RESEARCH

METHODOLOGY
FUNDAMENTALS
 RE + SEARCH
(Again) (Examine something closely)
 Research
 Research is a Search for Knowledge.

 Research is a scientific and systematic search for information on a specific topic.

 Dictionary Definition: Research is a careful investigation/Inquiry, especially

through the search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.

 It is a journey of discovery.
 Definition

According to “Clifford Woody”.

Research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating

hypotheses of suggested solutions, research conclusions, and lastly
carefully testing conclusions to determine whether they fit the
formulating hypothesis.
 Objectives
 Achieve a new insight. (Stress and Cancer, Elder and Younger sibling)

 To develop new theories.

 Generalize the Principle.

 Determine the relationship between two variables. (Student Weight and

Laziness)
 Types of Variables

1. Constant - 2,4,7,8,9…

2. Variables – X, Y, Z…

3. Dependent Variables- Test Performance of students

4. Independent Variables – Sleep Deprivation

5. Extraneous Variables – Temperature of room, emotional state, high fever,

etc.
 Types of Research

1. Quantitative Research – Based on numbers, (Shares)

2. Qualitative Research- Based on quality (why, reason) (Human Behaviour,

Motivation)

3. Experimentation Research – Laboratory

4. Descriptive Research – Fall in car sale (WFH)

5. Observation – On animals (Zoo)

6. Ex- post facto – Cancer patients, blind people, fat people

 Tools of Research

1. Interview – Face to face, telephonic

2. Questionnaire – on a small population

3. Survey- on a large population

4. Projective Test – by showing pictures

 Types of Sampling

 Simple Random Sampling – Lottery Method

 Systematic sampling – ascending or descending

 Cluster sampling - Area

 Snowball sampling - participants via other participants, references

 Purposive/Judgement sampling – Expertise guidance

 Convenience sampling - Most accessible population

 RESEARCH PROCESS
Series of actions/ Steps necessary to effectively carry out
research

2. Review Concept,
1. Define Research 3. Formulating
Theory, and previous
Problem Hypotheses
research findings

7. Interpret 6. Analyze 5. Collect 4. Design

and Report Data Data Research
 RESEARCH PROCESS
1. Formulating the research problem
Two types of research problem
a) Related to the State of Nature.
b) Related to finding the Relationships between the variables.

Two steps are involved in formulating the research problem,

c) Understanding of the problem thoroughly.
d) Rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an analytical point of view.
 RESEARCH PROCESS

2. Extensive Literature Survey

Academic Journals, Conference proceedings,
Government reports, Books, etc. must be referred to
depending on the nature of the research.
 RESEARCH PROCESS
3. Development of a working Hypothesis
a) Working Hypothesis – Tentative assumption made to draw out and test its
logical and empirical consequences.
b) The hypothesis should be very specific.
c) Hypotheses Role - To guide the researcher by delimiting the area of
research and keep him on the right track. It sharpens his thinking and
focuses attention on the more important facts of the problem. It also
indicates the type of data required and the type of method of data analysis
to be used.
 RESEARCH PROCESS
4. Preparing the research design
a) The suitable design will minimize the bias and Maximize the
reliability of the data collected and analyzed.
b) Research design – function – optimum time, effort, and
expenditure.
c) It depends on the skills of the researcher, time available, cost
factor (finance available).
 RESEARCH PROCESS

5. Determining Sample Design

Sample – We select only a few items from the universe for our
study purpose. Ex- Blood sample.
Sample design – The way of selecting a sample or a definite plan
is determined before any data is collected for obtaining a sample
from a given population.
 RESEARCH PROCESS
6. Collecting the Data
Types – Primary Data and Secondary Data
Primary Data can be collected through experiments and surveys.
In the survey, data can be collected in any one or more of the following
ways:-
a) By Observation
b) Through Personal Interview
c) Through Telephonic Interview
d) By mailing a questionnaire
e) Through Schedules
 RESEARCH PROCESS

7. Execution of the Project

a) The researcher should see that the project is
executed in a systematic manner and on time.
b) Careful watch should be kept.
 RESEARCH PROCESS
8. Analysis of Data
The analysis of data requires several closely related
operations such as coding, editing, tabulation,
and drawing statistical inferences.

