Introduction To Research: Research Methodology Dr. Nimit Chowdhary

Introduction to
research
Research Methodology
Dr. Nimit Chowdhary
Saturday, August 24, 2019 1

Outline
 What is research?
 The scientific method
 Research and theory
 Conceptual and theoretical models
 Research process
Saturday, August 24, 2019 © Dr. Nimit Chowdhary Research Methodology Workshop p. 2
What is research?
Oxford English Dictionary
…the systematic investigation into the study
of materials, sources, etc. in order to
establish facts and reach new conclusions;
an endeavour to discover new or collate old
facts etc. by the scientific study of a subject
or by a course of critical investigation…
What is research?
Leedy (1989)
Research is a procedure by which we
attempt to find systematically, and with the
support of demonstrable fact, the answer to
a question or the resolution of a problem.
What is research?
Kerlinger (1970)
…the systematic, controlled, empirical and
critical investigation of hypothetical
propositions about presumed relations
among natural phenomena…
Characteristics of research
 Systematic and critical investigation into
the phenomenon
 Not a mere compilation, but a purposive
investigation
 With an aim of either describing,
interpreting or explaining a phenomenon
 Scientific-follows logical reasoning
 Objective- possible to test validity of
measuring tools and conclusions reached
 Based on observable experience and
empirical evidence
 Directed at finding answers to pertinent
questions and solutions to problems
 Lead to development of generalization,
principles or theories
 Not to arrive at answers those are
pleasing but rather one those will stand up
to test of criticism
Epistemology
Epistemology is concerned with how we
know things and what we can regard as
acceptable knowledge of discipline.
There are two ways one can acquire
knowledge about things/ phenomenon
 Through sensory experience
 Through reasoning
Epistemology
Source of Reasoning
knowledge used
Empiricism Through Inductive

sensory reasoning
experience (Aristotle)
Rationalism Through Deductive
reasoning reasoning
(Plato)
Ways of reasoning
Inductive reasoning- empiricist’s approach
From specific to general
Example
All swans which have been observed are white in colour
Therefore one can conclude that all swans are white
 Everyone uses inductive reasoning every day quite

successfully without even thinking about it
 Some times what appears obvious may not be so
after systematic research
Ways of reasoning
Deductive reasoning- rationalist’s approach
From general to specific

Example
All men have two hands
Nimit is a man
Therefore, Nimit has two hands
 Itis not practically possible to be either a pure

inductivist or deductivist as you either need some
theoretical ideas in order to know what info to look
for; or some knowledge in order to devise theories
Epistemology
Knowledge about individuals and
phenomena on a spectrum ranging from
scientific methods to human subjectivity can
have three stand points
Epistemology
Positivism that the only authentic knowledge is that which
allows verification and assumes that the only
valid knowledge is scientific
It aims to establish causes and effects
Interpretivism The recognition that subjective meanings play a
crucial role in social actions.
It aims to reveal interpretations and meanings
Realism That generalizations should be avoided. General
structures divorced from the specific event or
situation and context of the research and
researcher are not tenable.
Ontology
Ontology is about the theory of social
entities and is concerned with what there
exists to be investigated.
 Objectivism
 Constructionism
Objectivism
The belief that social phenomenon and their
meaning have an existence that is not
dependent on social actors. They are facts
that have an independent existence.
Constructionism
…the belief that social phenomenon are in a
constant state of change because they are
totally reliant on social interactions as they
take place. Even the account of researchers
is subject to these interactions, therefore
social knowledge can only be intermediate.
Theory
“…a set of systematically interrelated
concepts, definitions, and propositions that
are advanced to explain and predict
phenomenon (facts).”
-Kerlinger
Theory may include one or some of
the following:
Assumptions …un-testable premise about the
and ideas nature of selected aspects of
social life…
Frames of …identify the major dimensions

reference of social life that will be
subjected to empirical scrutiny…
Theory may include one or some of
the following:
Concepts …are abstractions, e.g., group,
motivations, democracy…
Variables …are relational units of analysis
that can assume designated set of
values, e.g., education level,
income, etc.
Propositions …are statements between or
among variables…
Researches’ contribution to theory
 Research initiates theory

 Research tests an existing theory
 Reformulation of an existing theory
 Research refocuses theory
 Research clarifies theory
Use of theory in research
 Suggesting a problem for study
 Giving a hypothesis to be tested
 Providing a conceptual model for delimiting
the scope of the study
 Selection of variables or identification of
classes of data to be collected
 Making research finding intelligible
Conceptual or theoretical model
“…is a simplified systematic conceptual
structure of interrelated elements in some
schematic form”
…it describes relationships between and

among concepts and variables…
Conceptual or theoretical model
Example
“The organizational effectiveness in a R&D
organisation is determined by five sets of
variables, viz., macroclimate (organizational
climate), microclimate (job climate),
personality of scientists, and their
attitudinal and performance variables.”
Pandey, Subrata (1986), A study of organizational and individual characteristics in R & D

organizations, unpublished thesis, Bangalore: Indian Institute of Science
The scientific method
“The scientific method is a systematic step-
by-step procedure following the logical
process of reasoning”
Research is a scientific endeavour. It

involves scientific method.
Scientific Method
‘Articles of faith’
 Reliance on empirical evidence
 Use of relevant concepts
 Commitment to objectivity
 Ethical neutrality
 Generalization
 Verifiability
 Logical reasoning process
Scientific approach
Procedural component
 Define the problem
 Establish hypothesis as to causes/
explanations/ solutions of the problems
 Collect the data
 Analyze the data to test the hypothesis
and draw inferences
Study theoretical
background
Review your subject Investigate problem Write proposal to

Gain approval to
area to find problem area to define a explain the research
continue
area research problem project and its timing
The Research Investigate relevant

research methods
Process Examine ethical
Walliman, Nicholas (2006). Social science issues
research methods. New Delhi: Sage
Publications
Carry out detailed Explore methods for Carry out more

Disseminate results.
research- data data collection and background research
Indicate areas that
collection and analysis. Check to refine research
need further research
analysis ethical issues problem
Report actions and Describe why and how

Write up background
results and draw research methods
to research
conclusions used
What data are
required to answer
question?
Literature
Research Research Data Data Answer

Topic Design
area questions collection analysis questions
Context
Pre-empirical Empirical
stage stage
Simplified model of research

Punch, Keith, F. (2003). Survey research-the basics. New Delhi: Sage Publications

Introduction To Research: Research Methodology Dr. Nimit Chowdhary

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Introduction to

Saturday, August 24, 2019 1

Empiricism Through Inductive

 Everyone uses inductive reasoning every day quite

From general to specific

 Itis not practically possible to be either a pure

Frames of …identify the major dimensions

 Research initiates theory

…it describes relationships between and

Pandey, Subrata (1986), A study of organizational and individual characteristics in R & D

Research is a scientific endeavour. It

Review your subject Investigate problem Write proposal to

The Research Investigate relevant

Carry out detailed Explore methods for Carry out more

Report actions and Describe why and how

Research Research Data Data Answer

Simplified model of research

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