introduction to research methodology
Simulation approach
2. Meaning of Research The systematic method
consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a
hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analyzing the
facts and reaching certain conclusion either in the form
of solutions towards the concerned problem or in
certain generalizations for some theoretical
formulation.
3. 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
4. Objectives of research
• Determine the frequency with which something
occurs or with which it is associated with something
else
• Test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between
variables
5. 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
6. Research approaches
• Quantitative approach- Inferential- Experimental-
Simulation
• Qualitative approach
7. 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
8. Experimental research
• Some variables are manipulated to observe their
effect on other variables
• Much greater control over the research environment
9.
• Involves construction of an artificial environment
within which relevant information and data can be
generated
10. Qualitative approach
• Subjective assessment of, - Attitudes- Opinions-
Behavior
• Not subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis
11. 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
12. Criteria of good research
• Appropriate statistical test of significance
• Reliable outcome measures
• Justify conclusions with data
• Limitation of data
• Experienced researcher
• Systematic
• Logical
13. 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
14. 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 20. Fundamental research
at many places
• Generalization
15. Problem encountered by researches in India
• Formulation of a theory
• Difficulty of timely availability of published data
• Gaining knowledge for knowledge’s sake is ‘pure’ or
• Problem of conceptualization ‘basic research

16. Types of research • Finding information

• Descriptive • E.g., with view to make generalization about human

behavior
• Analytical
21. Applied research
• Applied
• Finding a solution for an immediate problem / for
• Fundamental
pressing practical problem
• Quantitative
• Society / industrial / business organization
• Qualitative
• Aimed at certain conclusions
• Conceptual
• Marketing research / evaluation research
17. Types of research
22. Quantitative research
• Empirical
• Based on measurement of quantity or amount
• One-time research / longitudinal
• Expressed in terms of quantity
• Field-setting research/laboratory/simulation
23. Qualitative research
• Clinical / laboratory
• Concerned with qualitative phenomenon
• Historical
• Motivation research – an important type
• Conclusion oriented
• E.g. how people feel or what they think about a
• Decision oriented particular subject or institution

18. Descriptive research • To discover underlying motives

• Surveys & fact-finding enquiries • Seek guidance

• Description of state of affairs as it exists at presen 24. Conceptual research

t• Ex post facto research – social science & business • Related to abstract ideas / theory
research
• To develop new concepts / reinterpret existing ones
• Has no control over variable
• That is verified by empirical research
s• Can only report what has happened or what is
25. Empirical research
happening
• Data-based research
19. Analytical research
• Relies on experience / observation alone
• Has to use facts / information already available
• Verified by observation / experiment
• Analyze these to make critical evaluation of material
• Works to get enough facts to prove / disprove
hypothesis
• Evidence gathered by this is most powerful support
possible for a given hypothesis
26. 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
31. 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

• Field-setting/laboratory/simulation- Depends upon

the environment

27. 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.

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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