Microsoft Word research method fm doc

5.5 Exercises 
1. Define general objectives, specific objectives and hypotheses by giving your own 
examples. 
2. The objectives of a study should be written after the statement of the research 
problem and before the methods section. Does this statement sound true? Justify 
your answer. 
3. List the characteristics of research objectives.
4. Comment on the statement: “A question well-stated is a question half-answered”. 
5. Mention some of the problems that may arise as a result of having too many 
objectives. 
 
 

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Research methodology 
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CHAPTER SIX 
RESEARCH METHODS 
 
6.1 Learning objectives
 
After completing this chapter, the student should be able to
: 
1. Identify the pertinent questions to consider when developing the methodology of a 
research proposal 
2. Describe and understand the various components of the methods section in a 
research proposal 
3. Explain the cyclical nature of the different steps in designing the methodology. 
6.2 Introduction 
In the previous chapters we have dealt with the identification, selection, analysis and 
statement of the problem. The importance of literature review and formulation of study 
objectives were also emphasized. Now we must decide exactly how we are going to achieve 
our stated objectives. That is, what new data do we need to shed light on the problem we 
have selected and how we are going to collect and process these data. The major issues that 
constitute the "methods section" of a research proposal will be dealt in the sections that 
follow.
6.3
Types of study designs
 
A study design is the process that guides researchers on how to collect, analyze and interpret 
observations. It is a logical model that guides the investigator in the various stages of the 
research. 
Several classifications of study types are possible, depending on what research strategies 
are used.
1. Non-intervention (Observational) studies in which the researcher just observes 
and analyses researchable objects or situations but does not intervene; and

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Research methodology 
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2. Intervention studies in which the researcher manipulates objects or situations and 
measures the outcome of his manipulations (e.g., by implementing intensive health 
education and measuring the improvement in immunisation rates.)