Lecture 1

Introduction to Research
Methodology
23-08-2019
 What is Research ?
old French word “CERCHIER”
to seek or to search.
“Research is systematic inquiry that uses
disciplined methods to answer questions or
solve problems”.
In the well-known nursery rhyme:
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
How I Wonder What You Are
the use of the words HOW and WHAT
essentially summarizes what research is.
 Meaning of Research
The systematic method consisting
articulating the of
problem, collecting the facts
hypothesis, formulating
or data,
a
analysing the facts and reaching certain
conclusion either in the form of solutions
towards the concerned problem or
certain in some
for
generalisations
theoretical formulation.
3
 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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 Objectives of research
• Determine the frequency which
with something occurs or it is
with
associated withwhich
something else

• Test a hypothesis of a casual relationship

between variables

5
 Motivation in research
• Research degree along with
its consequential benefits
• Face the in solving
challenge
unsolved problem the
• Get some
intellectual joy of doing
creative work
• Service to
society 6
 Research approaches
• Quantitative approach
- Inferential
- Experimental
- Simulation

• Qualitative approach

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 Inferential approach
To form a data base from which to infer
characteristics or relationships of
population

• Usually means survey research where a

sample of population is studied to
determine its characteristics

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 Experimental research
Some variables are manipulated to
observe their effect on other variables

• Much greater control over the

research environment

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 Simulation approach
• Involves construction of an
environment within which artificial
relevant
information and data can be generated

10
 Qualitative approach
• Subjective assessment of,
- Attitudes
- Opinions
- Behaviour
• Not subjected to rigorous
quantitative analysis

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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
- Acknowledge, procedural flaws

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 Criteria of good research
• Appropriate statistical test of significance
• Reliable outcome measures
• Justify conclusions with data
• Limitation of data
• Experienced researcher
• Systematic
• Logical
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 Problem encountered
during researches

• Lack of scientific training in methodology

of research
• Insufficient interaction
• Need for generating the confidence that
the information/data obtained from a
patient will not be misused

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 Problem encountered
during researches
• Research studies overlapping one
another are undertaken quite often for
want of adequate information
• Timely and adequate secretarial
assistance, including computerial
assistance
• Problem of conceptualization
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 Types of research
• Descriptive
• Analytical
• Applied
• Fundamental
• Quantitative
• Qualitative
• Conceptual
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 Types of research
• Empirical
• Cross sectional research / longitudinal
• Field-setting research/laboratory/simulation
• Clinical / laboratory
• Historical
• Decision oriented

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 Research methods
• All those methods/techniques that
are used for conduction of research

• Refer to the methods the researchers use

in performing research operations

• Method used by the researcher

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 Research methods
• Put into 3 groups,
1. Methods which are concerned with data
collection
2. Statistical techniques for
establishment of relationship b/w data
& unknown
3. Evaluating the accuracy of
results obtained
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 Research methodology
• A systematic way to solve the
research problem
• Science of understanding how research is
done
• Study varies steps adopted by
a researcher
• Researchers should know the
relevant method and which are not
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 Research methodology
When we talk of RM we not only talk of
the research methods but also consider
the logic behind the methods we use in the
context of our research study and explain
why we are using a particular method and
why we are not using others, so that
research results are capable of
being
evaluated by the researcher herself or
by others 21
 Development of a research proposal

I. Title of the research

II. Introduction: Background information and
Statement of the research problem
(Scientific justification for the study)
III. Research objectives
IV. Research hypothesis
V. Methodology
VI. Work plan
VII. Plan for utilization and dissemination of
research results
VIII. References
IX. Annexes
D. Final Report Writing
I. Title or cover page
II. Abstract
III. Introduction
IV. Objectives
V. Literature review
VI. Methodology
VII. Research results (findings)
VIII. Discussion
IX. Conclusions
X. Recommendations
XI. References
XII. Annexes or appendices (data collection
tools, tables)
 Reference

Research Methodology Methods and

Techniques (Second Revised Edition),
C.R.
Kothari

(Chapter – 1)