MCA

Introduction to research
Dr Kumar P K
At the end of the lecture, you should able to
know:
 Define the word of “research” meaning
 Define Business research as knowledge
 Explain the Element of Research
 Know the objectives of the research
 Describe the motivates or research
 Classify the types of Business research
1. The meaning Research

 Once can also define research as a scientific and systematic search

for pertinent( relevant) information on a specific topic.
 In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation.
 The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English lays down
the meaning of research as “a careful investigation or
inquiry specially through search for new facts in any
branch of knowledge.”
 Redman and Mory define research as a “systematized effort to
gain new knowledge.”
 Cont..
 Some people consider research as a movement,
 a movement from the known to the unknown.
 It is actually a voyage(passage) of discovery.
 We all possess the vital instinct or nature of inquisitiveness
for, when the unknown confronts or challenges us, we wonder and
our inquisitiveness makes us probe or seek and attain
full and fuller understanding of the unknown.
This inquisitiveness is the mother of all knowledge and
the method, which man employs for obtaining the knowledge of
whatever the unknown, can be termed as research.
Cont..
 Research is an academic activity and as such the term should
be used in a technical sense.
 According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining
and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or
suggested solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating
data; making deductions and reaching conclusions.
Cont..
 and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine
whether they fit the formulating hypothesis. D. Slesinger and
M. Stephenson in the Encyclopaedia of Social Sciences define
research as “the manipulation of things, concepts or
symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend,
correct or verify knowledge, whether that
knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the
practice of an art.”
 Research is, thus, an original contribution to the existing
stock of knowledge making for its advancement
 Cont..
 It is the pursuit of truth with the help of study, observation,
comparison and experiment.
 In short, the search for knowledge through objective and
systematic method of finding solution to a problem is research.
 The systematic approach concerning generalisation and the
formulation of a theory is also research.
 As such the term ‘research’ refers to the systematic method
consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis,
collecting the facts or data, analyzing the facts and reaching
certain conclusions either in the form of solutions(s) towards the
concerned problem or in certain generalizations for some
theoretical formulation.
Cont..
 Meaning:The investigation process of human beings called
Scientific Investigation because these kinds of Research
proceed scientifically. We can easily define it as Re – Search
(again search)
 It must be in a scientific way and its consequence should be
something fruitful which is adding something with well
observation on old things; and makes reliable/easy to
enforcement.
Element of Research:

 Investigatory, desirable mind

 Specific field
 Availability of information
 Descriptive presumption
 Scientific theory Explanation
 Fruitful logical theory
Nature of Research?
 Nature of Research: Objectively a new knowledge or ideas
adds/enriches current idea(s) with disciplined desire.
 It works with investigating mind and highly enthusiasm to
find some new reliable way which is easier than previous one.
2. The 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:
Cont..
1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new
insights into it (studies with this Object in view is termed as
exploratory or formulative research studies);
2. 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);
3. 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);
4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables
(such studies are known as hypothesis-testing research studies).
3. Motivations of research

 What makes people to undertake research? This is a question

of fundamental importance. The possible motives for doing
research may be either one or more of the following:
1. Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential
benefits;
2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved
problems, i.e., concern over practical Problems initiates’
research;
 Cont..
3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work
4. Desire to be of service to society;
5. Desire to get respectability.
 However, this is not an exhaustive list of factors motivating
people to undertake research studies. Many more factors such as
directives of government, employment conditions, curiosity
about new things, desire to understand causal relationships,
social thinking and awakening, and the like may as
well motivate (or at times compel) people to perform research
operations.
4. Types of Research
1. Descriptive Vs Analytical Research
2. Applied Vs Fundamental Research
3. Quantitative Vs Qualitative Research
4. Conceptual vs. Empirical
5. Some other types of research
1. Descriptive Vs Analytical Research
 Descriptive research consists of surveys and fact-finding
enquiries of different types.
 The main objective of descriptive research is describing the
state of affairs as it prevails at the time of study.
 The term ‘ex post facto research‘ is quite often used for
descriptive research studies in social sciences and business
research.
 The most distinguishing feature of this method is that the
researcher has no control over the variables here.
 He/she has to only report what is happening or what has
happened.
 Majority of the ex post facto research projects are used for
descriptive studies in which the researcher attempts to
examine phenomena, such as the consumers‘ preferences,
frequency of purchases, shopping, etc.
 Despite the inability of the researchers to control the
variables, ex post facto studies may also comprise attempts
by them to discover the causes of the selected problem.
 The methods of research adopted in conducting descriptive
research are survey methods of all kinds, including
correlational and comparative methods.
 Meanwhile in the Analytical research, the researcher has to
use the already available facts or information, and analyze
them to make a critical evaluation of the subject.
 Descriptive is fact finding to describe the state of
affairs

