Lecture 2

Introduction to Research and Problem

Definition
Contents

2.1. Research-Definition

2.2. Objectives of Research

2.3. Classification of Research

2.4. Ethics in Research

2.1. Research-Definition
• Serious academic activity with Objectives
• The Objectives is: to Explain or analyze or Understand a Problem
• And, Finding Solution(s) for the problem(s)
• By adopting a systematic approach in
• Collecting
• Organizing and
• Analyzing information relating to the Problem
• Generally, a movement from the Known to the Unknown
2.2. Objectives of research
• Find out the truth by scientific procedure
• With specific focus. The focus is expressed in Objectives
• Objectives: are guide points in research, as
• Develops Focus (to know in depth; e.g., steam engine-> Diesel, electricity)
• Determining frequency (Occurrence and association)
• Testing Hypothesis (Variables; Relationships etc.)
• Reveals characteristic (of individual or Situation)
Criteria of Good Research (characteristics)
• Clarity of objective or Purpose (problem definition): if done properly
then the research is half done
• Research Design be clear and match with objectives
• Honesty in reporting the facts and flaws
• Acknowledging the various data (or) facts
• Based on carefully selected analytical tools
• Limitations should be frankly revealed
 2.3. Classification of Research
Based on Intent Based on Methods
• Pure Research • Experimental Research
(Not on problem but discovery of theories) (control and experimental groups with respect to
• Applied or Action Research variables)
(Particular project and Problem: to Find Solution) • Analytical Research
• Exploratory Research (Mathematical models towards numerical data)
(explore the possibilities: such as market) • Historical Research
• Descriptive Research (Historical data analysis)
(describe something) • Survey Research
• Diagnostic Research (Fact finding study)
(descriptive with testing a variable)
• Evaluation Research
(evaluate effectiveness of implementations)
2.4. Ethics in Research
Adequate expertise Justification
Legality Honesty
Integrity Confidentiality
Respect for Intellectual property Openness
Respect for Colleagues Responsible Publication
Non-Discrimination Social Responsibility
Objectivity  Human Subjects Protection
Expertise, Legality and Integrity

Have adequate expertise to conduct the project and analyze the data
(Adequate Expertise)

Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental

policies (Legality)

Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for
consistency of thought and action (Integrity)
Respect and Non-Discrimination

Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property

(Intellectual property)

Respect your colleagues and treat them fairly (Respect for

Colleagues)

Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of

sex, race, ethnicity, or other factors (Non-Discrimination)
Objectivity and Justification
Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data
interpretation (Objectivity)
Research must be justifiable in terms of its potential contribution to
knowledge (Justification)
i.e, avoid Biases in:
• Data Collection
• Data Analysis, and
• Data Interpretation
Honesty, Confidentiality and Openness
Honestly report data, results, methods and procedures, and
publication status, avoid fabrication (data cooking) and falsification
(Honesty)
Protect confidential communications; personal records, military
secrets and patient records (Confidentiality)
Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and
new ideas (Openness)
Social Responsibility

Promote social good and prevent or mitigate social harms (social

responsibility)

Publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to advance

just your own career (Responsible Publication)

Respect human dignity, privacy, and autonomy (Human Subjects

Protection)
Review Questions
• List out the objectives of research?
• Explain the Applied or Action research?
• What is literature survey/review?
• How the research helps the management. Comment?