Research Methodology PDF

Research Methodology By: Pooja Upadhyay  What is Research? Search for an answer to a question / solution to a problem To extend knowledge, unravel* mysteries, build theories. To verify and test facts, predict events & derive causal (connecting) explanations. To solve problems...

Research Methodology By: Pooja Upadhyay  What is Research? Search for an answer to a question / solution to a problem To extend knowledge, unravel* mysteries, build theories. To verify and test facts, predict events & derive causal (connecting) explanations. To solve problems and achieve national development. Process, which is based on scientific method  Introduction to Research Research is careful and exhaustive investigation of a phenomenon with an objective of a advancing knowledge. According to Theodorson and Theodorson (1969:347), “it is a systematic and objective attempt to study a problem for a purpose of deriving general principles.” Robert Burns (2003:3) describes it as a systematic investigation to find solutions to a problem.  Introduction to Research The investigation is guided by the previously collected information. Man’s knowledge grows by studying what is already known and revising past knowledge in the light of new findings. Activity undertaken for the purpose of personal learning and or enlightenment or any causal investigation is not research. Characteristics of Scientific Research Verifiable evidence Accuracy Precision Systematization Objectivity Recording Controlling conditions Training investigators  Aims of Social Research To understand the functioning of society To study individual behavior and social action To evaluate social problems, their effects on society, and to find out possible solutions To explore social reality and explain social life To develop theories Different types of Research Basic Applied Empirical  Basic Research This research also known as Pure or Fundamental research, is concerned with quest for knowledge and knowing more about phenomenon without concern for practical use. e.g. climate change Research related to human behavior (Psychological Theories of learning / personality..) Investigations related to basic science  How did the universe begin?  What are protons, electrons and neutrons composed of?  Basic Research The main motivation behind conduction of a Basic Research is to expand knowledge and they are also driven by curiosity and interest of a researcher. Findings of Basic Research don’t carry any commercial value. It is useful in developing new (scientific) ideas, principles, laws and various ways of thinking.  Applied Research This research is concerned with search for ways of using scientific knowledge to find solutions to practical problems. It focuses on analyzing and solving social and real-life problems. The findings become basis for forming of policies, based on principles of basic research. Since it is conducted on a large scale, the research becomes expensive.  Applied Research Provides guidelines about how to use the Laws / Principles derived through Basic research e.g. Research related to Machine Technology  How to use Machine? – Basic Research  Research related to improvisation in the design of a Machine – Applied research  Empirical Research It is a way of gaining knowledge by means of direct and indirect observation or experience. e.g. Does listening to music during learning sometimes cause a long term effect on learning? Hypothesis : Music negatively affects learning. Prediction : People who listen to music will not learn very effectively. Conduct suitable experiment to test the Hypothesis / prediction (……to accept / reject prediction) Choosing the problem for Research Selection of problem statement is based on these certain factors: 1. The problem is focused on assessing relationship between two or more concepts or variables. 2. It is stated clearly and unambiguously. 3. General problem is converted into several research questions. 4. It is possible to collect data pertaining to the problem. Choosing the problem for Research Singleton and Straits (1999:65) have suggested the following five factors that affect the selection of a research topic in social science: 1. State of scientific discipline 2. Social problems 3. Personal values of the researcher 4. Social premiums 5. Practical considerations Choosing the problem for Research Thus the selection of the problem is to be evaluated on the following bases: 1. Is the topic worth investigation? 2. Is data collection/reliable information possible from respondents? 3. Is it feasible in terms of time/money? 4. Will it enable to develop hypothesis or a theory?  Steps of Research 1. Identifying the problem 2. Formulating the hypothesis 3. Identifying, manipulating and controlling variables 4. Formulating a research design 5. Constructing devices for observation and measurement 6. Summarizing the results 7. Carrying out the statistical analysis 8. Drawing conclusions  Identifying the Problem The researcher must discover a suitable problem and define it operationally. A problem is the interrogative statement, which shows a relationship between two or more variables in an unambiguous manner. For eg: ▫ What is the relationship between academic ability and socio-economic status?  Formulating a Hypothesis When the researcher has identified the problem and reviewed the relevant literature, he formulates a hypothesis, which is a kind of suggested answer to the problem. Hypothesis may be defined as a tentative statement showing a relationship between the variables under study. It is stated in the form of a declarative sentence. For eg: ▫ Reward facilitates learning Identifying, Manipulating and Controlling Variables Variables are defined as those characteristics which are manipulated, controlled and observed by the experimenter. There are three kinds of variables: 1. Dependent Variable: this is the variable about which the prediction is made by the experiment. It is the variable that changes as the experimenter changes the IV. 2. Independent Variable: it is the variable that the experimenter manipulates in order to find out if there is any relationship to some observed phenomenon. 3. Extraneous Variables: it is the uncontrolled variable that might affect the dependent variable.  Formulating a Research Design A research design may be regarded as the blueprint of those procedures which are adopted by the researcher for testing the relationship between the IV and the DV. There are several kinds of research design and the selection of it based upon the purpose of the research, types of variables to be controlled and manipulated as well as the conditions under which the experiment has to be conducted. Constructing devices for Observation and Measurement When the research design is finalized, the next step is to construct or collect the tools of research for scientific observation and measurement. Questionnaires and interviews are the most common tools.  Summarizing the Results The next step is to summarize the results so that a suitable analysis can be made. Two common methods are: ▫ Tabular method : data is reduced to some convenient tabular form which facilitates use of statistical tests ▫ Graphic method : obtained data is shown through graphs and pictures.  Carrying out Statistical Analysis When the data has been reduced to tabular form, the next step is to carry our the statistical analysis. There are two types of statistical tests: ▫ Parametric ▫ Non parametric  Drawing conclusions After analyzing the results, some conclusion is drawn by the investigator. The investigator is now able to make some statement about the research problem, which he could not make without conducting the scientific research. Whatever conclusion he arrives, he generalizes it to the whole population. At this point the he/she is able to make some predictions about certain related behaviors or events in new situations.