COMPONENTS OF THE RESEARCH PROCESS

key components:

1. Identifying the research question or objective: This involves clearly defining the purpose and scope of
the research, determining what information or knowledge is sought, and formulating a specific research
question or objective.

2. Literature review: Conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature and research related to
the topic of interest. This helps to identify gaps in knowledge, understand previous findings, and build a
foundation for the research.

3. Research design: Developing a research plan that outlines the overall approach, methodology, and
data collection methods to be used. This includes selecting appropriate research methods (e.g.,
qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods), determining the sample size and sampling technique, and
designing any necessary research instruments or tools.

4. Data collection: Gathering relevant data or information according to the chosen research design. This
can involve various methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, or analysis of
existing data.

5. Data analysis: Analyzing the collected data using appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis
techniques. This step aims to derive meaningful insights, identify patterns or trends, and draw
conclusions based on the data.

6. Interpretation and discussion of results: Interpreting the findings of the data analysis and discussing
their implications in relation to the research question or objective. This involves critically evaluating the
results, comparing them with existing literature, and providing explanations or interpretations.

7. Conclusion and recommendations: Summarizing the main findings of the research and drawing
conclusions based on the evidence. Additionally, providing recommendations for future research, policy
implications, or practical applications based on the research outcomes.

8. Reporting and dissemination: Communicating the research findings through a written report,
presentation, or publication. This step involves organizing the research findings in a clear and coherent
manner, adhering to appropriate academic or professional standards, and sharing the results with
relevant stakeholders or the wider community.

RESEARCH PROBLEM AND HYPOTHESIS

Definition of research problem and hypothesis

Research Problem: A research problem is a specific issue, difficulty, or gap in knowledge that a
researcher seeks to address through systematic investigation. It serves as the foundation for a research
study and guides the entire research process. A well-defined research problem typically includes
background information, a clear statement of the problem, its significance, objectives, and potential
implications.

Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a testable statement or prediction that suggests a relationship between

ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

• Statement of the Problem: Clearly articulating the issue or gap in knowledge that the research aims to
address.

•Background and Context: Providing relevant context and background information to help understand
the significance of the problem.

•Research Objectives or Questions: Clearly outlining the specific goals or questions the research seeks to
answer.

•Scope and Limitations: Defining the boundaries of the study, specifying what is included and excluded.

• Significance of the Study: Explaining why the research is important, its potential contributions, and
who might benefit from the findings.

• Literature Review: Summarizing existing research relevant to the problem to demonstrate familiarity
with prior work and identify gaps.

•Conceptual Framework: Presenting a theoretical framework or model that guides the study.

• Research Hypotheses or Propositions: If applicable, stating the expected outcomes or relationships to

• Variables and Definitions: Clearly defining the key concepts or variables used in the research.

• Methodology: Describing the research design, approach, data collection methods, and analysis
techniques.

•Ethical Considerations: Addressing any ethical issues associated with the research, including participant
rights and confidentiality.
•Assumptions and Delimitations: Acknowledging any assumptions made during the research and
outlining the study's limitations.

GUIDELINES IN THE SELECTION PROBLEM

Selecting a research problem is a crucial step in the research process. Here are some guidelines to
consider:

1. Interest and Relevance: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you and is relevant to your field of
study or discipline.

2. Originality: Aim for a research problem that contributes something new to the existing body of
knowledge in your field. Look for gaps in current literature or unresolved questions.

3. Feasibility: Ensure that the research problem is feasible within the constraints of time, resources, and
access to data or participants.

4. Clarity and Specificity: Define your research problem clearly and specifically. Avoid overly broad or
vague topics that are difficult to address effectively.

5. Significance: Consider the potential significance of your research problem. Will it address an
important issue, challenge current assumptions, or have practical implications?

6. Researchable: Make sure your research problem is researchable and can be investigated using
appropriate methods and techniques.

7. Alignment with Objectives: Ensure that your research problem aligns with the objectives of your study
and the research questions you intend to answer.

8. Ethical Considerations: Take into account any ethical considerations related to your research problem,
such as potential harm to participants or ethical implications of your findings.

9. Scope: Define the scope of your research problem clearly. Consider whether it is too broad or too
narrow for the purposes of your study.

10. Consultation and Feedback: Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or advisors on your choice of
research problem to gain different perspectives and insights.

