USHA MARTIN UNIVERSITY, JHARKHAND

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Research Methodology: Research Scholars (New Batch)
SUBMISSION DATE: 09/10/2024

SUBMITTED BY: PRATYUSH SINGH RATHAUR

STUDENT NAME: PRATYUSH SINGH RATHAUR

REG NUMBER: 2411022 COURSE: PHD-2024 SEMESTER: 1st

SUBJECT CODE & NAME: PHD101, Research Methodology

SESSION & ACADEMIC YEAR: 1st Session-2024

SUBMISSION DATE: 09-10-2024 MAXIMUM MARKS:

SUBMITTED TO (FACULTY NAME ) : Dr. Arvind Hans

Q 1. Identify and explain most important characteristics of
research. Justify. Give Examples.
The most important characteristics of research are foundational principles that
make it a structured and reliable method for gaining knowledge or solving
problems. Below are key characteristics of research, their explanations,
justifications, and relevant examples.

1. Systematic Process
- Explanation: Research is a methodical process that follows specific steps to
gather, analyse, and interpret data. It requires a structured approach from
problem identification to data collection, analysis, and reporting results.
- Justification: A systematic approach ensures consistency, accuracy, and
repeatability of results, which is crucial for the reliability and validity of the
findings.
- Example: In a study on the impact of online learning on student performance,
the researcher first identifies the research question, designs surveys, collects
data, and analyses the results using statistical tools to ensure valid conclusions.

2. Objective and Unbiased

- Explanation: Research should be neutral and free from personal biases,
ensuring that the findings are based on evidence and data, rather than the
researcher’s preconceived notions.
- Justification: Objectivity prevents subjective influences from distorting the
outcomes. Bias can mislead and invalidate the results, making the research
unreliable.
- Example: A researcher studying the effectiveness of a new drug must ensure
that their analysis and reporting are based solely on the results, without any
influence from personal opinions or the interests of the pharmaceutical company
funding the research.

3. Empirical in Nature
- Explanation: Research is empirical, meaning it relies on direct or indirect
observation and experiences as the main source of knowledge. It is grounded in
real-world data collection.
- Justification: Empiricism ensures that the research is based on observable,
measurable evidence, which strengthens the credibility and trustworthiness of
the findings.
- Example: In a psychological study investigating the effects of sleep
deprivation on cognitive performance, the researcher collects empirical data
through controlled experiments to measure participants' response times and
accuracy.

4. Replicable
- Explanation: The research process should be designed in such a way that
other researchers can replicate the study and obtain similar results under the
same conditions.
- Justification: Replicability is essential for validating the findings. If a study's
results can be consistently reproduced, it enhances the credibility and
generalizability of the research.
- Example: A study on the relationship between physical activity and heart
health must detail the methodology (sample size, duration of exercise, types of
activity, etc.) so other researchers can replicate the study and compare results.

5. Logical and Rational

- Explanation: Research is logical, meaning that every step should be backed
by reason and follows a rational progression from hypothesis formulation to
conclusion.
- Justification: Logical reasoning helps in drawing valid and sound conclusions
based on the evidence collected, ensuring that the outcomes make sense in
relation to the problem studied.
- Example: In researching the effects of climate change on agricultural yields, a
researcher logically connects data on rising temperatures and changing
precipitation patterns to crop performance, ensuring the analysis follows a
rational cause-effect reasoning.
6. Ethical
- Explanation: Research must adhere to ethical standards, which include
informed consent, avoiding harm to participants, ensuring privacy, and avoiding
plagiarism.
- Justification: Ethics in research safeguard the rights and well-being of
participants, enhance the quality of the research, and ensure that the findings are
credible and responsible.
- Example: In medical research, it is mandatory to obtain informed consent
from participants before administering a new treatment. Additionally, the
confidentiality of patient data must be maintained.

