Introduction to Research Methodology PDF

Introduction to Research Methodology Lec 1 and 2 Third Stage Dr. Nadhira Shaban  Introduction Research methodology is the path through which researchers need to conduct their research. It shows the path through which th...

Introduction to Research Methodology Lec 1 and 2 Third Stage Dr. Nadhira Shaban  Introduction Research methodology is the path through which researchers need to conduct their research. It shows the path through which these researchers formulate their problem and objective and present their result from the data obtained during the study period. Once can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent (relevant) information on a specific topic. Thus, Research is an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions. It is SYSTEMATIC because there is a definite set of procedures and steps which are followed. It is ORGANIZED, because there is a structure or method of doing research. It is a planned and focused procedure, limited to a specific scope. Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation.  Introduction According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis  Therefore, research means to observe the phenomena again and again from different dimensions. For example there are many theories of learning due to the observation from different dimensions. The research is a process of which a person observes the phenomena again and again and collects the data and on the basis of data he draws some conclusions.  Objective of Research 1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (studies with this object in view are termed as exploratory or formulative research studies). 2. To portray (describe) accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group (studies with this object in view are known as descriptive research studies); 3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else (studies with this object in view are known as diagnostic research studies); 4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are known as hypothesis-testing research studies).  Motivation of Research What makes people to undertake research? This is a question of fundamental importance. The possible motives for doing research may be either one or more of the following: 1. Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits; 2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems, i.e., concern over practical problems initiates research; 3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work; 4. Desire to be of service to society; 5. Desire to get respectability.  Types of Researches (i) Descriptive vs. Analytical: Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds. It aims to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation or phenomenon. It can answer what, where, when and how questions, but not why questions. A descriptive research design can use a wide variety of research methods to investigate one or more variables. The main characteristic of this method is that the researcher has no control over the variables; he can only report what has happened or what is happening.  Types of Researches (i) Descriptive vs. Analytical: Analytical research dives deeper than descriptive research, aiming to understand, interpret, or explain a phenomenon or situation. It involves thoroughly examining elements or structures of the subject under study, often employing statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques. Unlike descriptive research, which merely observes and records, analytical research seeks to understand underlying relationships, causality, and outcomes. Descriptive research asks “what?” It describes something. Meanwhile, analytical research asks “why?” We try to find out how something came to be Descriptive research classifies, describes, compares, and measures data. Meanwhile, analytical research focuses on cause and effect Comparing Examples: - Our research focuses on helping disabled people. So, let’s share some examples of research questions on disability. Descriptive Analytical How many disabled people face Social What causes social isolation in disabled isolation? people? What is the unemployment rate for disabled Why do disabled people have a harder time people? finding work? How many sibling of people with Down Why do so many siblings of people with Down syndrome have positive experiences? syndrome have positive experiences?  Types of Researches (ii) Applied vs. Fundamental: Applied (or action) research: aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/business organization. Applied research is focused on providing practical solutions to specific problems by analyzing empirical evidence. Fundamental (basic or pure) research: is entirely theoretical and aimed at improving or expanding the knowledge-base of a particular field of study ,is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. Basic research aims at expanding knowledge by creating new theories and modifying existing ones,  Types of Researches (ii) Applied vs. Fundamental: ØExamples of basic (Fundamental) research in education include: How does the human memory work? How do children acquire new languages? ØExamples of applied research in education include: A study to build students’ interests in religious studies. A study to improve classroom interaction between teachers and students.  Types of Researches (iii) 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, expressed in numbers and graphs. It is used to test or confirm theories and assumptions. Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind. This type of research aims at discovering the underlying motives and desires, using in depth interviews for the purpose.  Types of Researches (iv) Conceptual vs. Empirical: Conceptual research : is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. Conceptual research is a technique where in investigation is conducted by watching and analyzing already present data on a given point. Conceptual research does not include any viable tests. It is related to unique concepts or thoughts. Philosophers have long utilized conceptual research to create modern speculations or decipher (convert) existing hypotheses in a diverse light. Empirical research: - It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment. We can also call it as experimental type of research.  Some Other Types of Research………….. All other types of research are variations of one or more of the above stated approaches one-time research Longitudinal (single time-period) VS research (over several time-periods) VS laboratory research field-setting research clinical or diagnostic research or exploratory Simulation research case-study methods Computer- based  Research Approaches Two basic approaches to research, quantitative approach and the qualitative approach. Quantitative approach sub-classified into inferential , experimental and simulation approaches to research. Qualitative approach to research is concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions and behavior.  Classification of Quantitative Research Approach The purpose of inferential approach to research is to form a data base from which to infer (conclude) characteristics or relationships of population. This usually means survey research where a sample of population is studied (questioned or observed) to determine its characteristics, and it is then inferred that the population has the same characteristics. Experimental approach is characterized 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. This permits an observation of the dynamic behavior of a system (or its sub-system) under controlled conditions. Research Approaches Type of Research Purpose Outcome Research approach Analytical Applied Basic Descriptive Quantitative Qualitative Predictive - Inferential (Reasoning) Subjective (personal) - Experimental assessment of: Exploratory - Simulation -Attitudes -Opinions - Behavior  Research Methods versus Methodology Research methods or techniques, thus, refer to the methods the researchers use in performing research operations. In other words, all those methods which are used by the researcher during the course of studying his research problem are termed as research methods. All the instruments and behavior, used at various levels of the research activity such as making observations, data collection, data processing, drawing inferences, decision making, etc. are included in it. Research methods are put into three categories:  Research Methods versus Methodology Research methods are put into three categories: First Category: The methods relating to data collection are covered. Such methods are used when the existing data is not sufficient, to reach the solution. Second Category: consists of those statistical techniques which are used for establishing relationships between the data and the unknowns. Third Category: Comprise of the methods which are used to check the accuracy of the results obtained.  Research Methods versus Methodology Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problem. It may be understood as a science of studying how research is done scientifically. In it we study the various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying his research problem along with the logic behind them. Research methods or techniques are components of Research Methodology. Thus, when we talk of research methodology we not only talk of the research methods but also consider the logic behind the methods we use in the context of our research study and explain why we are using a particular method or technique and why we are not using others so that research results are capable of being evaluated either by the researcher himself or by others.  Methods Methodology The objective of methodology is to determine The objective of methods is to find appropriateness of the methods applied with solution to the research problem. a view to ascertain solution. Methods are just behavior or tools Methodology is analysis of all the methods used to select a research technique. and procedures of the investigation. Methods are applied during the Methodologies are applied during the initial later stage of the research study. stage of the research process. It comprises different investigation It is a systematic strategy to find solution to techniques of the study. the research problem. Methods encompasses of carrying Methodology encompasses several techniques out experiments, conducting used while conducting these experiments, surveys, tests, etc. surveys, tests, etc.  Research Process Guideline: 1. Formulating the research problem; 2. Extensive literature survey; 3. Developing the hypothesis; 4. Preparing the research design; 5. Determining sample design; 6. Collecting the data; 7. Execution of the project; 8. Analysis of data; 9. Hypothesis testing; 10. Generalizations and interpretation, 11. Preparation of the report or presentation of the results ,i. e., formal write-up of conclusions reached. Research Process in Flow Chart  Criteria of Good Research 1. The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts be used. 2. The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit another researcher to repeat the research for further advancement. 3. The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results that are as objective as possible. 4. The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design and estimate their effects upon the findings.  Criteria of Good Research 5. The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and the methods of analysis used should be appropriate. The validity and reliability of the data should be checked carefully. 6. Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and limited to those for which the data provide an adequate basis.