What do u understand by research and research method?

Research The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English lays down the meaning of research as “a careful
investigation or inquiry especially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.”

Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge". It involves the collection,
organization and analysis of information to increase understanding of a topic or issue. A research project may be an
expansion on past work in the field

Research Methods:

Research methods are the techniques you use to do research. They represent the tools of the trade, and provide you
with ways to collect, sort and analyze information so that you can come to some conclusions. If you use the right
sort of methods for your particular type of research, then you should be able to convince other people that your
conclusions have some validity, and that the new knowledge you have created is soundly based.

Research methods are the strategies, processes or techniques utilized in the collection of data or evidence for
analysis in order to uncover new information or create better understanding of a topic.

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures. The
main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered as yet. Though each
research study has its own specific purpose, we may think of research objectives as falling into a number of
following broad groupings:

 To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (studies with this object in view
are termed as exploratory or formulated research studies);
 To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group (studies with this
object in view are known as descriptive research studies);
 To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something
else (studies with this object in view are known as diagnostic research studies);
 To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are known as hypothesis-
testing research studies).

Describe the characteristics of a research objective?

• Research objective is a concrete statement describing what the research is trying to achieve. • A well-known
objective will be SMART

• S – SPECIFIC • M – MEASURABLE. • A – ATTAINABLE. • R – REALISTIC. • T – TIME BOUND

• Research objective should be RELEVANT, FEASIBLE, LOGICAL, OBSERVABLE, UNEQUIVOCAL &

MEASURABLE.

• Objective is a purpose that can be reasonably achieved within the expected timeframe and with the available
resources.

• The objective of research project summarizes what is to be achieved by the study.

• The research objectives are the specific accomplishments the researcher hopes to achieve by the study.

• The objectives include obtaining answers to research questions or testing the research hypotheses.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH RESEARCH

1. Categorise.

2. Describe.

3. Explain.

4. Evaluate.

5. Compare

6. Correlate.

7. Predict.

8. Control

So what can we use research to do in order to gain this new knowledge?

Some of the ways it can be used one to:

Categories. This involves forming a typology of objects, events or concepts, i.e. a set of names or ‘boxes’ into which
these can be sorted. This can be useful in explaining which ‘things’ belong together and how.

Describe. Descriptive research relies on observation as a means of collecting data. It attempts to examine situations
in order to establish what is the norm, i.e. what can be predicted to happen again under the same circumstances.

Explain. This is a descriptive type of research specifically designed to deal with complex issues. It aims to move
beyond ‘just getting the facts’ in order to make sense of the many other elements involved, such as human, political,
social, cultural and contextual.

Evaluate. This involves making judgements about the quality of objects or events. Quality can be measured either in
an absolute sense or on a comparative basis. To be useful, the methods of evaluation must be relevant to the context
and intentions of the research.

Compare. Two or more contrasting cases can be examined to highlight differences and similarities between them,
leading to a better understanding of phenomena.

Correlate. The relationships between two phenomena are investigated to see whether and how they influence each
other. The relationship might be just a loose link at one extreme or a direct link when one phenomenon causes
another. These are measured as levels of association.

Predict. This can sometimes be done in research areas where correlations are already known. Predictions of possible
future behavior or events are made on the basis that if there has been a strong relationship between two or more
characteristics or events in the past, then these should exist in similar circumstances in the future, leading to
predictable outcomes.

Control. Once you understand an event or situation, you may be able to find ways to control it. For this you need to
know what the cause and effect relationships are and that you are capable of exerting control over the vital
ingredients. All of technology relies on this ability to control.
TYPES OF RESEARCH (khata for definition and comparison in slide)

Major steps in conducting research

Significance of Research

 Research instructs scientific and inductive thinking and it promotes the development of logical habits of
thinking and organization.
 Research provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our economic system.
 Research has its special significance in solving various operational and planning problems of business and
industry.
 Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social relationships and in seeking answers to
various social problems.
In addition to what has been stated above, the significance of research can also be understood keeping in
view the following points:
 To those students who are to write a master’s or Ph.D. thesis, research may mean a careerism or a way to
attain a high position in the social structure;
 To professionals in research methodology, research may mean a source of livelihood;
 To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights;
 To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new styles and creative work;
 To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the generalisations of new theories.
 Thus, research is the fountain of knowledge for the sake of knowledge and an important source of
providing guidelines for solving different business, governmental and social problems. It is a sort of formal
training which enables one to understand the new developments in one’s field in a better way.
Define research design?

Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques chosen by a researcher.

Every researcher has a list of research questions which need to be assessed – this can be done with research design.

The design of a research topic is used to explain the type of research (experimental, survey, correlational, semi-
experimental, review) and also its sub-type (experimental design, research problem, and descriptive case-study).
There are three main sections of research design: data collection, measurement, and analysis.

What are the essential elements of research design?

The essential elements of research design are

a. Accurate purpose statement of research design

b. Techniques to be implemented for collecting details for research
c. Method applied for analyzing collected details
d. Type of research methodology
e. Probable objections for research
f. Settings for research study
g. Timeline
h. Measurement of analysis

Describe the key characteristics of research design?

There are four key characteristics of research design:

• Neutrality: The results projected in research design should be free from bias and neutral. Understand
opinions about the final evaluated scores and conclusion from multiple individuals and consider those who
agree with the derived results.

• Reliability: If a research is conducted on a regular basis, the researcher involved expects similar results to
be calculated every time. Research design should indicate how the research questions can be formed to
ensure the standard of obtained results and this can happen only when the research design is reliable.

• Validity: There are multiple measuring tools available for research design but valid measuring tools are
those which help a researcher in evaluating results according to the objective of research and nothing else.
The questionnaire developed from this research design will be then valid.

• Generalization: The outcome of research design should be applicable to a population and not just a
restricted sample. Generalization is one of the key characteristics of research design.

Types of Research Design

 Qualitative Research Design: Qualitative research is implemented in cases where a relationship between
collected data and observation is established on the basis of mathematical calculations. Theories related to a
naturally existing phenomenon can be proved or disproved using mathematical calculations. Researchers
rely on qualitative research design where they are expected to conclude “why” a particular theory exists
along with “what” respondents have to say about it.

 Quantitative Research Design: Quantitative research is implemented in cases where it is important for a
researcher to have statistical conclusions to collect actionable insights. Numbers provide a better
perspective to make important business decisions. Quantitative research design is important for the growth
of any organization because any conclusion drawn on the basis of numbers and analysis will only prove to
be effective for the business.
Further, research design can be divided into five types –

i. Descriptive Research Design: In a descriptive research design, a researcher is solely interested in

describing the situation or case under his/her research study. It is a theory-based research design which is
created by gather, analyze and presents collected data. By implementing an indepth research design such as
this, a researcher can provide insights into the why and how of research.

ii. Experimental Research Design: Experimental research design is used to establish a relationship between
the cause and effect of a situation. It is a causal research design where the effect caused by the independent
variable on the dependent variable is observed. For example, the effect of an independent variable such as
price on a dependent variable such as customer satisfaction or brand loyalty is monitored. It is a highly
practical research design method as it contributes towards solving a problem at hand. The independent
variables are manipulated to monitor the change it has on the dependent variable. It is often used in social
sciences to observe human behavior by analysing two groups – effect of one group on the other.

iii. Correlational Research Design: Correlational research is a non-experimental research design technique
which helps researchers to establish a relationship between two closely connected variables. Two different
groups are required to conduct this research design method. There is no assumption while evaluating a
relationship between two different variables and statistical analysis techniques are used to calculate the
relationship between them. Correlation between two variables is concluded using a correlation coefficient,
whose value ranges between -1 and +1. If the correlation coefficient is towards +1, it indicates a positive
relationship between the variables and -1 indicates a negative relationship between the two variables.

iv. Diagnostic Research Design: In the diagnostic research design, a researcher is inclined towards evaluating
the root cause of a specific topic. Elements that contribute towards a troublesome situation are evaluated in
this research design method.

