RESEARCH METHODOLOGY- INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION
Research means technical and organized search for relevant information on a particular
topic. It is defined as an academic activity that involves identifying the research problem,
formulating a hypothesis, collecting and analyzing data and reaching specific conclusions
in the form of solutions or general theories. The primary objective of research is to find
solutions for problems in a methodical and systematic way. A research depends on the
field in which the research work is performed. Various types of researches can be done
for different fields, like fundamental research for identifying the important principles of
the research field and applied research for solving an immediate problem. However, all
these researches primarily follow two approaches, quantitative and qualitative. The
quantitative approach focuses on the quantity of the data obtained from the research,
while the qualitative approach is concerned with the quality of the obtained data.

MEANING AND DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. One can also define
research as scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic.
Research is an academic activity and the term should be used in a technical sense.
According to Black and Champion, scientific research consist of obtaining information
through empirical observation that can be used for systematic development of logically
related propositions attempting to establish casual relations among variable.
Emory defines research as any organized inquiry designed and carried out to provide
information for solving a problem.
Kerlinger defines research as a systematic, controlled, empirical and critical
investigation of hypothetical relations among natural phenomena

L.V. Redman and A.V.H. Morry have defined systematic effort to gain new knowledge
we call research
Webster's New International Dictionary defined research as, careful or critical
inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles; diligent investigation in order to
ascertain something.'

This definition simply states that research i) is a purposive

investigation or inquiry (that is, it has a set of objectives to collect and study about
something) ii) involves investigation or search.
According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining and redefining problems,
formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting, organising and evaluating data;
making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions to
determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis. This definition simply lists out the
research process and does not exactly state what is research.
D. Slessinger and M. Stephenson in the Encyclopedia of Social Sciences define
research as ' the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalising
to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of
theory or in the practice of an art.' This definition highlights the purpose of research rather
than the meaning of research.
Sometimes research is defined as a movement, a movement from the known to the
unknown. It is an effort to discover something. Research is based on the inquisitiveness or
the curiosity to know something. Some people say that research is an effort to know ' more
and more about less and less.' All these definitions have necessitated clear distinction
between a compilation and a purposive investigation. The following example will clarify
this distinction.
For Example: A computer repairer finds the fault in the circuit and replaces the parts and
repairs and bring the system to normal function cannot be called as researcher. A person
who has knowledge of computer circuits finds the new way of enhancing the computer

efficiency with new circuit with own experiments and proves the new circuit enhances the
computer efficiency, then such person can be called as researcher.
Therefore, research is an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge
making for its advancement. That is, using the example given above,
In reality, there are researchers who register for research under some guide and then
feel that they have to simply identify a problem, study some aspect of it, analyse the data
relating to it and submit a report [thesis]. Though the scholar would have gone through the
research process, yet he might not come up with any thing new but simply reconfirm
already established facts. Scholars are also found seized up with some problem on which
they work for several years without any concrete finding. Hence, in spite of compilation of
data and intelligent piecing of facts, the outcome may not be anything worthy.
Therefore, research could be understood as an organized activity with specific focus
[objectives] on a problem or issue supported by compilation of related data and facts,
involving application of relevant tools of analysis and deriving logically sound inferences
based on originality.
The above definition implies that anyone can undertake research activity, but it
should always have specific objectives to determine the direction. Based on this necessary
data or facts are to be collected satisfying the requirements of survey methodology. Mere
presentation of data in graphs and diagrams would not help in understanding the
relationship among various facts. Hence, research also involves identification of suitable
methods of analyses.

Once the results of the analyses are obtained, they are to be

interpreted in an intelligent manner avoiding subjectivism or bias, thereby bringing out the
originality of the researcher.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
The above definitions reveal the following characteristics of research.
1. Systematic Approach: Each step must on your investigation be so planned that it lead
to the next step.
2. Objectivity: It implies that true research should attempt to find an unbiased answer to
the decision making problem. Its means true research have a pre-planned objective.
3. Relevancy: Are search should be relevant according to objective and according to
information required for that. It furnishes three important tasks: It avoids the collection of irrelevant data or information and saves money and
time.
Itcomparestheinformationtobecollectedwithresearcher'scriteriaforaction.
It enables to see whether to research is proceeding in right direction.

