MBM 302 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

UNIT- 1

MEANING OF RESEARCH
Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. It is actually a voyage of
discovery. Research is a methodical, unbiased and complete investigation of any subject matter
to establish principles or to discover pertinent information to solve a specific problem.Research
Methodology is scientific way to solve a research problem.
Research is the systematic approach towards purposeful investigation. This needs formulating a
hypothesis, collection of data on relevant variables, analyzing and interpreting the results and
reaching conclusions either in the form of a solution or certain generalizations.
Business research is defined as the systematic and objective process of gathering, recording,
and analysing data for aid in making business decisions.Business research provides scientific
information to the decision makers of the organisation. This exercise is to provide objective and
timely support to the decision maker of a business organisation.
Research is an academic activity and as such the term should be used in a technical sense.
According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining and redefining, problems, formulating
hypothesis or suggested solutions, collecting, organising and evaluating data, making
deductions and reaching conclusions and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine
whether they fit the formulation hypothesis.
Research is thus, an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its
advancement. It is the pursue of truth with the help of study, observation , comparison and
experiment.

FEATURES OF RESEARCH
Starts with a question :
The success of the organization depends on its ability to diagnose the problem and solve it
immediately. So the first and most important step is to identify the problem or have a curiosity
to know then the process or research will start. Without a definite question research will not
start. It hasa certain goal. For example, a company may face problems in supplying the products
and services on time and as a result, the brand image would start diluting.

 Systematic Process:
The research process follows a systematic procedure. The process starts with identification of
problem and ends with report writing. It has to move step by step otherwise the result would
not be a reliable. All steps are interrelated to each other.

Knowledge Oriented :
Research also focuses on gaining new knowledge. So it emphasizes to put some new
knowledge into the research work. Research itself requires knowledge resulting in more
knowledge at last.
Universal
It is a universal process. It is applicable everywhere like in politics, education, government etc.
Dynamic
Research changes according to conditions. If conditions are changed the research process will
also be changed. So it is dynamic in nature.
Innovative Server
Research results in some innovative/ discoveries. That is why we can say thatresearch is an
innovative server. Every time research provides some improvement in the existing situation.
Circular
Research is a continuous process. It moves in a circle. Where one research ends, another starts
again with the new perspective. So it is circular in nature.
Science as well as Art
Research is science as well as art. It is science because it has certain attributes of science but It
is a soft science not a rigid science. It is free from bias. It is an art because it has somespecific
way to present or perform activities.

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH
To discover new facts or principles.
To verify and test old facts
To analyse relationship between variables
To identify causal relationship
To solve a problem
To accelerate human progress
To categories and describe
To evaluate and compare

ASSUMPTIONS OF RESEARCH
Existence of cause and effect relationship
Existence of sequence of law in economic activities
Existence of objectivity
Existence of representative sample

QUALITIES OF A GOOD RESEARCH

Clearly defined purpose
The research has its own purpose to do research/study with identification of certain
problem/need.
Detailing of the research process
The problem which has/have been finalized earlier will move further step by step in a predefined manner without eliminating any step/stage of research work.
Application of high ethical standards
As a prime duty of researcher the research should carry ethics while collection of facts and
should maintain ethical standard.
Limitations frankly revealed

At the time of doing research, limitationsmust be revealed in order to avoid further ambiguity.
Adequate analysis
There must be validity and reliability in tools and otherwisethe research will have of no
use in right decision making.
Objectivity
Research should be unbiased which leads to objectivity not the subjectivity.
Proper Presentations of findings
Justified conclusions
Replicable ( Verification of results by replicating the study)

QUALITIES OF A GOOD RESEARCHER

(A) General Qualities:

Scientific attitude(Logical frame of mind)

Personal taste in the study(Not a party)

Desire and curiosity for knowledge

Imagination and insight ( Visualization)

Decision making capacity

Perseverance ( Delayed gratification)

Clarity of thoughts

Unbiased attitude

Etiquette and humility

Good health and pleasing personality

Specific Qualities

Subject knowledge

Research knowledge

Familiarity about the informants

Knowledge of earlier investigations.

RELEVANCE OF RESEARCH
The importance of research can be summarized with the help of the following points:

Promotes Scientific Thinking

Significance for Government:

Monetary and Fiscal Policies

Budget

Pay Revision

Population Handling.

