221RGE100

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY &

IPR

Divya Sasidharan
Asst. Professor (Adhoc)
Dept. of ICE
MODULE 1
 Meaning of Research

o Search for knowledge

o A systematic method consisting of

Enunciating the problem
Formulating a hypothesis
Collecting the facts or data
Analyzing the facts
Reaching certain conclusions
Either in the form of solutions(s) towards the concerned problem
Or in certain generalizations for some theoretical formulation.
Definitions of Research
 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”
 Redman and Mory dene research as a “systematized effort to gain new
knowledge”
 According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining and redefining
problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting,
organising and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions;
and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the
formulating hypothesis.
 D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson in the Encyclopaedia of Social Sciences
define research as “the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the
purpose of generalising to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that
knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art”
Objectives of Research
 To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it
(studies with this object in view are termed as exploratory or formulative
research studies);
 To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation
or a group (studies with this object in view are known as descriptive research
studies);
 To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is
associated with something else (studies with this object in view are known as
diagnostic research studies);
 To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies
are known as hypothesis-testing research studies).
Motivation in Research

 Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits;

 Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems, i.e., concern
over practical problems initiates research;
 Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work;
 Desire to be of service to society;
 Desire to get respectability.
Types of Research
Types of Research

 Descriptive versus Analytical Research

 Applied versus Fundamental Research
 Qualitative versus Quantitative Research
 Conceptual versus Empirical Research
Types of Research
 Descriptive vs. Analytical
Descriptive research
 It includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds, survey methods of all
kinds, including comparative and correlational methods.
 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.
Eg: frequency of shopping, preferences of people etc, What is the absentee rate
amongst a particular group of employee ?
Analytical research
 In this the researcher has to use facts or information already available, and analyze
these to make a critical evaluation of the material.
Eg: How can the absentee rate amongst a particular group of employee be reduced?
Types of Research
 Applied vs. Fundamental:

 Applied Research (Action based)

 aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an
industrial/business organization

 Fundamental research (Pure research)

 mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory
 Researches to find the socio economic and political trends are applied
researches while those relating to pure mathematical concepts, human
behaviour or theories are fundamental researches.
Types of Research
 Quantitative vs. Qualitative:

 Quantitative research
 Based on the measurement of quantity or amount.
 Eg: research based on population

 Qualitative research
 concerned with qualitative phenomenon
 Attitude or opinion research i.e., research designed to find out how people feel or what
they think about a particular subject or institution is also qualitative research.
 Qualitative research is specially important in the behavioural sciences where the aim is
to discover the underlying motives of human behaviour.
 Eg: research based on human behavior
Types of Research
 Conceptual vs. Empirical:

 Conceptual research
 related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by
philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or reinterpret existing
ones.

Empirical research
 relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for
system and theory.
Other Types of Research
 one-time research or longitudinal research.
In the former case the research is confined to a single time-period, whereas
in the latter case the research is carried on over several time-periods.
 field-setting research or laboratory research or simulation research
Depending upon the environment in which it is to be carried out.
 Historical research
which utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc.
 conclusion-oriented and decision-oriented
 While doing conclusion-oriented research, a researcher is free to pick up a
problem, redesign the enquiry as he proceeds and is prepared to
conceptualize as he wishes.
 Decision-oriented research is always for the need of a decision maker and
the researcher in this case is not free to embark upon research according to
his own inclination.
 Operations research is an example Decision-oriented research
Significance of Research
 Research provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our
economic system.
 Research has its special significance in solving various operational and
planning problems of business and industry
 Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social
relationships and in seeking answers to various social problems
 To those students who are to write a master’s or Ph.D. thesis
 To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas
and insights;
 To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new
styles and creative work;
 To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the generalizations of new
theories
Research Methodology & Research Method
 Research methodology is a systematic and theoretical approach to collect and
evaluate data throughout the research process.

 Research method consists of all techniques, strategies, and tools employed by a

researcher to complete the experiment and find solution to a research problem
 When we talk of research methodology we not only talk of the research methods
but
 Consider the logic behind the methods we use in the context of our research study
 Explain why we are using a particular method or technique
 Why we are not using others
 With this the research results are capable of being evaluated either by the researcher
himself or by others.
Research Methodology & Research Method
Research Process
Research Process

 Define research problem

 Review literature-concepts and theories, review previous research finding
 Developing the hypothesis
 Preparing the research design
 Determining sample design
 Collect Data
 Execution of the project
 Analysis of data
 Hypothesis testing
 Generalisations and Interpretation
 Preparation of the report or presentation
Research Process
1. Define research problem

 It is the first and most crucial step in the research process.