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH
All researchers aim at finding answer to questions by applying certain scientific
procedures. Research investigates the truth, which is hidden and tries to find solution to
existing problem which have not been discovered yet. Different research studies have
different purposes depending on nature and type of research. Generally, we have
following categories of objectives of research:
1. To Investigate a Subject: Research is under take-in specific field of knowledge. It
may be pure science or social science; one may be interested in verifying a fact or
principle in any discipline of his choice like physics, chemistry, botany, commerce or
economics. For that matter, every discipline is a body of knowledge. An activity
undertaken to verify or revise these facts or principles becomes research.

2. To Collect the Data Regarding a Problem: Research gathers new knowledge or data
from primary or firsthand sources. It is not research when on simply restates what is
already known or what has been written. Research endeavors to research the first hand
source of data instead of serving its purpose with the data available from second hand
sources.
3. To Conduct Logical and Objective Study: Research is logical and objective,
applying every possible test to verify the data collected and the procedure employed. The
researcher eliminates personal feelings and preferences from his research activity. He
works within the scope and relevance of his data.
4. To Conduct a Systematic Inquiry of the Subject: Research is said to be a careful and
systematic inquiry. It means that research is a scientific study of facts.
5. For Carefully Recording, Reporting and Presenting the Facts: Research is
carefully recorded and reported. Every term scare fully defined, all procedures are
described in details, all limiting factors are recognized, all references are carefully
documented and al results are objectively recorded.

TYPES OF RESEARCH
On the basis of the objectives of the research, we can classify research in to following
types:
1. Descriptive vs. Analytical Research: Descriptive research includes surveys and fact
finding enquiries of different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is
description of the state of affairs as it exists at present. In social science and business
research, we quite often use the term Ex-post facto research for descriptive research
studies. The main characteristics of this method are that the researcher has no control
over the variable; he can only report what has happened or what is happening. Most expost facto research projects are used for descriptive studies in which the researcher seeks
to measure such items:

2. Applied Vs. Fundamental Research: Research can either be applied or fundamental.

Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or
an industrial/business organization, whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned
with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory.
3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research: Quantitative research is based on the
measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed
in terms of quantity. It is research methodology that seeks to quantity the data and
typically applies some form of statistical analysis. Quantitative research is structured in
nature and recommend final course of action. Qualitative research, on the other hand, is
concerned with qualitative phenomenon. Qualitative research is important in the
behavioral sciences where the aim is to discover the underlying motives of human
behavior. Through such research we can analyze the various factors which motivate
people to behave in a particular manner or which make people like or dislike a particular
thing.
4. Conceptual vs. Empirical Research: Conceptual research is related to some abstract
ideas of theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new
concepts. On the other hand, 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 an experimental type of research.

RESEARCH METHODS vs METHODOLOGY

Sl

Research Methods

Research Methodology

N
o
1

Research methods are the methods Research

methodology

explains

the

used for data collection in a research. overarching theoretical and philosophical

2

frameworks which guide the research.

Research methods involve surveys, Research methodology involves

the

interviews, case studies, observation, theoretical frameworks and learning of the

experiments, etc.

various techniques that can be used in the

conduct of research and the conduct of
tests, experiments, surveys and critical

studies.
Research methods aim at finding Research
solutions to research problems.

methodology

aims

at

the

employment of the correct procedures to

find out solutions.

Research methods are the end of any Research methodology is the beginning.
research.

RESEARCH PROCESS
Until the sixteenth century, human inquiry was primarily based on introspection.
The way to know things was to turn inward and use logic to seek the truth. This paradigm
had endured for a millennium and was a well-established conceptual framework for
understanding the world. The seeker of knowledge was an integral part of the inquiry
process. A profound change occurred during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The
Scientific Revolution was born. Objectivity became a critical component of the new
scientific method. The investigator was an observer, rather than a participant in the
inquiry process. A mechanistic view of the universe evolved. We believed that we could
understand the whole by performing an examination of the individual parts.

