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18/04/2022

Area of study in research generally delimit that particular area of interest which is to be examined in order to achieve the objectives of the research.

Generally, the area of study defines the target segment which can be a location. When the area of interest is known, it serves as a guide to the population of study.

Population of study in simpler terms refers to the whole body of items, objects or people that fall within the geographical area in which the researcher seeks to investigate for his study. A researcher may choose to study the entire population when the following conditions are met.

1. The population size is small.
2. When the research has no time bound or there's enough time for the research to be carried out.
3. When there are adequate resources available such as money, materials and human.
4. When the aim of the research is to take census of the population.

There are different types of population a researcher can work with. Notable amongs them are the following;
1. Finite Population: A complete set of items or objects that are finite. Examples are employees of a company, citizens of Ghana.

2. Infinite Population. A theoretical construct that is potentially infinite in size thus counting the units in the population is not possible. Example, germs in a patient's body.

3. Homogeneous population: Population that consists of discrete elements that have common property with very little variation such as same age, s*x, level of education and rank in a job.

4. Heterogeneous population: Population with different categories of participants or elements that have uncommon characteristics e.g. children in all classes in a school or all categories of workers in an organization (lecturers, accountants, clerks, secretaries, managers, directors and artisans).

When researchers have limited time to work on a large population and the available resources aren't enough, there's therefore the need to work with a sample.

Join us here on Thesis Insight next week Monday as we take a look at sampling and sampling techniques. We are still receiving offers with assistance in all academic write ups.
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04/04/2022

We end the section of Research Study Designs on Thesis Insight with Systematic, Sequential and Philosophical Study Designs.

1. Systematic Design
A systematic research design is a specific methodology that identifies existing research about a well-defined topic of investigation, usually derived from a public policy or clinical, practice-based problem. The design involves selecting and critically evaluating the contributions of each identified study, analyzing and carefully synthesizing the data, and reporting the evidence in a way that facilitates clear conclusions about what is and is not known.

The nature of systematic review is self-contained research project that is not a traditional literature review. The design of a systematic review differs from other review methods because distinct and exacting principles are applied to the evaluative process of analyzing existing literature.

Findings of multiple studies related to each other are systhesize by the systematic approach to reduce biases and random errors.
Systematic research can be use to identify, justify, and refine hypotheses, recognize and avoid hidden problems in prior studies, and explain data inconsistencies and conflicts in data.
Even though results of the synthesis can be generalized with more validity than most other types of studies but the study does not create new knowledge but synthesize existing studies about a research problem in order to gain new insights and determine gaps in the literature.

2. Sequential Design
This method uses a deliberate stages approach in carrying out the research. The sample size in this research design is not predetermined. Sequential studies generally utilize samples of individuals or cohorts and uses qualitative methods, such as interviews or observations in collecting data.

This research design is useful for exploratory studies and gives limitless option to researchers in sample size and sampling. Sequential studies provides opportunities for continuous improvement of sampling and methods of analysis because results of one sample are known before the next sample is taken and analyzed.

The sampling method used in this research design is not representative of the entire population hence the design cannot be used to create conclusions and interpretations that pertain to an entire population because the sampling technique is not randomized. It is therefore difficult to account for and interpret variation from one sample to another over time, particularly when using qualitative methods of data collection

3. Philosophical Design
This approach uses the tools of argumentation derived from philosophical traditions, concepts, models, and theories to critically explore and challenge the relevance of logic and evidence in academic debates. It is also used to analyze arguments about fundamental issues or to discuss the root of existing discourse about a research problem. Philosophical design provides a basis for applying ethical decision-making to practice.

It offers clarity and definition to the practical and theoretical uses of terms, concepts, and ideas. This research design is limited to answering research problem of "So what" in social science. Its analysis can be abstract, argumentative, and limited in its practical application to real-life issues.

Let's dive more into Area of Study next week on Thesis Insight. Don't forget to contact us on 0554158209/0501347152 for all academic write up assistance.
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28/03/2022

Today on Thesis Insight, we take a look at another three important research study designs.

1. Field Research Design
Field Research Design is a quantitative approach of collecting data on individual or group of people to observe and understand people in their natural setting. Findings from this research method do not consist of conclusive statements derived from numbers and statistics because it involves analysis of words and observations of behavior. Conclusions are developed from an interpretation of findings that reveal overriding themes, concepts, and ideas.

