What is research?

• A search for knowledge

• A scientific, systematic search for

pertinent information on a specific topic

• Inquisitiveness is the mother of knowledge

and the method applied for obtaining it, is
the research.
Objectives of research

• Exploratory / Formulative Research:

To gain familiarity with the phenomenon
or to achieve new insights into it

• Descriptive Research:
To portray accurately the characteristics of
an individual, group or situation
Objectives of research

• Diagnostic Research:
To determine the frequency with which
something occurs or with which it is
associated with

• Hypothesis Testing Research:

To test a relationship between two or
more variables
Motivations in research

• Desire to get research degree

• Desire to face challenges in solving
unsolved problems
• Desire to reach intellectual height
• Desire to do creative work
• Desire to serve the society
• Curiosity
Types of research

• Descriptive Research:
Include surveys, fact finding enquiries
No control over the variables
To discover causes
• Analytical Research:
Use available facts
Analyze for critical evaluation
Types of research

• Applied Research:
Finding solution to an immediate problem
of society/ industry / organization
• Fundamental Research:
Obtaining formulation and generalization
of a broad based problem
Types of research

• Quantitative Research:
Measurement of quantity or amount
Guidance of Statistician or analyst
• Qualitative Research:
Phenomenon related with quality or kind
Used in behaviour science
Guidance of experimental Psychologist
Types of research

• Conceptual Research:
Related to abstract ideas or theories
Used by philosophers or thinkers
• Empirical Research:
Relies on experience or observation
Control over variables
Tested to prove / disprove hypothesis
Types of research

• Longitudinal Research:
One time research for strategy / approach
• Simulation Research:
Carried out number of times
• Clinical Research:
Follow case study method
• Historical Research:
Study of events or ideas of the past
Significance

All progress
Is born of inquiry
Doubt is often better
Than overconfidence
As it leads to inquiry
And Inquiry leads to invention
Significance
• Research provides basis for policies
decision making is not the part of research but it
facilitates the decision of the policy maker
• Research has significance in solving operational
and planning problems
Market research – formulating efficient policies
for purchase, production, sale
Operations research – applying mathematical,
logical, analytical techniques to optimisation
problems in business
Method V/s Methodology

• Method is the techniques used in a

research
Data compilation, Interview, Case study,
References, Recording using devices
• Methodology is the technique used and
explained with right logic
Designs of Sampling, Mathematical tools in
analysis, Future planning
Scientific method

• Relies on empirical evidence

• Utilises relevant concepts
• Committed to objective considerations
• Presume ethical neutrality
• Results in probabilistic predictions
• Open to test and replication
• Formulates theories