Research Methods and Presentation

1. Research Methods and

Methodologies
(Part-II)

Dr. Anjaneyulu Pattem

 1. Research Methods and
Methodologies

1.9 Scientific Method

1.10 Research Process

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 1.9 Scientific Method
It can be stated that the philosophy common to all
research methods and methodologies is Scientific
method.
The ideal of science is to achieve a systematic interrelation
of facts.
Scientific method attempts to achieve this ideal by
experimentation, observation, logical arguments
from accepted postulates and a combination of
these three in varying proportions.
It is a method of research, in which a problem is identified,
relevant data are gathered, a hypothesis is
formulated, and the hypothesis is empirically tested
by following a sequence of steps.
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 Scientific Method
Sequence of steps to be followed in a scientific method:

1. Determine the research problem to be solved through

experimentation.
2. Review literature thoroughly for confirming the
problem to be solved.
3. Make a hypothesis as a possible solution to the
problem.
4. Collect and analyze the data. Modify the procedure if
needed.
5. In the conclusion, confirm or reject the hypothesis.
6. Prepare a report of the results to communicate these.
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 1.10 Research Process
Research can be conducted as a cyclic process till to get solutions
to research problems.

In conducting research there are various steps or stages, where

certain actions are to be performed at each stage or step.

The actions performed in sequence systematically and logically is

called as a research process.

Thus research can be conducted as a research process in which

various steps are to be followed systematically and
logically.
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 Research Process
• Main steps in a research process can be specified as:

• 1. Defining a research problem

• 2. Review of literature
• 3. Formulating hypothesis
• 4. Research design
• 5. Collection of data
• 6. Analyzing data
• 7. Interpretation and reporting of results

• Some of the salient features of each step are given below:

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 Research Process

1) Defining a research problem:

Formulating a research problem is an important step in

conducting a research.
First a general problem can be formulated. Later by
thorough study of conceptual and empirical
literature and by eliminating ambiguities, the
problem of general topic can be framed into a
specific topic.
In formulating a research problem, suggestions from
supervisors , discussions with colleagues, and others
who are experienced with the problem are helpful.
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 Research Process
2) Review of literature:
A thorough study and review of literature is helpful in
conducting proper research.
Most importantly a review of literature corresponding to
whether the same problem is handled by previous
researchers or not, is required.
For this a researcher has to study conceptual literature
and empirical literature before conducting the
research.
All types of data consisting of abstracts, journals,
government records etc., are to be studied
before starting the research.
A good library may be a mostly helpful for this
review.
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 Research Process
3) Formulating hypothesis:

Making a proper hypothesis and suggesting solutions are

important as these may guide the researcher, in deciding
what type of information to be procured and how to
execute the project.
A proper hypothesis may lead the researcher how to procure the
data, and what are to be tested for the research problem.
For this a thorough study of the literature is helpful.
Thus making a proper hypothesis is an essential step in
conducting the research.

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 Research Process
4) Research Design:
After formulating hypothesis or hypotheses, research is to
be designed.
A research design is a sequence of steps required to
procure what type of data or information, what
data analysis tools are to be used, and how to
execute the project. It also concerns of designing of
how to make efficient utilization of research man
power, time and cost of the project.

Or a good research design involves , mentioning the

procedure for conducting the research by effective
and efficient utilization of time, cost and research
man power skills.
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 Research Process

5) Collection of Data:
Data may be primary and secondary.
Primary data is the data collected for the current study or
research.
Secondary data is the data already collected for some
earlier research problems and is available for study.
Primary data may be required for most of the research
problems. It may be procured through
experimentation and through surveys.
By conducting an experiment the researcher can procure
data from observations.
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 Research Process
Collection of Data:
Data can be procured through survey in different methods:
Observations, direct interviews, telephonic
interviews, questionaire , schedules etc.,
In the case of observation, data can be taken from the direct
or indirect observations of the researcher.
A better useful method is conducting interviews. These are direct
and telephonic interviews.
In the direct interviews, the researcher can interact with the
participants and collects answers directly for the
questions required for his research problem.
It may not be possible to contact directly some participants
such as higher officials as they may be busy or may
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 Research Process
not be available in the same town or place, in this case
telephonic interviews are useful to collect the data.
Another way of collecting data is by preparing questionaire and
sending these to the participants through emails. The
participants will send their answers through email to the
researcher. Eventhough this may take some time, it may
be convenient to get large data from more participants.
In some cases it may be required to collect data through
schedules. In this method the researcher employ
representatives or supporters, who can approach the
participants and collect data by giving already prepared
questionaire to the participants.
Researcher can follow one or more of the above methods
depending on the type and nature of research problem.

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 Research Process
6) Analysis of Data:
Once the data is available, next task of the researcher is to
analyze it using various statistical techniques.
Preliminary processing of data can be done through
tabulations, editing , coding etc..
Statistical tools may be mostly useful techniques for
processing of collected data.
Some of the techniques for the analysis may be statistical
averages such as mean, mode, median, variance,
correlation, dispersion, regression analysis, analysis of
variance etc.

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 Research Process
7) Interpretation and Reporting of Results:
The research report of the results can be framed in a
systematic manner.
The report may be divided into three parts:
First part consisting of acknowledgements, list of figures,
list of tables, etc.
Main part of the report consisting of introduction, review
of literature, methodology, method of data
collection, and data analysis. Then summary of
results, and conclusions.
Last part of the report is consisting of bibliography.
The report is prepared for presentation.

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