The difference between research and non-research activity is, in the way we find answers: the process must meet certain requirements to be called research. We can identify these requirements by examining some definitions of research. Research is the process of conducting an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions. This implies finding answers to questions by using reliable and valid laid down procedures, methods and techniques within a framework of a set of philosophies (approaches). The process should always be unbiased and objective. “Scientific research is systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of natural phenomena guided by theory and hypotheses about the presumed relations among such phenomena.” – Kerlinger, 1986.

Literature review is integral part of entire research process and makes valuable contribution to every operational step. This is an essential preliminary task in order to acquaint yourself with the available body of knowledge in your area of interest. Disadvantages of Literature Review i. It can be time-consuming at times ii. It is a daunting task when there is so much done about your area of in interest iii. It is frustrating when there is little or no study done about your area of interest. Key Functions of Literature Review i) Brings clarity and focus to your research problem ii) Improves your methodology; iii) Broadens your knowledge; iv) Contextualizes the author’s findings.

Step 4: Preparing the Research Design Research design is the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted. The function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant information with minimal expenditure of effort, time and money. The preparation of research design, appropriate for a particular research problem, involves the consideration of the following: 1. Objectives of the research study. 2. Method of Data Collection to be adopted 3. Source of information—Sample Design 4. Tool for Data collection 5. Data Analysis-- qualitative and quantitative

Determining the Sample Design Sample design covers the areas of sampling frame, sample size, and sampling methodology. Aspects to be considered within these areas include: Researchers usually draw conclusions about large groups by taking a sample. A sample is a segment/ part/small section of the population selected to represent the population as a whole. Population on the other hand is the largest collection of values of a random variable for which we have an interest at a particular time. A sampling frame is a list of all members (e.g. persons, households, businesses, schools) of the target population for the survey. For example, a sampling frame may be the electoral roll, the membership list of a club, or a register of schools. Information collected from the sample is used to make conclusion/inferences on population characteristics. Ideally, the sample should be representative and allow the researcher to make accurate estimates of the thoughts and behaviour of the larger population. To draw conclusions about populations from samples, one must use inferential statistics to be able to determine a population’s characteristics by directly observing only a portion of the it. Designing the sample calls for three key decisions to answer the following questions:

COLLECTING DATA: Having formulated the research problem, developed a study design, constructed a research instrument and selected a sample, you then collect the data from which you will draw inferences and conclusions for your study. Depending upon your plans, you might commence interviews, mail out a questionnaire, conduct experiments and/or make observations. Collecting data through any of the methods may involve some ethical issues in relation to the participants and the researcher: - Those from whom information is collected or those who are studied by a researcher become participants of the study. - Anyone who collects information for a specific purpose, adhering to the accepted code of conduct, is a researcher.