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
Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 12
 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 knowledge’s 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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