Banks and Insurance Sector:

C R R and S L R

Lending and Borrowing Pattern

Interest Rates

Premium Rates

Bonus Rates

Age Brackets

Business Organisations:

Marketing Mix

Consumer Behaviour

New Product Development Process

Marketing Research

Demand Supply forces

Social Relevance:

Child Labour

Honor Killing

Poverty Status

Ethics and Value System

Social Interdependence

Family System

Academic Significance:

Research Papers

Conferences

Workshops

Seminars

Medical Relevance:
Medicines and Vaccines
Life Saving Drugs

TYPES OF RESEARCH
(A) On the basis of Application
(B) On the basis of Objective
(C) On the basis of Methodology
(D) On the basis of Time
(E) On the basis of Nature

(1) Pure / Fundamental / Basic Research

Fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a
theory. Gathering knowledge for knowledge sake is termed as pure or basic research. Research
concerned with some natural phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics are examples of
fundamental research..
EXAMPLES:
Maslows need hierarchy theory
Mayos Hawthorne experiments

Applied / Functional / Action Research:

Pure research leads to applied research

Finds a solution for an immediate problem.

Concerned with real life aspects.

EXAMPLES:
Administrative plans
Social discrimination
Education system
Environmental problems
On the basis of Objective the research can be classified as under
1. Exploratory / Initial / General

Research :

Exploratory research is mainly used to explore the insight of the general research problem. It is also
used to find out the relevant variables to frame the theoretical model. There are no specific
objectives and It is purely unstructured. The researcher faces a problem of not knowing anything
about the problem.
(a) Literature Survey:

Study of relevant literature helps the researcher to update with the past data, data
sources and results.
Examples: Review of wholesale price index and demographic analysis.
(b) Experience Survey:

Study of experiences of experts in terms of their skills and knowledge developed

through their personal experiences or through other studies.
Examples: Budget reviews
Investment decisions
Product pricing
Man power planning

2.

Descriptive Research:

Descriptive research is usually a fact finding approach generalizing a cross-sectional study of the
present situation.

Description of actual state of affairs

Fact finding approach

Carried out with specific objectives

Researcher has no control over the variables.

resulting in

specific conclusions.

Causal / Ex post facto Research:

Empirical enquiry for situations that have already occurred and analysing the cause and effect
relationship.
EXAMPLES:
Market failure of any product
Slow rate of growth in national income
4. Experimental Research:
This research is primarily possible in areas of physical science with the help of hypothesis,may also be
carried out in social sciences if such research enables us to quantify the findings, to apply the statistical
and mathematical tools and to measure the results thus quantified.

Databased research conducted in controlled environment.

Relies on experiments, experiences

No place for system or theory.

and observations.

EXAMPLE:
Rating of the taste of a soft drink.

1. Quantitative Research:
Based on measurement of quantitative aspects such as demand, units of production, sales
volume, profits and no. of employees.

2.

Qualitative Research:

Important in behavioral sciences to discover underlying motives of human behaviour such as

feelings, perceptions, attitude and emotions.
On the basis of time period the research can be classified as under
1. Single Point Research:
Confined to one single time period.
2. Multiple Point / Longitudinal Research:
Involve survey of Carried on over multiple time periods. The sample remain the same over a period of
time. For example how have consumers changed their opinion about the performance of air
conditioner as compared with that last summer? is of longitudinal study.

MEANING OF RESEARCH PROCESS

Process is a series of steps which are sequentially arranged or synchronised.

Research process can be viewed as the overall scheme of scientific activities in which the
scientists engage in order to produce knowledge. It is the paradigm of scientific inquiry.

The Steps of Research Process

Identification of Problem

Review of Literature or Present State of Knowledge

Formulation of Hypothesis

Research Design

Sample Design

Data Collection

Data Analysis

Testing of Hypothesis

Interpretation and Generalization

Preparation of the Report

Identification of Research Problem

PROBLEM CLEARLY STATED IS A PROBLEM HALF SOLVED

A researcher is a person with a problem or he is nothing. Well defined research problem is pivot around
which whole research process revolves. Problem identification requires thorough understanding the
problem.Rephrasing the problem into analytical or operational terms is required.
Review of Literature or Present State of Knowledge
Search / review/ scanning the indexes in libraries/ internet for information / sources related to problem
selected and then examine. Review avoid the duplication of facts/study and able to Know the present
state of knowledge. It Gives the holes in explanation of accepted laws. Academic journals, conference
proceedings, government reports, books etc., must be tapped depending on the nature of the problem.
Formulation of Hypothesis
Hypothesis is atentative answer to research problem. It is a pre-assumption of the study. A proposition
/assumption which can beput to test to be proved or disproved.A predictive statement that relates
independent variables to dependent variables.
Research Design

What

How

When

Where

To study/observe?

