Unlocking Research Methodology A Comprehensive Guide for Students and Researchers Across Disciplines

Foreword by John Aluko Orodho, PhD, Associate Professor at Kenyatta University, Kenya

Preface

CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING CENTRAL ELEMENTS IN RESEARCH

Definitions • Research title • Problem statement • Justification or rationale • Research objectives • Research questions • Hypothesis • Variables and conceptual framework

CHAPTER 2 : TYPES OF RESEARCH

Enquiry mode • Qualitative and quantitative research • Objectives • Descriptive research • Correlational research • Exploratory research • Causal research • Application • Basic research and applied research • Research Process

CHAPTER 3: LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction • Types of literature review • Source of Literature • importance of literature review in research

CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Definition of the research methodology • Study or research design • Study area and population • Sampling • Types or methods of sampling

CHAPTER 5: METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

Definition • Primary Data Collection Methods • Secondary data collection methods

CHAPTER 6: STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Types of statistical analysis • Descriptive statistics • Inferential statistics

CHAPTER 7: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results • Goals and structure of the results section • Writing results section in research: Steps • Errors to avoid in result section writing • Discussion • What is a discussion section? • Steps of writing the discussion section • Writing a good discussion section

CHAPTER 8: ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN RESEARCH

Introduction • Reasons for the need of the research ethics • Application for ethical approval • Ethical issues types

CHAPTER 9: PROPOSAL WRITING

Introduction • Goals and length of a research proposal • Structure of a research proposal • Mistakes to avoid when writing a research proposal

CHAPTER 10: ACADEMIC PUBLICATION

Definition • Terminologies used in academic publishing • Top academic publishing indexing database • Types of publication • Journal selection for publication

Biography

Callixte Yadufashije, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases at the INES Ruhengeri Institute of Applied Sciences in Rwanda, where he also served as Director of Research and Consultancy and Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research. He is also an Africa Research Excellence Fund fellow, awarded by the Medical Research Council in the UK. He has been teaching research methodology courses for medical students for the last six years at different universities across Africa. He has participated in academic mobility programs funded by the Inter University Council for East Africa and has attended national, regional, and international conferences. Dr. Yadufashije has supervised both undergraduate and postgraduate research in his field of specialization. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles in international journals and serves as Associate Editor of the East African Journal of Science, Technology, and Innovation, in the thematic area of health and medicine. He is a reviewer for BMC journals and was nominated as External Grant Reviewer of the National Council for Science and Technology in Rwanda.

 “A compass for everyone who embarks on this profound journey of exploration and inquiry. This book surpasses the boundaries of academic disciplines. It is a guide for both the inquisitive novice and the seasoned scholar, offering a roadmap to circumnavigate the complex landscape of research. . . . A treasure trove of insights and practical wisdom that transcends the confines of any field. The authors, with their profound expertise and passion for research, have produced a guide that demystifies the research process, from conceptualization to publication. This guide does more than equipping students and researchers; it empowers them to unlock the transformative potential of their inquiries.”

—From the Foreword by Jonh Aluko Orodho, PhD, Associate Professor at Kenyatta University, Kenya