Research Process

Dissertation markers expect you to include the explanation of research process in methodology
chapter. A typical research process comprises the following stages:

1. Selecting the research area. Your dissertation marker expects you to state that you have
selected the research area due to professional and personal interests in the area and this statement
must be true. Students often underestimate the importance of this first stage in the research
process. If you find a research area and research problem that is genuinely interesting to you it is for
sure that the whole process of writing your dissertation will be much easier. Therefore, it is never too
early to start thinking about the research area for your dissertation.

2. Formulating research aim, objectives and research questions or developing hypotheses.

The choice between the formulation of research questions and the development of hypotheses
depends on your research approach as it is discussed further below in more details. Appropriate
research aims and objectives or hypotheses usually result from several attempts and revisions.

Accordingly, you need to mention in your dissertation that you have revised your research aims and
objectives or hypotheses during the research process several times to get their final versions. It is
critically important that you get confirmation from your supervisor regarding your research questions
or hypotheses before moving forward with the work.

3. Conducting the literature review. Literature review is usually the longest stage in the research
process. Actually, the literature review starts even before the formulation of research aims and
objective. This is because you have to check if exactly the same research problem has been
addressed before and this task is a part of the literature review. Nevertheless, you will conduct the
main part of the literature review after the formulation of research aim and objectives. You have to
use a wide range of secondary data sources such as books, newspapers, magazines, journals,
online articles etc.

4. Selecting data collection methods. Data collection method(s) need to be selected on the basis
of critically analyzing advantages and disadvantages associated with several alternative methods. In
studies involving primary data collection, you need to write about advantages and disadvantages of
selected primary data collection method(s) in detailed manner in methodology.

5. Collecting the primary data. You will have to start primary data collection only after detailed
preparation. Sampling is an important element of this stage. You may have to conduct pilot data
collection if you chose questionnaire primary data collection method. Primary data collection is not a
compulsory stage for all dissertations and you will skip this stage if you are conducting a desk-based
research.

6. Data analysis. Analysis of data plays an important role in the achievement of research aim and
objectives. This stage involves an extensive editing and coding of data. Data analysis methods vary
between secondary and primary studies, as well as, between qualitative and quantitative studies. In
data analysis coding of primary data plays an instrumental role to reduce sample group responses to
a more manageable form for storage and future processing. Data analysis is discussed in Chapter 6
in great details.

7. Reaching conclusions. Conclusions relate to the level of achievement of research aims and
objectives. In this final part of your dissertation you will have to justify why you think that research
 aims and objectives have been achieved. Conclusions also need to cover research
limitations and suggestions for future research.

8. Completing the research. Following all of the stages described above, and organizing separate
chapters into one file leads to the completion of the first draft. You need to prepare the first draft of
your dissertation at least one month before the submission deadline. This is because you will need
to have sufficient amount of time to address feedback to be provided by your supervisor.

Applications of research
There cannot be a single way to define the applications of research, but it should be
understood that every research is done because there is some application. The
research is done with an aim and the aim has a significance. The research proposal
is submitted to a research committee, the committee discusses the applications and
the significance of the research and on the basis of its application approves or
rejects it. Some research are done with an aim to provide benefit to the masses
while other research can be done with a very specific reason. On the basis of the
application, the research can be classified into two types of research: pure research
and applied research.

Applications of research
 Pure research
The pure research also called as basic research is a fundamental research. The aim of the basic or
pure research is not to find out solutions for the current problems but to think for the wider areas
of life. Pure research often does not provide any benefits to the masses at the time it is done but
in the future the results can be applied to gain benefits. Scientists often make wonderful
discoveries while doing this kind of research. Some of these discoveries are purely coincidental
and they do not plan for it. The purpose of the pure research is to gain greater knowledge of the
world, develop new theories. Some researchers do pure research to discover new research tools,
techniques, and strategies. In basic research, most of the time there is no timeframe and the
researcher can go on for several years.

 Applied research
Applied research is done to get answers for the current problems. Applied research can be done
to verify previously done research. Applied research seek to solve practical problems, scientists
are in constant research to find out cure for diseases. The findings of the research give benefit to
the real world. In applied research, there is a timeframe and the researcher strictly follows it. The
findings of the basic research, however, benefit the applied research in several ways. The tools,
techniques and procedures that are discovered in pure research are used to find solutions in
applied research.
→ Sources of Data Collection
Normally we can gather data from two sources namely primary and secondary.
Data gathered through perception or questionnaire review in a characteristic
setting are illustrations of data obtained in an uncontrolled situation.
Secondary data is the data acquired from optional sources like magazines,
books, documents, journals, reports, the web and more. The chart below
describes the flow of the sources of data collection.

