Question # 01

Critically examine the process of Qualitative and

Quantitative Research indicating the major point of
difference between the two?
Quantitative Research:
Quantitative research is considered to have as its main purpose the quantification of data. This
allows generalizations of results from a sample to an entire population of interest and the
measurement of the incidence of various views and opinions in a given sample. Yet, quantitative
research is not infrequently followed by qualitative research which then aims to explore select
findings further.

Qualitative Research:
Qualitative research is considered to be particularly suitable for gaining an in-depth understanding
of underlying reasons and motivations. It provides insights into the setting of a problem. At the
same time, it frequently generates ideas and hypotheses for later quantitative research.

Critical examination of qualitative & quantitative research:

¹The main differences between quantitative and qualitative research consist in respect to data
sample, data collection, data analysis, and last but not least in regard to outcomes.

Data collection in qualitative research is not seldom based on unstructured or semi-structured, but
methodologically flexible techniques, e.g. individual depth interviews or group discussions, that
are suited to elicit great detail and a comprehensive view. Quantitative research uses highly
structured, rigid techniques such as online questionnaires, on-street or telephone interviews.
Unlike qualitative research, which allows unlimited expression from respondents, quantitative
research relies responses to pre-formulated questions.

Outcomes:
Qualitative research typically is exploratory and/or investigative in nature. Its findings are often
not conclusive and cannot automatically be used to make generalizations. However, it is
indispensable in developing a deep understanding of a given thematic complex and sound rationale
for further decision making. Quantitative research is essential for providing a broad base of insight
on which typically a final course of action is recommended.

Sample selection in qualitative research is usually based on a smaller number of not-necessarily

representative cases.

Respondents are frequently selected with the expectation that they fulfill certain criteria. In
quantitative research, sample selection seeks out a large number of cases that are expected to best
represent the population of interest. Individual respondents are selected at random.

Qualitative data analysis is non-statistical, its methodological approach is primarily guided by the
concrete material at hand. In quantitative research, the sole approach to data is statistical and takes
places in the form of tabulations. Findings are usually descriptive in nature although conclusive
only within the numerical framework.

It is a frequently held prejudice that quantitative research is “objective” vs. qualitative is

“subjective.” This is, of course, a gross oversimplification. Rather, one could compare the two
approaches as follows: Quantitative research seeks out explanatory laws whereas qualitative
research aims more at in-depth description. Qualitative research measures, in hopes of developing
universal laws where qualitative research can be described as an exploration of what is assumed
to be a dynamic reality. Qualitative research does not claim that what is discovered in the process
is universal, and thus, replicable. Common differences usually cited between these types of
research include.

In general, qualitative research generates rich, detailed and valid process data that contribute to the
in-depth understanding of a context. Quantitative research, on the other hand, generates reliable
population-based and generalizable data that is suited to establishing cause-and-effect
relationships. The decision of whether to choose a quantitative or a qualitative design is ultimately
a philosophical question. Which methods to choose will depend on the nature of the project, the
type of information needed the context of the study and the availability of resources (time, money,
and human).

Qualitative analysis involves a continual interplay between theory and analysis. In analyzing
qualitative data, we seek to discover patterns such as changes over time or possible causal links
between variables.

Combining of qualitative and quantitative research is becoming more and more common. It is
important to keep in mind that these are two different philosophies, not necessarily polar opposites.
In fact, elements of both designs can be used together in mixed-methods studies.

Qualitative Methods
The major diferrences between qualitative n quantitative methods are described below:

 ²Methods include focus groups, in-depth interviews, and reviews of documents for types
of themes
 Primarily inductive process used to formulate theory or hypotheses
 More subjective: describes a problem or condition from the point of view of those
experiencing it
 Text-based
 More in-depth information on a few cases
 Unstructured or semi-structured response options
 No statistical tests
 Can be valid and reliable: largely depends on skill and rigor of the researcher
 Time expenditure lighter on the planning end and heavier during the analysis phase
  Less generalizable¹
 Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that develops understanding on human and
social sciences, to find the way people think and feel.
 Holistic
 Subjective
 Exploratory
 Inductive
 Purposive
 Verbal
 Process-oriented
 generalised
 Words, pictures and objects
 To explore and discover ideas used in the ongoing processes.
 Non-structured techniques like In-depth interviews, group discussions etc.
 Develops initial understanding