There are three parts of diagnostic research design:

Inception of the issue
Diagnosis of the issue
Solution for the issue
Explanatory Research Design: In exploratory research design, the researcher’s ideas and thoughts are key
as it is primarily dependent on their personal inclination about a particular topic. Explanation about
unexplored aspects of a subject is provided along with details about what, how and why related to the
research questions.

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will do the research. The
format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals should contain at least these elements:

literature
Cover page Introduction
review

Researchh references
design list

There may be some variation in how the sections are named or divided, but the overall goals are always the same.
This article takes you through a basic research proposal template and explains what you need to include in each part.
what information should be included in research proposal

7 Essential Details to Include in Your Research Proposal

1. Title

Are we stating the obvious by saying you need a working title? Maybe. The point is that your title should be clear
but memorable, quickly telling your reader what your research is about.

2. Introduction

Every research proposal should begin by introducing the subject area and the specific problem your research will
address. This sets the tone for the rest of your proposal and is therefore your only opportunity to make a good first
impression, so make sure it’s well organized and informative.

3. Literature Review

A research proposal doesn’t usually include a full literature review, but you should provide an overview of key
studies in your field. Doing this supplies the reader with vital background information, helping them understand how
your study will add to existing research.

4. Aims and Objectives

Once you’ve established your research problem, your proposal should outline a set of aims and objectives. The
distinction here is as follows: Your research aim is the broad expected outcome of the study and what you hope the
research will achieve overall;

Your research objectives are narrower and more focused, with each one detailing how you will meet the overall
study aims. If required, you should also state the hypotheses your research will test.

5. Methodology

Make sure to identify the methods you intend to use in the study, especially if you’re conducting experimental
research. This will include things like whether you’re using a qualitative or quantitative approach, equipment,
ethical concerns, and sampling and analysis techniques. Try to be as descriptive as possible, which may include
justifying why you’ve chosen to use certain methods over alternative options.

6. Scope of Research

A common mistake when writing a PhD proposal is failing to consider the scope of the research. Remember that
you’ll be working with limited time and resources, so your study should be something you can realistically complete
within these constraints. The proposal should therefore include something about what your work will focus on and
what it leaves unaddressed, as well as any limitations to the methods adopted.

7. Outline and Timetable

Finally, a good research proposal will also include a chapter outline and a timetable.

The chapter outline sets out how you intend to structure the final dissertation, noting what each section will cover
and how it fits into your overall argument.

The timetable, meanwhile, will set out a step-by-step plan of when you expect to finish each stage of your study,
including everything from initial research to writing up your results. Doing this shows that you’ve considered the
practical side of conducting research, making your proposal more convincing as a result.
Discuss about components required to write a good research proposal?

 Purpose of a research proposal

 Title page

 Introduction

 Literature review

 Research design and methods

 Implications and contribution to knowledge

 Reference list or bibliography

 Research schedule

 Budget

 (Revisions and Proofreading)

 Appendix

Description in slides

LITERATURE REVIEW

A literature review is a scholarly paper that presents the current knowledge including substantive findings as well as
theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic.

Literature reviews are secondary sources and do not report new or original experimental work.

Literature reviews are a basis for research in nearly every academic field. A narrow-scope literature review may be
included as part of a peer-reviewed journal article presenting new research, serving to present/situate the current
study within the body of the relevant literature and to provide context for the reader.

Why literature review is important during conducting a literature?

A critical analysis of existing research in your field; it highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of existing
research
Allows you to gain a critical understanding of your field
Opportunity to think about what has been done in your field; opportunity to think about the similarities, patterns,
trends and also differences across the existing research
By identifying strengths and weakness, you will be able to think about what has not/needs to be done in your field
The gap in the literature is your justification for your research

In summary, a literature review has the following functions:

It provides a theoretical background to your study.
It helps you establish the links between what you are proposing to examine and what has already been studied.
It enables you to show how your findings have contributed to the existing body of knowledge in your profession.
It helps you to integrate your research findings into the existing body of knowledge.
Basic steps for writing a review of literature?

Searching for the existing literature in your area of study.