Hypotheses Testing:- Chi test, t-test, f-test

 RESEARCH PROCESS

9. Generalization and Interpretation

a) After Hypothesis testing, the researcher
arrives at a generalization. (Build a Theory)
b) Interpretation – Explain his findings based
on some theory.
 Thesis Writing

 Title
 Abstract
 Literature Review
 Methodology
 Results and Discussions
 Conclusion
 References
 Criteria of Good Research
Whatever the types of research works and studies, one important thing is that they all meet on the
common ground of the scientific method employed by them. One expects scientific research to satisfy
the following criteria:

1. The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts be used.
2. The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit another researcher to
repeat the research for further advancement, keeping the continuity of what has already been attained.
3. The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results that are as
objective as possible.
4. The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and the methods of
analysis used should be appropriate. The validity and reliability of the data should be checked
carefully.
5. Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and limited to those
for which the data provide an adequate basis.
6. Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced, has a good reputation
in research, and is a person of integrity.
 In other words, we can state the qualities
of a good research
1. Good research is systematic: It means that research is structured with specified
steps to be taken in a specified sequence by a well-defined set of rules. Systematic
characteristics of the research do not rule out creative thinking but it certainly does
reject the use of guessing and intuition in arriving at conclusions.

2. Good research is logical: This implies that research is guided by the rules of
logical reasoning and the logical process of induction and deduction are of great
value in carrying out research. Induction is the process of reasoning from a part to
the whole whereas deduction is the process of reasoning from some premise to a
conclusion that follows from that very premise. Logical reasoning makes research
more meaningful in the context of decision-making.
 Inductive Approach
Observation Observe a Pattern Develop a Theory

The low-cost editing apps, All observed low-cost All low-cost editing apps
App A and B, both editing apps experience app experience app glitches.
experience app glitches. glitches.

Deductive Approach
Start with an Formulate a Test the Hypothesis Analyze the Results
Existing Theory Hypothesis

All low-cost editing If users select a low- Collect data on low- 20 out of 50 of the
apps experience app cost editing app, cost editing apps. low-cost editing
glitches. then they will apps do not
experience app experience app
glitches. glitches.
= Reject Hypothesis
 Contd..

3. Good research is empirical: It implies that research is related basically

to one or more aspects of a real situation and deals with concrete data that
provides a basis for external validity to research results.

4. Good research is replicable: This characteristic allows research results to

be verified by replicating the study and thereby building a sound basis for
decisions.
 Problems Encountered by Researchers in India
Researchers in India
1. The lack of a scientific training in the methodology of research is a great impediment for researchers in our
country. Many researchers take a leap in the dark without knowing the research methods. Most of the work, which
goes in the name of research is not methodologically sound. Research to many researchers and even to their
guides, is mostly a scissor-and-paste job without any insight shed on the collated materials. The consequence is
obvious, viz., the research results, quite often, do not reflect the reality or realities. Thus, a systematic study of
research methodology is an urgent necessity. Before undertaking research projects, researchers should be well-
equipped with all the methodological aspects.

2. There is insufficient interaction between the university research departments on one side and business
establishments, government departments, and research institutions on the other side. A great deal of primary data of
a non-confidential nature remains untouched/untreated by the researchers for want of proper contact. There is a
need to develop some mechanisms of a university—industry interaction program so that academics can get ideas
from practitioners on what needs to be researched and practitioners can apply the research done by the academics.
 Contd.
3. Many researchers in our country also face the difficulty of adequate and timely secretarial
assistance, including computer assistance. This causes unnecessary delays in the completion of research
studies. All possible efforts be made in this direction so that efficient secretarial assistance is made
available to researchers and that too well in time. University Grants Commission must play a dynamic
role in solving this difficulty.

4. Library management and functioning are not satisfactory in many places and much of the time and
energy of researchers are spent in tracing out the books, journals, reports, etc., rather than in tracing out
relevant material from them.
 Contd.

5. There is also the problem that many of our libraries are not able to get copies of old and new
Acts/Rules, reports, and other government publications in time. This problem is felt more in
libraries that are away in places from Delhi and/or the state capitals. Thus, efforts should be made
for the regular and speedy supply of all governmental publications to reach our libraries.

There is also the difficulty of timely availability of published data from various government
and other agencies doing this job in our country. The researcher also faces the problem on account
of the fact that the published data vary quite significantly because of differences in coverage by the
concerned agencies.