Quantitative Methods
While quantitative methods include :

 Surveys, structured interviews & observations, and reviews of records or documents for
numeric information
 Primarily deductive process used to test pre-specified concepts, constructs, and hypotheses
that make up a theory
 More objective: provides observed effects (interpreted by researchers) of a program on a
problem or condition
 Number-based
 Less in-depth but more breadth of information across a large number of cases
 Fixed response options
 Statistical tests are used for analysis
 Can be valid and reliable: largely depends on the measurement device or instrument used
 Time expenditure heavier on the planning phase and lighter on the analysis phase
 More generalizable¹
 Quantitative research is a research method that is used to generate numerical data and hard
facts, by employing statistical, logical and mathematical technique.
 Particularistic
 Objective
 Conclusive
 Deductive
 Random
  Measurable
 Result-oriented
 Tested
 Numerical data
 To examine cause and effect relationship between variables.
 Structured techniques such as surveys, questionnaires and observations.
 Recommends final course of action

Key Differences between Qualitative And Quantitative Research

¹The differences between qualitative and quantitative research are provided can be drawn clearly
on the following grounds:

1. Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that develops understanding on human and

social sciences, to find the way people think and feel. A scientific and empirical research
method that is used to generate numerical data, by employing statistical, logical and
mathematical technique is called quantitative research.
2. Qualitative research is holistic in nature while quantitative research is particularistic.
3. The qualitative research follows a subjective approach as the researcher is intimately
involved, whereas the approach of quantitative research is objective, as the researcher is
uninvolved and attempts to precise the observations and analysis on the topic to answer the
inquiry.
4. Qualitative research is exploratory. As opposed to quantitative research which is
conclusive.
5. The reasoning used to synthesise data in qualitative research is inductive whereas in the
case of quantitative research the reasoning is deductive.
6. Qualitative research is based on purposive sampling, where a small sample size is selected
with a view to get a thorough understanding of the target concept. On the other hand,
quantitative research relies on random sampling; wherein a large representative sample is
chosen in order to extrapolate the results to the whole population.
7. Verbal data are collected in qualitative research. Conversely, in quantitative research
measurable data is gathered.
8. Inquiry in qualitative research is a process-oriented, which is not in the case of quantitative
research.
9. Elements used in the analysis of qualitative research are words, pictures, and objects while
that of quantitative research is numerical data.
10. Qualitative Research is conducted with the aim of exploring and discovering ideas used in
the ongoing processes. As opposed to quantitative research the purpose is to examine cause
and effect relationship between variables.
11. Lastly, the methods used in qualitative research are in-depth interviews, focus groups, etc.
In contrast, the methods of conducting quantitative research are structured interviews and
observations.
12. Qualitative Research develops the initial understanding whereas quantitative research
recommends a final course of action.²
 Question # 02
Define the term hypothesis? What does it suggest ?
Illustrate your answer with example?
Hypothesis:
A hypothesis is a tentative prediction or explanation of the relationship between two or more
variables.

Definition:
a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for
further investigation.

Term hypothesis meaning:

¹The American Heritage Dictionary defines a hypothesis as, "a tentative explanation for an
observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation." This
means a hypothesis is the stepping stone to a soon-to-be proven theory. For a hypothesis to be
considered a scientific hypothesis, it must be proven through the scientific method. Like anything
else in life, there are many paths to take to get to the same ending. Let's take a look at the different
types of hypotheses that can be employed when seeking to prove a new theory.

What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis states your predictions about what your research will find. It is a tentative answer to
your research question that has not yet been tested. For some research projects, you might have to
write several hypotheses that address different aspects of your research question.

A hypothesis is not just a guess — it should be based on existing theories and knowledge. It also
has to be testable, which means you can support or refute it through scientific methods (such as
experiments, observations and statistical analysis of data).

Variables in hypotheses:
In experimental and correlational research, hypotheses propose a relationship between two or more
variables. An independent variable is something the researcher changes or controls. A dependent
variable is something the researcher observes and measures.