Reviewing the selected literature.
Developing a theoretical framework.
Developing a conceptual framework.
Search for literature

• Define your source selection criteria (ie. articles published between a specific date range, focusing on a
specific geographic region, or using a specific methodology).
• Using keywords, search a library database.
• Reference lists of recent articles and reviews can lead to other useful papers.
• Include any studies contrary to your point of view.
Read the selected articles thoroughly and evaluate them

• Evaluate and synthesize the studies' findings and conclusions.

• Note the following:

• assumptions some or most researchers seem to make
• methodologies, testing procedures, subjects, material tested researchers use
• experts in the field: names/labs that are frequently referenced
• conflicting theories, results, methodologies
• popularity of theories and how this has/has not changed over time
• Searching for the existing literature

• To search effectively for the literature in your field of enquiry, it is imperative that you have at least some
idea of the broad subject area and of the problem you wish to investigate, in order to set parameters for
your search.

• Next, compile a bibliography for this broad area. There are three sources that you can use to prepare a
bibliography:

• Books;

• Journals;

• The Internet.

Organize the selected papers by looking for patterns and by developing subtopics
Note the following:
 Findings that are common/contested
 Important trends in the research
 The most influential theories
 If your literature review is extensive, find a large table surface, and on it place post-it notes or filing cards
to organize all your findings into categories. Move them around if you decide that (a) they fit better under
different headings, or (b) you need to establish new topic headings.
 Develop headings/subheadings that reflect the major themes and patterns you detected
Developing a theoretical framework
 Set parameters by reviewing the literature in relation to some main themes relevant to your research topic.
 As you start reading the literature, you will soon discover that the problem you wish to investigate has its
roots in a number of theories that have been developed from different perspectives
  The information obtained from different books and journals now needs to be sorted under the main themes
and theories, highlighting agreements and disagreements among the authors and identifying the unanswered
questions or gaps
 You will also realise that the literature deals with a number of aspects that have a direct or indirect bearing
on your research topic
 Use these aspects as a basis for developing your theoretical framework
 Your review of the literature should sort out the information, as mentioned earlier, within this
framework. Unless you review the literature in relation to this framework, you will not be able to develop a
focus in your literature search: that is, your theoretical framework provides you with a guide as you read.
This brings us to the paradox until you go through the literature you cannot develop a theoretical
framework, and until you have developed a theoretical framework you cannot effectively review the
literature.

 The solution is to read some of the literature and then attempt to develop a framework, even a loose one,
within which you can organise the rest of the literature you read. As you read more about the area, you are
likely to change the framework. However, without it, you will get bogged down in a great deal of
unnecessary reading and note-taking that may not be relevant to your study.

 Developing a conceptual framework

 The conceptual framework is the basis of your research problem. It stems from the theoretical framework
and usually focuses on the section(s) which become the basis of your study. Whereas the theoretical
framework consists of the theories or issues in which your study is embedded, the conceptual framework
describes the aspects you selected from the theoretical framework to become the basis of your enquiry. For
instance, in the example cited in Figure 3.1a, the theoretical framework includes all the theories that have
been put forward to explain the relationship between fertility and mortality. However, out of these, you
may be planning to test only one, say the fear of non-survival. Similarly, in Figure 3.1b, the conceptual
framework is focused on indicators to measure the success or failure of the strategies to enhance
community responsiveness. Hence the conceptual framework grows out of the theoretical framework and
relates to the specific research problem.

Difference between method and methodology

Sl. no basis Methods methodology
1 Meaning It suggests the methods active by It is the way to systematically solve the
researcher to conduct research research problems.
2 What is it? Behavior and instruments used in Science of understanding how research
selection and construction of the is performed methodically
research technique.
3 Encompasses Carrying out experiments, test, surveys Study different techniques which can be
and so on utilized in the performance of
experiments test surveys and so on
4 Comprise of Different investigate technique Entire strategy towards achievement of
objective
5 objective To discover solution to research To apply correct procedure so as to
problem determine solution
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What should be included in the materials and methods?
• Purpose and Structure
• Key Information
• Notation and Terminology
• Equipment and Materials Citations
• Acquisition and Definition of the Results
• Statistical Methods
• Concluding Statements