Research Methodology (EST-901) Notes
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Unit – 1
Chapter – 1
Introduction to Research: Meaning, Objective, Concept, Content, Definition, Variable,
Research Process – The steps of Research Process.
Definition of Research:
Research refers to a search for knowledge or an act of scientific investigation.
A voyage of discovery, a movement from known to unknown.
Redman and Mory defined research as “a systematized effort to gain new knowledge.”
According to Clifford Woody:
Research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypotheses or suggested
solutions, collecting, organizing, and evaluating data, making deductions and reaching
conclusions, and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the
formulating hypothesis.
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Objectives of Research:
1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon (Exploratory or Formulative Research).
2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, group, or situation
(Descriptive Research).
3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated
with something else (Diagnostic Research).
4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (Hypothesis Testing).
Types of Research:
1. Descriptive Research – Includes surveys & fact-finding enquiries of different kinds. Main
characteristic: Researcher has no control over variables; can only report what has happened
or what is happening. Example: Ex-post facto research (frequency of shopping preferences
of people).
2. Analytical Research – Researcher uses available data/information and analyzes these to
make a critical evaluation of the material.
3. Applied Research – Aims at finding immediate solutions for problems faced by
society/business organizations. Example: Marketing research, evaluation research, research
to identify social, economic, or political trends.
Fundamental (Basic/Pure) Research – Concerned with generalizations and formulation of
theories. Knowledge for knowledge’s sake. Example: Pure math studies, research
concerning human behavior.
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4. Quantitative Research – Based on measurement of quantity or amount. Example: Data
expressed in numbers/statistics.
Qualitative Research – Related to quality or kind. Example: Behavioral sciences research
where aim is to find underlying motives of human behavior.
5. Conceptual Research – Related to abstract ideas or theory. Used by philosophers and
thinkers to develop new concepts or reinterpret existing ones.
Empirical/Experimental Research – Relies on experience or observation. Data-based
research capable of being verified by observation or experiment. Researcher has control
over variables.
6. Exploratory Research – Preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem about which
researcher has little or no knowledge. Objective: To formulate hypotheses.
Significance of Research:
1. Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking & promotes logical thinking.
2. Provides basis for nearly all government policies in our economic system.
3. Special significance in solving various operational & planning problems of business &
industry.
4. Important for social scientists in studying social relationships and seeking solutions to
social problems.
Note: Research is a fountain of knowledge & an important source of providing guidelines for
solving different business, governmental & social problems. It is a sort of formal training
which enables one to understand new developments in one’s field in a better way.
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Research Methods vs Methodology
Research Methods: All methods/techniques used for conducting research.
1. Methods concerned with data collection.
2. Statistical techniques used to establish relationships between data and unknowns.
3. Methods used to evaluate accuracy of results obtained.
Research Methodology:
A way to systematically solve the research problem, a science of studying how research is
conducted scientifically.
Criteria of a Good Research (SLER):
1. Systematic – structured with specified steps in sequence.
2. Logical – guided by logical reasoning (induction & deduction).
3. Empirical – based on real-life situations, deals with concrete data.
4. Replicable – research results can be verified by replicating the study.
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Research Process:
Consists of a series of action steps necessary to effectively carry out research:
1. Formulating the research problem
2. Extensive literature survey
3. Developing the hypothesis
4. Preparing the research design
5. Determining the sample design
6. Collecting the data
7. Execution of the project
8. Analysis of data
9. Hypothesis testing
10. Generalizations & interpretation
11. Presentation of results & preparation of report
Research Problem:
First & foremost step in research process. Must be properly defined and formulated.
Research problem = some difficulty experienced in theoretical or practical situation,
wanting a solution.
Components of Research Problem:
1. Individual or group with difficulty.
2. Objectives to be attained.
3. Possible courses of action.
4. Selection of best course of action.
5. Environment to which problem relates.
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Techniques of Defining a Problem:
1. Statement of the problem in a general way.
2. Understanding the nature of the problem.
3. Surveying the available literature.
4. Developing ideas through discussions.
5. Rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition.
Research Design:
Conceptual structure within which research is conducted.
Decisions regarding: what, where, when, how, and by what means inquiry is carried out.
Important Questions:
i. What is the study about?
ii. Why is the study being made?
iii. Where will the study be carried out?
iv. What type of data is required?
v. Where can the required data be found?
vi. What will be the sample design?
vii. What period of time will the study include?
viii. What data collection techniques will be used?
ix. How will the data be analyzed?
x. In what style will the report be prepared?
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Parts of Research Design:
1. Sampling design – method of selecting items for study.
2. Observational design – conditions for observation.
3. Statistical design – items for data collection & analysis.
4. Operational design – techniques for conducting sampling, observation & statistical design.
Important Terms:
Variable: Concept that can take different quantitative values.
- Continuous Variable – e.g., age.
- Discrete Variable – takes integer values, e.g., no. of children.
Dependent Variable: Depends on other variable.
Independent Variable: The antecedent to dependent variable.
Example: Height depends on age.
Extraneous Variable: Independent variables not related to purpose of study but may affect
dependent variable.
Control: Minimizing the effect of extraneous variables.
Confounded Relationship: When dependent variable is influenced by extraneous variables.
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Research Hypothesis:
Predictive statement that relates an independent variable to a dependent variable.
Must be tested by scientific methods.
Types:
1. Experimental Hypothesis Testing Research – Independent variable is manipulated.
2. Non-Experimental Hypothesis Testing Research – Independent variable is not
manipulated.
Control Group & Experimental Group:
Control Group: Exposed to usual conditions.
Experimental Group: Exposed to special conditions.
Experiment: Process of examining validity of a hypothesis relating to a research problem.
Experimental Unit: Pre-determined block under different treatments.
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Types of Research Design:
1. Exploratory Research (Formulative):
- Discovery of ideas & insights.
- Flexible design.
2. Descriptive/Diagnostic Research:
- Describe characteristics/frequency of occurrence/association.
- Rigid design.
Comparison:
Research Design | Exploratory | Descriptive/Diagnostic
Overall Design | Flexible | Rigid
Sampling Design | Non-probability | Probability
Statistical Design | No pre-planned | Pre-planned
Observational | Unstructured | Structured
Operational | No fixed decision | Advanced decision
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(End of Unit 1 Notes)
