Meaning of Research

The word research is derived from the Latin word that mean “to
know.”
“Research is an Organized and Systematic way of Finding answers to
Questions.”
o Systematic because there is a definite set of procedures and steps
which you will follow.
o Organized in that there is a structure or method in going about doing
research.
 Objectives of Research
• To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insight into
it. (Exploratory or Formulative Research Studies.)
• To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual,
situation or a group. (Descriptive Research Studies)
• To determine the frequency of with which something occurs or with
which it is associated with something else (Diagnostic Research
Studies)
• To test hypothesis of causal relationship between variables
(Hypothesis – testing Research Studies)
 Types of Research
Descriptive v/s Analytical research
Applied v/s Fundamental research
Quantitative v/s Qualitative research
Conceptual v/s Empirical research
Other types of research
 Types of Research……
Descriptive Research (Ex-post facto research)
• No control on variables.
• Report what has happened? Or what is happening?
Analytical research
• Use facts or information to analyze.
Applied Research
• Finding solutions of problem of society, nation, business etc.
Fundamental Research
• Generalization and formulation of theory.
 Types of Research……
Quantitative Research
• Quantitative measurement of some characteristics.
Qualitative Research
• Qualitative measurement
Eg. Reasons for human behaviour / Motivation Research
Conceptual Research
• Abstracts ideas or theory
• Used by Philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing
ones.
Empirical Research
• Relies on experience or observation alone.
 Types of Research……
Some other types:-
• One time Research
• Longitudinal Research
• Laboratory Research etc.
Research Process
Research Process
 Problems Encountered by Researchers
• Lack of scientific training in the methodology of research.
• Problem of Conceptualization.
• Insufficient interaction between the research team and others such as public,
government, bureaucrats etc.
• Barriers to data sharing from organization.
• Non existence of code of conduct for researchers.
• Overlapping research studies.
• Lack of organisation to recognize researcher contribution.
• Library Management and Functioning is not Satisfactory.
• Libraries not able to get copies of old and new Acts / Rules.
• Lack of timely availability of published data.