Introduction to Research

Methodology

D.A. Asir John Samuel, BSc (Psy),

MPT (Neuro Paed), MAc, DYScEd,
C/BLS, FAGE
 Meaning of Research
The systematic method consisting of
enunciating the problem, formulating a
hypothesis, collecting the facts or data,
analysing the facts and reaching certain
conclusion either in the form of solutions
towards the concerned problem or in
certain generalisations for some
theoretical formulation.
Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 2
 Objectives of research
Find out truth which is hidden and which
has not been discovered yet
Gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to
achieve new insights into it
Portray accurately the characteristics of a
particular individual, situation or a group

Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 3

 Objectives of research
Determine the frequency with which
something occurs or with which it is
associated with something else

Test a hypothesis of a casual relationship

between variables

Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 4

 Motivation in research
Research degree along with its
consequential benefits
Face the challenge in solving the
unsolved problem
Get intellectual joy of doing some
creative work
Service to society
Get respectability
Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 5
 Research approaches
Quantitative approach
- Inferential
- Experimental
- Simulation

Qualitative approach

Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 6

 Inferential approach
To form a data base from which to infer
characteristics or relationships of
population

Usually means survey research where a

sample of population is studied to
determine its characteristics

Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 7

 Experimental research
Some variables are manipulated to
observe their effect on other variables

Much greater control over the research

environment

Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 8

 Simulation approach
Involves construction of an artificial
environment within which relevant
information and data can be generated

Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 9

 Qualitative approach
Subjective assessment of,
- Attitudes
- Opinions
- Behaviour
Not subjected to rigorous quantitative
analysis

Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 10

 Criteria of good research
Purpose should be clearly defined
Common concepts to be used
Explain procedure clearly - for continuity
Results should be as objective as possible
Report with frankness
- Acknowledge, procedural flaws
- Limitations of the study
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 Criteria of good research
Appropriate statistical test of significance
Reliable outcome measures
Justify conclusions with data
Limitation of data
Experienced researcher
Systematic
Logical
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 Problem encountered by
researches in India

Lack of scientific training in methodology

of research
Insufficient interaction
Need for generating the confidence that
the information/data obtained from a
patient will not be misused

Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 13

 Problem encountered by
researches in India

Research studies overlapping one

another are undertaken quite often for
want of adequate information
Timely and adequate secretarial
assistance, including computerial
assistance
Library management & functioning is not
satisfactory at many places
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 Problem encountered by
researches in India

Difficulty of timely availability of

published data

Problem of conceptualization

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 Types of research
Descriptive
Analytical
Applied
Fundamental
Quantitative
Qualitative
Conceptual
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 Types of research
Empirical
One-time research / longitudinal
Field-setting research/laboratory/simulation
Clinical / laboratory
Historical
Conclusion oriented
Decision oriented
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 Descriptive research
Surveys & fact-finding enquiries
Description of state of affairs as it exists
at present
Ex post facto research social science &
business research
Has no control over variables
Can only report what has happened or
what is happening
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 Analytical research
Has to use facts / information already
available

Analyse these to make critical evaluation

of material

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 Fundamental research
Generalisation
Formulation of a theory
Gaining knowledge for knowledges sake
is pure or basic' research
Finding information
E.g. with view to make generalisation
about human behaviour
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 Applied research
Finding a solution for an immediate
problem / for pressing practical problem
Society / industrial / business
organisation
Aimed at certain conclusions
Marketing research / evaluation research

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 Quantitative research
Based on measurement of quantity or
amount

Expressed in terms of quantity

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 Qualitative research
Concerned with qualitative phenomenon
Motivation research an important type
E.g. how people feel or what they think
about a particular subject or institution
To discover underlying motives
Seek guidance

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 Conceptual research
Related to abstract ideas / theory
To develop new concepts / reinterpret
existing ones
That is verified by empirical research

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 Empirical research
Data-based research
Relies on experience / observation alone
Verified by observation / experiment
Works to get enough facts to prove /
disprove hypothesis
Evidence gathered by this is most
powerful support possible for a given
hypothesis
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 Some other types of research

Cross-sectional research/1 time

- Research is confined to a single time-period
Longitudinal research
- Carried over several-time periods
Field-setting/laboratory/simulation
- Depends upon the environment

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 Some other types of research
Clinical research
- case-study method
Diagnostic research
- In depth approaches to reach basic
casual relations
Historical research
- Utilizes historical sources like documents,
remains, etc Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 27
 Research methods
All those methods/techniques that are
used for conduction of research

Refer to the methods the researchers use

in performing research operations

Method used by the researcher

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 Research methods
Put into 3 groups,
1. Methods which are concerned with data
collection
2. Statistical techniques for establishment
of relationship b/w data & unknown
3. Evaluating the accuracy of results
obtained
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 Research methodology
A systematic way to solve the research
problem
Science of understanding how research is
done
Study varies steps adopted by a
researcher
Researchers should know the relevant
method and which are not
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 Research methodology
When we talk of RM 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 and
why we are not using others, so that
research results are capable of being
evaluated by the researcher himself or by
others Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 31
 Reference

Research Methodology Methods and

Techniques (Second Revised Edition),
C.R. Kothari

(Chapter 1)

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