7. Critical Thinking
- Explanation: Researchers must engage in critical thinking, questioning
assumptions, analysing data carefully, and considering alternative
interpretations or explanations.
- Justification: Critical thinking helps avoid errors, biases, and fallacies in
reasoning, ensuring that conclusions are sound and well-justified.
- Example: A researcher studying consumer behaviour may critically analyse
market trends, considering not only direct responses from surveys but also
external factors such as economic shifts or changes in consumer preferences.

8. Generalizability
- Explanation: Research aims to draw conclusions that can be applied to
broader populations or settings beyond the specific sample used in the study.
- Justification: The ability to generalize findings makes research valuable to the
larger scientific community and allows the application of results to real-world
problems.
- Example: A researcher conducting a study on the effectiveness of a new
teaching method in one school would aim to generalize the results to similar
educational settings across the region, provided the sample is representative.
Summary of Important Characteristics
- Systematic: Follows a structured methodology to ensure consistency.
- Objective: Free from biases, based on data and facts.
- Empirical: Relies on observable evidence.
- Replicable: Can be repeated by other researchers.
- Logical: Rationally connects steps to conclusions.
- Ethical: Follows ethical standards to protect participants.
- Critical Thinking: Involves thorough analysis and questioning.
- Generalizable: Aims to apply findings broadly beyond the specific context.

These characteristics collectively make research robust, reliable, and valuable,

contributing to knowledge development and problem-solving in various fields.
Q 2. Formulate at least three exploratory objectives in your area
of research interest.

In the context of my area of research interest, which is the impact of divorce

on children, here are three exploratory objectives:
1. To explore the emotional and psychological effects of parental divorce
on children aged 6-12.
o This objective aims to uncover the specific emotional responses,
such as anxiety or depression, that children may experience post-
divorce in the Indian context, where cultural and familial dynamics
are unique.
2. To investigate the role of extended family support in helping children
cope with the effects of divorcen families.
o In India, extended families often play a crucial role in raising
children. This objective explores how the involvement of
grandparents, aunts, and uncles affects children's emotional
recovery after divorce.
3. To explore the academic performance and social behaviour of
children from divorced families in urban and rural Indian settings.
o This objective aims to explore whether there are differences in how
children in urban vs. rural India adjust academically and socially
post-divorce, due to varying societal and educational support
structures.
These objectives will help explore the broader implications of divorce on
children within the specific cultural, social, and educational context of India.
Q 3. Formulate three descriptive objectives in your area of
research interest

Here are three descriptive objectives related to my area of research interest—

the impact of divorce on children:
1. To describe the changes in children's academic performance
following parental divorce in urban areas of India.
o This objective focuses on detailing how divorce affects academic
outcomes, such as grades, attendance, and engagement in school
activities, among children in urban Indian settings.
2. To describe the patterns of emotional and behavioural adjustments in
children aged 6-12 after parental divorce.
o This objective aims to document common emotional responses
(e.g., sadness, anger) and behavioural changes (e.g., aggression,
withdrawal) observed in children within this age group post-
divorce.
3. To describe the coping mechanisms adopted by children from
divorced families based on the gender of the custodial parent.
o This objective seeks to describe how the coping strategies of
children differ when they live primarily with their mother versus
their father, considering factors such as emotional support,
financial stability, and parental involvement.
These descriptive objectives focus on detailing the specific aspects of children's
lives affected by divorce, providing a clearer picture of the outcomes.
Q 4. Formulate three causal/explanatory objectives in your area
of research interest.

