LECTURE ONE

Michael Poku-Boansi, Ph.D.

PL 253 RESEARCH METHODS

TODAY2

Our importance as a tertiary institution or university (and a Department) is determined by our production of knowledge through research and publications.

In a lot of circumstances, these two activities inform our existence and vice versa.

It also informs public policy.

INTRODUCTION

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If we do not research, what then will we be teaching and professing? And what will be the difference between the University and a secondary school teacher?

Research is the process of advancing knowledge created in the past.

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION4

Research is also a structured or systematic enquiry purposely designed to investigate the dynamics and operations of a physical or human phenomena.

It involves physical processes, social process and human behaviour.

INTRODUCTION5

For us, as planners, it is a process of understanding

the elements and processes of a human institution

and the functional relationships operational within

the system with the view to providing a rational

basis for a meaningful intervention.

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If all we do is replicate what practitioners do, then we are also behaving as practitioners and not researchers.

We need to remember that in our individual thesis, the foregoing point has to be brought to bear.

INTRODUCTION

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There is no special branch of research methodologies that deals with development planning per se. We borrow from various disciplines.

What is important is that, we need to ensure that the research we are pursuing has some meaning and makes some kind of impact. It should also be well designed to meet all the essential requirements of a research design.

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION8

What is the right research method, and is the research done well? Is the research properly framed? What was the return rate? Can you generalise from the sample?

Before thinking about any sophisticated methods of research, we need to think about the fundamental methods.

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It is important to base our research design on literature about research methods. Otherwise, we may be influenced by what some journalists and consultants do.

You can interview seven people and make generalisations about their attitude or perceptions, but will it be fair to report in multiples of 14%?

INTRODUCTION

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This is the trick:17

27

37

INTRODUCTION

14.3%

28.6%

42.9%

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This is the trick:47

57

67

INTRODUCTION

57.1%

71.4%

85.7%

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Research helps us perform better in our professional life. In fact, it is said that, “he who does not research cannot be a good planner”.

Research facilitates decision making. It helps you stay away from wrong information and helps save time and money.

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

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Informs policy at the appropriate time. with the obesity of information, our policies can be hinged on a solid basis.

Research helps us produce knowledge – remember that research is simply the result of advancing knowledge created in the past.

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

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Research can be designed to solve a particular problem of immediate concern – if a lot of people are interested in the issue, they will support it.

Research helps us understand complex phenomenon incrementally while asking more questions and sourcing for more funds.

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

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In general, academic publications are important in

the sense that, they offer us a permanent record and

the best way of learning.

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

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In general terms, the purpose of research can be summarised as follows:

‐ Data gathering;

‐ Understanding the components and relationships in a system;

‐ Provide explanations, test validity of theories and hypotheses;

‐ Explore new frontiers; and

‐ Investigate a problem to prescribe solutions.

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

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Gives society greater control and mastery of its resources and environment.

Provides intellectual leadership for development.

Explores new, efficient and cost-effective ways of doing old things.

THE ROLE RESEARCH AND PLANNING SURVEYS IN DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

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Provides insights into how untapped resources can be exploited and utilised.

Facilitates on-going and terminal evaluation of on-going development projects and strategies.

THE ROLE OF RESEARCH IN PLANNING

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Responsiveness of research to local development problems.

Ability and willingness to apply results of research to development problems (role of politicians and technocrats).

Appreciating the need to commit more resources to development research.- Ghana 0.05% of GDP, South Korea 1.9% of GDP.

THE CHALLENGES OF RESEARCH

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In 2002, for example, the US had 1.26 million researchers with R&D funding per researcher at US$230,000.

In the EU, there were 1.11 million researchers or US$177,000 per researcher.

In Japan, there were 647,000 researchers or US$1,615,000 per researcher.

THE CHALLENGES OF RESEARCH

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Israel 9,200 researchers – US$661,000 per researcher.

China 811,000 researchers – US$89,000 per researcher.

India 118,000 researchers – US$177,000 per researcher.

THE CHALLENGES OF RESEARCH

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The Lagos Plan of Action for Accelerated Development in Africa by NEPAD in 2003, recommended that, countries spend a minimum of 1.0% of GDP on research in S&T development.

But so far, Ghana has achieved 0.3% of GDP, Nigeria is about 0.5% and 0.3% in Kenya.

THE CHALLENGES OF RESEARCH