Introduction to Research

Methodology
 Meaning of Research
The method consisting of
systematic
enunciating the formulating
problem, collecting the facts a
hypothesis, or data,
analysing the facts and reaching certain
conclusion either in the form of solutions
towards the concerned problem or in
certain for som
generalisations
theoretical e
formulation. 2
 What is research?
 Research means finding answers to the questions.

 It is a systematic search for truth.

 Through research, new and original information,

ideas about the world we live in are obtained.

 Research is search for knowledge.

 Research is defined as a scientific and systematic

search for information on a specific topic.

 Defining Business Research
 Research is a systematic and scientific procedure of
problem identification, data collection, compilation,
analysis, interpretation, and implication pertaining to
any problem.

 Research is defined as the systematic and objective process

of gathering, recording, and analyzing data for aid in making
business decisions (Zikmund, 2007).

 Cooper and Schindler (2009) define business research as a

systematic enquiry that provides information to guide
managerial decisions.
 Motivation in Research
• Want to have your name starting with Dr.

• Desire to face the challenge in solving the

unsolved problems
• Desire to get intellectual joy of doing
some creative work
• Desire to be of service to society

• Desire to get respectability

 Objectives of research
• Find out truth which is hidden
and which has not been
discovered yet
• Gain familiarity with a
phenomenon or to achieve new
insights into it
• Portray accurately the
characteristics of a particular
individual, situation or a group

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 Criteria of good research
• Purpose should be clearly defined
• Common concepts to be used
• Explain procedure clearly - for
continuity
• Results should be as objective as
possible
• Report with frankness
• Limitations of the study

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 Criteria of good research
• Appropriate statistical test of
significance
• Reliable outcome measures
• Justify conclusions with data
• Limitation of data
• Systematic
• Logical
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MCQ
The essential qualities of a researcher are
(A) Spirit of free enquiry
(B) Reliance on observation and evidence
C) Systematization or theorizing of knowledge
(D) All the above
Problems Encountered by Researchers
in India
 The lack of a scientific training in the methodology of research

 There is insufficient interaction

 Need for generating the confidence that the information obtained

from a business unit will not be misused

 Research studies overlapping one another are undertaken quite often

for want of adequate information.

Types of Research
• Research can be undertaken for two different purposes :
• Applied Research : One is to solve a current problem
faced in the work setting, demanding a timely solution.
• For e.g : a particular product may not be selling well
and the manager might want to find the reasons for this
in order to take corrective action. Such research is
applied research.
• Applied research directly addresses the
problem at hand. Applied research is launched
by the firm, agency, or individual facing a
specific problem.
Examples
Ex 1= Reason behind low sales (MKTG)

Ex 2= High Attrition (HR)

Ex 3= Videocon 2 G Spectrum

Ex 4= Coca Cola Minute Maid low sales

Ex 5= Study on Learning and Assessment Tools in Higher Education

• Basic Research : The other is to generate a body of
knowledge by trying to comprehend how certain
problems, that occur in organizations, can be solved.
• It is quite possible that some organizations may later
on apply the knowledge gained by the findings of
such basic research to solve their own problems.
• Basic research is generally not related to a
specific problem and its findings cannot be
immediately applied.
Examples

Ex1 = Absenteeism (HR)

Ex2= Consumer Brand Relationships (Emotional

Aspects & Attitudinal Loyalty)

Ex3= Consumer Trust and Internet Shopping
MCQ
A company wants to know what are the problems are
faced by employees in the night shift duties. The
company is intending to undertake

a.Pure research
b.Applied research
c. Basic research
d.Causal research
Types of Research
MCQ

Research is
(A) Searching again and again
(B) Finding solution to any problem
(C) Working in a scientific way to search for
truth of any problem
(D) None of the above
Which research refers to scientific study
and research that seeks to solve a current
problems is called:

a. Basic research
b. Pure research
c. Applied research
d. none of the above
Which of the following is incorrect about
good research?

a. Purpose clearly defined

b. Research process detailed
c. Research design thoroughly defined
d. Findings presented ambiguously
MCQ
Which statement best describes the nature of basic
research?

a.Basic research requires the use of experimentation.

b.The primary purpose of basic research is to facilitate
the managerial decision process.
c. Basic research might lead to theory or model building.
d.Because basic research is exploratory, it does not
require the use of scientific methodology.