Well-stated hypothesis :
According to Bartos (1992) a well stated researchable hypothesis has 5 main characteristics:

1. States the expected relationship between the variables.

2. Is testable
3. Is stated as simply and concisely as possible
4. Is derived from the problrm statement and supported by the literature
5. Aligns with the research questions
6. Use precise terminology

What doest hypothesis suggest:

³A hypothesis is a suggested solution for an unexplained occurrence that does not fit into current
accepted scientific theory. The basic idea of a hypothesis is that there is no pre-determined outcome.
For a hypothesis to be termed a scientific hypothesis, it has to be something that can be supported
or refuted through carefully crafted experimentation or observation.³

²A hypothesis is an idea which is suggested as a possible explanation for a particular situation or

condition, but which has not yet been proved to be correct.

a suggested explanation for a group of facts or phenomena, either accepted as a basis for further
verification (working hypothesis) or accepted as likely to be true

 an assumption used in an argument without its being endorsed; a supposition

 an unproved theory; a conjecture²

Types of Hypothesis:
First, we must take a moment to define independent and dependent variables. Simply put, an
independent variable is the cause and the dependent variable is the effect. The independent variable
can be changed whereas the dependent variable is what you're watching for change. For example:
How does the amount of makeup one applies affect how clear their skin is? Here, the independent
variable is the makeup and the dependent variable is the skin.The six most common forms of
hypotheses are:

1. Simple Hypothesis
2. Complex Hypothesis
3. Empirical Hypothesis
4. Null Hypothesis (Denoted by "HO")
5. Alternative Hypothesis (Denoted by "H1")
6. Logical Hypothesis
7. Statistical Hypothesis

1-Simple hypothesis :
is a prediction of the relationship between two variables: the independent variable and the
dependent variable.

Drinking sugary drinks daily leads to obesity.

Complex hypothesis:
 examines the relationship between two or more independent variables and two or more dependent
variables.

Overweight adults who 1) value longevity and 2) seek happiness are more likely than other adults
to 1) lose their excess weight and 2) feel a more regular sense of joy.

Null hypothesis (H0):

exists when a researcher believes there is no relationship between the two variables, or there is a
lack of information to state a scientific hypothesis. This is something to attempt to disprove or
discredit.

There is no significant change in my health during the times when I drink green tea only or root
beer only.This is where the alternative hypothesis (H1) enters the scene. In an attempt to disprove
a null hypothesis, researchers will seek to discover an alternative hypothesis.

My health improves during the times when I drink green tea only, as opposed to root beer only.

Logical hypothesis :
is a proposed explanation possessing limited evidence.

Generally, you want to turn a logical hypothesis into an empirical hypothesis, putting your theories
or postulations to the test.

Cacti experience more successful growth rates than tulips on Mars. (Until we're able to test plant
growth in Mars' ground for an extended period of time, the evidence for this claim will be limited
and the hypothesis will only remain logical.)

Empirical hypothesis:
Empirical hypothesis or working hypothesis, comes to life when a theory is being put to the test,
using observation and experiment. It's no longer just an idea or notion. It's actually going through
some trial and error, and perhaps changing around those independent variables.

Roses watered with liquid Vitamin B grow faster than roses watered with liquid Vitamin E. (Here,
trial and error is leading to a series of findings.)

Statistical hypothesis :
is an examination of a portion of a population.

If you wanted to conduct a study on the life expectancy of Savannians, you would want to examine
every single resident of Savannah. This is not practical. Therefore, you would conduct your
research using a statistical hypothesis, or a sample of the Savannian population.
Example of hypothesis :
A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more
variables. It is a specific, testable prediction about what you expect to happen in a
study.

For example, a researcher might be interested in the relationship between study

habits and test anxiety.

1. The researcher would propose a hypothesis about how these two variables are
related, such as "Test anxiety decreases as a result of effective study habits.
2. There may be another possibility that environment may also affect the study and
cause test anxiety.
3. Despite of effective study some psychological issues cause test anxiety.
These are some proposed hypothesis from which possible effective result will be
drawn. After conducting these research hypothesis various experiment are done
to test the validity of hypothesis from which conclusion is drwan.
 Question # 03
Identify the basic stages of legal research? Discuss in
detail?
Legal research :
Legal research is not confined to only judgements.
Definition of legal research:
A systematic finding or ascertaining " law" on identified topic or in the given area as well as an
enquiry into the law with the view to making advancement in the science of law.