 Analytical Research is using already available

information and analyze to make a critical
evaluation of the material.
2. Applied Vs Fundamental Research
 An attempt to find a solution to an immediate problem
encountered by a firm, an industry, a business organization,
or the society is known as applied research.
 Researchers engaged in such researches aim at drawing
certain conclusions confronting a concrete social or business
problem.
 Fundamental research mainly concerns generalizations and
formulation of a theory.
 In other words, ―Gathering knowledge for knowledge‘s
sake is termed pure or basic research (Young in Kothari,
1988).
 Researches relating to pure mathematics or concerning some
natural phenomenon are instances of Fundamental Research.
 Likewise, studies focusing on human behaviour also fall
under the category of fundamental research.
 Applied aims at finding a solution to the problem
faced by the society/ organization.
 Fundamental Research is concerned with
generalization and formulation of a theory.
3. Quantitative Vs Qualitative Research
 Quantitative research relates to aspects that can be quantified
or can be expressed in terms of quantity.
 It involves the measurement of quantity or amount.
 Various available statistical and econometric methods are
adopted for analysis in such research.
 Which includes correlation, regressions and time series
analysis etc Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative
phenomena, or more specifically, the aspects related to or
involving quality or kind.
 For example, an important type of qualitative research is
Motivation Research‘, which investigates into the reasons for
certain human behavior.
 The main aim of this type of research is discovering the
underlying motives and desires of in-depth interviews.
 The other techniques employed in such research are story
completion tests, sentence completion tests, word
association tests, and other similar projective methods.
 Qualitative research is particularly significant in the context
of behavioral sciences, which aim at discovering the
underlying motives of human behaviour.
 Quantitative research is based on quantitative
measurements of some characteristics.
 Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative
phemomenon.
4. Conceptual vs. Empirical
 The research related to some abstract idea or theory is
known as Conceptual Research.
 Generally, philosophers and thinkers use it for developing
new concepts or for reinterpreting the existing ones.
 Empirical Research, on the other hand, exclusively relies on
the observation or experience with hardly any regard for
theory and system.
 Such research is data based, which often comes up with
conclusions that can be verified through experiments or
observation.
 Empirical research is also known as experimental type of
research, in which it is important to first collect the facts and
their sources, and actively take steps to stimulate the
production of desired information.
 In this type of research, the researcher first formulates a
working hypothesis, and then gathers sufficient facts to prove
or disprove the stated hypothesis.
 He/she formulates the experimental design, which according
to him/her would manipulate the variables, so as to obtain
the desired information.
 The results obtained by using the experimental or empirical
studies are considered to be the most powerful evidences for
a given hypothesis.
 Conceptual research is related to some abstract ideas
 Empirical research is data based research which relies on
observation or experience.
5. Some other types of research
 one-time research or longitudinal research- depends
upon the time of doing research
 field-setting research or laboratory research or
simulation research- depends upon the environment in
which research is carried on.
 clinical or diagnostic research- in-depth approaches or
case study method may be employed to analyze the basic
causal relations
 Exploratory research- consist of substantial structure and
specific hypotheses to be verified
 Historical Research- sources like historical documents,
remains, etc. Are utilized to study past events or ideas.
5. Research Approaches
 Research Approaches: The above description of the types of
research shows that there are two basic approaches to
research, viz., quantitative approach and the qualitative
approach.
 Quantitative approach can be further sub-classified into
Inferential research - inferential approach to research is to
form a data base from which to infer characteristics or
relationships of population.
 This usually means survey research where a sample of
population is studied (questioned or observed) to determine
its characteristics, and it is then inferred that the population
has the same characteristics.
 Experimental research- characterized by much greater
control over the research environment and in this case some
variables are manipulated to observe their effect on other
variables.
 Simulation research- Simulation approach involves the
construction of an artificial environment within which
relevant information and data can be generated. This permits
an observation of the dynamic behavior of a system (or its
sub-system) under controlled conditions
 Qualitative approach to research generates results either in
non-quantitative form or in the form which are not subjected
to rigorous quantitative analysis. Generally, the techniques of
focus group interviews, projective techniques and depth
interviews are used.
6. Significance of Research
➢ Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and
promotes the development of logical habits of thinking.
➢ Research provides the basis for 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.
(a) 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
(b) To professionals in research methodology, research may
mean a source of livelihood
(c) To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet
for new ideas and insights
(d) To literary men and women, research may mean the
development of new styles and creative work
(e) To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the
generalizations of new theories.
 7. Research Methods versus
Methodology:
 Research methods may be understood as all those
methods/techniques that are used for conduction of research.
 Research methods or techniques thus, refer to the methods the
researchers use in performing research operations.
 Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the
research problem. It may be understood as a science of studying
how research is done scientifically.
 In it we study the various steps that are generally adopted by a
researcher in studying his research problem along with the logic
behind them
 8. Research and Scientific Method