→ Sources of Primary Data Collection

Primary data will be the data that you gather particularly with the end goal of
your research venture. Leverage of Primary data is that it is particularly
customized to your analysis needs. A drawback is that it is costly to get hold of.
Primary data is otherwise called raw information; the information gathered
from the first source in a controlled or an uncontrolled situation. Cases of a
controlled domain are experimental studies where certain variables are being
controlled by the analyst.

The source of primary data is the populace test from which you gather the
information. The initial phase in the process is deciding your target populace.
For instance, if you are looking into the attractiveness of another washing
machine, your target populace may be newly-weds.

Clearly, it’s impracticable to gather information from everybody, so you will

need to focus on the sample size and kind of sample. The specimen ought to be
arbitrary and a stratified random sample is frequently sensible. In our
washing machine illustration, sub populations may incorporate adolescent
couples, moderately aged couples, old couples, and previously wedded
couples.

→ Sources of Secondary Data Collection

You can break the sources of secondary data into internal as well as external
sources. Inner sources incorporate data that exists and is stored in your
organization. External data refers to the data that is gathered by other
individuals or associations from your association’s outer environment.

Examples of inner sources of data incorporate, but are not restricted only to,
the following:
  Statement of the profit and loss
 Balance sheets
 Sales figures
 Inventory records
 Previous marketing studies
If the secondary data you have gathered from internal sources is not sufficient,
you can turn to outside sources of data collection, some outside sources of
data collection include:

 Universities
 Government sources
 Foundations
 Media, including telecast, print and Internet
 Trade, business and expert affiliations
 Corporate filings
 Commercial information administrations, which are organizations that
find the data for you

What is a literature review?

A literature review is a search and evaluation of the available literature in your given subject or
chosen topic area. It documents the state of the art with respect to the subject or topic you are
writing about.

A literature review has four main objectives:

 It surveys the literature in your chosen area of study

 It synthesises the information in that literature into a summary
 It critically analyses the information gathered by identifying gaps in current knowledge;
by showing limitations of theories and points of view; and by formulating areas for
further research and reviewing areas of controversy
 It presents the literature in an organised way

A literature review shows your readers that you have an in-depth grasp of your subject; and that
you understand where your own research fits into and adds to an existing body of agreed
knowledge.

Here’s another way of describing those four main tasks. A literature review:

 demonstrates a familiarity with a body of knowledge and establishes the credibility of

your work;
 summarises prior research and says how your project is linked to it;
  integrates and summarises what is known about a subject;
 demonstrates that you have learnt from others and that your research is a starting point
for new ideas

Types of Research Methods

An area is selected, a specific hypothesis is determined and a defined conclusion is

required to be achieved. But how is this conclusion reached? What is the approach
that can be taken up? As per CR Kothari’s book “Research Methodology Methods and
Techniques” (The Second Revised Edition), the basic types of Research Methods are
the following :

1. Descriptive Research

Descriptive Research is a form of research that incorporates surveys as well as

different varieties of fact-finding investigations. This form of research is focused
on describing the prevailing state of affairs as they are. Descriptive Research is
also termed as Ex post facto research.

This research form emphasises on factual reporting, the researcher cannot

control the involved variables and can only report the details as they took place
or as they are taking place.

Researchers mainly make use of a descriptive research approach for purposes

such as when the research is aimed at deciphering characteristics, frequencies or
trends.
 Ex post facto studies also include attempts by researchers to discover causes
even when they cannot control the variables. The descriptive research methods
are mainly, observations, surveys as well as case studies.

(Speaking of variables, have you ever wondered - What are confounding

variables?)

2. Analytical Research

Analytical Research is a form of research where the researcher has to make do

with the data and factual information available at their behest and interpret this
information to undertake an acute evaluation of the data.

This form of research is often undertaken by researchers to uncover some

evidence that supports their present research and which makes it more authentic.
It is also undertaken for concocting fresh ideas relating to the topic on which the
research is based.

From conducting meta analysis, literary research or scientific trials and learning
public opinion, there are many methods through which this research is done.

3. Applied Research
 When a business or say, the society is faced with an issue that needs an
immediate solution or resolution, Applied Research is the research type that
comes to the rescue.

We primarily make use of Applied Research when it comes to resolving the

issues plaguing our daily lives, impacting our work, health or welfare. This
research type is undertaken to uncover solutions for issues relating to varying
sectors like education, engineering, psychology or business.

For instance, a company might employ an applied researcher for concluding the
best possible approach of selecting employees that would be the best fit for
specific positions in the company.

The crux of Applied Research is to figure out the solution to a certain growing
practical issue.

The 3 Types of Applied Research are mainly

1. Evaluation Research - Research where prevailing data regarding the topic is

interpreted to arrive at proper decisions

2. Research and Development - Where the focus is on setting up fresh products or

services which focus on the target market requirements

3. Action Research - Which aims at offering practical solutions for certain

business issues by giving them proper direction, are the 3 types of Applied
Research.
 (Related blog - Target Marketing using AI)

4. Fundamental Research

This is a Research type that is primarily concerned with formulating a theory or

understanding a particular natural phenomenon. Fundamental Research aims to
discover information with an extensive application base, supplementing the
existing concepts in a certain field or industry.

