RESEARCH METHODOLOGY, S.C.S.

(Auto) College, Puri

MODULE-1

Meaning Of Research, Research Design and

Research Problem

CONTENT
1.1. Introduction to research
1.2. Characteristics, objectives, and types of research
1.3. Role, value, and ethics of research
1.4. Review of Literature
1.5. Research problems (social science)
1.6. Research problem (science)
1.7. Research process
1.8. Research design

LEARNING OUTCOMES
After studying this module, students will get to:

➢ Know the meaning of research, its characteristics and types.

➢ Understand the role of ethics in research.
➢ Learn ways to review the literatures.
➢ Detect the problems in research and research gap.
➢ Determine the process involved in research.
➢ Understand qualities of good research.
➢ Discover various research designs.

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1.2 Characteristics, Objectives and Types of Research.

Following are the characteristics of research.

I. Research is directed toward finding out the solution of a specific problem.

II. Research needs expertise.
III. It emphasizes on the development of generalizations, principles, or theories which will
help in predicting future occurrence of an event/activity.
IV. It is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence.
V. It seeks accurate observation and description.
VI. It involves carefully designing procedures with the help of rigorous analysis.
VII. Research involves the quest for answers to un-solved problems.
VIII. Research strives to be logical and objective, involves application of every possible test
to validate the procedures employed for data collection and drawing of conclusions.
IX. It is collected and recorded carefully.
X. Research requires courage and patience on the part of researchers.

1.2.1. Objectives of Research

The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is not known and not been discovered
yet. Each research study has its own specific purpose:

1. To gain familiarization with a phenomenon or to develop new insights into it (Such

studies are termed as exploratory or formulative research studies);
2. To portray the characteristics/ nature of a particular individual, situation, or a group
with accuracy (Such studies are known as descriptive research studies);
3. To find out the frequency of occurrence of something or its association with something
else (studies with this object are called as diagnostic research studies);
4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are known
as hypothesis-testing research studies).

1.2.2. Types of Research1

1. Descriptive vs. Analytical: Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries
of different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs

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Kothari, C.R. Research Methodology- Methods and techniques, New Age International Publisher

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as it exists at present. In social science and business research we quite often use the term Ex
post facto research for descriptive research studies. The main characteristic of this method is
that the researcher has no control over the variables; he can only report what has happened or
what is happening. The methods of research utilized in descriptive research are survey methods
of all kinds, including comparative and correlation methods.

In analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher must use facts or information already
available and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material.

2.Applied vs. Fundamental: Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate
problem facing a society or an industrial/business organization, whereas fundamental research
is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. “Gathering
knowledge for knowledge’s sake is termed „pure‟ or „basic‟ research.” Research concerning
some natural phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics are examples of fundamental
research. Similarly, research studies, concerning human behavior carried on with a view to
generalize about human behavior, are also examples of fundamental research, but research
aimed at certain conclusions (say, a solution) facing a concrete social or business problem is
an example of applied research.

3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative:

Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to

phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. Qualitative research, on the other hand,
is concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving quality or
kind. Qualitative research is especially important in the Behavioral sciences where the aim is
to discover the underlying motives of human behavior.

4. Conceptual vs. Empirical:

Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by
philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. On the other
hand, empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard
for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable
of being verified by observation or experiment.

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Others
Explanatory research: Explanatory research is an address to find details for why something
take place in action. This type of research can deal with as an opening point for more
comprehensive studies.
Ethnography research: Ethnography, clearly stated, is the study of population in their own
society using methodologies such as primary interview, field observation and face-to-face
questionnaire.
Cross sectional research: A cross-sectional study involves focussing on primary data from a
population at one period. The population are selected based on specific factors and variables
of interest.
Classification research: A classification is an ordered set according to their purpose of study
and similarities. It consists of codes and descriptors and allows survey responses to be put into
meaningful categories to produce useful data. Classification research is an important tool for
who developing statistical surveys.
Longitudinal research: A longitudinal study is a type of correlational research study that
involves looking at variables over an extended period of time. This research can take place
over a period of weeks, months, or even years. In some cases, longitudinal studies can last
several decades.

