Module I

Meaning and application of Research

Research
Research comprises of defining and redefining problems,
formulating hypothesis, collecting , organising and evaluating data
making deductions scientist research conclusions and at last carefully
testing conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating of
hypothesis.
Research is more systematic activity directed towards Discovery and
the development of an organised body of knowledge.
Characteristics of research
1. Researcher goddess new knowledge from primary sources.
2. Research is expert, systematic and accurate investigation.
3. Research is logical and objective.
4. Research attempts to organise data in quantitative terms as far
as possible.
5. The researcher makes painstaking effort and works patiently
arriving at a sound conclusions .
6. Research is so conducted and researcher is free from
consequences of his findings.
7. Research deals with a problem which demands a solution.
8. The researcher is expected to be scholarly and possessing
highest quality integrity
9. Research usually involves a set of hypothesis concerning the
tentative conclusion of the solution of a problem.
10. Research is carefully reported.
Purpose of research
1. The main objective of research is to find out the truth
which is hidden and which has not been discovered so far.
2. Research aims at advancing systematic knowledge and
formulating basic theories about the forces influencing
the relation between groups as well as those acting on
personality development and its adjustment with
individuals.
3. Another objective of research is to try to improve the
tools of analysis or to test these against the complex
human behaviour and Institutions .
4. The primary aim of research is to understand social life
and thereby to gain greater measure of control over social
behaviour.
5. The objective of educational research is to provide an
educational program in the accumulated knowledge of
group dynamics, in skills of research, in techniques of
training leaders and in social action.
Importance or significance or scope of Research
1. Research provides the basis for the government policies
2. Research helps in solving various operational and
planning problems of business and industry.
3. Research helps in solving social problems .
4. Research is useful to students, professionals,
philosophers ,literarymen analysts and intellectuals.
Qualities of a good research
1. A good research must be systematic.
2. A good research must be logical.
3. A good research must be empirical.
4. A good research must be one whose results can be
verified by replicating the study and thereby
building a sound basis for decisions.
 5. As far as possible common concepts must be
followed by the research workers.
6. The procedure followed in research work must be
described in sufficient details.
7. The research procedure should be so designed
that objective of research can be achieved.
Basic assumptions in Research
1. Existence of cause and effect relationship.
2. Existence of sequence of law in social activities.
3. Possibility of an objective study
4. Representative sample.
Problems in Research
1.Lack of training.
2.Insufficient interaction between University research
departments and business establishments.
3.Reluctance on the part of business units to supply
information.
4. Rivalries at University and department levels .
5. Inadequate secretarial assistance to researchers.
6. Unsatisfactory library facilities .
7. Unavailability of data published by governments.
Qualities of a researcher
1. Scientific mind.
2. seeker of truth and knowledge .
3. Alertness ,insight and imagination.
4. Quick power of understanding and ability for explaining.
5. trained and educated .
6. patient and educated.
Limitations of Research
1. Conclusions in research are based upon data collected.
2. Research results in theory.
3. Activities in a society are influenced by various internal and
external factors.
4. Small organisations cannot afford to have research on
various issues.
5. Many people in society depend on customs, traditions,
routines and practices for taking decision; instead of going
for research.
6. Research is usually based on sample studies . But in many
cases sample are not true Representatives. Therefore the
research reports based on these samples may not be
accurate.
Research process
The various steps that are necessary to carry out a research
effectively are known as Research process.
Research process consists of
1. Identifying evaluating and formulating the research
problem.
2. extensive literature survey.
3. Writing a primary synopsis.
4. Identifying and labelling variables .
5. Setting up of hypothesis
6. Preparing the Research Design .
7. Determining the sample design.
8. Collection of data .
9. Execution of the project.
10. Processing ,analysis and interpretation of data by
statistical methods.
11. Testing of hypothesis
 12. Preparation of the report or thesis.
Types of Research
1. Fundamental research
Fundamental research is mainly concerned with
generalization with the formulation of a Theory . It is a
research concerning principles or laws or rules.
Research studies concentrating on some natural
phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics are
examples of fundamental research.
2. Applied research
Applied research is concerned with a solution of particular
problems. It aims at finding a solution for an immediate
problem facing a society or an industrial organisation.
3. Descriptive research
Descriptive research is a fact finding investigation with the
adequate interpretation. It enumerates data about the
population being studied. It includes survey and fact
finding enquiries of different kinds. The major purpose of
descriptive research is the description of the state of
affairs as it exists at present.
4. Analytical research
In analytical research one has to use facts or information
already available and analyse them to make a critical
evaluation to the problem.
5. Quantitative research
Quantitative research is applicable to phenomena that
are measurable so that they can be expressed in terms of
quantity . The results of the researches are subjected to
quantitative and statistical analysis.
6. Qualitative research
Qualitative researcher is concerned with qualitative
phenomenon. It is specially important in the behavioural
 Sciences where the aim is to discover underlying motives
of human behaviour.
7. Conceptual research
Conceptual research is that related to some abstract ideas
or theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to
develop a new concepts or the to reinterpret existing ones.
8.Empirical research
Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone.
It is data based research coming up with conclusions capable of
being verified by observations or experiment. In empirical
research, the researcher has to first set up a hypothesis or guess
as to the probable results.