Research Methodology

An Introduction

Ashok Karri

Research Methodology
A search for knowledge A scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic A systematized effort to gain new knowledge Research as an academic activity comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis; collecting organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions.

Definition
Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) in order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon about which we are concerned or interested.

Research Methodology
The search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to a problem is research.

Objectives of research
The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures

Objectives of research
To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (studies with this objective are known as explorative or formulative studies)

Objectives of research
To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group (studies with this object in view are known as descriptive studies)

Objectives of research
To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else (known as diagnostic studies)

Objectives of research
To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (known as hypothesis testing)

Types of Research
1. 2. 3. 4. Descriptive vs. Analytical Applied vs. Fundamental Quantitative vs. Qualitative Conceptual vs. Empirical

1.Descriptive vs. Analytical

The major purpose of the descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists; usually includes surveys and factfinding enquiries. The main characteristic here is that the researcher has no control over the variables he can only report what has happened or what is happening. Ex: survey methods to identify peoples preferences. In analytical research, the researcher has to use facts or information already available and analyze these for critical evaluation.

2. Conceptual vs. Empirical

Conceptual research is related to some abstract idea or theory. Used by philosophers and thinkers. Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone; it is data based research;

3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative

Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity it is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind. Ex.motivation research.

4. Applied vs. Fundamental

Research can either be applied (action) research or fundamental (basic or pure). Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing society or an organization, whereas, fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with formulation of a theory.

Research Process
Research Process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out research. The process consists of closely related activities; such activities overlap continuously rather than following a strictly prescribed sequence. The steps are as follows:

Research Process
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Formulating the research problem Extensive literature survey Development of working hypothesis Preparing the research design Determining sample design Collecting the data Execution of the project Analysis of data Hypothesis-testing Generalization and Interpretation Preparation of the Report

1. Formulating the Research Problem

Two types of problems: Problems which related to state of nature Problems which relate to relationships between variables The formulation of a general topic into a specific research problem is the first step in scientific enquiry

Formulating the Research Problem

Two steps in formulating the research problem: Understanding the problem thoroughly Rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an analytical point of view

Formulating the Research Problem

Must review two types of literature: The Conceptual literature concerning concepts and theories The Empirical literature consisting of earlier studies, which are similar to the one proposed

Formulating the Research Problem

Formulating/defining a research problem is of great importance and significance in the entire research process The problem must be defined unambiguously Must verify the objectivity and validity of background facts concerning the problem

2. Extensive Literature Review

Abstracting/Indexing journals Published/Unpublished bibliographies Academic journals Conference proceedings Govt. Reports Books

3. Development of Working Hypothesis

The researcher should state, in clear terms the working hypothesis Working Hypothesis is a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical assumptions Hypothesis is the focal point of the research, for ex: students who receive counseling will show a greater increase in creativity than students not receiving counseling or car A is performing as well as car B

Functions of a Hypothesis
It guides the direction of the study. It identifies facts that are relevant and those that are not. It suggests which form of research design is likely to be most appropriate. It provides a framework for organizing the conclusions that result

4. Preparing the Research Design

Need to prepare a research design a conceptual structure within which the research would be conducted The primary objective of the research design is to collect the relevant data Research Purposes may be grouped into 1. Exploration 2. Description 3. Diagnosis 4. Experimentation Many research designs exist.

5. Determining the Sample Design

All the items under consideration in any field constitute a Universe or Population A complete enumeration of all the items in the population is known as a census enquiry Since a complete census enquiry is not possible generally, we select a sample a few items from the universe for our study Researcher selects the sample by using sampling design a definite plan determined before any data is actually collected

Types of Sampling
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Deliberate Sampling Simple Random Sampling Systematic Sampling Quota Sampling Stratified Sampling Cluster/area Sampling Multi-stage Sampling Sequential Sampling

6. Collecting the Data

Need to collect appropriate data Primary data can be collected thru experiment or survey In experiment, he observes some quantitative measurements (data), with which the hypothesis is tested In Survey, data can be collected by the following methods: i. Observation ii. Personal Interview iii. Telephone Interview iv. Mailing Questionnaires v. Through Schedules

7. Execution of the Project

The research study must be executed in a systematic manner to ensure that adequate and dependable data are collected. Should be rigorously methodological

8. Analysis of Data
Requires that the data be necessarily condensed into manageable groups and tables for further analyses Should classify the new data into some purposeful and usable categories Coding is done at this stage Tabulation classified data are put into tables Analysis, after tabulation is based on the computation of various percentages, coefficients, etc. by applying statistics Tests of significance would be applied wherever relevant

9. Hypothesis Testing
Do the data support the hypothesis or they contrary? Chi Square test, t-test, f-test are normally used Hypothesis testing will result in either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it

10. Generalization & Interpretation

To arrive at a generalization, that is, to build a theory Or to interpret the data in terms of existing state of knowledge (theories)

11. Preparation of Report/Thesis

Has to prepare the report The layout of the report is as follows: The prefatory part The Main Body/Text The Supplemental Part

The Prefatory Part

Title page Certification Acknowledgments Preface Contents page

The Main Body

Introduction Summary of Findings Main Report conclusion

The Supplemental Part

References, or Bibliography Appendices Index

Good Research Requires

The scope and limitations of the work to be clearly defined. The process to be clearly explained so that it can be reproduced and verified by other researchers. A thoroughly planned design that is as objective as possible. Highly ethical standards are applied. All limitations are documented. Data be adequately analyzed and explained. All findings are presented unambiguously and all conclusions be justified by sufficient evidence.