Programme : T.Y. B. Sc (Hons.

) Home Science

Subject : Home Science

Semester :V

Paper Code : CC 13

Paper Title : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN HOME

SCIENCE
Unit I : Research-Meaning , Purpose Approaches

Module Name: Scientific Method and Research

Module No : 02

Daisy John (Ph.D)

Associate Professor
Goa College of Home Science,
Campal - Goa.
 Outline
 Importance of Research

 Types of Method- Arbitrary Method

 Scientific Method

 Meaning of Scientific Methods

 Basis of Scientific Method

 Requisites of a good Scientific Method

 Learning Outcomes

The student be able to:

 Understand and appreciate the meaning of research and scientific.

method

 Develop capacity to conduct scientific studies.

 Importance of Research
Research establishes generalizations and general laws and contributes
to theory building in various fields of knowledge. Our knowledge of
separately known events is connected together to draw generalizations
and general laws. Like law of gravitation, law of demand, theory of
consumer behavior, motivational theories etc.

Research verifies and tests existing facts and theory and these help
improving our knowledge and ability to handle situation and events.
General laws developed through research may enable us to make
reliable predictions of events yet to happen.

Research extends knowledge of human beings, social life and

environment. Scientists and researches build up the wealth of
knowledge through their research findings. They search answers for
various types of questions like what, where, when, how and why of
various phenomena and enlighten us.

Research brings to light information that might never be discovered

fully during ordinary course of life. Example Marketing research results
in discovery of new use for an old product.
Research aims to analyze inter-relationships between variables and to
derive causal explanations and enable us to have a better understanding
of the world in which we live.

Applied research aims at finding solutions to problems such as socio-

economic problems example Social unrest, unemployment, poverty,
health problems, human relations problems in organizations etc. Due to
research better quality of life, longer life span, better control over events.

Research also aims at developing new tools, concepts and theories for a
better study of unknown phenomena.
Research helps in planning thus contributing to National development
like research brings out factual data on prevailing situations and
problems for drawing up plans and schemes.

 Research studies enables planners to evaluate alternative strategies

and choose the most appropriate strategy for development of the
various sectors like agriculture, industry, education, health, social
welfare etc.
The benefit-cost evaluation studies of projects like irrigation projects
throw out valuable lessons for improving the formulation of similar
projects subsequently.

Evaluation studies of on-going programs like family planning

schemes, Sarva Shiska Abhiyan etc. point out their short-comings
and implementation problems and enable the planners to revise the
schemes and implementation strategies appropriately.
The dissemination of research findings creates a general awareness
of the country’s current situations and problems among the public,
which inspire them to participate in formulation and implementation of
development schemes.

The search for facts may be made through either types of method
1. Arbitrary Method
2. Scientific Method
 1. Arbitrary Method

In this method seeking answers is based on imagination, opinions

formed, blind belief or impressions.

It is subjective as the findings vary from person to person depending on

his impressions or imagination.

Example it was believed that the shape of the Earth was flat. A big snake

swallows Sun or Moon causing Solar or Lunar eclipse.

We form our own impressions about various phenomena and issues.
 2. Scientific Method
This is a systematic rational approach to seeking facts.


It is objective, precise and arrives at conclusions on the basis of verifiable

evidences.


However, search for facts should be made by scientific method rather than

by arbitrary method.


Research is a systematic and logical study of an issue or problem through

scientific method.
 Meaning of Scientific Methods

Scientific Method is a systematic step-by-step procedure following

the

logical processes of reasoning.


It is a means of gaining knowledge of the universe.


It is a procedure or mode of investigation.


It is a systematized form of analysis.
 Basis of Scientific Method
The Scientific method is based on certain “articles of faith.”These are

 Reliance on empirical evidence.

 Use of relevant concepts.

 Commitment to objectivity.

 Generalizations.

 Verifiability.

 Logical reasoning process.

 Requisites of a good Scientific Method
1. Careful logical analysis of the problem and formulating hypotheses.
2. Defining terms and concepts and statistical units and measures.
3. Collection of data pertinent to the problem under study.
4. Classification of data.
5. Expression of variables.
6. Statistical procedure in summarizing the data.
7. Testing of hypothesis.
8. Conclusion.
9. Careful reporting of the research process.
 References

• Kerlinger F. N. and Lee, H.B. (2000) Foundations of Behavioural

Research 4th Ed. Harcourt College Publishers.
• Krishnaswami, O.R. (2000) Methodology of Research in Social
Sciences Reprint. Himalaya Publishing House, Delhi.
• Kumar, R. (2005) Research Methodology : A Step by Step Guide for
Beginners. Sage Publications, New Delhi.
• Kothari, C. R. and Garg, G. (2019) Research Methodology: Methods
and Techniques 4th Ed. New Age International Pvt Ltd, New Delhi.