Page 24 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Unit 1: Concept of Research

• The primary source is so complicated and advanced that the researcher cannot understand Notes
it. It then helps to read explanations in technical dictionaries, encyclopaedias or elementary
handbooks.
This, does not mean, however, that secondary sources are of no value whatsoever. The researcher
could possibly encounter many useful references to primary sources in his study of secondary
sources.

Survey

To conduct research regarding a topic, by implication means that the researcher has obtained
sound knowledge with regard to the research topic. It is therefore imperative that the researcher,
at the time of the submission of the research proposal, clearly indicates what theoretical
knowledge he possesses about the prospective research. A literature search therefore will
entail the literature the prospective researcher has already consulted.
An overview of the literature anticipates the background knowledge of the researcher and a
possible classification of the content for the purpose of stating the research problem. This
should also reveal the importance of the contemplated research. A literature search therefore
simplifies the formulation of hypotheses for the researcher.
The aim of a literature study is to :
• give all-round perspectives on the latest research findings regarding the topic;

• indicate the best method, scale of measurements and statistics that can be used;
• interpret the research findings in a better way; and

• determine the relevancy of the prospective research.
It should further noted that the research design must be accompanied by a preliminary list of
references consulted by the researcher during the preparation of the research proposal. The
list should include the most recent publications on the research topic. It must however be
emphasized that this reference list by no means is sufficient to complete the research project;
it must be augmented during further literature searches as the research process continues.

1.8 Process of Research

The research process or methodology is the approach to the entire study, it is the master plan.
It is the blueprint for achieving your objectives, one of which is the production of the dissertation.
Irrespective of the research you are going to conduct, there are several fundamental stages you
will have to go through. The diagram below is a simplified, traditional and highly structured
view of the research process.
(1) Identify terms of reference (2) Survey past work

(3) Plan your approach

(4) Collect the data

(5) Analyse the data

(6) Discuss your findings

(7) Present the findings

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