Marshall and Rossman (1989) define observation as “the systematic description of events, behaviors, and artifacts in the social setting chosen for study” (p.79). This method forms the very foundation of science; it is the technique most closely related to everyday life. The method involves watching and recording the behaviour of individuals or groups, or…
Category: Research Proposal Guide
Validity of Data Collection Instruments
Validity (accuracy) is the degree to which a test or an instrument measures what it purports to measure (Nachmias & Nachmias, 1996). While there are various types of validity, this guide briefly describes only two types, namely face validity and content validity: Face validity: Face validity is an estimate of whether a test appears…
Reliability of Data Collection Instruments
Reliability is a measure of the degree to which a research instrument yields consistent results after repeated trials (Mugenda & Mugenda, 1999). An instrument is reliable when it can measure a variable accurately and obtain the same results over a period of time. Reliability is about internal consistency of research instruments; it is the…
Data Analysis Procedure: Quantitative Data Analysis
Data analysis is a process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming and modeling data with the goal of underlining essential information, suggesting conclusions, and supporting decision making (Ader, 2008). It is the process which follows after data collection. For the purpose of this guide, two data analysis procedures, namely quantitative and qualitative are briefly highlighted: …
Research Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations in research form an important component of research as far as conduct of researchers is concerned. This guide briefly explores the following ethical considerations which a researcher should consider when and/or before undertaking a study: Voluntary participation (Informed consent): The principle of voluntary participation requires that people not be coerced into…
Referencing Styles
Today, there are various referencing (citation) styles that are in use. Different academic disciplines have differing priorities of what is important for the subsequent reader of an academic paper; different colleges, universities and publishers have differing rules about the citation of sources and referencing styles. For the purpose of this guide, APA style which is…