Research on pure mathematics or research regarding generalisation of the

behavior of humans are also examples of Fundamental Research. This form of
research is mainly carried out in sectors like Education, Psychology and
Science.

For instance, in Psychology fundamental research assists the individual or the

company in gaining better insights regarding certain behaviors such as
deciphering how consumption of caffeine can possibly impact the attention span
of a student or how culture stereotypes can possibly trigger depression.

5. Quantitative Research

Quantitative Research, as the name suggests, is based on the measurement of a

particular amount or quantity of a particular phenomenon. It focuses on
gathering and interpreting numerical data and can be adopted for discovering
any averages or patterns or for making predictions.

This form of Research is number based and it lies under the two main Research
Types. It makes use of tables, data and graphs to reach a conclusion. The
outcomes generated from this research are measurable and can be repeated
unlike the outcomes of qualitative research. This research type is mainly adopted
for scientific and field based research.

Quantitative research generally involves a large number of people and a huge

section of data and has a lot of scope for accuracy in it.

These research methods can be adopted for approaches like descriptive,

correlational or experimental research.

Descriptive research - The study variables are analyzed and a summary of the
same is seeked.

Correlational Research - The relationship between the study variables is

analyzed.

Experimental Research - It is deciphered to analyse whether a cause and effect

relationship between the variables exists.

Quantitative research methods

 Experiment Research - This method controls or manages independent variables for calculating
the effect it has on dependent variables.

 Survey - Surveys involve inquiring questions from a certain specified number or set of people
either online, face to face or over the phone.

 (Systematic) observation - This method involves detecting any occurrence and monitoring it in a
natural setting.

 Secondary research : This research focuses on making use of data which has been previously
collected for other purposes such as for say, a national survey.

(Related blog - Hypothesis Testing)

6. Qualitative Research

As the name suggests, this form of Research is more considered with the quality
of a certain phenomenon, it dives into the “why” alongside the “what”. For
instance, let’s consider a gender neutral clothing store which has more women
visiting it than men.

Qualitative research would be determining why men are not visiting the store by
carrying out an in-depth interview of some potential customers in this category.
This form of research is interested in getting to the bottom of the reasons for
human behaviour, i.e understanding why certain actions are taken by people or
why they think certain thoughts.

Through this research the factors influencing people into behaving in a certain
way or which control their preferences towards a certain thing can be
interpreted.

An example of Qualitative Research would be Motivation Research. This

research focuses on deciphering the rooted motives or desires through intricate
methods like in depth interviews. It involves several tests like story completion
or word association.

Another example would be Opinion Research. This type of research is carried

out to discover the opinion and perspective of people regarding a certain subject
or phenomenon.

This is a theory based form of research and it works by describing an issue by

taking into account the prior concepts, ideas and studies. The experience of the
researcher plays an integral role here.

The Types of Qualitative Research includes the following methods :

Qualitative research methods

 Observations: In this method what the researcher sees, hears of or encounters is recorded in detail.

 Interviews: Personally asking people questions in one-on-one conversations.

 Focus groups: This involves asking questions and discussions among a group of people to
generate conclusions from the same.

 Surveys: In these surveys unlike the quantitative research surveys, the questionnaires involve
extensive open ended questions that require elaborate answers.

 Secondary research: Gathering the existing data such as images, texts or audio or video
recordings. This can involve a text analysis, a research of a case study, or an In-depth interview.

7. Conceptual Research

This research is related to an abstract idea or a theory. It is adopted by thinkers

and philosophers with the aim of developing a new concept or to re-examine the
existing concepts.

Conceptual Research is mainly defined as a methodology in which the research

is conducted by observing and interpreting the already present information on a
present topic. It does not include carrying out any practical experiments.
 This methodology has often been adopted by famous Philosophers like Aristotle,
Copernicus, Einstein and Newton for developing fresh theories and insights
regarding the working of the world and for examining the existing ones from a
different perspective.

The concepts were set up by philosophers to observe their environment and to

sort, study, and summarise the information available.

8. Empirical Research

This is a research method that focuses solely on aspects like observation and
experience, without focusing on the theory or system. It is based on data and it
can churn conclusions that can be confirmed or verified through observation and
experiment. Empirical Research is mainly undertaken to determine proof that
certain variables are affecting the others in a particular way.

This kind of research can also be termed as Experimental Research. In this

research it is essential that all the facts are received firsthand, directly from the
source so that the researcher can actively go and carry out the actions and
manipulate the concerned materials to gain the information he requires.

In this research a hypothesis is generated and then a path is undertaken to

confirm or invalidate this hypothesis. The control that the researcher holds over
the involved variables defines this research. The researcher can manipulate one
of these variables to examine its effect