Research Methodology - Introduction
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This document defines and discusses research methodology. It describes research as a systematic search for knowledge through investigation. The objectives of research are to gain new insights into phenomena and to test hypotheses. Research can be motivated by various factors such as intellectual curiosity, a desire for career advancement, or a desire to solve problems. The document outlines different types of research including descriptive vs analytical, applied vs fundamental, quantitative vs qualitative, and conceptual vs empirical. It also discusses various research approaches like quantitative, qualitative, experimental, and simulation approaches. Finally, it discusses the significance of research for advancing knowledge and solving problems across various fields.
Research Methodology - Introduction
- 2. Meaning of Research Search for knowledge Art of scientific investigation A scientific & systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic It is careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge Movement from the known to the unknown A systematized effort to gain new knowledge
- 3. Objectives of Research To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables
- 4. Motivation in Research Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work Desire to be of service to society Desire to get respectability
- 5. Types of Research Descriptive vs. Analytical Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquires of different kinds. Major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists at present Ex post facto studies also include attempts by researchers to discover causes even when they cannot control the variables. social science and business research Frequency of shopping, preferences of people, or similar data.
- 6. Descriptive vs. Analytical In analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts or information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material.
- 7. Applied vs. Fundamental Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/business organization, whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. Ebola fever New algorithm for optimization of a process
- 8. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind.
- 9. Conceptual vs. Empirical Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. On the ther hand, empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment.
- 10. Some Other Types of Research One-time research or longitudinal research. Field-setting research or laboratory research or simulation research Clinical or diagnostic research Exploratory Historical research conclusion-oriented and decision-oriented
- 11. Research Approaches Quantitative approach :- The generation of data in quantitative form which can be subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid fashion. This approach can be further sub-classified into inferential, experimental and simulation approaches to research The purpose of inferential approach to research is to form a data base from which to infer characteristics or relationships of population.
- 12. Research Approaches Experimental approach is characterised by much greater control over the research environment and in this case some variables are manipulated to observe their effect on other variables. Simulation approach involves the construction of an artificial environment within which relevant information and data can be generated.
- 13. Research Approaches Qualitative approach to research is concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions and behaviour. Research in such a situation is a function of researcher’s insights and impressions. Such an approach to research generates results either in non- quantitative form or in the form which are not subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis. Generally, the techniques of focus group interviews, projective techniques and depth interviews are used.
- 14. Significance of Research “All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry, and inquiry leads to invention” Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and it promotes the development of logical habits of thinking and organization. The role of research in several fields of applied economics, whether related to business or to the economy as a whole, has greatly increased in modern times. Research provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our economic system.
- 15. Significance of Research Research has its special significance in solving various operational and planning problems of business and industry Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social relationships and in seeking answers to various social problems.
- 16. Significance of Research The significance of research can also be understood keeping in view the following points: (a) To those students who are to write a master’s or Ph.D. thesis, research may mean a careerism or a way to attain a high position in the social structure; (b) To professionals in research methodology, research may mean a source of livelihood; (c) To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights; (d) To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new styles and creative work; (e) To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the generalizations of new theories.
- 17. Reference: Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques, C. R. Kothari, New Age International, 2004 Queries? Manish T I E-mail: manishti2004@gmail.com