Research Design is a Blue Print of research to come up with the solutions of above said
problems. (Conceptual Structure of the research). The researcher will have to state the conceptual
structure within which research would be conducted.
Sample Design
All the items under consideration in any field of inquiry constitute a universe or population . A
completed enumeration of all the items in the population is known as a census inquiry. It can be
presumed that in such an inquiry when all the items are covered no element of chance is left and
highest accuracy is obtained.

Census vs.sampling?

Methods of Sampling

Probability vs. Non probability

Data Collection:

Methods and Sources

Data Analysis
Quantitative Data:

Central tendency

Dispersion

Skewness

Correlation

ANOVA

Qualitative Data:

Association of attributes

Chi- Square

Hypothesis Testing
In order to find out the answer to pre-identified questions, a decision maker needs to collect sample
data, compute the sample statistic and use this information to ascertain the correctness of the
hypothesized population parameter. For this purpose, are searcher develops a hypothesis which can
be tested.
It is well defined procedure which helps us to decide objectively whether to accept or reject the
hypothesis based on the information available from the sample.

State H0 and Ha

Decide level of Significance

Compute Value

Accept or Reject H0

Interpretation and Generalization

Rational inferences should be drawn to provide logical explanation on the basis of analysis,
experts advice and considering all relevant factors.

Inductive method for generalization.

Preparation of the Report

Logical presentation of subject matter.

Preparation of final outline.

Preparation of rough draft.

Polishing and rewriting the draft.

Writing final draft.

Parts of Report
OPENING PAGES

TITLE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

PREFACE

FOREWORD

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF APPENDIXES

MAIN TEXT

INTRODUCTION OF RESEARCH

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

ANALYSIS

FINDINGS & RESULTS

CONCLUSION

END PART

APPENDIXES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

MEANING OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

Research problem is difficulty experienced by the researcher.

A problem is an intellectual stimulus calling for an answer in the form of scientific inquiry.

How can inflation be checked?

Does social status influence voting behavior?

Problem properly defined is half solved.

Research problem is a research opportunity.

Purposeful

Roadblocks

Offering

Beneficial

Lessons

Enhance

Mental

Strength

The process of research starts with problem identification.There must be shortlisting and prioritizing of
research problem.Delay in problem identification and solution implementation may become harmful to
the organisation.
Features of a Good Research Problem

Precise and clear.

Interesting.

Novelty.

Valuable.

Feasible. ( Competence, Data availability, Resources, Guidance, Time)

Free from controversies.

Formulation of Research Problem

The formulation of a problem is often more essential than its solution. Einstein

Statement of the problem in general way.

Understanding the nature of the problem.

Review of literature.

Development of an idea.

Rephrasing the research problem into

working proposition.

Sources of a Research Problem

Conflicts.

Suggestions.

Review of Literature.

Past Theories.

Change and Development.

Experts.

Insight. (Intuitive understanding)

MEANING OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Hypothesis is an assumption / proposition / supposition to be proved or disproved.

Predictive or declarative statement capable of being tested by scientific methods.

Tentative answer to research problem.

Features of a Good Hypothesis

Clear and precise.

Capable of being tested.

Easily understandable.

Based on objectives.

Impartial framing.

Forward looking.

Relevance of Hypothesis

Pivot of scientific research.

Gives direction to research.

Linking pin.

Focused study.

Types of Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis (Ho) is the hypothesis which is tested for possible rejection under the
assumption that it is true. Theoretically, a null hypothesis is set as no difference or status quo
and considered true, until and unless it is proved wrong by the collected sample data. The null
hypothesis is always expressed in the form of an equation, which makes a claim regarding the
specific value of the population.

Alternate Hypothesis (H1): is logically the opposite of the null hypothesis. In other words, when null
hypothesis is found to be true, the alternative hypothesis must be false or when null hypothesis is found
to be false, the alternative hypothesis must be true.
Examples of Null Hypothesis

There is no significant difference between HRD practices of SBI and HDFC.

Marketing strategies of LIC and Bajaj Allianz are independent to each other.

Financial position of an individual has no significant effect on his health.

Hypothesis Testing
Hypothesis testing is a well defined process which helps the researcher to decide objectively whether to
accept or to reject the hypothesis.

State H0 and Ha

Decide level of Significance

It is denoted by () is the probability, which is attached to a null hypothesis, which may be

rejected even when it is true. The level of significance tis also known as the size of the
rejection region or the size of the critical region.