1.3. Research Process

1.6.1. What is Research Process?

For conducting the research work, multiple scientific process is followed and these processes
are called Research Process. Defining the research problem is the first and major step which is
followed in Research Process. Sequentially, each and every step is interrelated. A researcher
cannot conduct research work without considering any steps of research process. There are
seven steps in research process, briefly steps are given below.

1.6.2. Steps of the research process

Series of steps are required to carry out research effectively. In figure, the interrelated steps
are given sequentially. The chart shows that the research process depends upon a number of
closely related activities.

Step-1: Identify and defining the Research Problem

The initial step in the research process is to identify a research problem. The research problem
must carry something, which the agency identifies it as a problem, some knowledge or

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information. From this problem or knowledge, a researcher can move forward with his
research. However, from the ongoing phenomenon or issues, research problem comes in to
existence.

Step 2: Review the Literature

Review the existing research is the after process of research problem identification. Reviewing
the existing research means gathering various prospective of the research topic. By following
this step, a researcher must become an expert in the area of research. The review of literature
also educates the researcher about what have been studied in the past years, what were the
process followed in the study and the conclusions in the problem area.

1.6.3. Background Information

• Gather your knowledge using websites or encyclopedias.

• Enhance the focus on the key elements of the study.
• Bibliographies also include in the sources of the study.
Step 3: Formulating a Hypothesis

Hypothesis is an assumption which can be tested and also provides explanation on the
assumption. The research hypothesis must be developed on the basis of the approach of
researcher. It also depends on the aims and objectives of the research. The researcher formulate
hypothesis in such way that he can collect factual data which provide evidence of transparent
research.

1.6.4. Approaches of the researcher:

• For seeking solution, the researcher discusses the problem with his colleagues and
expert.
• Concerning the problem, examination of data and records are important.
• For clarification, researcher must review of similar studies in the area.
• For practical aspects of the problem, personal investigation must be required by the
researcher.
Step 4: Research Design

Finding out a research design is a major task of the researcher. How the research materials will
be collected, research decides. It is a blueprint of the research. While preparing the research
design, applications of research methods must be taken in to consideration. Survey must be

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suitable, in some research context. For conducting the research, appropriate research
methodology may be taken in to consideration while preparing the research design. Effort, time
and money are also the major factors for research design.

1.6.5. Several Research Designs

• Experimental hypothesis testing

• Non- experimental hypothesis testing
Step 5: Carry out the Research Process

After the preparation of research design, the next step is to collect data and records information
by the researcher. It is a practical implementation, which has decided in research design. There
may be many practical difficulties, while implementing the research design. False
interpretation could arise due to biased data collection. So, researcher need to collect the data
carefully, so that appropriate research can be performed. Relevant and transparent data
collection must be required in research.

Step 6: Preparing Research results

Some investigations may not be conclusive, so that investigator need to clarify the research
questions. For effective data collection, clarification in the research questions must be required
by the researcher. Challenges may not be over after the collection of data. Analysis of data is
required after the collection. Researcher need to filter the data according to their characteristics.
Conversion of bucky data in to narrow form must be required, so that interpretation can be
possible. Researcher must apply appropriate tool while interpreting the data, otherwise research
will divert into other direction.

Step 7: Reporting Research Findings

Reporting research finding is the final step of research process. Researcher need to present the
findings to various interested parties. Various factors take into consideration while preparing
the research report like no negative terms must be used in report writing. Researcher need to
explain the findings in a brief way, while writing to report and describe the significance of the
study. Mostly, research report discusses questions that remained unanswered & suggest further
research in the future in general.

1.6.6 Qualities of a good research

1. Good research must focus on main problems.

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2. It must be systematic and must follow a structured procedure.

3. The research should be logical. Without manipulating ideas logically, the scientific
researcher cannot make much progress in any investigation.
4. It must be reductive that is the outcome of one researcher must be available for others
so that repetition can be avoided.
5. The research needs to be action-oriented. It must aim at finding solution to a specific
problem.
6. It has to be participatory in nature which will involve different people like from
policymakers down to community members, at all stages of the study.
7. The research must be simple, timely, and time-bound, employing a comparatively
simple design.
8. The research must be much cost-effective.