Ques.1 Draw and explain schematic of research process in detail.
Ans.
A schematic of the research process typically follows a logical sequence of steps
that guide researchers from the initial question to conclusions. Below is a detailed
explanation of the stages involved, along with a basic visual representation of the
schematic process.
8 Steps of Research Process
How Research Process Work?
Identifying the Research Problem
Reviewing of Literature
Setting Research Questions, Objectives, and Hypotheses
Step #4: Choosing the Study Design
Deciding on the Sample Design
Collecting Data From The Research Sample
Process and Analyze the Collected Research Data
Writing Research Report – Developing Research Proposal, Writing Report,
Disseminating and Utilizing Results
1. Identifying the Research Problem
The first and foremost task in the entire process of scientific research is to identify
a research problem.
A well-identified problem will lead the researcher to accomplish all-important
phases of the research process, from setting objectives to selecting the research
methodology.
Once we have chosen a research problem, a few more related steps must be
followed before a decision is taken to undertake a research study.
These include, among others, the following:
Statement of the problem.
Justifying the problem.
Analyzing the problem.
2. Reviewing of Literature
A review of relevant literature is an integral part of the research process. It
enables the researcher to formulate his problem in terms of the specific aspects
of the general area of his interest that has not been researched so far. Through a
proper review of the literature, the researcher may develop the coherence
between the results of his study and those of the others. Reviewing literature
helps avoid duplicating previous work, discovers what others have learned about
the problem, familiarizes the researcher with relevant concepts and theories, and
ensures a comprehensive approach to the research question.
3. Setting Research Questions, Objectives, and Hypotheses
After discovering and defining the research problem, researchers should make a
formal statement of the problem leading to research objectives.
An objective will precisely say what should be researched, delineate the type of
information that should be collected, and provide a framework for the scope of
the study. A well-formulated, testable research hypothesis is the best expression
of a research objective.
A hypothesis is an unproven statement or proposition that can be refuted or
supported by empirical data. Hypothetical statements assert a possible answer to
a research question.
4. Choosing the Study Design
The research design is the blueprint or framework for fulfilling objectives and
answering research questions.
It is a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for collecting,
processing, and analyzing the collected data. There are four basic research
designs that a researcher can use to conduct their study;
survey,
experiment,
secondary data study, and
observational study.
The type of research design to be chosen from among the above four methods
depends primarily on four factors:
The type of problem
The objectives of the study,
The existing state of knowledge about the problem that is being studied,
and
The resources are available for the study
5. Deciding on the Sample Design
Sampling is an important and separate step in the research process. The basic
idea of sampling is that it involves any procedure that uses a relatively small
number of items or portions (called a sample) of a universe (called population) to
conclude the whole population. Sample design refers to the methods followed in
selecting a sample from the population and the estimating technique vis-a-vis the
formula for computing the sample statistics.
6. Collecting Data From The Research Sample
Data gathering may range from simple observation to a large-scale survey in any
defined population. There are many ways to collect data. The approach selected
depends on the objectives of the study, the research design, and the availability
of time, money, and personnel.
7. Process and Analyze the Collected Research Data
Data processing generally begins with the editing and coding of data. Data are
edited to ensure consistency across respondents and to locate omissions if any.
The techniques used in analyzing data may range from simple graphical
techniques to very complex multivariate analyses depending on the study’s
objectives, the research design employed, and the nature of the data collected.
8. Writing Research Report – Developing Research Proposal, Writing Report,
Disseminating and Utilizing Results
The entire task of a research study is accumulated in a document called a
proposal or research proposal.
A research proposal is a work plan, prospectus, outline, offer, and a statement of
intent or commitment from an individual researcher or an organization to
produce a product or render a service to a potential client or sponsor.
The proposal will be prepared to keep the sequence presented in the research
process. The proposal tells us what, how, where, and to whom it will be done.
The end goal of a scientific study is to interpret the results and draw conclusions.
To this end, it is necessary to prepare a report and transmit the findings and
recommendations to administrators, policymakers, and program managers to
make a decision. The primary purpose of a dissemination strategy is to identify
the most effective media channels to reach different audience groups with study
findings most relevant to their needs.
The dissemination may be made through a conference, a seminar, a report, or an
oral or poster presentation. The style and organization of the report will differ
according to the target audience, the occasion, and the purpose of the research.
Reports should be developed from the client’s perspective.
A report is an excellent means that helps to establish the researcher’s credibility.
Ques.2 Write down differences between research method and research
methodology.
Ans.
1. Research method focuses on the techniques and tools used to gather data,
while research methodology deals with the overall strategy and framework
of research.