Legal research done by:

1. Legal research done by legislation
2. Scholars
3. Lawyers
4. Judges

Stages of legal research:

Steps involved in actually researching and writing a legal memorandum on a particular issue are
considered in some detail. It is important to know the purpose for which the research is required.
For example, the research may be required for a legal memorandum which analyzes the relevant
legal principles and applies those to the particular fact situation. Research and legal analysis are
integral to each other and are developed simultaneously.

Legal research is a process. This guide gives you a general overview of the process of conducting
your own legal research. Legal research and analysis is the process that lawyers use to determine
what laws apply to the facts of their case, which facts are relevant to their claim, what type of
remedy they can ask for in court, and what other cases might impact the judge’s decision.

Legal research is not an exception to the general perception of research.however executing and
undertaking legal research as a systematic enquiry is a complex process. It involves three stages
of process.

The process are research planning, research implementation and presenting of research findinds.

Research planning:
Recquires the necessary sub-skills for fact collection ,legal analysis, legal knowledge,problem
analysis, fact analysis & further fact collection.

Research implementation:
As the second stage process involves the skills pretaining to:
 1. Identification of problem for resolution
2. Identification of relevant research source materials
3. Location of the source materials
4. Effective use of source materials
5. Analysis of research findings
6. Applications of finding to the identified problems

Presentation of research findings :

It requires the skills necessary for

Selection of appropriate format or framework

Use of clear and succinct language

A cumulative reading these three stages of legal research and there components leads to the
following major process that, like any other research ,involves in legal research. They are follows:

1. Identification and formulation of a research problem

2. Review of literature
3. Formulation of a hypothesis
4. Research design
5. Collection of data
6. Analysis of data
7. Interpretation of data
8. Research report

1-Identification and formulation of a research problem:

Identification and formulation of research problem constitutes the starting phase of research .

 It is the first and foremost step in any research undertaking . Infact, success of research
depends upon the selection of a research problem and its proper formulation.

2-Review of literature :
Once the research problem is formulated the researcher needs to undertake an extensive survey of
literature related to his research problem

Main purpose of literature review are

 To reveal what has been done and written on the topic before.
 To know the kind of material and data used.
 To know the central arguments advanced and the concept revealed and discussed earlier.
3-Formulation of a hypothesis :
 Hypothesis is merely a tentative assumption made in order to draw and test its logical or
empirical consequences
 A statement to be a hypothesis must be capable of being tested. If its validity can not br put
to empirical confirmation may be cease to be a hypothesis

4-Research design:
 After defining a research problem and formulating a hypothesis as the case may be, a
researcher has to workout a design for study.

Research design is a conceptual structure within which a research is conducted.

5-Collection of data:
 After formulating a research design and research problem researcher has to take a decision
about the techniques for collection of data.
 Data can be primary and secondary

6-Analysis of data:
 After the data has been collected the researched needs to analyze the data.
 Data can be in any form raw or neutral. Their direction and trend is generally highlighted
and reflected with the help of analysis and interpretation. Analysis can not be complete
without the interpretation of data.

7-Interpretation of data:
 Interpretation is comsidered as one of the basic components of the research.
 It refers to the task of drawing interference from the collected data.
 The interference may be deductive or inductive.
 The former involves inferences from generally abstract prepositions to particular one.
While the latter is inference from particular prepositions to general prepositions.

8-Research report:
 The last phase of legal research or any other research is writing the research finding or
research report.
 It is the major component of any legal research or other research .
 Research remains uncomplete untill report r finding is wriiten.
 Through research findings r research report researcher communicates with the audience. It
includes significant findings, results, facts n figures of the research study.
 Question # 04
Highlight and discuss the factors that affect the
selection of a legal research problem?
Definition: What is a research problem?
A research problem is a definite or clear expression [statement] about an area of concern, a
condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in
scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practice that points to a need for meaningful
understanding and deliberate investigation. A research problem does not state how to do something,
offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question.

