Introduction to Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of working hypotheses in research?

To offer alternative theories for consideration

To provide financial support for the research

To guide the researcher by delimiting the area of research (correct)

To solidify the researcher's prior beliefs

Which of the following methods is NOT mentioned as a way to develop working hypotheses?

Review of similar studies

Personal investigation with limited field interviews

Consultation with experts

Conducting a large-scale survey (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of research as categorized in the content?

Evaluation (correct)

Exploration

Experimentation

Diagnosis

What is the primary purpose of research methodology?

To systematically solve the research problem. Signup and view all the answers

What type of data can primarily be collected through experiments?

Quantitative measurements Signup and view all the answers

What does the research process consist of?

A series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out research. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of formulating the research problem, what is the first step?

Understanding the problem thoroughly. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a method of data collection in surveys?

Statistical computations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus during the analysis of data after tabulation?

Assessing the truth of the hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What should a researcher do during the extensive literature survey?

Utilize published and unpublished sources relevant to the problem. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the research process?

Presenting findings to the public. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with care when preparing the report or thesis?

Following special criteria for writing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is essential for the quality of data analysis?

The accuracy of the collected data Signup and view all the answers

How can a researcher best understand a research problem?

By discussing it with colleagues or experts. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider the logic behind research methods?

To provide a foundation for evaluating research results. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the second step in formulating the research problem?

Rephrasing the problem into meaningful analytical terms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of research?

To find the truth that is hidden or undiscovered Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a motive for undertaking research?

Desire for popular recognition Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'research' imply in a systematic method?

Formulating a hypothesis and analyzing facts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes one of the research objectives?

To describe the characteristics of a specific group Signup and view all the answers

Which step in research involves stating the problem to be investigated?

Enunciating the problem Signup and view all the answers

What can be an outcome of analyzing the facts in research?

Identifying patterns leading to solutions or hypotheses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about research objectives is true?

Research objectives can vary significantly between studies. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in the definition of research provided?

It requires a systematic approach. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Definition

Research is about finding knowledge.
Research can be defined as a systematic and scientific search for information.
Research is an art of scientific investigation.
Research involves careful investigation or inquiry seeking new facts.

Objectives of Research

Research aims to answer questions using scientific methods.
The main aim of research is to find the truth.
Research objectives can be grouped into the following:
- Gaining familiarity with or understanding better a phenomenon.
- Describing the characteristics of an individual, situation, or group.
- Determining how often something occurs or is associated with something else.
- Testing if there is a causal relationship between variables.

Motivation in Research

Motivation for conducting research can include:
- Desire to get a research degree and its benefits.
- Desire to solve unsolved problems.
- Desire to get intellectual joy from creative work.
- Desire to serve society.
- Desire to gain respect.

Research Methodology

Research methodology is a way to solve research problems systematically.
It is a scientific process for studying how research is done.
Methodology goes beyond just the research methods and considers the reasoning behind choosing particular methods.
It explains why certain methods are used and why others are not, ensuring the results can be evaluated by the researcher and others.

Research Process

The research process consists of a series of steps needed to conduct research effectively. These steps have a specific order.
The steps are:
- Defining the research problem.
- Reviewing the literature.
- Formulating the hypothesis.
- Designing the research.
- Collecting the data.
- Analyzing the data.
- Interpreting and reporting the results.

Formulating the Research Problem

There are two types of research problems: those related to states of nature and those related to relationships between variables.
The first step in formulating a research problem: making the general topic into a specific area of study.
Important steps in formulating the problem:
- Understanding the problem thoroughly.
- Rephrasing the problem into meaningful terms for analysis.
Discussing the problem with colleagues and experts helps to understand it.
Researchers can seek guidance from supervisors who have experience with different research problems.

Extensive Literature Survey

Researchers are encouraged to do thorough research about existing information related to the problem.
This involves looking at published and unpublished references, journals, conference proceedings, and government reports.
A good library is a valuable resource for this step.

Development of Working Hypotheses

Developing research hypotheses is crucial because they provide a clear direction for the research.
They also influence the data analysis process and indirectly affect the quality of the required data.
The hypothesis guides the researcher, limits the scope of the research, and ensures it stays on track.
Developing working hypotheses can be done using the following approaches:
- Discussions with colleagues and experts about the problem.
- Examining data and records.
- Reviewing similar studies or those about similar problems.
- Conducting personal investigations with limited field interviews.

Preparing the Research Design

The research design helps to make the research efficient and get the most information possible.
Achieving these goals depends on the research purpose.
Research purposes can be categorized into four groups:
- Exploration: gaining better insight and understanding.
- Description: describing the characteristics of a subject.
- Diagnosis: identifying the cause of a problem.
- Experimentation: testing the cause-and-effect relationship of variables.

Collecting the Data

Primary data (original data) can be collected through experiments or surveys.
In experiments, the researcher measures quantitative data to test the hypothesis.
For surveys, data can be collected via:
- Observation
- Personal interviews
- Telephone interviews
- Mail questionnaires
- Schedules

Analyzing the Data

Data analysis involves calculating percentages, coefficients, and other statistical measures using specific formulas.
The analysis process explores relationships and differences that confirm or contradict the original or new hypotheses.

Preparation of the Report or Thesis

Finally, the researcher needs to write a report summarizing the research findings.
Writing a thesis requires careful attention to detail and specific criteria.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of research, including its definition, objectives, and the motivation behind conducting research. It aims to enhance your understanding of how research serves as a systematic investigation to find knowledge and truth. Test your knowledge on the principles that guide effective research.