 Research, as we have already stated, can be termed as “an inquiry into the
nature of, the reasons for, and the consequences of any particular set of
circumstances, whether these circumstances are experimentally controlled or
recorded just as they occur.
 Further, research implies the researcher is interested in more than particular
results; he is interested in the repeatability of the results and in their extension to
more complicated and general situations.”

 “The scientific method is one and same in the branches (of science) and that
method is the method of all logically trained minds.
 Scientific method is the pursuit of truth as determined by logical considerations.
The ideal of science is to achieve a systematic interrelation of facts. Scientific
method attempts to achieve “this ideal by experimentation, observation, logical
arguments.
 All this is done through experimentation and survey investigations which
constitute the integral parts of scientific method.

 Experimentation is done to test hypotheses and to discover new relationships.

 But the conclusions drawn on the basis of experimental data are generally
criticized for either faulty assumptions, poorly designed experiments, badly
executed experiments or faulty interpretations.
The scientific method is, thus, based on certain basic postulates which can be
stated as under:

1. It relies on empirical evidence;

2. It utilizes relevant concepts;
3. It is committed to only objective considerations;
4. It presupposes ethical neutrality, i.e., it aims at nothing but making only
adequate and correct statements about population objects;
5. It results into probabilistic predictions;
6. Its methodology is made known to all concerned for critical scrutiny are for use
in testing the conclusions through replication;
7. It aims at formulating most general axioms or what can be termed as scientific
theories.
 9. Importance of Knowing How Research is Done

 The study of research methodology gives the student the necessary training in
gathering material and arranging or card-indexing them, participation in the field
work when required, and also training in techniques for the collection of data
appropriate to particular problems, in the use of statistics, questionnaires and
controlled experimentation and in recording evidence, sorting it out and interpreting
it. In fact, importance of knowing the methodology of research or how research is
done stems from the following considerations:

(i) For one who is preparing himself for a career of carrying out research, the
importance of knowing research methodology and research techniques.

(i) Knowledge of how to do research will inculcate the ability to evaluate and use
research results with reasonable confidence.
(iii) When one knows how research is done, then one may have the satisfaction of
acquiring a new intellectual tool which can become a way of looking at the world
and of judging every day experience. Accordingly, it enables use to make intelligent
decisions concerning problems facing us in practical life at different points of time.
Thus, the knowledge of research methodology provides tools to took at things in life
objectively.

(iv) In this scientific age, all of us are in many ways consumers of research results
and we can use them intelligently provided we are able to judge the adequacy of
the methods by which they have been obtained. The knowledge of methodology
helps the consumer of research results to evaluate them and enables him to take
rational decisions.
10. Research Process
Steps provides a useful procedural guideline regarding the research process:

(1) Formulating the research problem;

(2) Extensive literature survey;
(3) Developing the hypothesis;
(4) Preparing the research design;
(5) Determining sample design;
(6) Collecting the data;
(7) Execution of the project;
(8) Analysis of data;
(9) Hypothesis testing;
(10) Generalizations and interpretation, and
(11) Preparation of the report or presentation of the results, i.e., formal write-up
of conclusions reached.
 Important sample designs is as follows:

(i) Deliberate sampling: Deliberate sampling is also known as purposive or non-

probability sampling.
(ii) Simple random sampling: This type of sampling is also known as chance
sampling or probability sampling.
(iii) Systematic sampling:
(iv) Stratified sampling:
(v) Quota sampling:
(vi) Cluster sampling and area sampling:
(vii) Multi-stage sampling:
(viii) Sequential sampling:
But in the case of a survey, data can be collected by any one or more of the
following ways:
(i) By observation:
(ii) Through personal interview:
(iii) Through telephone interviews:
(iv) By mailing of questionnaires:
(v) Through schedules:
 Preparation of the report or the thesis:

1. The layout of the report should be as follows:

(i) the preliminary pages;
(ii) the main text, and
(iii) the end matter.
 In its preliminary pages the report should carry title and date followed by
acknowledgements and foreword.
 Then there should be a table of contents followed by a list of tables and list of
graphs and charts, if any, given in the report.
 The main text of the report should have the following parts:
(a) Introduction:
(b) Summary of findings:
(c) Main report:
(d) Conclusion:
2. Report should be written in a concise and objective style in simple language
avoiding vague expressions such as ‘it seems,’ ‘there may be’, and the like.
3. Charts and illustrations in the main report should be used only if they present the
information more clearly and forcibly.
4. Calculated ‘confidence limits’ must be mentioned and the various constraints
experienced in conducting research operations may as well be stated.
 11. Criteria of Good Research
One expects scientific research to satisfy the following criteria:
1. The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts be used.
2. The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit another
researcher to repeat the research for further advancement, keeping the continuity of what
has already been attained.
3. The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results that are
as objective as possible.
4. The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design and
estimate their effects upon the findings.
5. The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and the
methods of analysis used should be appropriate. The validity and reliability of the data
should be checked carefully.
6. Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and limited
to those for which the data provide an adequate basis.
7. Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced, has a good
reputation in research and is a person of integrity.
In other words, we can state the qualities of a good research as under:
1. Good research is systematic: It means that research is structured with
specified steps to be taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the well
defined set of rules. Systematic characteristic of the research does not rule out
creative thinking but it certainly does reject the use of guessing and intuition in
arriving at conclusions.

2. Good research is logical: This implies that research is guided by the rules of
logical reasoning and the logical process of induction and deduction are of great
value in carrying out research. Induction is the process of reasoning from a part
to the whole whereas deduction is the process of reasoning from some premise
to a conclusion which follows from that very premise. In fact, logical reasoning
makes research more meaningful in the context of decision making.
3. Good research is empirical: It implies that research is related basically to one
or more aspects of a real situation and deals with concrete data that provides a
basis for external validity to research results.

4. Good research is replicable: This characteristic allows research results to be

verified by replicating the study and thereby building a sound basis for decisions.
 12. Problems Encountered by Researchers in India

1. The lack of a scientific training in the methodology of research.

2. There is insufficient interaction between the university research departments on one side
and business establishments, government departments and research institutions on the
other side.

3. Most of the business units in our country do not have the confidence that the material
supplied by them to researchers will not be misused and as such they are often reluctant in
supplying the needed information to researchers.

4. Research studies overlapping one another are undertaken quite often for want of adequate
information.

5. There does not exist a code of conduct for researchers and inter-university and
interdepartmental rivalries are also quite common.
6. Many researchers in our country also face the difficulty of adequate and timely
secretarial assistance, including computerial assistance.

7. Library management and functioning is not satisfactory at many places and

much of the time and energy of researchers are spent in tracing out the
books, journals, reports, etc., rather than in tracing out relevant material from
them.

8. There is also the problem that many of our libraries are not able to get copies
of old and new Acts/Rules, reports and other government publications in time.

9. There is also the difficulty of timely availability of published data from various
government and other agencies.

10. Problems relating to the process of data collection and related things.
 Questions
1. Briefly describe the different steps involved in a research process.
2. What do you mean by research? Explain its significance in modern times.
3. Distinguish between Research methods and Research methodology.
4. Describe the different types of research, clearly pointing out the difference
between an experiment and a survey.
5. Write short notes on:
(1) Design of the research project; (2) Ex post facto research;
(3) Motivation in research; (4) Objectives of research;
(5) Criteria of good research; (6) Research and scientific method.
6. Discuss the Problems Encountered by Researchers in India.
7. Explain the Criteria of Good Research.
8. Discuss the Preparation of the report or the thesis in detail?
9. How do you collect the data in case of a survey.
10. Discuss Important sample designs.
11. With neat diagram explain Research Process steps.
Reference
 C.R. KOTHARI (1990). Research methodology, method
and Techniques.
 Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2007). Research
methods for Business students .