Compute Value

If the computed value of the test statistics falls in the acceptance region, the null hypothesis
is accepted, otherwise it is rejected. For making a decision regarding the acceptance or

rejectionof the null hypothesis, a researcher has to determine the critical value which
separates the rejection region from the acceptance region. The determination of critical
value depends on the size of the rejection region, which is directly related to the risk
involved in decision making.

Decision Rule / Test of hypothesis

MEANING OF REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Re + View Re Views
Reviewing present state of knowledge.
Available literature must be tapped

depending on the nature of the problem.

Search / review/ scanning the indexes in libraries/ internet for information/ sources related to problem
selected and then examine.
Need of Review of Literature

To know the present state of knowledge.

To avoid the risk of duplication.

To get the direction of work.

To have clear picture about the problem.

To provide sources for hypothesis.

To contribute towards the accurate knowledge of literature.

To provide insight regarding strengths and weaknesses of previous studies.

To provide conceptual framework of reference for the research work.

To suggest appropriate research methods to the problem.

To analyse the relevance of historical study.

To give the holes in explanation of the accepted laws.

To resolve current problems and issues in a subject.

To contribute to the general scholarship of the researcher.

Sources of Review of Literature

Libraries ( Books, Journals, Magazines, News papers, Thesis, Bulletin, Govt. publications, Year
books)

Experts

Internet

Evaluation of Web Sources

Is it accurate?

Compare and crosscheck with other sources.

What authority is it based on?
Author should be arecognised expert or cited publication. Track down the home pa ge to get the details.

Is it biased?

Pressure group and commercial organisations use the web to promote their ideas and products.

How detailed is the information?

Too general or too detailed information is of less use.

Is it out of date?

Check the date of updation. Some updates might not update all the contents.
How to write Reviews?
Reviews are always written in present indefinite tense or present perfect tense.
Observation
Identification
Examination
Discussion
Recommendation
Description
How to write Reviews?

Name of the Author

Name of the Source:

Article / Journal / Research paper / Report Book / Conference / Speech / Talk / Interview / Seminar.

Connecting Word

Stated / Highlighted / Disclosed / Explored / Examined / Focused / Emphasised / Pointed out / Explained
/ Advised / Identified / Advocates / Describes / Reveals / Provides an overview / Recommends /
Discussed / Perceives / Found / Quotes / Observes / Proves / Proposed / Analysed.

Crux or soul of the study in the words of researcher.

Numbering of the review.

Example of a Review

Gupta C.B. in his book Human Resource Management has described some of the important
placement techniques such as individual orientation, serial orientation, collective orientation,
informal induction, formal induction, follow up orientation, general orientation, specific
orientation.1

How to write reference?(A P A Format)

Authors Name (Surname first), Source of Study, Publication, Place, Year, Volume, Pg. no.
Corresponding example:
1. Gupta C B, Human Resource Management Sultan Chand & Sons, New Delhi, 2001, Pg. 2.72.

MEANING OF ETHICS

Ethics are moral principles and values governing persons behaviour.

Ethics are norms or standards of behaviour that guide moral choices about our behaviour and
relationships with others.

Ethics are confined to intentions not actions.

Decoding of the term ETHICS

E = Eternal

T = Threshold

H = Honesty

I = Individuals

C = Companies (must)

S = Show

Ethical Issues in Business Research

(A) Ethics and Respondents

Informed consent: Oral or written free consent to participate in research activities.

No deception: Partial or total compromise with the truth.

Debriefing: Offering follow up information.

Right to privacy/ confidentiality.

Right to safety.

(B) Ethics and Clients

Right to confidentiality: Sponsor non disclosure agreement.

(C) Ethics and Researcher

Honesty in the work: Level of trust and credibility in the outcomes of the researcher. (No
plagiarism.)

Plagiarism is the act of presenting the words, views, ideas, thoughts, opinions, expressions of
others as your own.

Right to quality research.

Unintentional Plagiarism:
Careless paraphrasing
Poor documentation

Intentional Plagiarism:
Buy, Borrow, Cut paste, Quoting excessively are some of the example of the unethical practices
in the research study which ought not to be done any case. It leads to the worst decision making
process in the concern organizations anywhere.

Thumb rule: 15 % unintentionalplagiarism is allowed.

Plagiarism tools and software:

Copy catch Gold, Edutic.com, Plagiarism.org, Word check ,Turniten are some of the tool to stop the
unethical practices in the research process followed.

Acknowledgement and citation:

Giving credits to sources and originators within your text. Scientific objectivity: No
deliberate deviation. (Fact driven approach).