Research Methods & Techniques

What Research is?

Research

• A systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to

establish facts and reach new conclusions.
• Research is a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the
observed phenomenon.
• A careful consideration of study regarding a particular concern or problem
using scientific methods.
Characteristics of Research
• Empirical – based on proven scientific methods derived from real-life observations and
experiments.
• Logical – follows sequential procedures based on valid principles.
• Cyclic – research begins with a question and ends with a question, i.e. research should lead to a
new line of questioning.
• Controlled – vigorous measures put into place to keep all variables constant, except those under
investigation.
• Hypothesis-based – the research design generates data that sufficiently meets the research
objectives and can prove or disprove the hypothesis. It makes the research study repeatable and
gives credibility to the results.
• Analytical – data is generated, recorded and analysed using proven techniques to ensure high
accuracy and repeatability while minimising potential errors and anomalies.
• Objective – sound judgement is used by the researcher to ensure that the research findings are
valid.
• Statistical treatment – statistical treatment is used to transform the available data into
something more meaningful from which knowledge can be gained.
Some Research Terminologies:
1. Research Problem
2. Research Objective
3. Research methodology
4. Research tools
5. Variables
6. Hypothesis
 RESEARCH METHODS
&
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Types of Research Methods
Qualitative Research

• Qualitative research is concerned with phenomena relating to or involving quality or

kind.
• It involves collecting, analyzing and interpreting data by observation.
• It refers to meanings, definitions, characteristics, symbols, metaphors and
description of things.
• It is much more subjective and exploratory in nature.
• It is an opinion research to find out how people feel about a particular subject or
institution.
• In short, Qualitative research helps in having insights into problems or cases.
Quantitative Research

• It is a formal, objective, systematic process in which numerical

data are used to obtain information about the world. This
research method is used: to describe variables; to examine
relationships among variables.
• It is based on quantity measurement.
• It is an experimental investigation to develop and test
hypotheses and theories by measuring the quantitative
properties.
• It uses structured questions with predetermined response
options and involves a large number of respondents.
• Used to know the trends and change over the period of time.
Variables
• Any observation that can take on different values.
• Factors of influence.
• Main elements of research.

• Types:
1. Dependent Variable
2. Independent variable
Hypothesis
• A hypothesis is a specific statement of prediction. It describes in concrete
(rather than theoretical) terms what you expect will happen in your study.
• The purpose of the study is to explore some area more thoroughly in order to
develop some specific hypothesis or prediction that can be tested in future
research. A single study may have one or many hypotheses.
• Hypothesis is considered as an intelligent guess of prediction, that gives
directional to the researcher to answer the research question.
• It is a formal statement of the tentative or expected prediction or explanation
of the relationship between two or more variables in a specified segment.
• It helps to translate the research problem and objective into a clear
explanation or prediction of the expected results or outcomes of the study.
• Hypothesis is derived from the research problems, literature review
and conceptual framework.
• Hypothesis in a research project logically follow literature review and
conceptual framework.
• Hypothesis provides clarity to the research problem and research
objectives.
• Describes, explains or predicts the expected results or outcome of
the research.
• It indicates the type of research design.
• It directs the research study process.
• Simple hypothesis predicts that there exists a relationship between
the independent variable and dependent variable.

• Example: two hourly positions- changing of a fully bed ridden patient

will prevent bedsore.
Complex Hypothesis predicts that there exists relationship between
two or more independent and dependent variables.
• Example: for a fully bed ridden patient 2 hourly position changing, 2
hourly back care and a high protein diet will build up body resistance,
will promote blood circulation and will prevent bedsore.
• In the above example, three independent variables are: A) 2 hourly
position changing, B) 2 hourly back care, C) high protein diet.
• And three dependent variables are: A) promotion of blood circulation,
B) building up of body resistance, C) prevention of bed sore.
Classification of Research
Basic Research:
• Also known as academic Research
• Creates knowledge (scope is not limited)
• Often used at a later stage as the basis of other researches

Applied research:
• Used to solve existing social or economic problem (Scope is limited to the
problem)
• Usually used immediately
• Action oriented, to solve problems