Here are three causal/explanatory objectives for my research area on the

impact of divorce on children:
1. To examine the causal relationship between parental divorce and
children's long-term mental health outcomes.
o This objective aims to explore how parental divorce directly
influences mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and
self-esteem over time.
2. To determine the effect of the frequency of parental conflict during
divorce on children's emotional stability.
o This objective investigates how the intensity and frequency of
conflict between parents during the divorce process affect
children's emotional well-being, looking at stress levels, emotional
resilience, and behavioural changes.
3. To analyse the relationship between post-divorce custodial
arrangements and children's academic performance.
o This objective seeks to determine how different custody
arrangements (sole custody, joint custody, or split custody) impact
children's academic achievements, such as grades and school
engagement, establishing a cause-effect link between custodial
stability and academic success.
These causal/explanatory objectives focus on uncovering the direct relationships
between various aspects of divorce and children's outcomes.
Q 5. Identify at least 10 constructs/ variables of your interest in
your area of specialization

In the context of Family Law, here are 10 constructs/variables that could be of

interest:
1. Parental Custody Arrangements:
o Types of custody (sole, joint, physical, legal) and their impact on
child welfare.
2. Child Support Compliance:
o The level of adherence to financial support orders by non-custodial
parents.
3. Divorce Rate Trends:
o Analysis of the increase or decrease in divorce rates and its
influencing factors.
4. Alimony Settlements:
o The factors influencing alimony decisions, such as duration of
marriage, financial status, and lifestyle.
5. Impact of Divorce on Children’s Education:
o Examining how divorce affects the educational achievements of
children in divorced families.
6. Cultural Attitudes Towards Divorce:
o Societal and familial perceptions of divorce across different regions
and religions.
7. Spousal Abuse and Divorce:
o The role of domestic violence in divorce cases and the legal
protections available to victims.
8. Legal Grounds for Divorce:
o Exploration of commonly cited legal reasons for divorce under
Indian family law, such as adultery, cruelty, and desertion.
9. Mediation Success Rates:
 o The effectiveness of mediation in resolving family disputes
compared to litigation.
10.Inheritance Rights in Divorce:
o How divorce affects inheritance rights under various personal laws
(Hindu, Muslim, Christian).
These variables can help explore different facets of family law, from legal
proceedings and societal attitudes to their effects on individuals, especially in
the Indian legal context.
Q6. Identify standard questionnaires/theoretical
models/framework to measure constructs/variables in my area of
interest (if required)

In the field of Family Law, various standard questionnaires, theoretical models,

and frameworks can be employed to measure the constructs and variables
identified. Below are some relevant tools and models:
Standard Questionnaires
1. Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL):
o This standardized questionnaire assesses emotional and
behavioural problems in children aged 6-18, making it useful for
studying the impact of divorce on children's mental health.
2. Parenting Stress Index (PSI):
o Measures stress in the parent-child system, which can be valuable
in understanding the dynamics of custody arrangements and
parental responsibilities post-divorce.
3. Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS):
o This scale assesses the quality of relationships between partners,
which can be relevant for examining spousal relationships before
and after divorce.
4. The Divorce Adjustment Scale:
o Specifically designed to measure how individuals adjust to divorce,
assessing emotional, social, and financial aspects.
5. Financial Stress Scale:
o Measures the financial stress experienced by individuals post-
divorce, useful for understanding alimony and child support issues.
6. Quality of Life Scale (QOLS):
o Evaluates the overall quality of life and can be used to assess the
well-being of individuals after divorce.
Theoretical Models and Frameworks
1. Attachment Theory:
 o This theory can provide insights into how the attachment styles of
parents affect children's emotional responses to divorce and their
subsequent relationships.
2. Family Systems Theory:
o Explains how families function as systems and how changes (like
divorce) impact the dynamics and interactions within the family.
3. Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner):
o This model emphasizes the importance of various environmental
systems (microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem)
influencing child development and adjustment post-divorce.
4. The Stress-Coping Model:
o This framework helps examine how individuals cope with the
stress of divorce, considering both personal and environmental
factors.
5. Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (Lazarus and Folkman):
o Focuses on how individuals assess stressors (like divorce) and the
coping strategies they employ, which can be useful for studying the
psychological impact on parents and children.
6. Legal Framework Models:
o Models that assess the effectiveness of legal frameworks in
resolving family disputes, such as the efficacy of mediation and
arbitration processes in family law.
Application of Tools
These questionnaires and models can be used in various research contexts,
including:
 Surveys: To gather quantitative data on emotional and behavioural
impacts of divorce on children and parents.
 Interviews: Qualitative research can be conducted using structured or
semi-structured interviews based on these frameworks to explore deeper
insights into family dynamics.
 Case Studies: Applying these theoretical frameworks to specific cases to
understand the broader implications of family law decisions on
individuals and families.
Utilizing these tools will enhance the rigor and depth of research in the area of
Family Law, providing valuable insights into the effects of divorce and other
related constructs.
Q 7. Generate at least two research ideas/problems