This research design fills the gap in understanding research problem applied to a local condition or specific group of people that cannot be found in an existing data. The nature of this research design offers the opportunity for researchers to acquire new perspectives or unique data that challenges existing theoretical propositions.
It also allows researchers to make observations or ask questions that reflect the specific context of the matter being investigated.

Because researchers are embedded in the field, this research method requires extensive time and resources to carry out. Without access to materials and documents that help enhance the credibility of the information obtained from the field, findings can be difficult to interpret and verify.

2. Meta-Analysis Design
This research method is designed systematically to combine multiple studies addressing the same question, evaluating and summarising the result.
The purpose is to not simply summarize existing knowledge, but to develop a new understanding of a research problem using synoptic reasoning. The main objectives of meta-analysis include analyzing differences in the results among studies and increasing the precision by which effects are estimated.

A well-designed meta-analysis depends upon strict adherence to the criteria used for selecting studies and the availability of information in each study to
properly analyze their findings. Lack of information can severely limit the type of analyzes and conclusions that can be reached.

Conditions necessary for Meta-Analysis
1. Clearly defined objectives including precise definitions of variables.
2. A well documented justification of identification and selection of studies.
3. Assessment of any research bias in the selection process
4. Description of degree of heterogeneity among sample size
5. Justification of techniques used to evaluate the studies

This method provides a means of overcoming small sample size in individual previous studies and its effective in determining gaps in literature. It is used to highlight new hypotheses for further studies.

Results from this research method can be reliable because of large sample size but not necessarily valid. This research can be time consuming depending on the sample size. Violation in defining criteria for content analysis can lead to meaningless findings.

3. Mixed Research Design
Mixed methods combine both qualitative and quantitative research approach of answering a research problem or question. This approach allows a broader and more complex research problem to be investigated because researchers are not constrained by one method. The mixed method design provides stronger and robust evidence to support set of recommendations.

Mixed methods uncover hidden insights, patterns, or relationships that a single methodological approach might not reveal. It also produces more complete knowledge and understanding of the research problem that can be used to increase the generalizability of findings applied to theory or practice.

Even though mixed method generate new insights, it can increase the likelihood of producing conflicting or ambiguous results.
Reporting the findings in mixed method requires a well-organized narrative, clear writing style, and precise word choice.
Due to multiple forms of data being collected and analyzed, this design requires extensive time and resources to carry out the multiple steps involved in data gathering and interpretation.

Catch us up next week on Thesis Insight as we draw the curtains down on research study designs.

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21/03/2022

We are gradually coming to an end with the section of Research Designs on Thesis Insight.
Let's have a look at Causal, Historical and Longitudinal Research Designs.

1. Causal Design
This is a research method that focuses on determining the causes and effects relationship between variables. It is normally used to measure the specific impact on existing norms and assumptions.

The following conditions are necessary for establishing causality.
a. A valid conclusion in Causal studies is based on finding an association between independent and dependent variables.
b. In order to conclude for causation in the research, researchers must expose cases to variation in the independent variable before variation in the dependent variable.
c. A relationship between two variables that is not due to variation in a third variable.

Causal research helps researchers in understanding why the world works the way it does through the process of providing a causal link between variables. This research makes replication possible and has internal validity as the result of the systematic subject selection.
Causality can only be inferred but not proven since conclusions about causal relationship are difficult to determine due to the variety of extraneous variables that exist in social environment.

2. Historical Research Design
Historical research focuses on describing and examining past events to understand the present and to anticipate potential effects in the future. This research method uses secondary sources of data such as documentary, reports, official records, diaries hence it cannot be manipulated by the researcher.

The act of the research in this method does not affect the results of the study. It allows researchers to replicate the study and there is often no possibility of researcher-subject interaction that could affect the findings. Historical studies are suitable for trend analysis.

This method requires quality amount of authentic documentation and time to fulfill the aims of the research. This research design is very weak in terms of internal validity due to lack of control of external variables.

3. Longitudinal Research Design
In longitudinal studies, researchers follow participants or group of people over time and makes repeated observations to explain why some changes occur. It describes pattern of change in the research and help establish direction and magnitude of a causal relationship. It is sometimes referred as panel study as researchers observe and take measurements over two or more distinct time periods.

The data involved facilitie the analysis of the duration of a particular phenomenon. It allows researchers to get close to the kind of causal explanation and facilities the prediction of future outcomes based upon earlier finding.

Data collection method in longitudinal studies may change over time and it can be difficult to show more than one variable at a time. It assumes present trends will remained unchanged. This research method requires large sample size and accurate sampling technique. It can take a longer period of time to get results in longitudinal studies.

