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UNIT–1 Methodology
Methodology
(Structure)
1.1 Learning Objectives
1.2 Introduction
1.3 Objectives of Research
1.4 General Characteristics of Research
1.5 Types of Research
1.6 Stage 1: Formulating the Problem
1.7 Stage 2: Method of Inquiry
1.8 Stage 3: Research Method
1.9 Stage 4: Research Design
1.10 Stage 5: Data Collection Techniques
1.11 Stage 6: Sample Design
1.12 Stage 7: Data Collection
1.13 Stage 8: Analysis and Interpretation
1.14 Resource Planning For Your Study
1.15 Importance of Defining the Problem
1.16 Formulating the Problem
1.17 Sources for the Problem Identification
1.18 Self Questioning by the Researcher while defining the Problem
1.19 Types of Research Design
1.20 Exploratory Research
1.21 Conclusive Research
1.22 How to Prepare a Synopsis
1.23 Choosing a Research Design
1.24 Summary
1.25 Glossary
1.26 Review Questions
1.27 Further Readings
experimental research;
zz Know what are the types of errors that affect research design.
1.2 Introduction
Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. Once can also define
research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific
topic. In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation.
The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English lays down the meaning
of research as “a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts
in any branch of knowledge.”
1. Redman and Mory define research as a “systematized effort to gain new knowledge.”
2. Some people consider research as a movement, a movement from the known
to the unknown. It is actually a voyage of discovery. We all possess the vital
instinct of inquisitiveness for, when the unknown confronts us, we wonder and
our inquisitiveness makes us probe and attain full and fuller understanding of the
unknown. This inquisitiveness is the mother of all knowledge and the method,
which man employs for obtaining the knowledge of whatever the unknown, can
be termed as research.
Research is an academic activity and as such the term should be used in a technical
sense. According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining and redefining
Problem Formulation
⇓
Method of Inquiry
⇓
Research Method
⇓
Research Design
⇓
Selection of Data Collection Techniques
⇓
Sample Design
⇓
Data Collection
⇓
Analysis and Interpretation of Data
⇓
Research Reports
There is a famous saying that “problem well-defined is half solved”. This statement
is strikingly true in market research, because if the problem is not stated properly, the
Self Learning Material 3
Research Methodology objectives will not be clear. If the objectives are not clearly defined, the data collection
becomes meaningless.