MEANING &

NATURE OF
RESEARCH

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 What is Research?
Research is -
 an art of scientific investigation
 regarded as a systematic effort to gain
new knowledge
 “a careful investigation or enquiry
especially through search for new facts
in any branch of knowledge”
(dictionary meaning)

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 Definition of Research
Research comprises:
 defining and redefining problems;
 formulating hypothesis or suggested
solutions;
 collecting, organizing & evaluating data;
 making deductions & reaching conclusions;
 carefully testing the conclusions to
determine whether they fit the formulated
hypothesis. -Clifford Woody

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 Nature of Research
 It strives to be objective and logical.
 It is based on observable experience or
empirical evidence.
 It is characterized by patient and
unhurried activity.
 It demands accurate observations,
reservations and descriptions.

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Contd…

 It is directed towards the solution of the

problem.
 It is carefully recorded and reported.
 It requires expertise.
 It involves gathering new data from
primary or first-hand sources or using
existing data for new purpose.

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 Objectives of Research
 To investigate a subject.
 To collect data regarding the
problem.
 To conduct logical and objective
study.
 To conduct a systematic enquiry
of the subject.
 For carefully recording, reporting
and presenting the facts.
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 Descriptive Historical
Research Research
Fundamental Applied
Research Research

Types of
Empirical
Research Conceptual
Research
Research

Analytical Quantitative Qualitative

Research Research Research
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Flow Chart of Research Process
Interpret and
Define Research Report
Problem

Analyze
Review of the the Data
Literature

Formulate Design Collection

Hypothesis Research of Data

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Significance of Research
 It provides the basis for nearly all
government policies in our economic
system.
 It helps in solving various operational and
planning problems of business and industry.
 It is an aid to decision making.
 It establishes the relation between variables.

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Contd…

 It is equally important for social

scientists in studying social
relationships and in seeking answers to
various social problems.
 It provides a basis for innovation.
 It facilitates the process of thinking,
analysis, evaluation and interpretation
of various situation.

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 Criteria for Good Research
 Purpose should be clearly defined.
 Common concepts should be used that can
be understood by all.
 Research procedure should be explained in
detail.
 Research design should be carefully
planned.
 Researcher should declare all the possible
errors and their possible impact on finding.
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Contd…
 Analysis of data should be sufficiently
adequate to reveal significance.
 The methods of analysis should be
appropriate.
 The validity and reliability of the data
should be checked carefully.
 The researcher have good command
over research methodologies and
should be intelligent and experience.

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Limitations of Research
 It is based on sample & sampling research
lacks the complete accuracy.
 Long time is required in the research
procedures.
 Difficult to evaluate the economic benefits
derived from the research.
 Trained personnel and a lot of time are
required for research.
 Lack of adequate knowledge of research.
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