Research Methodology Basics (Unit-I)

What is a Research Problem? What are the parameters which should be kept in mind while
formulating a research problem?

A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the
context of either a theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.
Different parameters which should be kept in mind to formulate a research problem are: -

I. There must be an individual (or a group or an organisation), ‘I’, to whom the problem
can be attributed. The individual or the organisation, as the case may be, occupies an
environment, say ‘N’, which is defined by values of the uncontrolled variables, Yj.

II. There must be at least two courses of action, say C1 and C2, to be pursued to resolve
the problem.

III. There must be at least two possible outcomes, say O1 and O2, of the course of action,
of which one should be preferable to the other.

IV. If P(Oj|I, Cj, N) represents the probability that an outcome Oj will occur, if I selects Cj in
N, then P(O1 | I, C1, N) ≠ P(O2 | I, C2, N), i.e., the choices must have unequal efficiencies
for the desired outcomes.

V. Therefore, over and above, the researcher should have doubt as to which course of
action to take given the different outcomes.

Research Problem: A research problem is the specific issue, contradiction, or gap in a particular
research area, that a researcher wants to address. It gives a clear purpose and justification to the
research.

Techniques of defining research Problem: -

a) Scope of the Problem: The problem should be stated along with the bounds within which it
is to be studied.
b) Techniques and procedures: Question should be posed and techniques and procedures need
to be set up for throwing light on the question concerned for formulating or defining the
research problem.

c) Time: Sufficient time should be dedicated to define the research problem.

d) Problem statement in general: The first draft of the problem statement should be in a
general way.

e) Literature Survey: Existing literature on the concerned question / topic should be surveyed
thoroughly to understand the nature of the problem.

f) Expert’s guidance: Broad area experts may be consulted to develop the idea through
discussions.

g) Rephrasing the problem statement: The problem statement should be rephrased into a
working proposition.
 The Necessity of Defining a Research Problem: -

Defining a research problem is a crucial step in the research process. It serves as the foundation for
the entire investigation and provides direction for the research activities. A well-defined research
problem:

 Focuses the research: It guides the researcher towards specific questions and prevents them
from wandering off into irrelevant areas.
 Provides clarity: A clear research problem helps the researcher understand the scope and
boundaries of the study.
 Identifies the gap in knowledge: It highlights the specific area where there is a lack of
understanding or information.
 Guides the methodology: The research problem determines the appropriate research
methods and data collection techniques.
 Facilitates evaluation: A well-defined research problem makes it easier to assess the
relevance and significance of the findings.

A poorly defined research problem can lead to:

 Wasted time and resources:

 Inconclusive results:
 Difficulty in obtaining funding:

Therefore, it is essential to spend time carefully defining the research problem. This involves:

 Identifying the research topic

 Formulating a research question:
 Defining the scope of the research:
 Justifying the importance of the research:

By following these steps, researchers can ensure that their research is focused, meaningful, and
contributes to the advancement of knowledge.

The need for the selection of a correct research problem:

Selecting a correct research problem is a crucial step in the research process, as it lays the
foundation for the entire study. Here are several reasons illustrating the need for careful selection of
a research problem:

1. Relevance and Significance

Purpose: A well-chosen research problem addresses significant issues within a field, ensuring that
the study contributes to existing knowledge or solves real-world problems.

Impact: Selecting a relevant problem can lead to findings that have practical implications, influencing
policy, practice, or further research.
2. Feasibility

Resources: A proper research problem takes into account available resources, including time,
funding, and data access. This ensures that the study can be realistically completed.

Scope: The problem should be neither too broad nor too narrow, allowing for manageable research
that can be conducted within the given constraints.

3. Research Design and Methodology

Guidance: The selected problem will dictate the research design and methodology. A clear problem
helps in choosing appropriate research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) and techniques
for data collection and analysis.

Clarity: A focused problem statement helps in developing clear research questions and hypotheses,
guiding the study’s direction.

4. Interest and Motivation

Engagement: A research problem that resonates with the researcher’s interests fosters motivation
and commitment, leading to more thorough and passionate work.

Innovation: When researchers choose problems they are passionate about, they are more likely to
think creatively and explore innovative solutions.

Conclusion

The selection of a correct research problem is vital for the overall success of a study. It shapes the
research process, influences outcomes, and determines the contribution to knowledge in the field.
Careful consideration during this stage ensures that the research is meaningful, feasible, and ethical,
ultimately leading to valuable insights and advancements.

Draw the Research Process flow diagram and explain each phase.

(Explain the Research Phases on your own…)

Differentiate between Research Method and Research Methodology

Research Method Research Methodology

1. Definition: Research methods are 1. Definition: Research methodology

specific techniques or procedures used refers to the comprehensive strategy
to collect and analyze data. They are and rationale behind the research
the tools employed to carry out the process. It encompasses the theoretical
research. framework, philosophical assumptions,
and principles that guide the choice
and application of research methods.

2. Focus: Research methods focus on the 2. Focus: Methodology addresses the

“how” of research. They provide a clear “why” of research. It explains the
step-by-step approach to gathering and reasoning behind the choice of specific
analyzing data to answer specific methods and how they align with the
research questions. research objectives and questions.

