Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2. Characteristics of Research
Main aim : To find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered as yet
- Gain familiarity with a phenomenon and to achieve new insights
- Portray accurately the characteristics (description)
- Determine the frequency with which something occurs (diagnosic)
- Test hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables
4. Types of Research
i. Classification - I
a. Fundamental research
- Utilizes principles made by fundamental research to know the problems with best possible
manner
- Undertaken to solve an immediate problem
c. Action Research
- Immediate application but not any development of theory
ii. Classification - II
Descriptive Analytical
Description of the state of affairs as it exists Has to use facts that are readily available
Also known as Ex post facto research Facts analyzed to make a critical evaluation
Researcher has no control over the variables
Used to discover causes when variables cannot
be controlled
Fact finding enquires and field surveys
Method of research: Survey
Applied Fundamental
Find solution for immediate problem Generalizations and formulation of a theory
Research is aimed at a solution Concerns natural phenomenon or math
Solution to some pressing practical problem Finding information that has a broad base of
application
Adds to the existing body of scientific
knowledge
Quantitative Qualititative
Phenomena that can be quantified Used in behavioural sciences
Used when studying human behaviour
Projective techniques used
Phenomena involves quality or kind
Conceptual Empirical
Based on some ideas on theory Relies on experience or observation
Used by philosophers and thinkers Data based research
Experimental research
Clinical or Diagnostic Research: Goes deep into the causes of events or things
Operational: Example of decision making research. Provides a quantitative basis for taking up a
decision
5. Research requirements
i. Planning
- Definition and Classification or purpose and scope of operations
- Analysis to determine the meaning of facts
- Planning helps in bringing a good result in the conclusion
ii. Guidance
- Helps researcher concentrate on problems
- Concerned with the selection of problems
iii. Experts
- Knowledge in the area being studied
- Must be able to guide properly and formulate a well planned project for research
iv. Training
- They know how to plan, organize and maximize educational output
v. Finance
- Problems taken for study require financial help from the state
vi. References
- Well planned project
- Preliminary work done helps while investigating the problem
vii. Library
- Provides materials through books which enhances the quality and quantity of the research
- It’s made so as to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences
- Discuss with work colleagues and experts about the problem
- Examine past data and records
- Review similar studies in that area
- Personally investigate the problem with interested parties
Probability Sample - Each have an element of being included in the sample and are based on
Random, Systematic,Stratified, Cluster/Area Sampling.
Non Probabilty Sample - Based on Consciences Sampling, Judgement Sampling and Quota
Sampling
B. Observational Method
Observation in natural environment
C. Survey Method - Field Studies
Either through the use of questionnaires or interviews
D. Case Studies
Scientific Biographies
Reconstruction of a person's life events
Used in Longitudinal studies
E. Test Method
Measures all kinds of abilities, interests, attitudes and accomplishments
Subjects are presented with a uniform situation to a group of people who vary in aspects
relevant to the situation