1. What is research mean?

2. characteristics of research
• research is empirical
• research is theoretical
• research is cumulative
• research is non-ethical
• research is variable (a very orderly process generally follow the
following steps)
a) Recognition /identification of a problem
b) Definition of the problem in precise and clear terms
c) Formulation of hypothesis
d) Collection of data for testing this hypothesis
e) Analysis of the data to test the hypothesis
f) Drawing necessary inference or conclusion based on
the data
• research should be valid(validity of research)
a) external validity
b) internal validity
• research should be reliable (reliability of the research)
A) External reliability
B) Internal reliability
Classifications of research
Research can be classified in to different ways; one way is that
1. Based on their goals and purpose
2. Based on the way of collecting data and their interpretation.
1. Based on their goals and purpose we can classify the research in to three
• applied research
• basic, pure or fundamental research
• evaluation research
a) Applied research
• action research
b) Basic research
c) Evaluation research
• based on the collection of data and the process , evaluation
research can be divided in to two
a. formative evaluation
b. summative evaluation
2. Based on the way of collecting data and their interpretation we can classify
research in to two
• Quantitative research
• Qualitative research
Other classification of research
Also we can classify research based on the tactic that the researchers follow in to four
a. Descriptive research
b. Historical research
 c. Quasi-experimental research
d. Experimental research

1. Descriptive research; example

• Survey research
Classifications of survey research designs
Survey research designs can be classified using two different
classification schemes. One is procedure based while the
other is purpose based.
1/ procedure classification: -These are the procedure,
technique or instrument employed in data collection.
They include: -
a) Questionnaire survey
b) Interview survey
c) Observational survey
d) Panel survey
2/ purpose based classification: - Another way of classifying
surveys is by the purpose, which the particular survey design
intends to accomplish. In this case, surveys could be classified
in to the following types
a) Development survey
b) Descriptive survey
c) Correlation survey
d) Public opinions survey
2. Historical research
For this research the information can be obtained in to two sources
• Primary data source
• Secondary data source
To make the historical research scientific and to know the reliability and validity of the
research we have to ways of criticism
a. External criticism
b. Internal criticism
3. Quasi-experimental research
4. Experimental research
Research design
There are many research designs. Out of that the most known are the following
i. Case study
ii. Co relational study
iii. Comparative study
iv. Descriptive study
Chapter two
Basic elements of research
There are many elements in a research based on the type and condition, the researcher’s
knowledge …..But the basic elements are
i. The Research problem
ii. Research hypothesis
iii. Variables in the research
iv. Main point and direction of the research
1. The research problem; the primary aim of the researcher is to find the research
problem. But
 • What is research problem mean?
• How can we select research problem?
• From where can we find the research problem? we can find
1. from the day to day life experience
2. by focusing the environment
3. from different types of book or by reading
4. from the conversation of different people
5. from politically, socially and economical change
and
6. personal motivation
7. Shortage of information.
• How can we describe the research problem?
• The design of research problem (on quantitative research)
2. Research hypothesis
Characteristics of research hypothesis
a. Hypothesis should be based on theories, experimental results and
truly existing conditions.
b. Should show ,the connections of cause and effect, the relations of
the estimated variables , and the difference which is found between
different groups brief and clearly
c. Should be testable
d. Should be short and precise
e. Should have a connection between the topics of the research, the
purpose of the research, the explanations of the research problem
and the basic questions of the research(if there is)
Types of research hypothesis; according to curlinger we can classify it in to two
• Substantive, theoretical hypothesis
• Statistical hypothesis
Statistical hypothesis design
We can design statistical hypothesis in to four ways
i. Null hypothesis (H0)
ii. Alternative hypothesis(H1)
iii. Directional hypothesis
iv. Non-directional hypothesis
3. Variables in the research; variables can be classified based their measurability,
predictable behaviors, and their effect and influences as follows.
1. Based on their measurability
• Categorical or discrete variables
• Continuous or measured variable
2. Based on their effect and influence
• Independent variable
• Dependant variable
3. Based on their predictable behaviors
• Predicator variable
• Criterion variable