ECO 311 – RESEARCH METHODS MODULE 1 – UNIT 1 MEANING, SIGNIFICANCE, OBJECTIVES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
ECO 311 – RESEARCH METHODS
MODULE 1 – UNIT 1
MEANING, SIGNIFICANCE, OBJECTIVES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
✅ DEFINITIONS OF RESEARCH
- Osuala (1982): Research is the process of applying reliable solutions to problems through a planned and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
- Leedy (1997): Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to increase understanding of a phenomenon.
- Best and Kahn (1995): Research is the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations leading to generalizations, principles, or theories.
- Fagboungbe (1993): Research is a quest for new knowledge pertinent to identified problems, applying the scientific approach.
✅ WHAT RESEARCH IS NOT (Leedy, 1997)
- Not mere information gathering.
- Not mere transfer of facts from one location to another.
- Not mere searching for information.
- Not a “catch-word” to get information.
✅ SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH
- National Importance: Basis for government policies, budgeting, resource allocation, and alternative policy formulation.
- Business and Industry:
- Market research: Investigates market structure and development to guide purchasing, production, and sales.
- Operations research: Applies mathematical, logical, and analytical techniques for cost minimization and profit maximization (optimization problems).
- Motivational research: Studies consumer behavior and the drives underlying it.
- Research replaces intuitive decisions with logical, scientific ones.
- Social Sciences: Provides answers to social problems and builds theories for human interaction. Balances knowledge for its own sake and knowledge for practical use.
✅ OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH
- Exploratory/ Formative Research: To gain familiarity with a phenomenon.
- Descriptive Research: To accurately describe characteristics of a situation, group, or individual.
- Diagnostic Research: To determine frequency or association of variables.
- Hypothesis-testing Research: To test causal relationships between variables.
✅ CHARACTERISTICS / FEATURES OF RESEARCH
According to Anaekwe (2002):
Systematic – steps are logical and sequential.
Objective – free from bias, prejudice, and beliefs.
Precise – avoids vague or misleading words.
Measurable – data collected must be tested against a hypothesis.
Replicable – results can be verified or repeated by others.
According to Best & Kahn (1995):
Develops generalizations, principles, or theories.
Based on observable/empirical evidence.
Involves collection of new or re-use of existing data.
Requires carefully designed procedures and rigorous analysis.
Requires expertise.
Strives to be objective and logical.
Aims at solving unresolved problems.
Demands patience and thoroughness.
Carefully reported and recorded.
Requires courage.
🔑 LIKELY EXAM QUESTIONS
Short Notes / Theory
Define research according to:
Osuala (1982)
Leedy (1997)
Best & Kahn (1995)
Fagboungbe (1993)
List four things research is not.
Explain three significances of research in business and government.
State and explain four objectives of research.
List and explain five features of research.
MCQs
Research is considered as a logical scientific thinking when:
a) It is carried out without rules
b) It is done only by experts
c) It is carried out by scholars in higher institutions
d) It is planned and systematic ✅
Research is considered as not speculative when:
a) Data collected is not measurable
b) Data is measurable and tested against a hypothesis ✅
c) The researcher lacks expertise
d) Results are not validated
Motivational research is mainly concerned with:
a) Cost minimization
b) Consumer behavior ✅
c) Profit maximization
d) Statistical optimization
🔑 FILL-IN-THE-BLANKS
Research according to Osuala (1982) is the process of applying ______ solutions to problems through a planned and systematic collection of data.
Research according to Fagboungbe (1993) is a quest for ______ knowledge pertinent to identified problems.
Market research investigates the ______ and development of markets.
Research replaces ______ business decisions with more logical and scientific decisions.
Research is ______ in nature, meaning steps are logical and sequential.
ECO 311 – Module 1, Unit 2: Focus of Research (Exam Summary)
Steps in the Research Process
Research follows a systematic and logical sequence. The main steps are:
Identification of Problem – Define a significant and researchable problem (e.g., causes of deficit budget in Nigeria).
Review of Related Literature – Study books, journals, articles to:
Avoid duplication
Guide hypothesis formulation
Sharpen focus and research design
Formulation of Hypotheses/Research Questions – State tentative answers or logical expectations about the problem.
Selecting Research Design – Choose appropriate design: descriptive, experimentalist, quasi-experimental, survey, factorial etc.
Collection of Data – Gather valid and reliable information using interviews, questionnaires, observations, tests, rating scales, documents etc.
Data Analysis & Interpretation – Organize data, apply statistical tools (descriptive or inferential), draw conclusions.
Discussion of Findings – Interpret results in light of literature review and theories.
Conclusion & Recommendations – Summarize findings and suggest policy applications/generalizations.
Research Report Writing – Present findings in clear, structured form for public use.
