Types of Research Quiz

Research Methodology: Tools and Techniques

• This document is a research methodology text, covering tools and techniques.
• It's intended for use in educational research, particularly at post-graduation and M.Phil. levels, and Ph.D. coursework.
• The document contains numerous chapters covering various research topics, including: research itself, the research process, research design, and problems, types of variables, formulation, sampling, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, research proposals, and research reports.
• The authors are Dr. Prabhat Pandey and Dr. Meenu Mishra Pandey.
• The publisher is the Bridge Center.
• The publication date is 2015.
• The document includes information about acceptable use and permissions for reproducing material from the publication.
• The document is aimed at a reader unfamiliar with research methodology vocabulary and content, using general terms.

Preface

• The authors aim to make the material accessible for self-study.
• The text is designed to be helpful in understanding basic research concepts before going into more specialized readings.
• The text is intended to be useful for post-graduation and M.Phil. students as well as Ph.D. students in course work exams.

Introduction

• Research is essential for progress in various fields (physical, biological, social, psychological).
• Research is a systematic investigation to gain new knowledge, correct mistakes, and remove misconceptions.

Research Process

• Steps of the research process include:
  • Formulating the research problem.
  • Extensive literature survey.
  • Developing a working hypothesis.
  • Preparing the research design.
  • Determining sample design.
  • Collecting data.
  • Executing the project.
  • Analyzing data.
  • Hypothesis testing.
  • Generalizations and interpretation.
  • Preparation of the report.

Types of Research

• Categorization based on the nature of information:
  • Qualitative research (using qualitative data)
  • Quantitative research (using quantitative data)
• Categorization based on Research Utility:
  • Basic research/Pure research (broad application)
  • Applied research (contex-specific application)
• Categorization based on Research Approach:
  • Longitudinal research (studies over a long time frame)
  • Cross-sectional research(comparing different groups at a single point in time).
• Categorization based on Research Method:
  • Historical research
  • Philosophical research
• Other types (Survey, Experimental, Case Study).

Variables and Their Types

• Variables: Concepts that take on different values.
• Continuous: Variables that can take on any values within a range.
• Discrete: Variables that take on specific distinct values.
• Dependent Variable (criterion variable): The effect of which is tested in an experiment.
• Independent Variable (experimental variable): The variable that is manipulated.
• Controlled Variable: Variables that are kept constant in an experiment.
• Extraneous variable: Variables not related to the study's purpose that could affect results.
• intervening variable: A variable that is not directly measured but affects the relationship between the independent and dependent variable.
• Organismic variable: Variable that are characteristics of a person such as age, experience that cannot be manipulated.

Formulation of Hypothesis

• Hypothesis: A tentative statement explaining or predicting an event.
• A hypothesis guides and gives direction for the study.
• It can be:
  • Declarative statement (states the relationship between variables).
  • Directional hypothesis (specifies the direction of the relationship).
  • Non-directional Hypothesis/Null hypothesis: States that there is no relationship between variables.

Sampling

• Techniques like Census method, sampling methods, probability sampling, non-probability sampling, etc.
• Probability sampling involves random selection of subjects.
  • Simple random sampling, systematic random sampling, stratified random sampling, cluster sampling and multi-stage sampling.
• Non-probability sampling involves non-random selection/sampling.
  • Incidental/accidental, judgment/purposive, quota and snowball sampling.

Tools of Data Collection

• Tools such as questionnaires, interviews, schedules, observation techniques, and rating scales are used.

Data Analysis

• Data Analysis is the process of interpreting the collected data to reach conclusions.
• Data analysis involves both descriptive and inferential statistics. Techniques include calculating measures of frequency, central tendency and variability and correlation among others.

Interpretation of Data

• Interpretation involves explaining the meaning and implications of the collected data.
• The interpretation should consider the potential influence of unstudied variables.
• The interpretation should avoid over-interpretation or defense mechanisms.

Research Methods

• Different types of research procedures/approaches like historical are introduced.
• Historical research method is used in analyzing past events.
• Includes:
  • Defining and delimiting the research problem.
  • Collection of data (prim/sec).
  • Evaluating and criticizing data.
  • Interpreting data.

Research Proposal

• A document outlining the plan for a research study.
• Contains the title, topic, research problem, hypothesis, methods (sampling procedure, experimental design), data collection and analysis techniques, timeline and budget.

Research Report

• A written account of the research experience.
• Covers the research problem, methodology, results, discussion, and referencing.
• Includes the title, preface, table of contents, introduction, method, results, discussion, and literature review.

Test your knowledge on different types of research methodologies with this quiz. You will encounter questions that cover quantitative and qualitative research, exploratory studies, and more. Each question aims to deepen your understanding of how research is categorized and applied.