 Main function is to decide what you want to find out about.
 The way you formulate a problem determines almost every step that
follows
Considerations in selecting a research problem
These help to ensure that your study will remain manageable and that you will remain
motivated.
 Interest: a research endeavor is usually time consuming, and involves hard work and
possibly unforeseen problems. One should select topic of great interest to sustain the
required motivation.
 Magnitude: It is extremely important to select a topic that you can manage within the time
and resources at your disposal. Narrow the topic down to something manageable, specific
and clear.
 Measurement of concepts: Make sure that you are clear about the indicators and
measurement of concepts (if used) in your study.
 Level of expertise: Make sure that you have adequate level of expertise for the task you
are proposing since you need to do the work yourself.
 Relevance: Ensure that your study adds to the existing body of knowledge, bridges current
gaps and is useful in policy formulation. This will help you to sustain interest in the study.
 Availability of data: Before finalizing the topic, make sure that data are available.
 Ethical issues: How ethical issues can affect the study population and how ethical
problems can be overcome should be thoroughly examined at the problem formulating
stage.
 There are two types of research problems, viz., those which relate to states of
nature and those which relate to relationships between variables.
 Essentially two steps are involved in formulating the research problem, viz.,
understanding the problem thoroughly, and rephrasing the same into
meaningful terms from an analytical point of view.
 He may review two types of literature-the conceptual literature concerning the
concepts and theories, and the empirical literature consisting of studies made
earlier which are similar to the one proposed.
 The statement of the objective is of basic importance because it determines the
data which are to be collected, the characteristics of the data which are
relevant, relations which are to be explored, the choice of techniques to be
used in these explorations and the form of the final report.
Steps in formulation of a research problem

 Working through these steps presupposes a reasonable level of knowledge

in the broad subject area within which the study is to be undertaken.
 Without such knowledge it is difficult to clearly and adequately `dissect’ a
subject area.
Step 1 Identify a broad eld or subject area of interest to you.
Step 2 Dissect the broad area into sub areas.
Step 3 Select what is of most interest to you.
Step 4 Raise research questions.
Step 5 Formulate objectives.
Step 6 Assess your objectives.
Step 7 Double check.
How to write a problem statement
 Put the problem in context (what do we already know?)
 Describe the precise issue that the research will address (what do we need
to know?)
 Show the relevance of the problem (why do we need to know it?)
 Set the objectives of the research (what will you do to find out?)

A problem statement can be

 several paragraphs long and serve as the basis for your research proposal
 condensed into just a few sentences in the introduction of your paper or
thesis.
Set your aims and objectives

The aim is the overall purpose of your research. It is generally written in the
infinitive form:
The aim of this study is to determine…
This project aims to explore…
I aim to investigate…

The objectives are the concrete steps you will take to achieve the aim:
Qualitative methods will be used to identify…
I will use surveys to collect…
Using statistical analysis, the research will measure…
Research Process
2. Literature Survey

 Literature review is integral part of entire research process and makes valuable
contribution to every operational step.
 Reviewing literature can be time-consuming, daunting and frustrating, but is also
rewarding. Its functions are:
1. Bring clarity and focus to your research problem;
2. Improve your methodology;
3. Broaden your knowledge;
4. Contextualise your findings
 For this purpose, the abstracting and indexing journals and published
or unpublished bibliographies are the first place to go to.
 Academic journals, conference proceedings, government reports,
books etc., must be tapped depending on the nature of the problem.
 In this process, it should be remembered that one source will lead to
another.
 The earlier studies, if any, which are similar to the study in hand should
be carefully studied. A good library will be a great help to the
researcher at this stage
Research Process
3. Developing the hypothesis or The formulation of objectives

 Objectives are the goals you set out to attain in your study.
 They inform a reader what you want to attain through the study.
 It is extremely important to word them clearly and specically.
 Objectives must be SMART-Specic, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time
bound.
 Objectives should be listed under two headings:
 main objectives ( aims);
 sub-objectives.
 The main objective is an overall statement of the thrust of your study. It is also a
statement of the main associations and relationships that you seek to discover or
establish.
 The sub-objectives are the specific aspects of the topic that you want to investigate
within the main framework of your study.
 They should be numerically listed.
 Wording should clearly, completely and specifically.
 Communicate to your readers your intention.
 Each objective should contain only one aspect of the Study.
 Use action oriented words or verbs when writing objectives. The objectives should
start with words such as `to determine', `to find out', `to ascertain', `to measure', `to
explore' etc.
 Approaches for developing working hypotheses

