Research generally does not take a linear trajectory in implementation; it involves a back and forth movement among associated and often intertwined processes. This course centres on guiding researchers on the need to understand the craft of research.

The module, which contains three parts, sets out to address and guide learners through the complexities of the research process, as well as the elements and structure of a quality research report, that is tailored to the peculiarities of the end readers. The module draws from the tenets, teachings, and references of “The Craft of Research” by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup, and William T. Fitzgerald – a book that provides an overview of the entire research process.

Part 1 – What is Research?

Research is a word that enjoys wide usage and applicability. Part 1 of this module aims to clarify what classifies as research, what does not, who does research, the purposes behind the conduct of research, the main types and classifications of research, the importance of research, and the qualities that make up a good research effort. Superficially, re-search means searching again and again. Research is usually seen within the sphere of the scientific realm; however, though scientific research is research, not all research is scientific. The term can be defined as a systematic effort of applying intellects towards seeking answers to identified problems and contributing to a body of knowledge.

Research involves following underlying guidelines and processes in an iterative manner, as a form of inquiry into a subject matter. The process of research culminates in the production and dissemination of a research report. The overarching purposes of research are: to increase knowledge within disciplines and to increase personal knowledge about developments within disciplines. The two main types of research are the basic and applied forms, with other offshoots including qualitative, quantitative, mixed, descriptive, and cross-sectional. Quality research works are distinguished by their replicability, relevance and contribution to knowledge and real-world problems, validity and reliability, as well as logical tendencies, among others.

Part 2 – Writing in Research

A major component of the research process is the development of the research paper/report, for dissemination and consumption by end readers. The research paper surveys a field of knowledge and analyzes a researcher’s perspective, findings, and arguments. Part two of the module thus seeks to examine what makes up writing in research, the process of writing and structure of research reports, and general tips on dos, don’ts, and referencing styles. Guidelines on reporting research works tend to vary by researchers’ affiliated institution/organization. The structure of reports generally takes an orderly form of:

Introduction: it contains the abstract and introduces the research activity.
Body: it contains the logical methodology employed.
Presentation of data/fact/evidence-based findings, and discussions.
Conclusion: it summarizes the body of the research report.

As research is an iterative process – not a linear process, researchers will answer key questions along the entire process, that will determine the quality of the report: the purpose for the research, what the research is trying to communicate, who the target audience is, and the justification for the research work. A research report is usually culminated with referencing and bibliography; which represents detailed documentation of all sources consulted during the course of the research work, to avoid plagiarism.

Part 3 – Research Process

The first two parts made much reference to the processes of research efforts, or the research process, and the associated elements. Part 3 subsequent attempts to discuss the process, and its underlying elements, in detail.

The research process describes the generalized pattern of research execution. Against popular opinion, the process is usually iterative and not linear; as it usually involves a back and forth movement between elements, and sometimes, an execution of two or more elements concurrently. Although patterns vary by areas of research and choice of methodology, the process involves similar activities. The research process, though very flexible in execution, should be highly coherent; with every element in the process channeled towards addressing the problem statement and research questions raised.

Research topics usually arise through reading, academic experience, consultations, brainstorming, past research, etc. Initial topics generally go through a finetuning process to determine specific focus areas, problem statement, research questions and objectives, and hypothesis formulation. Hypotheses predict expected outcomes or relationships and are usually tested against predetermined statements or experiments.

Data collection and analysis follows from the finetuning process, and it involves trying to answer stated questions and test hypotheses, through obtained information and observations. Data collection and analysis process contributes significantly to the quality and validity of the end report; the integrity of the activities involved can taint the entire research process. Research reporting comes in at every point in the research process, as drafts are constantly being developed and reviewed; it is however the final stage of the entire research process.

Part 3b – Collaborating and Research in Context

Collaborations in research involve the coming together of diverse people or groups to interact and share resources, with the aim of achieving a common research goal. This part of the module gives an overview of collaborative research, common problems in research writing and development of research papers, and pointers on effective communication of visual evidence and results.

The interpersonal nature of the relationship between participants in a research collaboration can go a long way in either maximizing the potentials of the collaboration or rendering to waste the whole process. Amabile et al. (2001, p. 419) suggest that the professions of participants, institutional affiliations, and organization level are dimensions to describe research collaborations.

Part 3b offers tips for effectively navigating a research collaboration. It advocates for a reader-centric approach in the development of research papers and communication of visual evidence, ensuring continuous revision of research output to ascertain the coherence of the entire process, among others.

M2:S- - Introduction to Research Craft

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