3. Examples: Using a survey to collect 3. Examples: Justifying the use of a

data on consumer preferences, qualitative approach to understand
conducting an experiment to test a participants' experiences or explaining
hypothesis, or analyzing existing data how mixed methods provide a
sets. comprehensive view of a research
problem.

Discuss the importances of Analytical Research and Empirical Research.

Importance of Analytical Research: In analytical research the researcher has to use facts or
information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material. It
employs critical thinking to extract the small details. This helps in building big assumptions about the
subject matter or the material of the study. It emphasizes comprehending the cause-effect
relationship between variables.

Importance of Empirical Research: Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone,

often without due regard for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with
conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment. We can also call it as
experimental type of research. Empirical research is appropriate when proof is sought that certain
variables affect other variables in some way. Evidence gathered through experiments or empirical
studies is today considered to be the most powerful support possible for a given hypothesis.

Explain what is Applied Research with some examples. Differentiate between Applied Research and
fundamental Research.

 Applied research is a type of scientific investigation that aims to solve practical problems or
develop new technologies. It focuses on the application of existing knowledge to create
 something useful or to address specific needs. The goal of applied research is to find practical
solutions to real-world problems.

Examples of applied research:

 Developing new drugs to treat diseases

 Creating more efficient solar panels

Key differences between applied and fundamental research:

Feature Applied Research Fundamental Research

Goal To solve practical problems To advance scientific knowledge
Focus Immediate application Basic principles
Motivation Needs and problems Curiosity and exploration
New theories, discoveries, or
Outcome New products, technologies, or solutions
insights
Studying the behavior of subatomic
Example Developing new drugs to treat diseases
particles

In summary, applied research is focused on practical applications, while fundamental research is

driven by curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. Both types of research are essential for scientific
progress, and they often complement each other.

Key differences between Quantitative and Qualitative research:

Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

1. Definition: Quantitative research 1. Definition: Qualitative research focuses

involves the collection and analysis of on understanding concepts,
numerical data to identify patterns, test experiences, and phenomena through
hypotheses, and make predictions. non-numerical data.

2. Purpose: To quantify variables and 2. Purpose: To explore and understand

determine relationships between them, underlying reasons, motivations, and
often leading to statistical analysis and meanings behind behaviors and
generalizations. decisions in engineering contexts.

3. Data Collection: Data is typically 3. Data Collection:

collected in numerical form, utilizing
Data is often textual or visual (e.g., transcripts,
structured tools such as surveys,
notes, images) which is collected using
experiments, and measurements,
unstructured or semi-structured methods such
which can be subjected to statistical
as interviews, focus groups, observations, and
analysis.
open-ended surveys.

4. Analysis: 4. Analysis:

o Employs statistical methods to analyze o Involves thematic analysis, content

data, such as regression analysis, t- analysis, or coding to identify patterns
tests, ANOVA, etc. and insights from the data.
 o Results are presented in the form of o Results are presented in descriptive
charts, graphs, and tables. narratives, case studies, or thematic
summaries.

5. Outcome: 5. Outcome:
o Produces quantifiable results that can o Provides in-depth insights and a rich
be generalized to larger populations, understanding of complex engineering
providing objective findings. issues, but findings may not be easily
generalizable.
o Useful for confirming theories and
measuring performance, efficiency, and o Useful for exploring new ideas, user
reliability in engineering contexts. experiences, and design considerations.

6. Example in Engineering: Material 6. Example in Engineering: User

strength tests, algorithm performance experience studies, design feedback

Criteria of Good Research

1. Clarity and Focus

 Well-defined Problem: The research should address a specific problem or question clearly,
providing a focused scope.

 Objectives: Research objectives should be clearly articulated, guiding the study's direction
and purpose.

2. Relevance and Significance

 Importance: The research should contribute to existing knowledge, fill gaps in the literature,
or address practical issues relevant to a specific field or community.

 Impact: It should have the potential to influence theory, practice, policy, or future research.

3. Rigorous Methodology

 Appropriate Design: The research design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods)

should be suitable for the research question.

 Validity and Reliability: The methods used for data collection and analysis should be valid
(measuring what they intend to measure) and reliable (producing consistent results).

4. Ethical Considerations

 Informed Consent: Participants should be fully informed about the research and provide
their consent.

 Confidentiality: The privacy of participants should be protected, and data should be handled
responsibly.

5. Comprehensive Literature Review

  Background Research: A thorough review of existing literature is essential to understand the
context of the research, identify gaps, and justify the study.

 Theoretical Framework: The study should be grounded in relevant theories or models that
guide the research.

6. Robust Data Collection and Analysis

 Appropriate Tools: The data collection methods should be suitable for the research question
and context (e.g., surveys, experiments, interviews).

 Thorough Analysis: Data should be analyzed systematically, using appropriate statistical or

qualitative methods, and findings should be interpreted accurately.

7. Limitations and Future Research

 Acknowledgment of Limitations: A good research study should acknowledge its limitations

and potential biases, allowing for a balanced interpretation of the findings.

 Suggestions for Further Research: It should provide recommendations for future studies
based on the findings and limitations.

Conclusion

By adhering to these criteria, researchers can ensure that their studies are credible, relevant, and
impactful, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields. Good
research not only addresses specific questions but also lays the groundwork for future inquiry and
innovation.