Module- 1 Scientific Research

Introduction
Re- Search

 Search for facts, knowledge, answer for a research question

 To examine closely and carefully, systematically, patiently to do investigation to establish
facts.
 Systematic and empirical analysis and controlled observation which may lead to development
of theories, knowledge and generalisation of concepts and principles.
Characteristic of a systematic research
 Directed towards solutions
 Research involves precise observation and accurate description.
 Leads to the development of theories, principals and generalisation.
 Research is characterized by systematic, objective and logical procedures.
 Research is marked by patience, courage and unhurried activities.
 Researcher should be expertised with research problem.
 Replicability
 Knowledge of statistics
 Skill of writing and reporting
 According to Horton & Hunt the following are the characteristics of research
 Verifiable evidence
 Accuracy
 Precision
 Systematisation
 Objectivity
 Recording
 Training investigators
Importance of Research
 Helps in developing scientific knowledge
 Provides updated information in the field
 Psychological facts, laws and theories are found useful in
understanding human and animal behavior.
 Application in the field for new developments
 Healthy work environment
 Positive society
 Research encourages curiosity
 Research helps to reach people with common interest
Scientific knowledge Vs. Common knowledge

 Use of conceptual schemes

 Empirical tests
 Notion of control
 Relations among phenomena
 Explanation of observed phenomena

Objectives of research
 To gain familiarity with a phenomenon
 To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or group
 To determine the frequency with which something occurs
  To test a hypothesis
QUALITIES OF A GOOD RESEARCH

 Systematic
 Empirical
 Valid and verifiable
 Logical
 Develops theories
 Replicable

Research and scientific method

 It relies on empirical evidence

 It utilizes relevant concepts
 It is committed to only objective considerations
 It presupposes ethical neutrality
 It results into probabilistic predictions
 Its methodology is made known to all concerned for critical scrutiny
 It aims at formulating most generalisation or what can be termed as scientific
theories.
STEPS IN RESEARCH PROCESS

 Step -I: Identification of the Problem

 Step-II: Formulating a Hypothesis
 Step III- Developing the hypothesis
 Step IV- Preparing the research design
 Step V- Determining sample design
 Step VI- Collecting the data
 Step VII- Execution of the project
 Step VIII- Analysis of data
 Step IX- Hypothesis testing
 Step X- Generalisations and interpretation
 Step XI- Preparation of the report or presentation of the results

Research design
 Exploratory, descriptive and hypothesis testing
 Quasi experimental research design
 Experimental research design-
 Pre-test post test without control,
 pre-test post-test with control, r
 andomized block design,
 completely randomised design,
 latin square design
 Factorial design
 Longitudinal design
 Cross-sectional design
Types of research

 Theoretical Research
 Applied Research
 Exploratory Research
 Descriptive Research
 Qualitative Research
 Quantitative Research
 Experimental Research
 Longitudinal Research
 Cross sectional Research