Factors that need to consider for selection of a legal research problem:

The research problem undertaken for study should be meticulously selected. The task is
challenging so help could be taken from a research guide in this connection. A research guide can
at most only aid a researcher select a topic/subject but the problem should spring from the
researcher’s head.

The following important factors should be kept in mind by a researcher when selecting a topic for
research:

1. In most cases, subject that is overdone must not be picked, because it will certainly be a
complicated task to throw any new light in such a situation.
2. Too narrow or too un-explainable problems must be shunned.

The significance of the topic, the qualifications and the training of a researcher, the expenses
required, the time element are few other criteria that should be considered when selecting a
problem.

A professional needs to ask himself the following questions:

(a) Whether he is properly equipped when it comes to his background to handle the research?

(b) Whether he has the budget to afford the research?

(c) Whether the required cooperation can be obtained from people who must take part in research
as subjects?

An average researcher should avoid controversial subjects.

The topic picked for research must be familiar and feasible so that the relevant research material
or sources of research are within one’s reach. Even then it is extremely challenging to provide
definitive ideas regarding how a professional should obtain ideas for his research. To do this, a
researcher can make contact with an expert or a lecturer in the University who is already involved
in research. He cans also read articles or blog posts published in current literature available on the
topic and may think the way the methods and concepts talked about therein could be applied to the
solution of other problems.

A preliminary study should be done before picking a research problem. This isn’t always required
when the problem demands the conduct of a research closely comparable to one that was already
done. However when the field of investigation is pretty new and doesn’t have available a set of
well developed methods, a quick feasibility study should always be carried out.
 Question # 05
Discuss the personal document as a source of data?
How far can they be used as a basis for generalization?
What is a document:
A document is any cultural product including hand-written documents such as letters, printed
documents, paintings, photographs, charts, maps, films, videos televeision programmes,
newspapers. The latter items are part of the mass media and the whole field of media analysis is
applied to them. Conversely, letters to family and friends, along with diaries, notes, drafts and files
would be regarded as personal documents and would not necessarily be analysed in the same way.
Media analysis, for example, often seeks out the underlying ideology, while personal document
research is more likley to be seeking to identify motivations.

Personal document :
First-person accounts of an individual’s actions, experiences, and beliefs. Examples include
calendars, e-mails, scrapbooks, blogs, Facebook posts, duty logs, incident reports,
reflections/journals, and newspapers.Personal document may be sometimes reffered as individual
document.

Life documents are created by the individual and record the details of person experiences and
social actions . They are predominantly qualitative and may offer insight into people's significant
matters.

Personal document as a source of data:

In its narrow sense, the personal document is a spontaneous first person description by an
individual of his own actions, experiences and beliefs.

The wide range of personal documentary material comprises autobiographies, diaries and letters
and other artistic and projective documents which describe the subject’s experiences and his beliefs
or which give an insight into his cultural background. ‘Life history’ as a personal document relates
to a comprehensive autobiography.

But in common usage, a ‘Life-history’ may be almost any kind of biographical material. For
Thomas and Znaniecki, the authors of ‘The Polish Peasant’, the personal document constituted a
perfect type of sociological material.

"Thomas and Znaniecki" made vigorous use of the personal materials in their study of the Polish
Peasants. Their stress on the use of such personal material subsequently proved to be something
of a turning point in the development of social science.
At the time of publication of ‘The Polish Peasant’ more than 60 years now, the social scientists
were very keen on making their discipline comparable in objectivity to natural sciences. From this
viewpoint, personal documents (being essentially subjective) were regarded as of low scientific
value.

However, the sociological use of personal documents, thought to be out of the mainstream of
development for a time, had not at any stage disappeared totally. Its persistence was partly due to
the growing acceptance by social science of the whole range of psychological concepts and method.

The major thrust of the revelation by Sigmurid Freud that it was possible to conceptualize human
beliefs and actions in terms of private and even unconscious motives and influences was that the
subjective world is also accessible to and not beyond the scope of scientific investigation.