Experimentation and deduction became the tools of the scholar. For two hundred years,
the new paradigm slowly evolved to become part of the reality framework of society.
Research is a process. That is, it involves a number of activities which are carried
out either sequentially or simultaneously. It is difficult to design an ideal research process as
it would depend on various factors, like, the researcher and his ability, topic research, time
available, budget allocation, etc. However, we can indicate broadly some stages through
which most of the research work would be progressing. The various stages are listed below:
Formulating
the Research
Problem

Extensive
literature
survey

Preparation
of the report

Generalization

and
interpretation

Developing
the
hypothesis

Hypothesis
testing

Preparing
the research
design

Analysis
of data

Determining
the sample
design

Collecting
the data

Let us now briefly discuss each one of these stages.

1. Formulating the Research Problem: It is said that research is an activity with a focus
on something. This focus is the topic or the problem about which the research is conducted.
Therefore what is to be researched about is more important than research itself. In other
words, unless a researcher has a problem to study about, he cannot conduct research.
Therefore, identifying the research problem is one of the basic steps in research. Any
researcher who has succeeded in identifying the research problem is half - successful. It is
often felt that any problem is fit enough to research about. But unless a problem is
systematically derived and identified, there is little prospect of conducting research on it.
Experience of researchers have clearly indicated how the entire process of research suffers if
there is no systematic attempt to identify the research problem. For example, a research
scholar approached a knowledgeable person and requested for a research problem. Based

on the suggestion, the researcher worked only to end up with the finding that the problem
ceased to be relevant. To cite another example, it is certainly not in tune to work on branch
expansion of commercial banks, when the attempt is to identify the non- - performing banks
and merge them. Therefore problem identification in research alone can decide whether a
researcher is conducting research or not.
2. Extensive Literature Survey: This is a very crucial stage in research. It is in this stage
that the researcher makes him familiar with all the previous studies and their findings
relevant to his field of work. He learns the methodology and approach developed by these
past studies. He evaluates the conclusions of the previous studies in the light of the data he
has collected. He questions these conclusions and tries to develop the alternative, possibly
better conclusions. In this stage, the researcher understands the latest developments in his
field of work. This would help him to avoid duplicating the past works. He would also be
able to take necessary precautions for proceeding with his work.
He would get information about the sources wherefrom he can get the relevant data,
facts, etc. In nut shell, the researcher in this stage develops an insight into the research
problem.
3. Developing the Hypothesis: Hypothesis is a statement developed on the basis of
suspected or anticipated relationship among various factors studied.

Normally at the

beginning of the research, the scholar would formulate a working hypothesis with which he
would progress with his work. Working hypothesis is a provisional statement which guides
the researcher in limiting the scope of his study. It enables his to avoid collecting irrelevant
data and facts.

It helps him in focusing his attention on a particular aspect thereby

eliminating wastage of time and resources. The working hypothesis can be formulated
either in discussion with the experts in the field of work, or on the basis of data and facts
collected or review of similar past studies, or by making an initial investigation into the field
of work.

4. Preparation of Research Design: This is a stage in which the researcher clearly spells
out how is work is carried out. In other words a research design is a description of
conceptual structure within which the research will be conducted. Here the researcher
indicates the method of data collection, the skills at the command of the researcher, the
execution plan for collection of data, the time and other resources available, the financial
implications, etc. It may be noticed that the research design would undergo changes with
every step of progress. It has to be kept flexible so that it can be modified as necessitated by
changes. The researcher would indicate through the design whether he adopts experimental
design or formal design. He would also state the purpose of his research work viz.,
descriptive, diagnostic, explorative or experimental.
5. Determining the Sample Design: This is an important stage in research. Not every
research can be a complete study of population. The researcher has to make a careful
selection of a few elements from the population and then study them intensely and reach
conclusions which can be safely applied to the population. The selection of sample is a very
important task. The researcher should determine the size of sample, the method of sample,
the tests of sample, etc. While a large sample would always be preferred, it is not
mandatory. Among the various methods of sampling broadly classified as random and nonrandom sampling, the researcher should make a judicious choice. Then among the different
techniques of sampling, (viz. simple random sampling, restricted random sampling like
stratified random sampling, cluster sampling, systematic random sampling, non-random
sampling like convenience sampling, judgment sampling, quota sampling, multistage
sampling, sequential sampling) appropriate technique should be selected and justified. If
the choice of the size and technique of sampling is wrong then the study would only invite
serious criticisms.

