not obtained when respondent
knows he is observed.
D. FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION
It is a method of primary data collection in which a group of people is asked about their
perception, opinions, beliefs and altitudes towards the subject being studied.
Focus groups quickly and inexpensively reveal a target audience’s desires, experiences,
attitudes, and priorities. Focus group makes it possible for people to share their views on
issues and assumptions that are related to the study.
Researcher need to make sure that the participants in the focus are interested in the matter that
is being on study for him to yield useful insights about the information obtained from them.
The important thing in focus groups is to allow conversations to flow and develop, rather than
to encourage the answers that researcher expects.
The Focus group process include creating a schedule, Defining users/participants in the
discussion, Defining the scope/ aim of the research, choosing Topics for discussion and
creating the discussion guide

11. II. SECONDARY DATA
This is the second hand information which has already been collected by someone. Secondary
data consist of any information collected by someone else other than the researcher which is
expected to be in the research study. It involves information gathered from published
materials.
The sources in collecting secondary data are known as secondary sources. These Sources of
secondary data include the internet, libraries, museums, company reports, newspaper etc
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION IN SECONDARY DATA
DOCUMENTARY REVIEW
This method collects data on already published materials. It includes all data that have been
published by others.
The main sources of data collection in documentary review include published resources such
as international publication, government publication, journals, official records and books.
DIFFERENCES BEWTEEN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DATA
PRIMARY DATA SECONDARY DATA
1.It is a real time data It is a past data
2.It is costly and time consuming process It is cheap and no time consuming process
3.It is more flexible It is less flexible
4.it uses observation, questionnaires, focused
group discussion and interview in data
collection
It uses documentary review method in its
data collection.
6. DATA ANALYSIS

12. This is the process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modelling data with the goal of
highlighting useful information, suggesting conclusions, and supporting decision making. It is
a process that follows after data collection.
Data Analysis includes Data Cleaning, Grouping and Tabulation, Cross Tabulation, Graphical
and Diagrammatic Presentation of Data, Use of Statistical Tools and Techniques on the
classified data, etc
DATA ANALYSIS PROCESS
I. DATA CLEANING
This is the first process in data analysis that includes checking data consistency and removal
of erroneous data.
II. INITIAL DATA ANALYSIS
The second stage in data analysis process that checks data quality using statistical and other
methods, Analysing of extreme and missing observation, comparison and correction of
differences in coding schemes.
III. MAIN DATA ANALYSIS
The last process in data analysis that involves two main stages which are Exploratory or
Confirmatory Approach and Use of Higher Statistical and Analytical Techniques Analysis
7. INTERPRETATION
Interpretation is the process of explaining the results found in the data analysis. It is the
process by which meaning is attached to data that has been analysed.
It is the stage that follows after data analysis, where by a researcher need to interpret his
results after getting them and state why there is that results and come up with the conclusion
on the matter that is being on researched.
Interpretation requires skill, imagination and creativity by a researcher for him to interpret the
analysed data correctly. The process of interpretation may quite often trigger off new
questions which in turn may lead to further researches.

13. For example if a researcher is doing research regarding HIV/AIDS awareness in the villages
and obtain results of 80% who understand about HIV and 20% who do not understand about
HIV, He need to explain why he got 80 and 20 percent during his analysis.
8. VERIFICATION AND HYPOTHESIS TESTING
This stage follows after data analysing where by a researcher test for hypothesis he had
formulated earlier. Hypothesis testing will either result in either accepting the hypothesis or in
rejecting it.
METHODS FOR HYPOTHESIS TESTING
CHI SQUARE TEST: It checks if the categorical data are independent or are dependent on
each other
ANOVA: analysis of variance
ANOCOVA: analysis of co-variance
F TEST: It is designed to test if variances of two different data are equal or not
The hypothesis test may be tested using one or more of these tests depending upon the nature
and object of research
9. PREPARATION OF PROJECT REPORT
This is the last process in research where by a researcher prepares a report on what he has
done. The research report consists of Executive Summary, Table of Contents, Introduction,
Research Objectives, Research Methodology, Analysis, Findings, Limitations, Suggestions
and Bibliography.
All in all a research process should be done effectively and efficiently for it to provide answer
to the problem which has undergone trough the study. If it is not well done, it won’t give
satisfactory results.
REFERENCES
http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-the-definition-for-primary-data

14. http://schatz.sju.edu/methods/sampling/intro.html
http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-secondary-data
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/unstructured_interviews.htm
http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/assessment/assessing-community-needs-and-
resources/conduct-focus-groups/main
http://srmo.sagepub.com/view/the-a-z-of-social-research/n56.xml
C.R.KOTHARI (2004): Research methodology methods and techniques 2nd
edition
Y.K SINGH (2006): FUNDAMENTALS OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND
STATICS