2. Research method involves specific procedures and steps to obtain
information, whereas research methodology guides the researcher in
selecting appropriate research methods.
3. Research method determines the type of data to be collected and analyzed,
while research methodology provides a systematic approach to conducting
research.
4. Examples of research methods include surveys, experiments, interviews,
and observations, while research methodology encompasses qualitative,
quantitative, and mixed methods.
5. Research method describes the process of data collection and analysis,
whereas research methodology relates to the theoretical and philosophical
underpinnings of research.
6. Research method is more concrete and tangible, focusing on the practical
aspects of research, while research methodology is more abstract and
conceptual, focusing on the theoretical aspects.
7. Research method is a subset of research methodology, which encompasses
the entire research process.
8. Research method is specific to a particular research project or study, while
research methodology is applicable across different research projects and
studies.
9. Research method determines the reliability and validity of research
findings, whereas research methodology determines the overall validity
and soundness of research.
10.Research method is concerned with the tools and techniques employed,
while research methodology focuses on the framework and approach
utilized in the research proce
Ques.3 Discuss types of research in detail.
There are various established methods used in research to investigate a problem
or research in question. It plays a vital role for the researchers to prove the
hypothesis based on clearly defined parameters, environments and assumptions.
Understanding and having a deep knowledge about the types of research can help
the researchers to better plan the project by utilizing the most appropriate
methodologies and techniques.
Types of Research
Applied Research
Basic Research
Correlational Research
Descriptive Research
Ethnographic Research
Experimental Research
Exploratory Research
Grounded Theory
Historical Research
Phenomenological Research
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
Applied Research
It is a scientific study that seek to solve various practical problems in the day to
day life. It find answers or solutions to everyday problems, cure illness, develop
innovative technologies etc.
For example-
Improve agricultural crop production
Treat or cure specific disease
Improve energy efficiency of homes, offices, modes of transportation
Basic Research
It is called as Fundamental or Pure research. It Expands the person's knowledge.
This type of research is not going to create or invent anything new. Instead, it is
based on Basic science investigation.
For example-
How did universe begin?
What are protons?
Correlational Research
The relationship among 2 or more variables without necessarily determining the
cause and effect is known as correlational research.
For example-
Correlation between obesity and diabetes mellitus
Correlation between smoking and cancer [1][2]
Advantages-
It is easy to collect much information from many subjects at single time.
Wide range of variables and their interrelations.
Study variables are not easily produced in the laboratory.
Disadvantages-
Does not indicate causation (cause and effect)
Problems with self reporting method. [1]
Descriptive Research
This type of research provides accurate portrayal of characteristics of a particular
individual, situation or group. Also known as statistical research. It deals with
everything that can be counted and studied which have an impact on the lives of
people.
Advantages-
Less expensive, time consuming
Collect a large amount of notes for detailed studying.
Disadvantages-
Require more skills
Does not identify cause behind the research. [2][1]
Ethnographic Research
This type of research involves investigation of a culture through an in-depth study
of members of culture. It involves systematic collection, description, analysis of
data for development of theories of cultural behavior. There are anthropological
studies that studies people, ethnic group, ethnic formations and social welfare
characteristics. It is done on the basis of observations, interviews, questionnaire
and data collection.
Experimental Research
This study involves objective, systematic, controlled investigation for purpose of
predicting and controlling the phenomena. It also includes examining the
probability and causality among variables.
Advantages-
Best in establishing the cause and effect relationships
Disadvantages-
Artificiality
Feasibility
Unethical
Variables
Exploratory Research
This type of research will be conducted for a problem that has not been clearly
defined. It helps to determine the best research design, data collection method
and selection of subjects. It is quite informal relying on the secondary research.
For Example-
Online marketing and exploring through different sites
Ground Theory Research
It studies about the problems existing in a given social environment and how
people involved handles them. It operates almost in a reverse fashion from
traditional research and involves 4 stages- Codes, Concepts, Categories and
Theory
For Example-
Creating a situation and looking at how people react to it
Historical Research
Research involving analysis of events that occurred in the remote or recent past.
Application- Understanding this can add perspective on how we can examine the
current situation.
Phenomenological Research
It aim to describe an experience that has been actually lived by a person.
For example-
A person suffering from cancer, quality of life of the patient at that point of time.
Quantitative Research
Involving numbers and quantifying the results mathematically in numbers. [1] For
more information, click in the Quantitative Research page.
Qualitative Research
Difficult or impossible to quantify mathematically such as beliefs, meanings,
attributes and symbols. It aim to gather an in-depth understanding of human
behavior.
Ques.4 What are techniques involved in defining a problem? Explain in detail.