6. Collecting the Data: The researcher at this stage should clearly spell out the sources of
data for his work. He could use both primary as well as secondary data. While the former

refers to the data collected for the first time by the researcher himself from the informants or
the sample respondents specifically for his work.

The latter means the data already

collected, published or unpublished and available for use. When the selection is for primary
data, then it involves taking the following decisions:
i)

The researcher should first decide whether to use observation or interview, or

questionnaire or schedule to collect the data.

ii)

He should collect the data personally himself or appoint a few investigators. If

investigators are used, then they should be trained before being inducted into the
field.

iii)

He should design the questionnaire or schedule, pre-test it and then adopt it.

iv)

He should arrange for classifying, tabulating and analyzing the data after
ensuring the quality of the field data collected.

If the choice is for using secondary data, then the researcher should always identify
the authentic sources and then collect data from them. Whatever be the source of data, the
researcher should plan the collection of data and then execute the plan properly. The quality
of data collected will ultimately decide the findings of the research work and so the
researcher should arrange for surprise checks and controls over the collection of field data.
He should cross check the data collected and take steps to rectify any defects in the data.
7. Analysis of Data: Once the data are collected, they should be classified and tabulated.
Then the analysis of the data should be undertaken. At this stage, the researcher should
select the tools of analysis which are consistent with the objectives of the study. The
tendency to carry out irrelevant analysis should be avoided. For example, just because the
researcher is familiar with correlation does not mean he should apply it wherever possible.
Similarly, he should be fully aware of the limitations of the various measures of analysis
applied, so that when the results are carefully interpreted. He may select either statistical or
mathematical tools. He may use the computer aided research analysis.

8. Testing Hypothesis: In the course of developing the research work, the researcher may
develop hypothesis and this he has to test with the data available. He may use various
statistical tools of test of hypothesis. It is not to imply that every research work should have
an hypothesis to work with. When a research work is completed and generalizations are
arrived, they can be taken as hypotheses for subsequent research work. However, the
researcher should know that statistical evidence is not conclusive evidence.

Preparation of

thesis : With all the stages complete, the researcher should now attempt preparing the draft
of his thesis. He should be familiar with the format of thesis and strictly adhere to it. The
thesis should clearly indicate the justification of the study, period of study, sample size,
sources of data, tools of analyses, bibliography, review of past studies, etc. It should also
have a separate chapter on results and discussion where the researcher would report all his
findings and give his interpretations. This should be followed by a chapter on summary of
findings of the research work and the policy implications.

Care should be taken to

incorporate relevant tables, diagrams, etc., at the appropriate places.

The stages explained above constitute the detailed research process. It should be
noted that this process may vary from study to study but generally the research should be
carried out in a systematic and scientific manner.

CRITERIA OF GOOD RESEARCH

Although the research works and studies differ in their form and kind, they all still meet
on the common ground of scientific methods employed by them. Hence, scientific
research is expected to satisfy the following criteria:
The aim of the research should be clearly mentioned, along with the use of
common concepts.
The procedures used in the research should be adequately described, in order to
permit another researcher to repeat the research for further advancement, while
maintaining the continuity of what has already been done.

 The research procedural design should be carefully planned to obtain results that
are as objective as possible.
The flaws in the procedural design should be sincerely reported by the researcher

to correctly estimate their effects upon the findings.

The data analysis should be adequate to reveal its significance.
The methods used during the analysis should be appropriate.
The reliability and validity of the concerned data should be checked carefully.
The conclusions are needed to be confined and limited to only those data, which

are justified and adequately provided by the research.