 Discussions with colleagues and experts about the problem, its origin
and the objectives in seeking a solution;
 Examination of data and records, if available, concerning the problem
for possible trends, peculiarities and other clues;
 Review of similar studies in the area or of the studies on similar
problems
 Exploratory personal investigation which involves original field
interviews on a limited scale with interested parties and individuals
with a view to secure greater insight into the practical aspects of the
problem.
Research Process
4. Research Design
 Research design is the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted.
 The function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant information
with minimal expenditure of effort, time and money.
 Research design depends on research purposes.
 Research purpose may be grouped into four categories
 Exploration
 Description,
 Diagnosis
 Experimentation.
 Different research designs are: Experimental and Non-experimental hypothesis testing.
 Experimental designs can be either informal designs or formal designs
 Simple and complex factorial designs
 The preparation of research design, appropriate for a particular research
problem, involves the consideration of the following :
 Objectives of the research study.
 Method of Data Collection to be adopted
 Source of information-Sample Design
 Tool for Data collection
 Data Analysis-qualitative and quantitative
Preparation of Research Design
 the means of obtaining the information;
 the availability and skills of the researcher and his staff (if any);
 explanation of the way in which selected means of obtaining
information will be organized and the reasoning leading to the
selection;
 the time available for research;
 the cost factor relating to research, i.e., the finance available for the
purpose.
Research Process

5. Data Collection

 By observation
 Through personal interview
 Through telephone interviews
 By mailing of questionnaires
 Through schedules
 It depends on the nature of investigation, objective and scope of the
inquiry, financial resources, available time and the desired degree of
accuracy
 Execution of project

 The researcher should see that the project is executed in a systematic

manner and in time.
Research Process

6. Data Analysis
 Raw Data
 Coded Data (Converting data to symbols)
 Editing ( improving quality)
 Tabulating
Research Process

7. Hypothesis testing

 Chi-Square Test
 t-Test
 F-Test
Generalisations and interpretation

 If a hypothesis is tested and upheld several times, it may be

possible for the researcher to arrive at generalisation, i.e., to
build a theory.
 As a matter of fact, the real value of research lies in its ability to
arrive at certain generalisations.
 If the researcher had no hypothesis to start with, he might seek to
explain his findings on the basis of some theory. It is known as
interpretation.
 The process of interpretation may quite often trigger off new
questions which in turn may lead to further researches.
Research Process
8. Preparation of the report or the thesis
 The layout of the report should be as follows:
 the preliminary pages
 the main text and
 the end matter.
 Preliminary pages :the report should carry title and date followed by acknowledgements, table of
contents followed by a list of tables and list of graphs and charts, if any, given in the report.
 The main text of the report should have the following parts:
 Introduction: objective of the research , an explanation of the methodology adopted and scope
 Summary of findings: a statement of findings and recommendations
 Main report: logical sequence and identifiable sections.
 Conclusion :results of his research clearly and precisely the end matter
 Appendices includes all technical data
 Bibliography
Problems Encountered by Researchers in India

 The lack of a scientific training in the methodology of research

 Insufficient interaction
 Need for generating the confidence that the information/data
obtained from a business unit will not be misused.
 Research studies overlapping one another (proper listing)
 There does not exist a code of conduct for researchers
 The difficulty of adequate and timely secretarial assistance
 Library management and functioning is not satisfactory at many
places
Problems Encountered by Researchers in India

 There is also the problem that many of our libraries are not able
to get copies of old and new Acts/Rules, reports and other
government publications in time.
 There is also the difficulty of timely availability of published
data from various government and other agencies
 Problem of conceptualization and also problems relating to the
process of data collection and related things.
 Criteria of Good Research
 The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts be
used.
 The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit
another researcher to repeat the research for further advancement, keeping the
continuity of what has already been attained.
 The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results
that are as objective as possible.
 The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design
and estimate their effects upon the findings.
 The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and
the methods of analysis used should be appropriate. The validity and reliability of
the data should be checked carefully.
 Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and
limited to those for which the data provide an adequate basis.
 Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced, has a
good reputation in research and is a person of integrity.
 Qualities of a good research

 Good research is systematic

 Good research is logical

 Good research is empirical

 Good research is replicable

 Ten Simple Rules for Doing Your Best Research, According to Hamming

 Drop Modesty
 Prepare Your Mind
 Age Is Important
 Brains Are Not Enough, You Also Need Courage
 Make the Best of Your Working Conditions
 Work Hard and Effectively
 Believe and Doubt Your Hypothesis at the Same Time
 Work on the Important Problems in Your Field
 Be Committed to Your Problem
 Leave Your Door Open
Erren TC, Cullen P, Erren M, Bourne PE. Ten simple rules for doing your best research, according to Hamming. PLoS Comput Biol.
2007 Oct;3(10):1839-40. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.0030213. PMID: 17967054; PMCID: PMC2041981.