Academic Research Methods

Prabhakar Deshpande

Research maybe broadly defined as systematic gathering of data and information and its
analysis for advancement of knowledge in any field.

Basically, shorn of fancy words research consists of following

a. Systematic Method
b. Collection of Data and Information
c. Analysis of Information
d. Drawing Inferences and Conclusion
e. Contributing too growth of Knowledge

There can be many objectives to research such as

1. To achieve new insight into

2. To characterise something
3. To test a hypothesis regarding
4. To determine frequency of something

There are various kinds of research

Descriptive research tries to find facts regarding something that exists

Analytical research tries to determine validity of hypothesis based on analysis of facts

Applied research is carried out to find answers to practical problems

Basic research is carried out to satisfy intellectual curiosity

Conceptual research examines thoughts and ideas and develops new ideas

Empirical research is based on data collected by observation or experimentation

Quantitative Research makes use of measurements and quantitative analysis techniques

Qualitative Research studies aspects of research that cannot be measured of quantified.

The two basic approaches of research are quantitative research and qualitative research

Quantitative research involves generation of data which can be subjected to rigorous

quantitative analysis in rigid and formal fashion. This can be further divided into inferential,
experimental and simulation approach to research. In inferential approach to research, one
studies database from which to infer relationships or characteristics of population. In the
experimental approach to research, one has greater control over research environment and its
characteristics. Simulation approach involves construction of artificial environment from
which relevant information can be gathered.

Qualitative approach to research is concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes,

opinions and behaviours. Research in such a situation is function of insights and impressions.

Research Methods vs Research Methodology

Research Methods may be understood as all the methods and techniques used to conduct
research. Research Methodology, on other hand may be understood as science of how
research is done systematically. Researchers need to not only understand research
methods(how) but also understand the research methodology(why) of research.When we
discuss research methodology, we try to understand the logic behind the use of research
methods. In research methodology, we try to understand why we are using a particular
research method and not some other research method. Research methods on the other hand
are just the procedures of research. Research methods can be divided into broadly three
categories

1. Methods related to collection of data.

2. Techniques used to establish relationship between data.
3. Methods used to evaluate accuracy of data.

Scientific Method

Scientific Method is the pursuit of truth as determined by logical considerations. The ideal of
science is to achieve a systematic interrelation of facts. Scientific method attempts to achieve
this by experimentation, observation, logical arguments and combination of these methods.

Thus scientific method is characterised by the following :

1. Empirical Evidence
2. Objective Consideration
3. Ethical Neutrality
4. Utilisation of Concepts
5. Probabilistic Predictions
6. Replicabe Methodology
7. Generalised Axiom Creation

Steps of Research

1. Defining the research problem

2. Literature Review : Reviewing concepts and theories and previous research findings
3. Formulating hypothesis
4. Research Design(Sample, Questions, Experiment, Method, Observation)
5. Data Collection
6. Analyse Data
7. Interpret and Report

Understanding Research Steps in Detail

1. Understanding the research problem

There are two types of research a. related to states of nature and b. relationship between
variables. Thus the important thing is to formulate the general enquiry into a specific
research problem. This involves understanding the problem thoroughly and formulating it
into analytical form.

2. Conducting the Literature Survey

The literature survey must be conducted in two manners – understanding the conceptual
literature concerned with concepts and theories and empirical literature consisting of
studies similar to the ones proposed.

In doing literature survey, one may refer to papers, books, government reports, media
articles, and Internet, of course. One source may lead to another and one study to another.
Thus all information can be used to better understand the problem and better prepare to
solve it.

3. Development of Hypotheses

Hypotheses should be specific and limited to piece of research in hand. The role of
hypotheses is to guide the researcher by limiting the area of research and keeping him of
right track. It sharpens thinking and focuses attention on important part of the problem. It
helps in indicating the data and methods to be used to find the data.

4. Preparing Research Design

The researcher will have to formulate the research structure on which research will be
conducted. Research purpose may be grouped into 4 categories : a.Exploration b. Design
c. Diagnosis d. Experimentation

In preparation of research design, the following are relevant

a. Means of obtaining information b. Availability of research staff c. Explanation of

Way d. Time available for research e. Cost related to research

5. Sample Design

All items under consideration constitute universe. However it is impossible to cover the
entire universe and hence only a part of a sample is considered.

There are various ways of sample selection

a. Deliberate sampling : In this some elements of sample are deliberately and carefully
selected.
b. Random Sampling. The sample is picked at random, as randomly as possible
c. Systematic sampling: in this the sample, elements are carefully chosen
d. Stratified Sampling: If the universe is non homogeneous, then the entire sample is
divided into homogeneous groups or strata and samples are selected from each strata
randomly
e. Quota sampling : In this a quota is defined for each strata and sample is drawn
corresponding to the quota
f. Cluster Sampling : This involves grouping the population and then selecting groups
rather than individual elements

6. Collecting the Data

There are various ways to collect data such as

a. By observation
b. By Interviewing
c. By Questionnaires
d. By Scheduling

7. Executing the Project

The researcher should see that the project is executed well, in that the data as required
is collected and the project to collect data in implemented well

8. Analysing the Data

Analysing data requires establishing categories and tabulating and drawing inferences.

9. Hypothesis Testing

Basically, do the facts support the hypothesis or contradict the hypothesis. These
hypothesis are tested. Hypothesis testing will accept or reject the hypothesis

10. When the hypothesis are upheld several times, the researcher may be able to come up
with generalisation to build a theory.

11. Preparation of report or a thesis.

This may consist of a. Introduction b. Findings c. Main Report d. Conclusion

Qualities of Good Research

The qualities of good research are as follows:

a. Good research is systematic

b. Good research is logical
 c. Good research is empirical
d. Good research is replicable.

What is a Research Problem

The research problem is defining, WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHEN, WHERE and HOW

There are various sources of research problem such as a. literature b. theories c.

experiences

To better define a problem, following steps may be followed

a. State the problem in general way

b. Understand the nature of the probem
c. Survey the literature
d. Discuss to develop ideas
e. Rephrase the research problem

Conclusion

Thus we have studied in short academic research methods. This methodology is

flexible and it is up to the research to modify suitably according to the comfort and the
objectives of research.

After all research methodology is mean to guide and assist the research and not to
constrain the researcher. The researcher may use research methods and methodology but Is
not bound to be confined by it.

An understanding of research methods and research methodology can be a spring

board for researcher to dive into the world of research feeling free what the researcher deems
best.

References

1. C R Kothari, Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, New Age

International Publishers, 2004