Microsoft Word research method fm doc

II) Objectives 
The general and specific objectives should be included as stated in the proposal. If 
necessary, you can adjust them slightly for style and sequence. However, you should not 
change their basic nature. If you have not been able to meet some of the objectives this 
should be stated in the methodology section and in the discussion of the findings. The 
objectives form the HEART of your study. They determined the methodology you chose and 
will determine how you structure the reporting of your findings. 
III) Methods 
The methodology you followed for the collection of your data should be described in detail. 
The methodology section should include a description of: 
• 
the study type;
• 
major study themes or variables (a more detailed list of variables on which data were 
collected may be annexed);
• 
the study population(s), sampling method(s) and the size of the sample(s);
• 
data-collection techniques used for the different study populations;

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Research methodology 
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• 
how the data were collected and by whom;
• 
procedures used for data analysis, including statistical tests (if applicable).
If you have deviated from the original study design presented in your research proposal, you 
should explain to what extent you did so and why. The consequences of this deviation for 
meeting certain objectives of your study should be indicated. If the quality of some of the data 
is weak, resulting in possible biases, this should be described as well under the heading 
‘limitations of the study’. 
IV) Results 
¾
Findings should be presented 
¾
Tables and graphs could be used (should be well titled and captioned)
¾
The tables should be well constructed, and without anomalies such as percentages 
which do not add up to 100 percent 
¾
Avoid too many decimal places 
¾
Graphs should clarify and not complicate, and care should be taken that they do not 
mislead 
¾
If appropriate statistical tests are used, the results should be included. P-values alone 
are not very helpful. Confidence intervals and the type of tests used should be indicated. 
V) Discussion 
The findings can now be discussed by objective or by cluster of related variables or themes, 
which should lead to conclusions and possible recommendations. The author interprets the 
findings. Care should be taken not to introduce new findings, i.e., findings not mentioned in 
the result section. The discussion may include findings from other related studies that support 
or contradict your own. Limitation of the study and generalizability of the finding should also 
be mentioned.