Criticism :
Blummer’s criticism of the use of personal documents by the authors of ‘The Polish Peasant’
inaugurated a controversy. Subsequently, four authorities drawn from different social science
fields, namely, G.W. Allport, L. Gottschalk, Clyde Kluckhohn and Robert Angell were invited to
develop their views on the validity and limitations of personal documents as a tool of social science.

Conclusion:
These authorities reached the conclusion that subject to necessary safeguards, the use of personal
document was not only permissible but also indispensable. They have indeed made a lasting
contribution to “social science in terms of systematically analysing the typical hazards attendant
upon the use of personal documents.
 Question # 06
What do you understand by the term research design?
What steps do we need to follow while preparing the
research design. Write its types?
Research design
Meaning :
Research design is a structure of a research. It minimize the biasness and maximizes the realibility
of data.

Definition :
Research design is the master plan of specifying methods and procedure for the collection of data.

Factors and steps which a researcher need to consider before designing His
research:
There are following factors which a researcher need to consider before designing his research
problem that

1. What is study about?

2. What study is being made?
3. What type of data is recquired?
4. Where can be recquired data can be found?
5. What period of time will study include?
6. What will be the sample design?
7. What techniques of data collection will be used?
8. How will the data be analysed?
9. In what style report will be prepared?

Parts of a research design:

1. Sampling design
2. Observational design
3. Statistical design
4. Operational design

1-Sampling design:
It deals with the methods of selecting items to be observed for the study.

2-Observational design:
It relates to the condition under which observations are to be create.

3-Statistical design:
It concerns with the questions that how info & data are gathered and to be analysed.

4-Operational design:
It deals with the techniques by which procedures satisfied in sampling.

Types of research design:

A researcher must have a clear understanding of the various types of research design to select
which type of research design to implement for a study. Research design can be broadly classified
into quantitative and qualitative research design.

Qualitative Research Design:

Qualitative research is implemented in cases where a relationship between collected data and
observation is established on the basis of mathematical calculations. Theories related to a naturally
existing phenomenon can be proved or disproved using mathematical calculations. Researchers
rely on qualitative research design where they are expected to conclude “why” a particular theory
exists along with “what” respondents have to say about it.

Quantitative Research Design:

Quantitative research is implemented in cases where it is important for a researcher to have
statistical conclusions to collect actionable insights. Numbers provide a better perspective to make
important business decisions. Quantitative research design is important for the growth of any
organization because any conclusion drawn on the basis of numbers and analysis will only prove
to be effective for the business.

Further, research design can be divided into five types –

1. Descriptive Research Design:

In a descriptive research design, a researcher is solely interested in describing the situation or case
under his/her research study. It is a theory-based research design which is created by gather,
analyze and presents collected data. By implementing an in-depth research design such as this, a
researcher can provide insights into the why and how of research.

2. Experimental Research Design:

Experimental research design is used to establish a relationship between the cause and effect of a
situation. It is a causal research design where the effect caused by the independent variable on the
dependent variable is observed. For example, the effect of an independent variable such as price
on a dependent variable such as customer satisfaction or brand loyalty is monitored. It is a highly
practical research design method as it contributes towards solving a problem at hand. The
independent variables are manipulated to monitor the change it has on the dependent variable. It
is often used in social sciences to observe human behavior by analyzing two groups – affect of one
group on the other.

3. Correlational Research Design:

Correlational research is a non-experimental research design technique which helps researchers
to establish a relationship between two closely connected variables. Two different groups are
required to conduct this research design method. There is no assumption while evaluating a
relationship between two different variables and statistical analysis techniques are used to calculate
the relationship between them.

Correlation between two variables is concluded using a correlation coefficient, whose value ranges
between -1 and +1. If the correlation coefficient is towards +1, it indicates a positive relationship
between the variables and -1 indicates a negative relationship between the two variables.

4. Diagnostic Research Design:

In the diagnostic research design, a researcher is inclined towards evaluating the root cause of a
specific topic. Elements that contribute towards a troublesome situation are evaluated in this
research design method.

