Research Methodology
Ram Kumar
Assistant Professor
DOPST
MRSPTU
Contents
Research Meaning and Definition
Objectives of Research
Characteristics of Research
Significance of Research
Types of Research
What is Research?
Research means finding answers to the questions.
It is a systematic search for truth.
Research is search for knowledge.
Research is defined as a scientific and systematic
search for information on a specific topic.
Continued…
Research is systematic, because it follows certain
steps.
These steps are:
Understanding the nature of problem to be
studied
Identifying the related area of knowledge.
Reviewing literature to understand how others
have approached or deal with the problem.
Collecting data in an organized and controlled
manner.
Continued…
Analyzing data appropriate to the problem.
Making conclusions discussion.
Definition of Research
Redman and Mory “Research is an effort to gain
new knowledge.”
Organized scientific investigations to solve
problems, test hypotheses, develop or invent new
products.
Objectives of Research
The purpose of research is to discover answers
through the application of scientific procedures.
The objectives are:
To gain or achieve something new.
To know characteristics of a particular individual,
situation or a group.
Continued…
To determine the frequency with which something
occurs or with which it is associated with
something else – Diagnostic Research e.g. Lab values
To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship
between variables – Hypothesis-Testing Research.
Relationship between IV vs DV
Characteristics of Research
Research is directed towards the solution of a
problem.
Research is based upon observed experience or
evidence.
Research demands accurate observation and
description.
Research involves gathering new data from
primary sources or using existing data for a new
purpose.
Continued…
Research activities are characterized by carefully
designed procedures. SOP’s
Research requires expertise i.e., skill necessary to
carryout investigations.
For research we search the related literature and
to understand and analyze the data gathered.
Continued…
Research involves the answers to unsolved problems.
Research requires courage.
Research is carefully recorded and reported.
Significance of Research
Significance of Research for decision making.
Identify alternative courses of action.
Helps in economic use of resources.
Helps in project identification.
Continued…
Solves investment problems.
Solves pricing problems.
Solves allocation problems.
Solves decision making issues in HR.
Solves various operational and planning problems
of business and industry.
Continued…
Role of research for an Individual
Helps scientists in studying relationships and in
seeking answers to various problems.
For students, research means a way to attain a
high position in the scientific structure.
For professionals in research, it may mean a
source of mentorship.
Continued…
For philosophers and thinkers, research means the
outlet for new ideas.
For literate men and women, research means
development of new styles and creative work.
For analysts, research means development of new
theories.
Types of Research
Descriptive vs Analytical Research:
Descriptive Research is a fact finding
investigation.
which describe the characteristics of individual,
situation or a group.
Analytical Research is primarily concerned with
testing hypothesis and finding relationships, by
analyzing the facts or information already available.
Continued…
Applied vs Fundamental Research:
Applied Research or Action Research is carried
out to find solution to a real life problem requiring
an action or policy decision.
Fundamental Research which is also known as
basic or pure research is undertaken for the sake of
knowledge without any intention to apply it in
practice.
Continued…
Quantitative vs Qualitative Research:
Quantitative Research is employed for
measuring the quantity or amount of a particular
phenomena by the use of statistical analysis.
Qualitative Research is a non-quantitative type of
analysis which is aimed at finding out the quality
of a particular phenomenon.
Continued…
Conceptual vs Empirical Research:
Conceptual Research is generally used by
philosophers and thinkers to develop new
concepts about anything.
Empirical Research is a data based research
which depends on experience or observation
alone. It is aimed at coming up with conclusions
without due regard for system and theory.
Continued…
Experimental Research : It is designed to assess the
effect of one particular variable on a phenomenon by
keeping the other variables constant or controlled.
Historical Research : It is the study of past records and
other information sources, and to discover the trends in
the past, in order to understand the present and to
anticipate the future.
Exploratory Research:
Takes place where there is little or no prior
knowledge of a phenomenon.
Continued…
Descriptive Research: What and How
Describes a particular phenomenon, focusing upon
the issue of:
What is happening
How much of it has happened, rather than why it is
happening.
Continued…
Explanatory Research: Why
This type of research is involved in explaining why
something happens, and try to find out
relationships between variables.
Continued…
Predictive Research:
Multiple time frame analysis
Gretl- Statistical Software
Continued…
Pure and Applied Research
Pure research takes place to explore a
particular concept, or issue, for better
understanding. Bur solution in not suggested.
Applied research is undertaken to solve a
specific problem or provide a solution to a
practical question.
Main Points…
Research is important for the advancement of any
academic field or discipline.
Research can be classified as exploratory,
descriptive, explanatory or predictive depending
upon its purpose.
It can also be classified as either theoretical or
applied depending upon the level of application of
the findings to ‘real life’ situations.
Thank You…
