Types of Research 24TH April 2018 Shellemiah Keya Lecture 5 Types of Research 24TH April 2018 Shellemiah Keya

Identification of research topics Each one of you is to come up with a research topic relevant to agroecosystem, You can do this by: Brainstorming in groups Reviewing literature on agroecosystem Talking to your various lecturers Picking one of your favoured subjects Dreaming about a future problem

Time devoted to form groups and select topics By end of tomorrow should have formed 5 - 6 groups By end of next Tuesday settle on a topic Two weeks later you should have a draft research proposal Three week later start presentation at group level Four weeks later presentation at class level Revision of Proposal

Prep for Research Proposal The next 24 + slides are background to assist you with producing an acceptable research proposal Look into the internet, print media for calls for proposals Imagine that you are already on the job market and wants to land your first grant in life

Relevance of Research In Agroecosystem Research studies are designed to find answers to a specific question or topics under investigation; Professionals in agroecosystem conduct research to investigate topics relating to their field of study, What Purpose Drives Agroecosystem Research? increase knowledge support evidence-based practice test new hypotheses or further understanding of existing agroecosystem theories/practices.

Different Methods of research Researchers use different methods to conduct investigations. All research questions should be addressed using scientific methods, But this is not always the case. Certain researchers find answers through nonscientific approaches, Such are driven or based on experts’ knowledge, instincts, beliefs, and professional expertise

Understanding Research studies Take time to understand and evaluate the quality of research in agroecosystem studies Critique how you apply research findings effectively, At the same time appreciate the importance of: characteristics of differentiate scientific research studies from nonscientific approaches.

You are here to acquire knowledge I urge you to acquire knowledge in as many ways as possible: Through a scientific ways Through a Non scientific ways Not just through lectures, practicals, field trips Considers Others ways such as Seminars Tutorials Group discussions

Non-scientific Methods Tenacity: Basing arguments on beliefs that have long been accepted as facts. Intuition: Relying on one’s instincts to find answers. Authority: Seeking answers from authority or experts on a specific subject. Rationalism: Combining facts or assumptions with logical reasoning to find answers. Empiricism: Relying on direct observations or personal experience.

Scientific Methods The scientific method uses empirical observation to develop hypotheses; The student/researchers use hypotheses to generate predictions that can be empirically tested. Scientific methods are empirical, public, objective, and are based on previous theories. The latter is the rationale for literature review

Steps of scientific method Make observation of behaviors or other phenomena. Construct a hypothesis (hypotheses must be testable and refutable). Generate testable predictions (others should be able to replicate the study to verify your findings). Collect data to test research hypothesis. Analyze data to support, refute or expand the hypothesis. Document, write up the results of research, publish the work Report to the public/stakeholders scientific peers, your classmates In this course you will be evaluated by your classmates

Main sections of a research study Topic Abstract Introduction; Methods; Results; Discussion. Conclusions and recommendations References Appendix/Annexes

Introduction The introduction addresses the problem under investigation It describes the research strategy that will be used in the study. Important questions to consider in this section include: Why is the problem under investigation is considered important?

Other questions to pose How does the study relate to previous work in the area? How does the study differ, or build on from previous work? What are the hypotheses and objectives of the study? Do the hypotheses and research design relate to one another? What are the theoretical and practical implications of the study?

Methods Explains the procedures, materials, variables and operational definitions used to test hypotheses. The methods provides details about sample demographics, participants’ characteristics, sample size and procedures for selecting participants in the agroecosystem, and The design tailored for an agroecosystem

Results: Presents the findings in form of data using as much details as possible Tables of results Charts, histograms Graphs Interpretation of data entails Statistical Analysis NB: Draw on your full knowledge of Statistics course

Discussion Researchers summarize their findings, They do so by evaluating the theoretical and practical implications of the results; This section identifies challenges for future research. It also points out at sources internal validity, limitation and weaknesses of the study. NB: We are human beings, never perfect, always facing challenges, constantly looking for solutions

REFERENCES FOR YOUR PROPOSAL Recall the essence of lecture 3&4 on literature review The reference list acknowledges the work of previous researchers; It provides the information necessary to retrieve each source; References touch upon each of the FOUR mains sections of the research report.

Questions What is missing in my coverage of articles or topics you have been reading in the library Those components that are missing are vital in your research report. Find out what they are it will improve your extraction of information from the literature

Types of Research Qualitative Quantitative Basic Applied Rapid Appraisal Baseline Investigative Survey On farm On station Farming System

Types of Research contd 12.Laboratory vs Field 13.Participatory 14. Participatory and Learning 15. Action 16. Strategic 17. Case studies 18. Feasibility studies

Common Research Terms Population: Refers to the set of all the individuals of interest in a particular study (e.g., population of veterans, active duty military population, corporations, etc.). Sample: Refers to a set of individuals selected to represent a specific population (e.g., sample of 100 veterans). .

Statistics Mathematical procedures used to organize, summarize and analyze information Provide researchers with standardized methods to accurately interpret information. Inferential Statistics: Researchers use sample statistics to make generalizations/draw conclusions about the population.

Inferential Statistics Researchers use sample statistics to Make generalizations/draw conclusions about a given population. Data: Measurements or observations.

Variables: Characteristics, traits or conditions that change or have different values for different individuals (e.g., gender, age, personality, weather, etc.). Independent Variable: The variable manipulated by the researcher (e.g., the treatment conditions to which participants are exposed).

Dependent Variable The outcome variable influenced by one or more independent variables. Researchers observe dependent variables to assess the effect of treatment. Hypothesis: A statement that predicts the relationship between or among variables.

Hypothesis A statement that predicts the relationship between or among variables. Hypothesis are similar to Research/questions