Research Methodology:An Introduction

Manjusha Sanke Saiesh Prabhu Verlekar

Associate Professor, S.R.I.E.I.T. Assistant Professor, S.R.I.E.I.T.
manj_engg@yahoo.com saiesh_prabhuverlekar@yahoo.co.in

Abstract— Research refers to a search for knowledge. The (b) To professionals in research methodology, research may
purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through mean a source of livelihood;
the application of scientific procedures. Its aim is to find out the (c) To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the
truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered as yet. outlet for new ideas and insights;
In order to systematically solve the research problem, one needs (d) To literary men and women, research may mean the
to follow a proper research methodology. This paper focuses on development of new styles and creative work;
the research process, reading a research paper, development of
(e) To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the
communication skills for presenting a research paper and the
issue of plagiarism. generalizations of new theories.
Thus, research is the fountain of knowledge for the sake of
Keywords- research methodology; research paper; plagiarism knowledge and an important source of providing guidelines
for solving different business, governmental and social
I. INTRODUCTION problems.
The term „research‟ refers to the systematic method Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the
consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a research problem. It may be understood as a science of
hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analyzing the facts and studying how research is done scientifically. In it we study the
reaching certain conclusions either in the form of solutions(s) various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in
towards the concerned problem or in certain generalizations studying his research problem along with the logic behind
for some theoretical formulation. The possible motives for them. It is necessary for the researcher to know not only the
doing research may be either one or more of the following: research methods/techniques but also the methodology.
Desire to get a research degree along with its
consequential benefits;
Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved II. RESEARCH PROCESS
problems, i.e., concern over practical problems Research process consists of series of actions or steps
initiate research; necessary to effectively carry out research and the desired
Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative sequencing of these steps.
work;
Desire to be of service to society; A. Formulating the research problem.
Desire to get respectability. There are two types of research problems, viz., those
Intelligence, motivation and perseverance are needed for which relate to states of nature and those which relate to
doing research. relationships between variables. At the very outset the
researcher must single out the problem he wants to study, i.e.,
Research has its special significance in solving various he must decide the general area of interest or aspect of a
operational and planning problems of business and industry. subject-matter that he would like to inquire into.
Market research is the investigation of the structure and
development of a market for the purpose of formulating Initially the problem may be stated in a broad general way
efficient policies for purchasing, production and sales. and then the ambiguities, if any, relating to the problem be
Operations research refers to the application of mathematical, resolved. Then, the feasibility of a particular solution has to be
logical and analytical techniques to the solution of business considered before a working formulation of the problem can
problems of cost minimization or of profit maximization or be set up. The formulation of a general topic into a specific
what can be termed as optimization problems. The research problem, thus, constitutes the first step in a scientific
significance of research can also be understood keeping in enquiry. Essentially two steps are involved in formulating the
view the following points: research problem, viz., understanding the problem thoroughly,
(a) To those students who have to write a master‟s or Ph.D. and rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an
thesis, research may mean careerism or a way to attain a high analytical point of view.
position in the social structure;

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B. Extensive literature survey 2. Report should be written in a concise and objective style in
Once the problem is formulated, a brief summary of it simple language avoiding vague expressions such as „it seems,‟
should be written down. It is compulsory for a research worker „there may be‟, and the like.
writing a thesis for a Ph.D. degree to write a synopsis of the
topic and submit it to the necessary Committee or the 3. Charts and illustrations in the main report should be used
Research Board for approval. At this juncture the researcher only if they present the information more clearly and forcibly.
should undertake extensive literature survey connected with
the problem. For this purpose, the abstracting and indexing 4. Calculated „confidence limits‟ must be mentioned and the
journals and published or unpublished bibliographies are the various constraints experienced in conducting research
first place to go to. Academic journals, conference operations may as well be stated.
proceedings, government reports, books etc., must be tapped
III. HOW TO READ RESEARCH PAPER
depending on the nature of the problem.
The Scientific Research Paper is a Peculiar Piece of Writing.
C. Formulate a hypothesis.
Working hypothesis is tentative assumption made in order
to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences. It
arises as a result of a-priori thinking about the subject,
examination of the available data and material including
related studies and the counsel of experts and interested
parties. The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher by
delimiting the area of research and to keep him on the right
track. It sharpens his thinking and focuses attention on the
more important facets of the problem. It also indicates the type
of data required and the type of methods of data analysis to be
used.
D. For experimental work: Figure 1. 3+ stage approach to reading a research paper

Design and build experimental set-up.