There are three parts of diagnostic research design:

1. Inception of the issue

2. Diagnosis of the issue
3. Solution for the issue

5. Explanatory Research Design:

In exploratory research design, the researcher’s ideas and thoughts are key as it is primarily
dependent on their personal inclination about a particular topic. Explanation about unexplored
aspects of a subject is provided along with details about what, how and why related to the research
questions.
 Question # 07
Identify the main characteristics of informal
interview ? How far is it different from the other types
of interviews ? What is the significance of informal
interview in legal research?
Definition of interview in research:
An interview is a conversation for gathering information. A research interview involves an
interviewer, who coordinates the process of the conversation and asks questions, and an
interviewee, who responds to those questions. Interviews can be conducted face-to-face or over
the telephone. The internet is also emerging as a tool for interviewing.

Types of interview :
1. Structured interview
2. Semi-structured interview
3. Unstructured interview

Informal interview :
An informal interview is an interview that takes place in a casual setting, such as over coffee or
lunch. Although an informal interview is not structured like a traditional, and more formal, job
interview, the interviewer's aim is the same, to assess whether the candidate would fit in the
organization or not.

Characteristics of Informal interview:

The interviewer talks with people in the field informally, without use of a structured interview
guide of any kind.

The researcher tries to remember his or her conversations with informants, and uses jottings or
brief notes taken in the field to help in the recall and writing of notes from experiences in the field.

Informal interviewing goes hand-in-hand with participant observation.

While in the field as an observer, informal interviews are casual conversations one might have
with the people the researcher is observing.

Informal interviews can provide the foundation for developing and conducting more structured
interviews.

Informal interviews, like unstructured interviews, are an essential part of gaining an understanding
of a setting and its members' ways of seeing.

Difference from other types of interviews :

Key Differences Between Structured and Unstructured Interview

1. The difference between structured and unstructured interview can be drawn clearly on the
following grounds:
2. Structured Interview refers to an interview, in which questions to be asked to the candidates
are fixed in advance. In unstructured interview questions to be asked to the candidates is rare
and not prepared beforehand. While in A semi-structured in-depth interview is usually one in
which the interviewer has a checklist of topic areas or questions
3. As the structured interview is a pre-planned and same set of questions are put to all the
candidates, so the data collected is quantitative in nature. As opposed to an unstructured
interview, wherein different questions are put to different candidates, and so qualitative data is
collected. While in semi-strucured there is a knowledge about area of questions and topic.
4. In a structured interview, the questions put before the candidate are close-ended, As against
this, unstructured interview, the questions are open-ended, that can be answered in multiple
ways .Structured interviews are used by positivists whereas unstructured interview is used by
interpretivists. While in semi-structured both open ended and close ended questions are to be
asked.
5. The structured interview is used for validating results when the number of candidates is quite
large. Unlike unstructured interview, which is used to probe personal details of the candidate,
so as to judge if he is the right person for the job.
6. In a structured interview, the characteristics evaluated are explicit which on the other side are
implicit in an unstructured interview.

Significance of informal interview in legal research:

 Due to the informal nature of unstructured interviews – it becomes extremely easy for
researchers to try and develop a friendly rapport with the participants involve in any legal
matter or legal research.
 This leads to gaining insights in extreme detail without much conscious effort.
 There are no questions which the researcher has to abide by and this usually increases the
flexibility of the entire legal research process.
 The participants can clarify all their doubts about the questions and the researcher can take
each opportunity to explain his/her intention for better answers in his legal research matter.
 Question # 08
What is a legal research? Write down its types? Also
eloborate its resources .
Definition of Legal research:
Legal research is generally the process of finding an answer to a legal question or checking for
legal precedent that can be cited in a brief or at trial.

Meaning of legal research:

Legal research is "the process of identifying and retrieving information necessary to support legal
decision-making.

Types of legal research :

There are basic two types of legal researches that are mostly followed.Two aspects result in two
legal research method namely:!-Normative legal research (what is written in the law)!-Empirical
legal research (how the law is implemented or enforced)!-Those two research methods tend to be
mono-disciplinary. Socio-legal research as solution which applies multidisciplinary or
interdisciplinary method.

1. Normative legal research

2. Empirical legal research

1. Normative Legal Research:

they evaluate a legal state of affairs or offer a solution to a legal problem.

