INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS

This ¿Research Methods¿ module is one component of the intensive preparatory training sanctioned by the Ethiopian universities. The module is designing with the aim of imparting the basic concepts, principles and processes of research methods. The compilers of this introductory ¿Research Methods¿ module are aware that the entire content may not be fully suited to all fields of specialization nor to the educational background of all students. However, the compilers have made an effort to make this module generic enough that all prospective graduate students will take away some concepts that will be useful to them.The module is organized in three broad categories: viz, knowing what research is, planning research and conducting research. The six units are sequenced in a way that closely follows the process from inception to conclusion of a research project as depicted in the flow chart below. A more in-depth coverage of the data analysis component will be dealt with in the ¿Quantitative and Computational¿ sister module. The interpretation and conclusion, obviously, will be up to you to derive from the results of your data analysis.