RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research may be defined as a scientific and a systematic search for information on a specific topic.
Research is an art of scientific investigation. Search of information may be known as DATA.

Research in common parlance refers to research for knowledge. For some people, research means
“a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of
knowledge”. While some people consider research as movement, a movement from known to
unknown. More specific definition of research is “it is a systematized effort of gain new knowledge.

Research is an academic activity and such terms should be used in a technical sense. According to
Clifford, research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested
solution, collecting, organizing and evaluating data, making deduction and reaching conclusion and
last carefully testing the conclusion to determine whether they are fit the formulating hypothesis.

Research is thus an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its
advancement.

• Data can be collected from many different sources

 PRIMARY DATA

 SECONDARY DATA

The data collected directly from the targeted audience for the very first time is known as PRIMARY
DATA.

Sources of PRIMARY DATA:

 Observation method

 Questionnaire.

The data collected from the modes where the data is already available is known as SECONDARY
DATA.

Sources of SECONDARY DATA:

 Books

 Websites

Company Magazines and Journals