Chapter 1.

Introduction to Research
Methodology
Contents .
1.1 Meaning of Research
1.2 Definifions of Research
1.3 Significance (Importance) of Research
1.3.1 Significance of
Research in Business
1.4 Characteristics of Research
1.5 Limitations of Research
1.6 Types of Research
1.6.1 Quantitative Research
1.6.2 Qualitative Research
1.6.3 Descriptive Research
1.6.4 Analytical Research
1.6.5 Applied Research
1.6.6 Basic Research
1.6.7 Conceptual Research
1.6.8 Empirical Research
1.6.9 Exploratory Research
1.6.10 Confirmatory Research
1.6.11 Correlation Research
1.6.12 One-time Research
1.6.13 Longitudinal Research
1.6.14 Historical Research
1.7 Difference between Quantitative Research and Qualitative Research
1.8 Difference between Descriptive Research and Analytical Research
1.9 Difference between Basic Research and Applied Research
1.10 Difference between Conceptual Research and Empirical Research
1.11 Difference between Exploratory Research and Confirmatory Research
Points to Remember
Questions for Discussion
Learning Objectives..
Meaning of Research Research
gnificance and Importance of
Characteristics of Research
Limitations of Research
Types of Research: Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research and Other Types of
Research
Research Methodology

Research
1.1 Meaning of century from the

T h e word
Research' has originated
in

"seek out, search

the 16""

closely,", which dates back to

ack
French W
recerche, meaning to the l
to wander'
'to go around,
word "circare", meaning

but the art of searching closely. The word

ord' search
So, research is nothing,
human species, very mur
research is an evolutionary
component of the much like
hunters or gatherers.
Exploration. 'Re' stands for as
Search means to know. Research also means

for search.
express
intensive force and 'cerchier stands
Research is a creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the cte.
the stock
knowledge, and utilization of knowledge to devise new knowledge, ideac
as an
applications.
Research is a purposeful investigation.
Research can be used to establish
confirm facts, reaffirm the results of prevics
or

research work, solve problems and develop theories.

A researcher can also undertake a research project to expand on an existing wor
on the subject.
The Oxford Dictionary
describes Research as the
systematic investigation into and
study of materials and sources in order to establish
facts and reach nes
conclusions.
I t is an endeavour to
discover new or collate old facts etc
a
subject or by a course of critical by the scientific study o'
investigation.
However, research is not limited to the
field of science. It has
into areas of social
sciences and several long made its way
areas of researches have been carried out the
management, economics, history as well to in
new
knowledge, test existing knowledge and establish new facts, dever
these fields. bring out novel ts in
ideas and concep
Research starts when the researcher
has a
to resolve. question or a problem, which desires

This ne
problem has to be
which in tum, leads tosubjected to
rigorous
development of newscientific
ideas, knowledge, applica answer
scrutiny, to find
expand upon the di or
existing knowledge base in
Research is thus, an organized and sYstam the field.
 Researcn is a
dynamic word, and has been defined in a number of different ways
1. OECD uses the following definition of research,
Kesearch is any creative systematic activitv undertaken in order to increase the

stock ofknowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the
use of this knowledge to devise new
applications."
The definition focuses on two
important aspects:
(a) Systematic activity -orderly, and folowing a series of steps
(b) Increase knowledge/add to knowledge
2. As per John W. Creswell,
"Research is a process or steps used to collect and analyze information to
increase our understanding of a topic or issue".
3. According to Merriam-Webster Online,
"Research means studious inquiry or examination; especially: investigation or
experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of
accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such
new or revised theories or laws".
The Cambridge Dictionary states research as, "a detailed study of a subject,
especialy in order to discover new intormation or reach a new understanding".