2. Empirical Legal Research:

Empirical legal research is an approach to the study of law, legal procedure, and legal theory
through the use of empirical research.

Resources of legal research

 In normative legal research:

The main or the only data in this research is legal data, found in authoritative texts.!-Authoritative
text:

(i) laws, regulations

(ii) case-law

(iii) official minutes of meeting (risalah)The data do not come from the interview--just library
research!

 In empirical legal research:

The data comes from non-legal data or social data!-Focusing to search how law actually works or
functions, how legal officials behave, etc.!-The way (method, process, strategy) the legal officials
implement or enforce the laws!-The extent to which the affected groups comply or not comply
with the laws.!-Normative Data Collection Methods includes 1. Interview, 2. Survey, 3.
Observation, 4. Library Research (document collection)!-For Empirical Data Collection Methods,
it only uses Library Research.
 Question # 09
What do you understand by the terms "Doctrinal legal
research & Non-doctrinal legal research"? Write
down the difference between the two?
What is a legal research:
Legal research is "the process of identifying and retrieving information necessary to support legal
decision-making.

Legal research can be divided into doctrinal and non-doctrinal legal research. Non-doctrinal is also
known as social-legal research.

What is a Doctrinal legal research:

Doctrinal legal research comprises in-depth analysis of the legal doctrine with its development
process and legal reasoning whereas non-doctrinal research seeks various social facts, relationship
of law with those facts, impact of law on society and such.

Meaning of Doctrinal Research:

A doctrinal research means a research that has been carried out on a legal proposition or
propositions by way of analysing the existing statutory provisions and cases by applying the
reasoning power.

Definition according to S. N Jain:

Doctrinal research involves analysis of case law, arranging, ordering and systematising legal
propositions and study of legal institutions through legal reasoning or rational deduction. This
type of research is also known as pure theoretical research.

What is Non-Doctrinal legal research:

Non-doctrinal (Empirical) research, also known as socio-legal research is a legal research that
employs methods taken from other disciplines to generate empirical data to answer research
questions. It can be problem, policy or law reform based. Non-doctrinal approach allows the
researcher to perform inter disciplinary research where he analyses law from the perspective of
other sciences and employs these sciences in the formulation of the law.

Meaning of Non-Doctrinal legal research:

Non-doctrinal research means an approach that permits the researcher to conduct researche that
analyse the law from the perspectives of other science disciplines and employ those disciplines in
drafting of law.

Definition of Non-Doctrinal legal research:

In non-doctrinal research, researcher made efforts to collect knowledge and information from the
first hand study and primary data related to his particular matter or topic.
 Non-doctrinal research can be qualitative, quantitative and dogmatic. It can be a part of large scale
project in the law.

Difference between Doctrinal and Non-doctrinal legal research:

It involves theoretical study It involves empirical (field) study

Emphasis upon legal principles Lesser emphasis upon doctrines

Concerned with legal Concerned with social values and people

prepositions

Mostly secondary source of Primary source of data are used

data are used

Use traditional source of data Not solely dependent on traditional or

conventional source of data

Narrow in scope Broader in scope

Any law trained person can do Non-doctrinal involves particular skills,

doctrinal research conceptual framework, and knowledge of other
disciplines

Scholar seeks to answer one Non-doctrinal research involves number of legal

legal preposition or question. questions and large area

It doesnot require any training Special training is recquired to involve new

to collect first hand data techniques of data collection.
References:
¹https://atlasti.com/quantitative-vs-qualitative-research/¹

²https://www.orau.gov/cdcynergy/soc2web/content/phase05/phase05_step03_deeper_qualitative
_and_quantitative.htm²

³Last updated on November 19, 2018 by Surbhi S³

¹https://www-livescience-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.livescience.com/amp/21490-what-
is-a-scientific-hypothesis-definition-of-hypothesis.html?¹

²https://www-collinsdictionary-
com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.collinsdictionary.com/amp/english/hypothesis?amp_js_v=a2&
amp_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15689666427174&referrer=https%3A%2F%2F
www.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.collinsdi
ctionary.com%2Fdictionary%2Fenglish%2Fhypothesis²

¹https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-hypothesis.html