THE TITLE

Definition: The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of your study. A good title contains the fewest
possible words that adequately describe the contents and/or purpose of your research paper.

The title is without doubt the part of a paper that is read the most, and it is usually read first. If the title
is too long it usually contains too many unnecessary words, e.g., A Study to Investigate the. On the other
hand, a title which is too short often uses words which are too general. For example, African Politics
could be the title of a book, but it does not provide any information on the focus of a research paper.

The following parameters can be used to help you formulate a suitable research paper title:

1. The purpose of the research

2. The narrative tone of the paper [typically defined by the type of the research]

3. The methods used

The initial aim of a title is to capture the readers attention and to draw his or her attention to the
research problem being investigated.

Create a Working Title

Typically, the final title you submit to your professor is created after the research is complete so that the
title accurately captures what was done. The working title should be developed early in the research
process because it can help anchor the focus of the study in much the same way the research problem
does. Referring back to the working title can help you reorient yourself back to the main purpose of the
study if you feel yourself drifting off on a tangent while writing.

The Final Title

Effective titles in academic research papers have several characteristics.

Indicate accurately the subject and scope of the study.

Avoid using abbreviations.

Use words that create a positive impression and stimulate reader interest.

Use current nomenclature from the field of study.

Identify key variables, both dependent and independent.

May reveal how the paper will be organized.

Suggest a relationship between variables which supports the major hypothesis.

Is limited to 10 to 15 substantive words.

Do not include study of, analysis of or similar constructions.

Titles are usually in the form of a phrase, but can also be in the form of a question.

Use correct grammar and capitalization with all first words and last words capitalized, including the first
word of a subtitle. All nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs that appear between the first and
last words of the title are also capitalized.
GUIDELINE IN WRITING THE TITLE

When writing a title for a research paper or any other written work, it is important to consider the
following guidelines:

1. Be concise and clear: The title should accurately reflect the content of the paper while being brief and
to the point. Avoid using unnecessary words or jargon that may confuse readers.

2. Use keywords: Include relevant keywords that describe the main focus or subject of the research. This
helps readers quickly understand the topic and aids in search engine optimization.

3. Be specific: Provide enough information in the title to give readers a clear idea of what the research is
about. Avoid vague or general titles that do not convey the specific focus or contribution of the study.

4. Avoid abbreviations and acronyms: Unless widely recognized or commonly used, it is best to avoid
abbreviations or acronyms in the title. This ensures that the title is easily understandable to a broad
audience.

5. Consider the target audience: Tailor the title to the intended audience of the research. Use language
and terminology that is appropriate and understandable to the readership.

6. Reflect the research's novelty or significance: If the research has a unique or groundbreaking aspect,
consider highlighting it in the title. This can help attract attention and interest from readers.

7. Seek feedback: Before finalizing the title, it can be helpful to seek feedback from colleagues, mentors,
or peers. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

8. Follow any specific guidelines or requirements: If submitting the research to a specific journal or
conference, make sure to adhere to their guidelines for title formatting and length.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

When writing a statement of the problem for a research study, consider the following guidelines:

1. Contextual Background: Provide background information about the broader topic or issue to
contextualize the problem.

2. Identification of the Problem: Clearly state the specific problem or gap in knowledge that your
research aims to address. Define the problem in a concise and focused manner.

3. Importance and Significance: Explain why the problem is important and why it warrants investigation.
Highlight the potential implications or benefits of addressing the problem.
4. Scope and Limitations: Define the scope of the problem by specifying what aspects will be included or
excluded from the study. Acknowledge any limitations or constraints that may affect the study's
findings.

5. Research Questions or Objectives: Formulate research questions or objectives that directly stem from
the identified problem. These should guide the direction of your study and help focus your research
efforts.

6. Justification for Study: Provide justification for why your study is needed and how it will contribute to
addressing the identified problem. Explain how your research will fill a gap in existing knowledge or
provide new insights.

7. Potential Audience or Stakeholders: Consider who might be affected by or interested in the findings of
your study. Identify potential stakeholders or beneficiaries of your research.

8. Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language to articulate the problem statement,
avoiding unnecessary jargon or technical terms.

9. Review and Revision: Review your statement of the problem to ensure clarity, coherence, and
alignment with the overall goals of your research study. Revise as needed to strengthen the statement.