Do preliminary testing to check set-up. A. Stage 0: Get a “feel” for the paper
Collect data in a systematic manner by varying Read the title
the independent parameters.
See how long the paper is (2 to 40+)
E. For theoretical work: Conference research papers typically 4-8 pages
Model the situation and set up the governing Journal research papers typically 6-15 pages
equations with constraints. Review/survey papers much longer
Solve the equations Where is the paper published?
Obtain results by systematically varying the (how to find this information?)
independent parameters. Look at the figures
Tabulate, analyze and interpret results. Read the section / sub-section headingse 0: Get a
F. Check hypothesis. Draw conclusions. “feel” for the paper
Do the facts support the hypotheses or they happen to be B. Structure of a scientific research paper
contrary? This is the usual question which should be answered A scientific research paper is highly structured as follows:
while testing hypotheses. Various tests, such as Chi square test, Title
t-test, F-test, have been developed by statisticians for the Abstract
purpose. The hypotheses may be tested through the use of one Introduction
or more of such tests, depending upon the nature and object of Background / Motivation
research inquiry. Hypothesis-testing will result in either Contribution of paper
accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it. Related work
G. Write thesis. Problem definition (research questions)
Solution approach or outline
Writing of report must be done with great care Scope / Assumptions / Limitations
keeping in view the following: Details of solution - experiment / system / model
1. The layout of the report should be as follows: Findings
(i) The preliminary pages; Evaluation
(ii) The main text, and Take-away from paper
(iii) The end matter. References

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C. Stage 1: Get the big picture E. Stage 3: Evaluate the details
Is the research problem significant?
TABLE I. GETTING BIG PICTURE Is the problem novel?
What you are looking for Where to find it Is the solution approach novel?
Are the contributions significant? –
What research area / sub- Title, Abstract Is relevant related work surveyed “sufficiently”
topic does the paper fall enough?
under?does the
What problem (Title), Abstract, Have alternate approaches of solution been explored?
paper attempt to solve? Introduction, Problem Are assumptions valid? Has paper violated
definition assumptions?
What is related work and Introduction Are the claims valid?
why is it not sufficient, what Are the different parts of the paper consistent?
What key are gaps
contribution does (Title), (Abstract), Are the figures, graphs, diagrams precise?
Does the paper flow logically?
the paper claim? Introduction, Conclusion
What is the paper trying to convince you of? Does it
Broadly, how does the paper Introduction, figures succeed?
solve the problem?
How do the authors defend Introduction, figures F. Stage 3+: Synthesize, Ask Creative Questions
the solution? • What are some alternative approaches to address the
What category of paper is Introduction, headings research problem?
this? • Could there be a different way to substantiate the
D. Stage 2: Get the details claim?
• Are their counter-examples or arguments against the
TABLE II. GETTING DETAILS paper‟s claims?
What you are looking for Where to find it • Are all assumptions identified and validated?
• How can the research results be improved?
What problem does the Introduction, Problem • How can the results be generalized?
paper attempt to solve? definition • What are the new ideas and open problems suggested
What is related work? What Introduction, Literature by this work?
are gaps? Survey or Related Work
What contribution does the
Introduction, Conclusion IV. PRESENTING YOUR PAPER
paper claim – idea,
technique, proof, surprising A. Content Creation
How doesresult
the etc?
paper solve Solution, Experiment, Creating the contents of paper is most important. For this,
the problem? figures you need to understand the topic well. You should spend quite
a bit of time in deciding what is to be (a) included, (b) stressed,
How do the authors defend Methodology, and (c) flashed. Never underestimate the audience. A good
the solution? Experiment, Results assessment of to whom you are going to talk to would be a
bonus. You must know what slide comes next and what the
What is the precise research Introduction, Problem previous one was. Avoid back and forth movements between
question addressed? definition different slides. In introduction, describe background of the
Why is it believed that work with due credit to other people who have done similar
solution works, better than Solution approach, figures work ahead of you. It‟s good to have supporting slides (after a
blank slide), which could even include answers to potential
previous?
What are assumptions, Problem definition, questions.
scope? solution approach While preparing slides, do not pour too much text. In case, it
What are details of proposed Solution, System details, cannot be avoided use „animation‟ effectively. Bring blocks of
solution – argument, proof, Experiment, text, one at a time. Avoid data intensive tables. Try using
implementation, „representative‟ set of data. Use highlighting to bring additional
Methodology, figures
experiment? emphasis on the most important numbers in a table. Each slide
What evidence is provided? Figures, Results should preferably have a heading. Do not think that slides with
a heavy dose of graphics would please „them‟. Do not spend
What is the take-away too much time „decorating‟ your slides. If you have buffer time
Overall after the contents are ready, you may want to „beautify‟ the
message from the paper?

