Research Methodology I - Unit 1 Introduction to Research (PDF)

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY I Unit 1 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH BSc. MSc. Integrated 5th Sem  Meaning of Research Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. It is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. In fact,...

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY I Unit 1 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH BSc. MSc. Integrated 5th Sem  Meaning of Research Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. It is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation. Redman and Mory define research as a “systematized effort to gain new knowledge.” According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting, organising and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions t determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis. Research is, thus, an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its advancement. It is the persuit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison and experiment.  Objectives of Research 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) To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group (studies with this object in view are known as descriptive research studies) 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) To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are known as hypothesis-testing research studies)  Types of Research Descriptive vs Analytical Descriptive research includes In analytical research, on the other surveys and fact-finding enquiries of hand, the researcher has to use facts different kinds. The major purpose or information already available, of descriptive research is description and analyze these to make a critical of the state of affairs as it exists at evaluation of the material. present.  Types of Research Applied vs Fundamental Applied research aims at finding a Fundamental research is mainly solution for an immediate problem concerned with generalisations and facing a society or an industrial/business with the formulation of a theory. organisation. Research to identify social, Research concerning some natural economic or political trends that may phenomenon or relating to pure affect a particular institution or the copy mathematics are examples of research (research to find out whether fundamental research. certain communications will be read and understood) or the marketing research or evaluation research are examples of applied research.  Types of Research Applied vs Fundamental Thus, the central aim of applied research is to discover a solution for some pressing practical problem, whereas basic research is directed towards finding information that has a broad base of applications and thus, adds to the already existing organized body of scientific knowledge.  Types of Research Quantitative vs Qualitative Quantitative research is based on the Qualitative research, on the other measurement of quantity hand, is concerned with qualitative or amount. It is applicable to phenomena phenomenon, i.e., phenomena that can be expressed in terms of relating to or involving quality or quantity. kind. For instance, when we are interested in investigating the reasons for human behaviour (i.e., why people think or do certain things)  Types of Research Conceptual vs Empirical Conceptual research is that related to Empirical research relies on some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is experience or observation alone, generally used by philosophers and often without due regard for system thinkers to develop new concepts or to and theory. It is data-based research, reinterpret existing ones. coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment.  Types of Research Other Types: From the point of view of time, we can think of research either as one- time research or longitudinal research. In the former case the research is confined to a single time-period, whereas in the latter case the research is carried on over several time-periods. Research can be field-setting research or laboratory research or simulation research, depending upon the environment in which it is to be carried out. Research can as well be understood as clinical or diagnostic research. Such research follow case-study methods or indepth approaches to reach the basic causal relations.  Types of Research Other Types: The research may be exploratory or it may be formalized. The objective of exploratory research is the development of hypotheses rather than their testing, whereas formalized research studies are those with substantial structure and with specific hypotheses to be tested. Historical research is that which utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc. to study events or ideas of the past, including the philosophy of persons and groups at any remote point of time While doing conclusion oriented research, a researcher is free to pick up a problem, redesign the enquiry as he proceeds and is prepared to conceptualize as he wishes. Decision-oriented research is always for the need of a decision maker and the researcher in this case is not free to embark upon research according to his own inclination.  Research Approaches Qualitative Quantitative Inferential Simulation Experimental  Research Approaches Two basic approaches to research, viz., quantitative approach and the qualitative approach. The former involves the generation of data in quantitative form which can be subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid fashion. The purpose of inferential approach to research is to form a data base from which to infer 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.  Research Approaches Experimental approach is characterised 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 behaviour of a system (or its sub-system) under controlled conditions. The term ‘simulation’ in the context of business and social sciences applications refers to “the operation of a numerical model that represents the structure of a dynamic process.  Research and Scientific Method The two terms, research and scientific method, are closely related. Research, as we have already stated, can be termed as “an inquiry into the nature of, the reasons for, and the consequences of any particular set of circumstances, whether these circumstances are experimentall controlled or recorded just as they occur. Scientific method is the pursuit of truth as determined by logical considerations. The ideal of science is to achieve a systematic interrelation of facts. Scientific method attempts to achieve “this ideal b experimentation, observation, logical arguments from accepted postulates and a combination of these three in varying proportions.”  Research and Scientific Method The scientific method is, thus, based on certain basic postulates which can be stated as under: 1. It relies on empirical evidence; 2. It utilizes relevant concepts; 3. It is committed to only objective considerations; 4. It presupposes ethical neutrality, i.e., it aims at nothing but making only adequate and correct statements about population objects; 5. It results into probabilistic predictions; 6. Its methodology is made known to all concerned for critical scrutiny are for use in testing the conclusions through replication; 7. It aims at formulating most general axioms or what can be termed as scientific theories.  Importance of Research in Psychology Career Preparation: Knowing research methodology and techniques is essential for aspiring researchers, helping them conduct better research and develop objective thinking. Practical Application: Knowledge of research methods enables confident evaluation and use of research results, benefiting fields like government, business, community development, and social work. Intellectual Tool: Understanding research methods provides a new way of looking at the world, aiding in making intelligent decisions in everyday life. Consumer Insight: In the scientific age, knowledge of research methods allows us to evaluate research results intelligently and make rational decisions.  Criteria of a Good Research Good research is systematic: It means that research is structured with specified steps to be taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the well defined set of rules. Systematic characteristic of the research does not rule out creative thinking. Good research is logical: This implies that research is guided by the rules of logical reasoning and the logical process of induction and deduction are of great value in carrying out research. Induction is the process of reasoning from a part to the whole whereas deduction is the process of reasoning from some premise to a conclusion which follows from that very premise.  Criteria of a Good Research Good research is empirical: It implies that research is related basically to one or more aspects of a real situation and deals with concrete data that provides a basis for external validity to research results. Good research is replicable: This characteristic allows research results to be verified by replicating the study and thereby building a sound basis for decisions.  Problems Encountered by Researchers in India The lack of a scientific training in the methodology of research is a great impediment for researchers in our country. The consequence is obvious, viz., the research results, quite often, do not reflect the reality or realities. Before undertaking research projects, researchers should be well equipped with all the methodological aspects. As such, efforts should be made to provide short duration intensive courses for meeting this requirement. There is insufficient interaction between the university research departments on one side and business establishments, government departments and research institutions on the other side. Efforts should be made to develop satisfactory liaison among all concerned for better an realistic researches.  Problems Encountered by Researchers in India The lack of a scientific training in the methodology of research is a great impediment for researchers in our country. The consequence is obvious, viz., the research results, quite often, do not reflect the reality or realities. There is insufficient interaction between the university research departments on one side and business establishments, government departments and research institutions on the other side. There is the need for generating the confidence that the information/data obtained from a business unit will not be misused. Research studies overlapping one another are undertaken quite often for want of adequate information  Problems Encountered by Researchers in India There does not exist a code of conduct for researchers and inte university and interdepartmental rivalries are also quite common. The difficulty of adequate and timely secretarial assistance, including computerial assistance. Library management and functioning is not satisfactory at many places and much of the time and energy of researchers are spent in tracing out such places. Also, many of our libraries are not able to get copies of old and new Acts/Rules, reports and other government publications in time. Along with the difficulty of timely availability of published data from various government and other agencies doing this job in our country. The problem of conceptualization and also problems relating to the process of data collection and related things. Thank You