Research methodology unit i
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This document provides an overview of research methodology. It discusses key topics such as the meaning and importance of research, classification of research types, the research process, and characteristics of good research. Specifically, it covers: - The objectives of research including exploration, description, diagnosis, and hypothesis testing. - The significance of research in advancing knowledge and solving problems. - How research follows the scientific method principles of clearly defined purpose, planned process, and justified conclusions. - Classification of research as basic vs applied, descriptive vs analytical, quantitative vs qualitative, and conceptual vs empirical. - The characteristics of good research as being systematic, logical, empirical, and having a clear purpose.
Research methodology unit i
- 1. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Sunday, December 21, 2014
- 2. CONTENTS – UNIT 1 Introduction Meaning and Importance of Research Classification of Research Research in Engineering Functions The Research Process Research as a Scientific Process Issues Governing Research Function Listing and Description of Steps of Research 2 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 3. INTRODUCTION What is Research? Search for knowledge. Scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. Art of scientific investigation. Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of English defines research as “a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.” Redman and Mory define research as “systematized effort to gain new knowledge.” According to Clifford Woody, “Research comprises of defining and redefining problems. Formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions, making deductions and reaching conclusions, and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they are fit and formulating hypothesis.” For some authors, “Research is a movement from known to unknown. It is actually a voyage of discovery.” 3 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 4. OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures. The broad objectives of research are: To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or achieve new insight into it (exploratory or formulative research studies). To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual situation or a group (descriptive research studies). To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else (diagnostic studies). To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (hypothesis-testing research studies) 4 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 5. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH In Hudson Maxim’s words, “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. Research has its 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. 5 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 6. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH The significance of research can also be understood keeping in view the following points: Research may mean career growth or a way to attain a high position in the social structure (somebody writing Masters or Ph.D. thesis). Research may mean a source of livelihood (professionals in research methodology). Research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights (philosophers and thinkers). Research may mean the development of new styles and creative work (literary people). Research may mean the generalization of new theories (analysts and intellectuals). 6 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 7. RESEARCH AS A SCIENTIFIC METHOD Good research generates trustworthy data that can be used to draw functional solutions. In contrast, poor research is carelessly planned and conducted, therefore, its conclusion cannot be used for decision-making. Good research follows the principles of the scientific method as mentioned below: Clearly Defined Purpose Detailed Research Process Planned Research Design Clearly Defined Limitations Provide Opportunity to Analyze Unambiguous Presentations of Findings Justified Conclusion 7 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 8. CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH There can be different research types according to different criteria, such as purpose, method, availability of time and other resources, type of analysis, scope and statistical content. A broad classification of different research types include: Basic versus Applied Research Descriptive versus Analytical Research Conceptual versus Empirical Research Qualitative versus Quantitative Research 8 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 9. CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH Basic versus Applied Research Research can either be applied (or action) research or fundamental (or basic or pure) research. 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. Examples of fundamental research – research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics, research studies concerning human behavior carried on with a view to make generalizations about human behavior etc. Examples of applied research – research aimed at certain conclusions (say, a solution) facing a concrete social or business problem, research to identify social, economic or political trends, marketing research etc. 9 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 10. CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH Descriptive versus Analytical Research Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists in present. The main characteristic of this type of research is that the researcher has no control over the variables, he can only report what has happened or what is happening. 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. 10 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 11. CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH Quantitative versus 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. Qualitative research is specially important in the behavioral science where the aim is to discover the underlying motives of human behavior. 11 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 12. CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH Conceptual versus 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 interpret existing ones. On the other 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. In such a research, the researcher must first provide himself with a working hypothesis or guess as to the probable results. He then works to get enough facts (data) to prove or disprove his hypothesis. Such research is thus characterized by the experimenter’s control over the variables under study and his deliberate manipulation of one of them to study the effects. 12 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 13. CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH Some Other Types of Research All other types of research are variations of one or more of the types described earlier: One-Time Research (research is confined to a single time-period) Longitudinal Research (research is carried on over several time-periods) Laboratory Research (research done in lab settings, also known as simulation research) Field setting Research (research carried out in the field and not in the lab settings) Historical research (researcher takes the help of historical sources to conduct fresh research or studies the past events). 13 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 14. RESEARCH APPROACH There are two types of research approach, namely quantitative and qualitative approach: Quantitative research approach – refers to the generation of data in quantitative form, which can be subjected to quantitative analysis. The sub-parts of quantitative approach are as follows: Inferential approach – refers to an approach that is used where a sample of population is observed or studied to infer some characteristics of population under study by forming a proper database. Experimental approach – refers to the approach in which some variables of research study are manipulated to observe their effects on other variables. Simulation approach – refers to the approach in which an artificial environment is created to generate relevant information and data. Qualitative research approach – Deals with subjective evaluation of attitudes, opinions, and actions. The approach generates result in non- quantitative form. 14 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 15. CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH Some of the characteristics of a good research are as follows: Systematic – refers to the fact that research should be properly structured. The role of intuition and creative thinking is also not ruled out. Logical – means that the research should be guided by logical reasoning. Basically, logical reasoning is of two types: induction(specific to universal) and deduction (universal to specific). Empirical – indicates that the research should be based on real situations rather than abstract concepts or ideas. Clear Purpose – objectives of the research should be clearly defined. Elaboration – research procedures should be explained and detailed properly. Efficient Analysis – the data gathered in the research should be properly analyzed using a suitable method. 15 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 16. RESEARCH METHOD VERSUS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY There are several differences between research method and research methodology. Research methods include methods, which can be classified into three groups: In first group, methods related to collection of data are included. The second group includes statistical methods, which are used to establish the relationships between different sets of data. The third group consists of the methods, which are used to estimate the correctness of the results obtained. Research methodology is an approach to solve research problems in a systematic manner. It constitutes both the research strategies and data generation methods. 16 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 17. RESEARCH PROCESS Research process consists of a series of steps, which are as follows, although not strictly in sequential order: Defining Research Problem – refers to identifying a problem whose solution can be found through research. Two steps are involved in defining a research problem – i) Understanding the problem correctly, ii) Rephrasing the problem into meaningful terms. Reviewing the Literature (conceptual and empirical) Formulating Hypothesis – refers to the tentative assumption made by the researcher to speculate the outcome of the research. Designing the Research Collecting Data Analyzing Data Preparing Data 17 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 18. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY RESEARCHERS Major problems faced by researchers: Lack of Training Improper Interaction Lack of Code of Conduct Lack of Assistance Lack of Resources Reluctance in Supplying Data 18 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 19. RESEARCH AS EVERYDAY THINKING Research task Everyday thinking Identify a problem How can I deal with my punctured tyre? Gather data Obtain prices of new tyres Analyze the data What is the cheapest? Interpret the data That’s more than I want to pay. I need more information. Gather more data Is it reparable? Obtain prices for new tyre repair. Analyze the data Can it be repaired? What is the lowest cost? How does the cost compare with a new tyre? Interpret the data Repairing it is possible. Repair will cost 20% of the new tyre. Repair rather than replace means I can still afford to go out on a Friday night. Draw conclusion I will get it repaired at Tyres-U-Like. 19
- 20. EVERYDAY THINKING VERSUS GOOD RESEARCH Everyday thinking Good research Poor data Sufficient data sources Incomplete data Appropriate data sources Hasty thinking Accurately recorded Properly analyzed No hidden assumptions Conclusions well-founded. Properly presented. 20 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 21. THE 6P’S OF RESEARCH 6 Ps of research include: Purpose Products Process Participants Paradigm Presentation. 21 Research Methodology – Unit I
- 22. 22 Research Methodology – Unit I End of Unit 1