3 Research Methodology

3.1 Introduction
A research method is a systematic plan for conducting research. Sociologists draw on a variety
of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including experiments, survey research,
participant observation, and secondary data. Quantitative methods aim to classify features,
count them, and create statistical models to test hypotheses and explain observations.
Qualitative methods aim for a complete, detailed description of observations, including the
context of events and circumstances.

The purpose of the research is to discover answers to questions through the applications of
scientific procedures. the main aim of the research is to find the hidden truth and which has
not been yet discovered. The main aim of research methodology is as follows-

• To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights within it.

• To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group.

• To determine the frequency with which something occurs or which it is associated with
something else.

• To test the hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables.

A survey is a research method in which subjects respond to a series of statements or questions

in a questionnaire or an interview. Surveys target some population, which are the people who
are the focus of research. Because populations are usually quite large, the researcher will
target a sample, which is a part of a population that represents the whole. Once our sample is
selected, we need a plan for asking questions and recording answers. The most common
types of surveys are questionnaires and interviews. A questionnaire is series of written
statements or questions. With an interview, the researcher personally asks subjects a series
of questions and gives participants the freedom to respond as they wish. Both questionnaires
and interviews can include open-ended questions (allowing the subjects to respond freely), or
close-ended questions (including a selection of fixed responses).

3.2 Research Questions

A Research Question is a question around which we center the research. It should be clear,
focused, concise, complex and arguable. The research question begins with a research
problem, an issue someone would like to know more about or a situation that needs to be
changed or addressed, such as:

• Areas of concern
 • Conditions that could be improved
• Difficulties that need to be eliminated
• Questions seeking answers

On the basis of study conducted, a literature review was carried out on the basis of which
certain questions were initiated, which formulated the need to carry out a study. The following
were the questions raised: -

• How was Maha Kumbh, 2019 planned, managed and executed? This question clearly
deals with the overall organization of the Maha Kumbh Mela, 2019. This will call for
detailed study of planning and execution of the event and getting perspective and
experiences from kalpvasis and institutions.
• Based on the experience from the Maha Kumbh, 2019, and incorporating the good
practices and addressing the gaps how can be an efficient model for mass gathering
events in India be determined? This question is rather exploratory in nature and can
be determined by the success/failure, the evolution of the practices and the gaps
identified during the execution of the event. Once done, connecting all the loose ends
and incorporating the best practices evolved, a model plan for such events can be
determined. This model will be generic in nature and scalable at the same time.

3.3 Population and Sample

Population and sample size were determined according to the relevance of our study.

3.3.1 Target Population

The target population for a survey is the entire set of units for which the survey data are to be
used to make inferences. Thus, the target population defines those units for which the findings
of the survey are meant to generalize.

Target populations must be specifically defined, as the definition determines whether sampled
cases are eligible or ineligible for the survey. The geographic and temporal characteristics of
the target population need to be delineated, as well as types of units being included. Our target
population was kalpvasi and institutions.

3.3.2 Sample Method

According to our study our sampling method is Purposive Convenience Sampling (judgement
sampling) which is non-probability sampling method. It has the advantage of being time-and
cost-effective to perform whilst resulting in a range of responses (particularly useful in
qualitative research). However, in addition to volunteer bias, it is also prone to errors of
judgement by the researcher and the findings, whilst being potentially broad, will not
necessarily be representative.
3.3.3 Sample Size
Sample size measures the number of individual samples measured or observations used in a
survey or experiment. Sample size is a count the of individual samples or observations in any
statistical setting, such as a scientific experiment or a public opinion survey. Though a
relatively straightforward concept, choice of sample size is a critical determination for a project.
To determine the sample size needed for an experiment or survey, researchers take a number
of desired factors into account. First, the total size of the population being studied must be
considered. Our sample size according to target population is given below: -

 Group sample size: - About 105 respondents of kalpvasi and 18 respondents of

institution.
 Whole sample size: - About 1400 respondents of kalpvasi and 190 respondents of
institution was selected.

3.4 Questionnaire Design

We have a well-designed questionnaire keeping in mind certain aspects because we had a
restraint of time and resources. So, our main motive was to efficiently design the questionnaire
so as to reach the kalpvasis and institutions as we have to keep in mind certain facts like
convenience of kalpvasis related to accommodation, bathing facilities, medical facilities,
sanitation facilities, travelling facilities, etc. so that they can easily assess the questions and
respond to us. Our Questionaire design is mainly dichotomous, Multiple Choice and Brain
Storming. So, we kept in mind the following aspects-

 Questionnaire must be simple and easy to understand.

 Questionnaire is neutral in nature and not biased.
 Short simple sentences were used by us to make the Kalpvasis understand easily.
 Questionnaire is designed easily on an ordinal scale so that Kalpvasis can easily
respond to the responses.
 Questions are related to the basic need of kalpvasis like accommodation, availability
of products like food material, medical facilities, etc.

3.5 Data Collection

Data is collected mainly through questionnaire. The questionnaire designed in that way that it
is easy to understand and the Secondary data is collected through various govt sites, journals
etc. The data which we have assembled for the completion of our present study is primary and
secondary in nature.

 Primary Data: - Primary data refers to those data which has been collected through
the survey in the sample Kalpvasis and institutions. Such data are the basis of
 oursurvey as they have been collected through direct interaction with the Kalpvasis
and institutions but there may be a shortcoming of biasness of responses from
respondents to respondents. So, a careful analysis of the data is a mandatory.
 Secondary Data: - The secondary data are those data which has been collected
through various government sites like Kumbh.gov.in, research gate, sodhganga along
with research papers. The secondary data gives us idea about the current scenario of
the development in the area and are strictly based on facts and figures. Such data
gives us a rough idea about the trend of growth, and various other details about the
sample and population.