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slides. Figures should be of good quality, readable from V. ISSUE OF PLAGIARISM
distance. You may include slide numbers.
Plagiarism means using someone else‟s research work in
the form of ideas, results or words and passing it off as
B. Preparation and Practice one‟s own work by not giving credit to the original work.
Learning how to give a talk is an important step in ones
career. First, practice in front of a mirror. Close your eyes and Essentially, there are three basic forms of plagiarism,
dream. Next, give mock presentations to a friendly group of according to the Office of Research Integrity:
people. Time management is important. Avoid elaborate Lifting the words right from the text verbatim without
introduction. Do not pack 30 slides for a 10 minutes providing the appropriate sources.
presentation (numbers would vary depending on your natural
Paraphrasing the words within a published document
speed of speech).
without gibing appropriate sources.
Summarizing the ideas without providing credit to the
C. Delivery: On Stage Tips
author of the original text.
Do not rush to the stage. A smiling face is the best way to
greet. Spend about 30 seconds in adjusting mike position, read Plagiarism is unethical and incorrect, but is widespread.
the title. Suppose you are still tensed then, take a deep breath. It
is okay to carry a bottle of water with you on stage. Do not VI. CONCLUSION
worry about being judged. Do your job as best as you can. The Research is much concerned with proper fact finding,
stage belongs to you, and only you. It is an opportunity to analysis and evaluation. A researcher must know not only the
perform. Start looking at the audience.Avoid reading from research methods/techniques but also the methodology. A
slides.Slides is only a reinforcement tool to convey what you proper research process needs to be followed. A researcher
want to convey. Stick to natural (yours) English speaking. Use must know how to read paper, how to create contents and
simple words that you are familiar with. You don‟t have to present it. Plagiarism, which is an unethical issue, must be
speak like a native English speaker. Avoid mugging someone‟s avoided.
text. Speech modulations and demodulations are important.
Speak loud and clear. Listen to the questions carefully. If the
question is good, say that it‟s a good question, and answer. If REFERENCES
you do not know an immediate answer, try taking some time, [1] S P Sukhatme, Professor Emeritus, Indian Institute of Technology
think, and respond. If you have no clue, say that „I am sorry, I Bombay, “Doing Research,”.
can‟t answer that‟. [2] Sahana Murthy,IIT Bombay,”How to Read a Research Paper”
[3] Raghavan B. Sunoj,Professor of Chemistry,IIT Bombay,”Secrets of
Real-Life Learning Process in Scientific Presentation”.
D. Improvement: A Continuous Process
[4] Marie Jahoda, Morton Deutsch and Stuart W. Cook, Research Methods
For continuous improvement, learn from other speakers in Social Relations
when you attend conferences. Time-management would
improve as you gain more experience. Speed up and slow
down after looking at elapsed time. Humor would add value.
Preplanned humor often does not work.