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14/03/2022

Last week on Thesis Insight, we discussed into detail Case Study Design, Cohort Study Design and Cross-Sectional Design.

Let's have a look at the remaining designs into detail.

1. Descriptive Study Design
This research design aims at obtaining information to systematically describe a phenomenon or population without focusing on the "why" a particular phenomenon occurs. Descriptive Design helps provide answer to the questions of who, what, when and how associated with a particular research problem.

Descriptive research is often used as a pre-cursor to more quantitative research designs. It is a useful tool for developing a more focused study when the limitations are well understood.

Descriptive study design often uses observation methods hence the results cannot be replicated and disprove a hypotheses or discover a definitive answer.

2. Experimental Study Design
This is an approach of carrying out research in a controlled manner to maximise precision and specific results. The procedure allows the researcher to control the situation by setting some variables constant.

The method usually answers the question of "what causes something to occur?" It allows researchers to identify causes and effects relationship between variables and provides the highest level of evidence for single studies.

Results from this study may not generalise well to the real world as the setting of experiment may affect the response of participants. This design can be costly if special tools or equipment are needed.

3. Exploratory Study Design
Exploratory design is conducted for research problem where there are few or no past studies for reference. The design is best used to proceed in studying an issue.

The design has the goal of generating new ideas and assumptions and to determine the feasibility of the study in future. The research design is flexible and addresses the questions of what, why and how.

It creates an opportunity for researchers to define new terms and clarify existing concepts. It uses small sample sizes and lacks rigorous standards applied to methods of gathering and analysing. Exploratory design provides insight but not definitive conclusion.

See you next week as we continue with the rest of the research designs.
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07/03/2022

Let's now dive into each of the research designs.

1. Case Study Design
Case Study Design is an approach which provides an in-depth study of a research problem. This design gives the research the advantage to focus on specific and interesting cases allowing very broad field of research to be narrow down into easily researchable ones.

This design gives room for the selection of a small geographical area or number of people as the subjects of the study while exploring and investigating contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context.
The collective approach of the Case Study Design allow for both qualitative and quantitative approach.

2. Cohort Study Design
This design refers to the research design that follows groups of people United by a similarity over time. Cohort study is a powerful tool used for conducting research in human population and medical researchs to identify risk factors and cause of disease.

It allows the use of both qualitative and quantitative approach. Both primary and secondary data can be used in this research design. Cohort study is time consuming as researchers sometimes must wait for the variable of interest to develop within the group.

3. Cross-Sectional Design
Cross-sectional refers to a research design that analyse data of variables collected from many different individuals at one given point in time. This study design measures only difference between or from variety of people, phenomenon or subjects rather than a process of change.

It focuses on studying and drawing inferences from existing differences between people, phenomenon or subjects, hence the study cannot be used to establish cause and effects relationship.

Cross-sectional studies are mostly qualitative and data involved are gathered through interviews and surveys. Hence the design is relatively inexpensive and take up little time to conduct.

See you next week as we continue with the rest of the research designs.
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06/03/2022

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28/02/2022

Having the right Methodology in a thesis or dissertation depends highly on choosing the right research design.

The choice of the research design also depends on the study objective(s) ensuring that the research problem(s) is/are effectively addressed.

A well chosen design will ensure that
1. Hypotheses are explicitly specify
2. Give account on the data necessary for testing the Hypothesis
3. Provide information on how data will be obtained
4. Outline the methods of analysis in determining the state of the Hypothesis (whether true or false)

There are many research designs for thesis or dissertation. Notable among them are
a. Cohort Design
b. Case Study Design
c. Cross-Sectional Design
d. Causal Design
e. Descriptive Design
f. Experimental Design
g. Exploratory design
h. Longitudinal Design
i. Historical Design
j. Field Research Design
k. Meta-Analysis Design
l. Observational Design
m. Mixed Method Design
n. Philosophical Design
o. Systematic Design
p. Sequential Design

The question of when and how to choose the right design for your research work is very important in writing a successful thesis.

Meet us next week on Thesis Insight as we bring you the details of each design and when and how to choose the right design for your research work.

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21/02/2022

Monday comes with hope for the week and Ufrist Consult brings you the best tips for effective thesis writing.

On Thesis Insight this week, let's have a recap of the previous weeks.

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It's Monday and another episode of Thesis Insight
Last week on Thesis Insight, we look at the importance of drafting your thesis from Chapter 3 (Methodology).

