Module I Research Methodology An Introduction

Course Leader: Dr. K. Srinivasan Department of Management Studies Christ University, Bangalore.
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Meaning
Scientific & Systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. Movement from the known to the unknown (i.e.) Voyage of Discovery Research is investigation. an art of scientific

Definition
Research is a systematized effort to gain new knowledge. Redman and Mory Research comprises defining & redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collection, organizing and evaluation data; making deductions & research conclusion. At last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis Clifford Woody Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) in order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon about which we are concerned or interested. 3

Objectives of Research
 To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it - Exploratory or Formulative Research.  To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group Descriptive Research.  To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else - Diagnostic Research.  To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables - Hypothesis-Testing Research.
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Motivation in Research
Research Degree along with Significant benefits Challenge in Solving the Unsolved Problems Intellectual Joy of doing some creative work Service to the Society Get Respectability However, this is not an exhaustive list of factors motivating people to undertake research studies. Many more factors such as directives of government, employment conditions, curiosity about new things, desire to understand causal relationship, social thinking and awakening. 5

Significance of Research
         Throws Light on Risks and Uncertainty Identify alternative courses of action Helps in Economic use of resources Helps in Project identification Solves Investment Problems Solves Pricing Problems Solves allocation Problems Solves Decision Making issues in HR etc. Solves various Operational & Planning problems of Business & Industry
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Continued
 Research provides basis for all government policy in our economic system.  Helps social scientists in studying social relationships and in seeking answers to various social problems.  For students, research means a careerism or a way to attain a high position in the social structure.  For professionals, research mean a source of livelihood.  For philosophers & thinkers, research means the outlet for new ideas and insights.  For literary men & women, research means development of new styles and creative work.  For analysts & Intellectuals, research means generalizations of new theories.
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Characteristics of Research
Research is directed towards the solution of a problem. Research is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence. Research demands accurate observation and description. Research involves gathering new data from primary sources or using existing data for a new purpose. Research activities are characterized by carefully designed procedures. Research requires expertise i.e., skill necessary to carryout investigation, search the related literature and to understand and analyze the data gathered.
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Continued
Research is objective and logical by applying every possible test to validate the data collected and conclusions reached. Research involves search for answers to unsolved problems. Research requires courage. Research is characterized by long-suffering and unhurried activity. Research is carefully recorded and reported.
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Overview of Science & the Scientific Method

Science refers to the body of systematic and organized knowledge which makes use of scientific method to acquire knowledge in a particular field of enquiry. Scientific method is the systematic collection of data (facts) and their theoretical treatment through proper observation, experimentation and interpretation. Scientific method attempts to achieve a systematic interrelation of facts by experimentation, observation, and logical arguments from accepted postulates and a combination of these three in varying proportions. The definition of science highlight some of the key differences between how Scientists & Nonscientists go about acquiring new knowledge.
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Importance of Knowing How Research is Done

 Necessary Training in Gathering Material & Arranging participants in field work.  Necessity for knowing Research Methodology & Research Techniques.  Good Training specially to new research workers.  Aspiring Researcher should thoroughly understand the logic behind them.  Knowledge of how to do research will increase self confidence.  Knowledge of research methodology helps in various fields such as government, administration, community development.  Knowledge of research will bring satisfaction of acquiring a new intellectual tool & makes life objectively.  Knowledge of methodology helps to enables to take rational decisions. 11

Types of Research
 Descriptive Vs Analytical  Applied Vs Fundamental  Quantitative Vs Qualitative  Conceptual Vs Empirical Some other Types of Research  One-Time Research (or) Longitudinal Research  Field-Setting Research (or) Laboratory Research (or) Simulation Research  Clinical Research (or) Diagnostic Research  Exploratory (or) Formalized Research  Historical Research  Conclusion-Oriented (or) Decision Oriented Research

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Research Process
Review the literature FF FF
Review Concepts And theories Review Previous Research findings Analysis Data (Test Hypothesis if any)

Define Research Problem

Formulate hypothesis

Design Research (Including Sample Design)

Collect Data (Execution)

Interpret & report

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F F FF

Feed Back Feed Forward

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Criteria for Good Research

Purpose Clearly Defined. Research Process Detailed. Research Design thoroughly planned. High Ethical Standards Applied. Limitations Frankly Revealed. Adequate analysis for Decision Maker needs. Findings Presented Unambiguously (Clearly). Conclusions Justified. Researchers Experience Reflected.
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Problems Encountered by Researchers in India

Lack of Scientific Training in the Methodology of Research. Insufficient Interaction between the University Department & Business, Government Department, Research Institutions. Business units in our country do not have the confidence about the material supplied to researchers Research Studies Overlapping one another are undertaken quite often for want of adequate information. Necessary Code of Conduct for Researchers in Inter Department & University rivalry (Competition) are also quite common. Difficulty of Adequate & Timely & Computer Assistance. Library Management & Functioning is not Satisfactory. 15 Difficulty of Timely available of Published Data

Ethics in Social Science Research

Principle of Maltreatment Principle of Beneficence Principle of Autonomy Principle of Justice
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Research Problem

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The term problem means a question or issue to be examined either theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.
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How Do We know we have a Research Problem?

Customer complaints. Conversation with company employees. Observation of inappropriate behaviour or conditions in the firm. Deviation from the business plan. Success of the firms competitors. Relevant reading of published material (trends, regulations). Company records and reports.
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Sources of Problems
Reading Academic Experience Daily Experience Exposure to Field Situations Consultations Brainstorming Research Intuition
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Defining the Research Problem

Overdone work should not be normally chosen. Controversial subject should not be selected by the average researchers. Too Narrow or too vague problem should be avoided. Familiar & Feasible with materials & sources of data. Importance of subject, the qualifications, training of a researcher, the costs involved, the time factor & other criteria. Preceded by a preliminary study. 20

Technique Involved in Defining a Problem

Statement of the problem in a General Way Understanding the nature of the problem Surveying the available literature Developing the ideas through discussions Rephrasing the research problem
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