INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

Introduction to research

The word research comes from the now obsolete French word
‘recherché’ which means to search in-depth and ‘to investigate
thoroughly’. In a very generic perspective, the study aims at
discovering. Research comprises of intellectual investigation of
human efforts aimed at discovering, interpreting, and updating
knowledge on different aspects. It is an organized and systematic
way of finding solutions to problems.
Introduction to research
definition
The term “Research” seeks to gather & assimilate information on a
particular topic. Alternatively, research is a systematic investigation. The
methods of research include all the techniques used for conducting research.
Research methodology is an approach in which research problems find
solutions in a detailed manner. It is a science involving the study of how
research progresses sequentially. The researcher also tries to find solutions
to an identified problem by using different steps. Hence, the scientific
approach, which adopted for conducting research, is called methodology.
Introduction to research
definition
“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a
purpose with an intent to contribute to the existing body of knowledge.”
Zora Neale Hurston

“a systematic effort to gain new knowledge.”

L.V.Redman and A.V.H Mory, in their book on ‘The romance of research’

“research is a scientific and systematic search for relevant information

on a specific topic.”
C.R.Kothari, in his book ‘Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques’
Importance of research and how you can get started
Why is RESEARCH
IMPORTANT?
The main purposes of research are to inform action, gather evidence for theories, and contribute to
developing knowledge in a field of study. This article discusses the significance of research and the many
reasons why it is important for everyone—not just students and scientists.

Finding reasons why research is important seems like a no-brainer, but many people avoid it like the
plague. Yet, for those who like to learn, whether they are members of a research institution or not,
conducting research is not just important—it's imperative.

Research facilitates effective management, and for effective decision making, we need to generate
accurate information. The information should be gathered systematically, and decision-makers should
empathize with an objective investigation rather than being intuitive.
Importance of research
Why Research is Important
by Leann Zarah

1 It's a Tool for Building Knowledge and Facilitating Learning

2 It's a Means to Understand Issues and Increase Public Awareness
3 It Helps Us Succeed in Business
4 It Allows Us to Disprove Lies and Support Truths
5 It Is a Means to Find, Gauge, and Seize Opportunities

6 It Promotes a Love of Reading, Writing, Analyzing, and Sharing Valuable Information

7 It Provides Nourishment and Exercise for the Mind
features of research

FEATURES
• Research starts with a problem, presented in the question.
• Research attempts to identify a problem, stated in clear,
unambiguous terms.
• Research requires a plan. It categorizes, aims, objectives & key
questions.
• Research deals with the primary problem through appropriate
sub-problems.
• Research seeks direction through appropriate hypotheses and
draws upon apparent assumptions.
• Research deals with facts and their meaning.
Research aim

AIM

The primary aim of any type of research is to find out the reality and facts which
are unknown. The research aim expresses the intention or aspiration of the
research study.

It summarizes in a single sentence what you hope & wish to achieve at the end
of the research. The aim should be specific and phrased by using SMART
concept specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. Although
each research aim has its reason for providing an answer to the research
question, the aim of the research is:
Research aim

1
To achieve skillfulness or to get different opinions by investigating a
problem which is not clearly defined (study with these objectives are
known as exploratory or formulative).

2
To establish the relationship with something which occurs or is related
i.e., study concerning whether certain variables are associated (this is
called diagnostic research).

3
To test the hypothesis of a reasonable liaison between different variables
and assessing the plausibility by using sample data (this type of
research falls into hypothesis-testing research).
Types of research
All types of research can be classified into two major divisions, basic and applied.

BASIC RESEARCH
Basic research is fundamental research driven by a scientist’s curiosity. The motivational drive
to the researcher here is to expand knowledge, not to invent. The purpose and objective of
this category of research is to present assimilated knowledge in an organized form, which
may be eventually shared and put to use by others.

