Introduction to Research Methods and Report Writing

This book provides introductory materials on research methods and report writing that aim at guiding students and researchers towards effective research and reporting of their findings. Unlike the many volumes on research that are mostly theoretical, this book originated in the classroom and grew out of the students' own needs to design and conduct satisfactory research in order to meet academic requirements. It is also designed to help experienced researchers in their research ventures. In fulfilling this purpose, the author uses simple, straightforward language. He also provides appropriate examples and illustrations to enable the reader to grasp the basic concepts of research. The book will prove a useful guide for students and researchers in social sciences and humanities who wish to transform research theory into real and feasible research projects. ""Elia Shabani Mligo's Introduction to Research Methods and Report Writing is an informative and a critical stepbystep guide for students and researchers across the social sciences and humanities. Both experienced researchers and beginners will find this book a useful tool for understanding the basics of scientific research planning, execution, and reporting."" --Cornelius Simba, Senior Lecturer and Director of Library Services, University of Iringa ""This practical guide to research is an easily accessible book written after the author's long experience in teaching and supervising research projects for degree and nondegree students. Well-presented, well-documented, and well-argued, this book is commendable and will greatly serve as a guide and quick reference for any researcher and supervisor of research."" --Benedict L. K. Mwaibasa, Teofilo Kisanji University, Mbeya, Tanzania ""This introduction to research methods is extremely valuable and surprisingly thorough, although generally kept in an accessible form and language. I will definitely recommend this book to students in the humanities and social sciences."" --Marius Timmann Mjaaland, Professor of Philosophy and Theology, Academic Director of PluRel: Interdisciplinary Studies of Religion in Pluralist Societies, University of Oslo Elia Shabani Mligo (PhD, University of Oslo, Norway) is Senior Lecturer in Research, Philosophy, and Religious Studies at Tumaini University Makumira, Mbeya Center in Tanzania. He is the author of many books and articles on contextual theology and research. Some of his books include Jesus and the Stigmatized (2011), Writing Academic Papers (2012), Doing Effective Fieldwork (2013), Elements of African Traditional Religion (2013), Symbolic Interactionism in the Gospel According to John (2014), and He Descended into Hell (2015).