UNIT-I

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

What is Research?
 Research (re-search) means “to search again.”
 Systematic method of finding solution to problem.
 Scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific
topic.

Definitions of Research

1) “Defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested

solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating data; making deductions
and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions to
determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis”. - Clifford Woody
2) “A careful investigation or inquiry especially through search for new
facts in any branch of knowledge”. - The Advanced Learner’s
Dictionary of Current English
3) “Systematized effort to gain new knowledge”. - Redman and Mory

Objectives of Research
1. To discover answers to research questions
2. To gain knowledge with a fact and to find new method to reach it
3. To show correctly the characteristics of a particular individual, situation
or a group
4. To determine the frequency with which something occurs
5. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables

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Types of Research / Types of Research Designs

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1. Descriptive Research
 It includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries
 The major purpose of descriptive research is to explain of the state of
relationships exists at present.

2. Analytical Research
 The researcher has to use facts or information already available, and
analyze them to make a critical evaluation of the material.

3. Applied Research
 Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem
facing a society or an industrial/business organization.
 Applied research aims at conclusion or solution of a social or business
problem.

4. Fundamental Research
 Fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalization and with
the formulation of a theory.
o Example: a research study on the human behaviors and media
behaviour is a fundamental research.

5. Quantitative Research
 Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or
amount.
 The quantitative research is to develop and use mathematical models

6. Qualitative Research
 Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research.
 It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and
motivations.
 It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or
hypotheses.

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7. Conceptual Research
 Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory.
 It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new
concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.

8. Empirical Research
 It is based on empirical evidence (Experimentation or Observation)
 It is a way of gaining knowledge by way of direct and indirect observation
or experience.

Some Other Types of Research

A. One-Time Research (Or) Longitudinal Study

 A longitudinal study is a research design that study repeated
observations of the same variables over long periods of time.

B. Simulation Research
 Research carried out in different environment artificially

C. Clinical or Diagnostic Research

 It follows case-study methods or in-depth approaches to reach the basic
causal relations

D. Historical Research
 It utilizes historical sources like documents, etc. to study events or ideas
of the past, including the philosophy of persons and groups at any
remote point of time.

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 Features / Characteristics of Research
Research is a process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting information to
answer questions. But to qualify as research, the process must have certain
characteristics: it must, as far as possible, be systematic, controlled, rigorous,
valid and verifiable, empirical and critical.

1. Systematic
 This implies that the procedure adopted to undertake an investigation
follow a certain logical sequence. The different steps cannot be taken in a
haphazard way. Some procedures must follow others.
2. Controlled
 In real life there are many factors that affect an outcome. The concept of
control implies that, in exploring causality in relation to two variables
(factors), we set up our study in a way that minimizes the effects of other
factors affecting the relationship.
3. Rigorous
 Researcher must be careful in ensuring that the procedures followed to
find answers to questions are relevant, appropriate and justified

4. Valid and verifiable

 This concept implies that whatever we conclude on the basis of our
findings is correct and can be verified by us and others.
5. Empirical
 This means that any conclusion drawn is based upon hard evidence
gathered from information collected from real life experiences or
observations.
6. Critical
 Critical scrutiny of the procedures used and the methods employed is
crucial to a research enquiry.

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Differences between Thesis and Dissertation