Types of Research
A. Based on Goal
Basic (Pure/Fundamental Research):
Advances knowledge, develops theories, not necessarily for immediate practical use.
Applied Research:
Solves practical problems using theories.
Action Research: Localized solution to immediate problem (e.g., low sales in a company).
Evaluation Research: Assesses programmes, policies, investments (ROI, school policies).
B. Based on Methodology
Experimental Research: Manipulation of independent variables to see effect on dependent variables (control vs treatment group).
Ex-Post Facto Research: Studies natural variables not easily manipulated (e.g., sex, intelligence, socio-economic status).
Descriptive Research: Describes existing conditions, relationships, trends. Includes:
Survey (questionnaires, interviews, tests).
Documentary Analysis (records, reports, minutes).
Case Study (detailed investigation of a unit e.g., bank lending).
Historical Research: Studies past events to explain present/future, using primary and secondary sources.
C. Based on Evidence & Analysis
Quantitative Research: Uses numerical/statistical data (tests, surveys, experiments).
Qualitative Research: Uses descriptive, verbal/non-numeric data (interviews, observations, documents).
Mixed/Multiple Perspective: Combines both quantitative & qualitative for robust results.
Limitations of Scientific Method in Social Research
Unlike natural sciences, social research faces challenges:
Complex Nature of Issues: Human behaviour is less predictable than physical laws.
Measurement Problems: Instruments not always accurate (e.g., data on corruption in Nigeria).
Observation Difficulties: Subjectivity and bias affect accuracy.
Limited Control: Hard to control variables in real-life settings compared to labs.
Replication Issues: Social/cultural differences hinder reproducing exact results.
Experimental Contamination: Researcher’s presence, mood, or bias may influence results.
Quick Exam Pointers
Steps in research = 9 stages (Problem ID → Report Writing).
Types of research = By Goal (Basic/Applied), By Method (Exp., Ex-Post, Descriptive, Historical), By Evidence (Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed).
Limitations = Nature of issue, measurement, observation, control, replication, contamination.
ECO 311 – Module 1, Unit 3: Research Problem (Exam Summary)
Meaning of Research Problem
A research problem is the central focus of any study, representing a gap in knowledge to be filled.
It arises when two or more factors create:
A perplexing state
An undesirable consequence
A conflict requiring resolution.
Difference:
Problem of Research = the actual gap to be filled.
Problem Area of Focus = broad field within which the specific research problem lies.
Example: “Fiscal deficit and employment in Nigeria” = problem area; “Are jobs created despite persistent deficit?” = research problem.
Stages in Identifying a Research Problem
Identify a problem area in your field.
Narrow it to a manageable and researchable size.
Ensure it can be empirically investigated (data available, measurable variables).
👉 Not every study qualifies as research — it must solve a pressing problem and contribute to knowledge.
Sources (Avenues) of Research Problems
Experience of the Researcher – professional practice, teaching, discussions with colleagues.
Review of Literature – contradictions, gaps, suggestions for further study in books, theses, journals.
Scholars’ Views – consultations with experts, supervisors, and professionals.
Published Government Policies – e.g., SAP (1986) policies spurred research.
Electronic/Internet Sources – online journals, libraries, conference papers.
Uniform Economic/Social Problems – issues common to developing nations (poverty, unemployment, wars).
Propounded Theories – theories, laws, or hypotheses that require testing, validation, or application.
Guidelines for Selecting Research Problems
Significance of the Problem – must fill a knowledge gap and contribute meaningfully (e.g., studies on budget systems).
Researchability – linked to theories, measurable variables, and empirically testable.
Example: Corruption is difficult to measure directly, hence not easily researchable.
Suitability – must fit the researcher’s context and have available data/respondents.
Viability – capable of producing results, encouraging further studies, and useful to others.
Quick Exam Pointers
Problem of Research ≠ Problem Area.
Sources: Experience, literature, scholars, govt policies, internet, economic problems, theories.
Guidelines: Significance, researchability, suitability, viability.
ECO 311 – Module 2, Unit 1: Research Topic (Exam Summary)
Meaning of Research Topic
A research topic is the specific subject or area of interest chosen for investigation.
It must be linked to a research problem and reflect the gap to be addressed.
Project title = a direct function of the research problem (title must capture the essence of the problem).
Features of a Good Research Topic
Must be clear and unambiguous.
Must be researchable (variables measurable, data available).
Must be significant (contributes to knowledge).
Must be feasible within the researcher’s time, ability, and resources.
Must be related to the researcher’s discipline/field of study.
Process of Selecting a Research Topic
Selection is a step-by-step
Process
Identify a broad area of interest.
Narrow it down to a manageable scope.
Define the research problem within that scope.
Refine into a clear researchable title.
Flow chart (simplified):
Broad area → Narrow focus → Identify problem → Formulate title.
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