APPLIED RESEARCH
Applied research is designed to solve practical problems, rather than to gain knowledge.
Applied research aims to prove a specific hypothesis of value to clients paying for the
research. The orientation of applied research is on testing out facts and associations vis-à-vis
presenting data, which was the focus of primary research. e.g., a management institute is
trying to arrive at associations between low student involvement in classes and increasing
degree of absenteeism to a plethora of reasons like abstract course design, faulty layout,
outdated teaching pedagogy, to name a few. The attempt is to understand causes in order to
find correctives or to eliminate the negating elements.
Types of research
categories of research

DESCRIPTIVE vs. ANALYTICAL

Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding studies, whereas analytical research
uses real facts or information for analysis to make a critical evaluation. Descriptive research
consists of inquiries or investigations of different kinds. The primary purpose of descriptive
research is an explanation of the set of circumstances as given. Ex post facto research is
also used to elaborate on this type of research in different areas. The ex post facto research
is a kind of research in which the researcher predicts the possible causes behind an effect
that has already occurred.
categories of research

APPLIED vs. FUNDAMENTAL

Applied research refers to finding a solution for a

specific, practical problem. The problem is often associated with various fields faced by
an individual, society, industries, or sectors like economics, politics, health, business,
etc. Whereas fundamental research, also called basic research or pure research, is mainly
concerned with the formulation of a theory and improvement of scientific knowledge.
The primary aim of applied research is to find out a solution to some critical practical
problems. In contrast, fundamental research is handling towards finding information that
has an overall sense of application to already existing knowledge.
categories of research

QUANTITATIVE vs. QUALITATIVE

In natural sciences and social sciences, quantitative
research is related to an object that is expressed in terms of quantity or something that
can be counted. Such type of research involves a systematic experimental analysis of
observable phenomenon via statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques in
numerical form such as statistics, percentages, and more. In contrast, Qualitative research
is a concern relating to quality or variety. Such type of research is typically descriptive and
more laborious to analyze than quantitative data. Qualitative research involves looking
in-depth at non-numerical data. To simplify, Quantitative research is a variable-based
measurement of the phenomenon under study, whereas qualitative research is an attribute-
based study on subjective assessments like desires, opinions, behaviors, preferences.
categories of research

CONCEPTIAL vs. EMPIRICAL

Conceptual research relates to some abstract idea. It

focuses on the concept and theory that explain the concerned problem under study.
Logicians, philosophers, and theorists use it to develop new concepts or to again
understand the existing ones. On the contrary, empirical research relies on experience
or observation alone. It is a way of gaining knowledge, utilizing direct and indirect
observation or experience. We can also refer to it as an experimental type of research.
categories of research
Researches with various designs & methodology, adapted for different purposes, maybe tested upon
their degree of efficacy & quality in processes of conduct and the subsequent results furnished. For
researches to be acceptable and incorporated into business processes, every research must satisfy
the given parameters:

Reliability: Every research has to be free from individual Validity: Research must have applicability of results
biasing. There is no scope of allowing room to suggested stretching to various time frames and in similar constraints.
alternatives on account of researchers individual Unless specified as a specific limitation to specific research,
preferences. results arrived at must hold for similar conditions at multiple
time frames and across geographical boundaries.
Suitability: The findings of the research must match with
the problems and objectives suggested at the beginning. If Objectivity: As far as possible, the elements of research
any deviations from the objectives are noticed, the results should be objective. The objectivity in process and design
would be misleading; the process and efforts on gathering facilitate testing, which reduces the chances of arriving at
data would become futile. individually preferred or biased options.
RESEARCH PROCESS
Research process
The research process consists of a sequence of actions or steps necessary to carry out
research and the desired progression effectively. The following order relating to various steps
provides a useful procedural instruction regarding the research process:

P
R
O
C
E
S
S
Research process
The research process consists of a sequence of actions or steps necessary to carry out
research and the desired progression effectively. The following order relating to various steps
provides a useful procedural instruction regarding the research process:

P
R
O
C
E
S
S
Research process

FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

Problem
- a perceived difficulty, a feeling of discomfort with the
way things are a discrepancy between what someone believes
should be and what is. (Fisher et al., 1991)
Research process

FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

“the problem is the heart of every research project

because it is paramount in importance to the
success of the research effort, thus the situation is
simple: NO PROBLEM, NO RESEARCH”
(Leedy, 1980)
Research process

FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM
The problem is researchable when any of the following five conditions is true:
1. When there is no known answer or solution to the problem such that gap in knowledge
exists;
2. When there are possible solutions to it but the effectiveness of which is untested or
unknown yet;
3. Where there are answers or solutions but the possible results of which may seem or
factually contradictory;
4. When there are several possible and plausible explanations for the undesirable condition;
and
5. When the existence of a phenomenon requires explanation.
Research process

FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

A RESEARCH PROBLEM

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS:
• Concept must be clear
• Concept can be represented by evidence obtainable
• Concept must be feasible to carry out
Research process

FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

A GOOD RESEARCH PROBLEM IS:
1. Of great interest to the researcher
2. Relevant and useful to a group of people
3. Novel or possesses the element of newness or freshness
4. SMART
5. Ethical
6. Manageable
Research process

FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

ELEMENTS:
Aim or purpose – Why?
Subject Matter – What?
Place or locale – Where?
Period or time – When?
Population – Who? Or From whom?
Research process
The research process consists of a sequence of actions or steps necessary to carry out
research and the desired progression effectively. The following order relating to various steps
provides a useful procedural instruction regarding the research process:

P
R
O
C
E
S
S
Research process

CONCEPTUALIZING A RESEARCH DESIGN

• Explains how you will find answers to your research questions or
problems
• Sets out the logic of your inquiry
• Includes the study design per se and the logical arrangements that
the propose to undertake the measurement procedures, the
sampling strategy, the frame analysis and the time frame
• It should be valid, workable and manageable
Research process
The research process consists of a sequence of actions or steps necessary to carry out
research and the desired progression effectively. The following order relating to various steps
provides a useful procedural instruction regarding the research process:

P
R
O
C
E
S
S
Research process
CONSTRUCTING AN INSTRUMENT FOR
DATA COLLECTION
• Anything that become a means of collecting information for your study is called your “research
tool” or “research instrument”
• Can be in the form of observation forms, interview schedules, questionnaires and interview
guide
• Can either be constructed or research mode instrument, already constructed once used in a
similar study or a standard research instrument
• Field testing or known as pre-testing should be constructed for a research made questionnaires
to test its validity or reliability
• As a rule, the field test should not be carried out on the sample of your study but on a similar
population
Research process
The research process consists of a sequence of actions or steps necessary to carry out
research and the desired progression effectively. The following order relating to various steps
provides a useful procedural instruction regarding the research process:

P
R
O
C
E
S
S
Research process

SELECTING A SAMPLE

• The accuracy of your findings largely depends upon the way you
select your sample
• The basic objective of any sampling design is to minimize, within the
limitation coils, the gap between the values obtained from your
sample and those prevalent in the population
• Sampling theory is guided by two principles: the avoidance of bias in
the selection of a sample & the attainment of maximum precision for
a given outlay of resources
Research process
The research process consists of a sequence of actions or steps necessary to carry out
research and the desired progression effectively. The following order relating to various steps
provides a useful procedural instruction regarding the research process:

P
R
O
C
E
S
S
Research process

WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

• a research proposal must tell you your research supervisor
and a reviewer the following information about your study:
ØWhat you are proposing to do;
ØHow you plan to proceed;
ØWhy you selected the proposed strategy.

• It should contain the following information about your study

ØA statement of the objective of the study
ØA list of hypotheses
Research process
The research process consists of a sequence of actions or steps necessary to carry out
research and the desired progression effectively. The following order relating to various steps
provides a useful procedural instruction regarding the research process:

P
R
O
C
E
S
S
Research process

COLLECTING DATA

• collection of data is done according to the research

design

• can commence by conducting interviews, mail out

questionnaires, conduct nominal grasp discussion or
make observation