RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

DR. G. K. KALKOTI
M.A., Ph.D.

Reader & Head, Dept of Business Economics Khandwala College Road No1, Bhadran Nagar, Off SVRoad, Malad (West) Mumbai-400 064 Research Guide in Commerce University of Mumbai

DISCOVERY, INVENTION, INNOVATION, ENQUIRY, INQUIRY, SURVEY, INVESTIGATION, SEARCH, RESEARCH

DR G K KALKOTI 2

Meaning

Research-Two syllables a prefix re and a verb search

DR G K KALKOTI

Re means again, anew, over again. Search means to examine closely and carefully to test and try, to probe.

DR G K KALKOTI

The two words form a noun to describe a careful and systematic study in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles (Grinnel 1997)

DR G K KALKOTI

DEFINITIONS

It is a scientific examination reexamination of empirical data, collected by someone first hand, concerning the social and psychological force operating in a situation. (Monett 1994) According to Drew (1980) it is a systematic way of asking questions.
DR G K KALKOTI 6

DEFINITIONS

A way of going about finding answers to questions about the social world. (Newman 1997) Any organised inquiry designed and carried out to provide information for solving a problem. William C. Emory A careful critical inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles; diligent investigation in order to ascertain something. Websters Dictionary
DR G K KALKOTI 7

DEFINITIONS

The process of systematically obtaining accurate answers to significant and pertinent questions by the use of scientific method gathering and interpreting information. V.Clover & H. Balsley

DR G K KALKOTI

DEFINITIONS

Pauline Young, a scientific undertaking which, by means of logical and systematic techniques, aims to: - Discover new facts or verify and test old facts - Analyse their sequences, interrelationships and causal explanations - Develop new scientific tools, concepts and theories, which would facilitate reliable and valid study of human behaviour
DR G K KALKOTI

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

To find solutions to problems To verify and test existing laws and theories To obtain information To extend knowledge To establish generalisations and general laws To predict events To analyse inter-relationships To develop new tools concepts and theories
DR G K KALKOTI 10

TYPES OF RESEARCH

Applied and Fundamental Research Research undertaken to find a solution to a defined specific problem is Applied Research, for eg. A company may commission a research to find out why sales of a product are dipping? Research undertaken to develop a theory which, can be used by different organisations to solve similar problems or situations, is Fundamental Research. For eg. To outline the parameters that define levels of job satisfaction among H.R personnel.
DR G K KALKOTI 11

Descriptive and Analytical Research Research which provides facts as they are is Descriptive Research. For eg. The consumer behaviour in India. Research which analyses critically available data and gives some recommendations is Analytical Research. For eg. Problems faced by farmers and ways to solve it
DR G K KALKOTI 12

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Research which describes qualitative solutions is Qualitative Research. For eg. Motivational factors for H.R. Research which outlines quantitative aspects is Quantitative Research. For eg. Number of accidents by drunken driving.
DR G K KALKOTI 13

Conceptual and Empirical Research Research undertaken to develop new concepts or reinterpret existing concepts is Conceptual Research. Research undertaken to analyse quantitative data based on experiments and observations is Empirical Research, this research typically has a hypothesis which is proven by the researcher. For eg. Where do the people move first as soon as they enter a mall, Does music, easy layout of products change buying patterns.
DR G K KALKOTI 14

Other types : Field or Laboratory One-time or Multi-period Conclusion-oriented or Decision-oriented Historical or current-situation

DR G K KALKOTI

15

PROCESS

Identifying and defining Research Problem Extensive Literature survey Formulating the Hypothesis - Product price is too high - Middlemen are not getting adequate margin - The product is becoming obsolete
DR G K KALKOTI 16

Research Design
What is the study about ? Why is the study undertaken? What are the types of data required? Where can the data be found? What techniques will be adopted to gather data? In which areas will the study be undertaken? What are the periods of time the study will cover? The quantity of research resources (men, money, material) that will be required?
DR G K KALKOTI 17

Design a Questionnaire
What type of information is required? Technique used to conduct the research (telephonic personal interview)? Questions must be worded and sequenced properly. Designing a sample
DR G K KALKOTI 18

Collection of Data
Information is up-to-date and free from bias It is objective and relevant to the needs of the problem It is complete in all respects (no loose ends)

Organisation of data Analysis and interpretation of data Testing of Hypothesis

DR G K KALKOTI

19

Preparation of Research Report

Preliminary Contents- which includes title, acknowledgements, list of tables, charts, index Main Text- which includes introduction, summary of findings, main report and conclusions Concluding Part- which includes appendix and bibliography

Follow-up of Report
DR G K KALKOTI 20