4. As per Neuman,
"Research is a collection ot methods and methodologies that researchers apply
about the social world"
systematically to produce sientifically based knowledge
5. According to Clover and Balsley,
"Research is the process of systematically obtaining
accurate answers to

the use of the scientific method gatherina

significant and pertinent questions by
roting infarmation.".
 Research
(lmportance)
of
ideas and
1.3 Significance

invigorates
an inquisitive
mind to develop
new

and ensure
Concepts The
tha.
the continu
Research
and applications
the knowledge
helps to expand on
progress of humanity.
has been able to
turn into reality eral things th
several.

mankind
Thanks to research,
once seemed impOssible.
born of inquiry. Doubt is often bethe
o.
"All progress is
to Hudson Maxim,
According and inquiry leads
to investigation
for it leads to inquiry
than overconfidence, increased in a number aé
of research has, now, tremendously Tield
commerce, trade, services duetao
The significance
economics, business, industry, th
such as applied
character of business
and fast changing technology.
complex
for a modern and progressive sOciety dla
Research serves as an important pillar
mentioned below:
its added importance
serves as a tool for building
of new Knowledge.
Research
of mankind.
Research is the basis of social and technological progress
to place their ideas with
conviction.
Research is important for writers
of research that several Government policies are formulated. For
4 It is on the basis wcecw

instance, Government uses data regarding its revenues, alternative sources of

and estimated costs while formulating the Annual budget in its fiscal
revenue,

policy. Allocation of nation's amongst different groups call for

resources
an

extensive research regarding agriculture and industry.

FOr
5. Not only the Government but several other policymakers make use of research.
example, RBI makes use of data acquired through surveys regarding inflation and
growth while formulating monetary policy.
6Research is necessary to ascertain one's ideas.
7. Research enables social scientists to study social relationships and seek answert
social problems.
B Research serves as a tool to facilitate learning.
9. Research provides means to Pase
understand various issues and increase publc

awareness.

10. Research is an
important tool to aid business success. Many successtul comp
anies

investin its
 searcn
Res MetiNOdology
Introduction to Research Methodology
11. Resed can
help in
solving problems of practicai
as dwnoie, such as concern to an ared
population evniosion drua addiction,
12. Research serves as a juvenile detirgjeny
means to stirmulate
about certain interest and encourage turtie dies
issues or
situations
13 Writers and iterary people
can unieash their
14. For scientists and creativity througn rese
other intellectuals, research may provide propounding
theories, new
gneralisations
and ideas.
15. Apart from
money, research can provide intellectual satistaction.
16. Research promotes the
A
development of thinking. logical
17. systematic and detailed research
validates truth and exposes es.
18. For thinkers and philosophers, research can provide an avenue for new ideaS anc
insights.
19 Research helps one to hone necessary basic life skills and makes learning a life
long endeavor.
in
20. A wannabe entreprenuer can meet potential investors and other stakehclders
business through research.
21. Research serves as a means to find, gauge, and seize opportunities.

22. Research corrects perceptions as well as expands them.

can serve as a source of livelihood.
23. For research professionals, research
and share valuable
24. It is through research that one gets to read, write, analyze,
information.
nourishment and exercise for the mind.
Research acts as a
25 practices and theories.
and evaluates concepts,
26. Research develops test concepts. practices and
evaluate methods that
Research helps to develop and
27.
theories. Pasearch in Business
 sarc MA
w t ç t ACAtNttal souCes (of finance. Methd
NINP AAa ket esetr¢h to tom erfective policies
NA arket esearch dwells into marketies for pro
oCurs
structure afi
NN NK
aalytical metheds are used inin Operational
sey as a0l ta (Ost munumization or protit maximization
NANA
search
NANNNANS t o e hONUgh Operational research. Optimisa
e e NNS nd gauge, and seize opportunities fc
buin
NA g S XUSECE On the determination off motives
motives unded
under erlying s

k Ke Y S a mtrnSIK tOol of busness policy. It focuses

on d
NIN evaINt) and market factors. Such a research demare
helps busine.
b NNSTONA aKt supply plans. usiness
ä Na tOO tO aid bUSInEss SUCcess.
Many successful comnan
ievelopiment an
or R&D, and have reaped their benefits Rs-
N i e a i N d secure acdvantage over their competitors.
S e company to tind the
right supplier, at the right price,and
N N e NS heips company to acquire top quality raw materials, at optimum
i N ables the company to produce good quality products forte
Avaiiabity of raw materials at right time ensures that there is no

i eaich provicdes an estimate of profit and loss account based primaniy

RI S VwNch arter sales forecasting, an enterprise can put in efficient
K T m a t iivestment programmes for profit maxization.
R gUARS haio facts which serve as bases for planning. decision-mac
e eentai and evaluation.
ses epiaces intuitive business decisions by more logical ant
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