In case, the researcher is experienced and has a good reputation in the field of
research, greater confidence in research is warranted.

DEVELOPING A RESEARCH PLAN

Identifying your information need is usually the first step in a research plan. Develop this
plan before you start to keep your research on track. Another important element in your
plan is a timeline. Plan your research well ahead of a deadline and leave plenty of time
for searching and locating the items you will need.
The steps and elements in your research plan will vary depending on your assignment.
The following are some of the basic steps in doing effective research for a course
assignment or research paper. The first three steps will be covered in this module; other
modules address the other steps.
1. Determine Assignment Requirements: The amount of research you do will depend
on your assignment. Pay close attention to your assignment, and ask your professor for
clarification if necessary.
2. Identify a Topic: Having a topic that is interesting and manageable is important. It
should neither be too broad nor too narrow. It should be flexible enough to be revised as
needed.
Once you identify your topic, isolate the key concepts and start listing out possible
synonyms or other keywords that you might use in your search for information sources.

3. Identify The Types Of Sources Needed: Create a list of the kinds of resources that
will provide the most relevant information. There are numerous types of sources (books,
articles, sound files, etc) that may answer your research question. Understanding the
differences between these sources will be useful.
4. Search For Relevant Sources : Depending on what type of source you want, you need
to decide which search tools to use: the ODU library catalog for ODU books, World-Cat
for books not at ODU, library databases for journal articles, Web search engines for Web
sites, etc. Keep a list of which databases you use and what terms you use in your search.
The search process will be a lot more efficient and effective if you use a variety of search
techniques. Keep in mind that while locating sources, you may find that your topic needs
refining. Be flexible!
5. Locate The Sources: Once you've searched for and identified the sources you want,
you will need to locate those sources. For research papers, the sources will usually be
found in a library or from a library web site.
6. Cite Your Sources: Citing your sources is essential to good, ethical scholarship.
Always cite where you get your information completely and accurately. Always avoid
plagiarism and observe copyright in all of your information searches.

SUMMARY
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. It is necessary for the researcher to know not
only the research methods/techniques but also the methodology. Researchers not only
need to know how to develop certain indices or tests, how to calculate the mean, the
mode, the median or the standard deviation or chi-square, how to apply particular
research techniques, but they also need to know which of these methods or techniques,

are relevant and which are not, and what would they mean and indicate and why.
Researchers also need to understand the assumptions underlying various techniques and
they need to know the criteria by which they can decide that certain techniques and
procedures will be applicable to certain problems and others will not. All this means that
it is necessary for the researcher to design his methodology for his problem as the same
may differ from problem to problem. For example, an architect, who designs a building,
has to consciously evaluate the basis of his decisions, i.e., he has to evaluate why and on
what basis he selects particular size, number and location of doors, windows and
ventilators, uses particular materials and not others and the like. Similarly, in research the
scientist has to expose the research decisions to evaluation before they are implemented.
He has to specify very clearly and precisely what decisions he selects and why he selects
them so that they can be evaluated by others also From what has been stated above, we
can say that research methodology has many dimensions and research methods do
constitute a part of the research methodology. The scope of research methodology is
wider than that of research methods. Thus, when we talk of research methodology we not
only talk of the research methods but also consider the logic behind the methods we use
in the context of our research study and explain why we are using a particular method or
technique and why we are not using others so that research results are capable of being
evaluated either by the researcher himself or by others. Why a research study has been
undertaken, how the research problem has been defined, in what way and why the
hypothesis has been formulated, what data have been collected and what particular
method has been adopted, why particular technique of analyzing data has been used and a
host of similar other questions are usually answered when we talk of research
methodology concerning a research problem or study

Frequent Asking Questions

What do you mean by research? Explain its significance in modern times.

Explain difference between research method and research methodology

Briefly describe the different steps involved in a research process
Explain the criteria of a good research
Explain the types of research in detail
Explain in detail techniques involved in defining a research problem
Explain meaning of Qualitative and Quantitative Research