Let's dive into the composition of Methodology on this week Insight.

Methodology outlines in details the general research strategy undertaken in a research study. This chapter is basically to give enough information to replicate the study.

In drafting or writing the Methodology, you inform the readers about the research methods you wish to adopt for your study, instrument for data collection, source of data, method for data collection and method of data analysis.

Methodology may vary depending on institutions guidelines but generally, this chapter is organised under the following subheadings.

1. Research Design
2. Area of Study
3. Population of the Study
4. Sample and Sampling Techniques
5. Instrument for Data Collection
6. Validity of Instrument
7. Reliability of Instrument
8. Method of Data Collection
9. Method of Data Analysis

It is important to note that the selection of a method or technique is dependent on the research objectives.
Choosing a quantitative or qualitative approach in thesis or research writing depends on what the researcher wants to achieve at the end of the study.

For example: A researcher uses quantitative approach if the objective calls for identification of factors affecting an outcome or understanding the prediction of certain outcomes.
On the other hand, a researcher will use qualitative approach if he/she is interested in finding out why a certain phenomenon exists or happens.

It is therefore important to have a clear and unambiguous research objectives in order to select the right methods and strategies for your study.

That's all for today on Thesis Insight. See you next week on Thesis Insight as we dive into the subheadings of the Research Methodology one after the other.

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14/02/2022

It's Monday and another episode of Thesis Insight
Last week on Thesis Insight, we look at the importance of drafting your thesis from Chapter 3 (Methodology).

Let's dive into the composition of Methodology on this week Insight.

Methodology outlines in details the general research strategy undertaken in a research study. This chapter is basically to give enough information to replicate the study.

In drafting or writing the Methodology, you inform the readers about the research methods you wish to adopt for your study, instrument for data collection, source of data, method for data collection and method of data analysis.

Methodology may vary depending on institutions guidelines but generally, this chapter is organised under the following subheadings.

1. Research Design
2. Area of Study
3. Population of the Study
4. Sample and Sampling Techniques
5. Instrument for Data Collection
6. Validity of Instrument
7. Reliability of Instrument
8. Method of Data Collection
9. Method of Data Analysis

It is important to note that the selection of a method or technique is dependent on the research objectives.
Choosing a quantitative or qualitative approach in thesis or research writing depends on what the researcher wants to achieve at the end of the study.

For example: A researcher uses quantitative approach if the objective calls for identification of factors affecting an outcome or understanding the prediction of certain outcomes.
On the other hand, a researcher will use qualitative approach if he/she is interested in finding out why a certain phenomenon exists or happens.

It is therefore important to have a clear and unambiguous research objectives in order to select the right methods and strategies for your study.

That's all for today on Thesis Insight. See you next week on Thesis Insight as we dive into the subheadings of the Research Methodology one after the other.

Don't forget to contact us for timely and quality write ups assistance.
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07/02/2022

Thesis or dissertation basically follows a generic five-chapter format. The generic format follows the order
1. Chapter One: Introduction
2. Chapter Two: Literature Review
3. Chapter Three: Research Methodology
4. Chapter Four: Analysis, Results and Findings
5. Chapter Five: Discussions, Conclusion and Recommendations

Where do you begin the thesis or dissertation writing?

With your research objectives and questions in mind, draft and write your thesis or dissertation in the following order
1. Chapter Three: Research Methodology
2. Chapter Four: Analysis, Results and Findings
3. Chapter Five: Discussions, Conclusion and Recommendations
4. Chapter One: Introduction
5. Chapter Two: Literature Review



Starting or preparing your thesis with Research Methodology (Chapter Three) implies that the writer is abreast with
1. The variables involved in the study
2. How to measure or collect the variables involved in the study
3. The availability of the data needed for the study
4. The Statistical tools to analyse the data collected
5. The study's overall validity and reliability.

The Methodology serves as ignition source for the project work or thesis. Once the Methodology is known and well written, you stand a higher chance of completing the thesis.

It is always prudent to begin drafting from Research Methodology. But the question remains.
What does the Research Methodology entails and how can one write it in relation to a given topic?

We come your way next week on Thesis Insight with answers to these questions. Don't miss out

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07/02/2022

Many students get stranded and stuck on the way with their project work realizing how difficult it is to get the right method and statistical tools to achieve the research objectives.

On Thesis Insight this and every Monday, we come your way with relevant information and tips for effective thesis or research writing.

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