Here are two research ideas/problems related to Family Law, specifically

focusing on the impact of divorce on children and families:
Research Idea 1:
Title: The Impact of Parental Divorce on Children's Academic Performance in
Urban vs. Rural Settings
Research Problem: Investigate how parental divorce affects the academic
performance of children in urban versus rural settings. This study aims to
explore whether there are significant differences in educational outcomes based
on geographic location, considering factors like availability of educational
resources, social support systems, and parental involvement in children's
education post-divorce.
Research Idea 2:
Title: Exploring the Role of Mediation in Reducing Parental Conflict During
Divorce Proceedings
Research Problem: Examine the effectiveness of mediation as a conflict
resolution mechanism in divorce cases, focusing on its impact on reducing
parental conflict and its subsequent effects on children's emotional well-being.
This study will analyse the perceptions of parents who have undergone
mediation compared to those who have gone through traditional litigation,
assessing how these processes affect the psychological adjustment of children.
Q 8. Convert it into research questions

Here are the research questions derived from the two research ideas:
Research Idea 1:
Title: The Impact of Parental Divorce on Children's Academic Performance in
Urban vs. Rural Settings
Research Questions:
1. How does parental divorce affect the academic performance of children
in urban areas compared to those in rural areas of India?
2. What are the key factors (such as availability of educational resources,
social support systems, and parental involvement) that mediate the impact
of parental divorce on children's academic outcomes in urban and rural
settings?
3. Are there significant differences in the emotional and behavioral
adjustments of children post-divorce between urban and rural
environments, and how do these adjustments correlate with academic
performance?

Research Idea 2:
Title: Exploring the Role of Mediation in Reducing Parental Conflict During
Divorce Proceedings
Research Questions:
1. How does the use of mediation during divorce proceedings influence the
level of parental conflict compared to traditional litigation methods?
2. What are the perceptions of parents regarding the effectiveness of
mediation in managing conflict and facilitating communication post-
divorce?
3. How does the resolution of parental conflict through mediation impact the
emotional well-being and adjustment of children during and after the
divorce process?
Q 9. Formulate research objectives

Here are the research objectives formulated based on the research questions
from the two research ideas:
Research Idea 1:
Title: The Impact of Parental Divorce on Children's Academic Performance in
Urban vs. Rural Settings
Research Objectives:
1. To compare the academic performance of children from divorced
families in urban areas with that of children from divorced families
in rural areas of India.
o This objective aims to assess differences in grades, attendance, and
overall academic engagement between these two groups.
2. To identify and analyse the key factors that influence the academic
performance of children post-divorce in both urban and rural
settings.
o This includes exploring factors such as the availability of
educational resources, the role of social support systems, and
parental involvement in education.
3. To evaluate the emotional and behavioural adjustments of children
following parental divorce in urban and rural contexts and their
correlation with academic performance.
o This objective seeks to understand how emotional well-being and
behaviour affect educational outcomes in these different
environments.

Research Idea 2:
Title: Exploring the Role of Mediation in Reducing Parental Conflict During
Divorce Proceedings
Research Objectives:
1. To assess the impact of mediation on the levels of parental conflict
during divorce proceedings compared to traditional litigation
methods.
o This objective aims to quantify the differences in conflict levels
between parents who use mediation and those who go through
court proceedings.
2. To explore parents' perceptions of mediation as a conflict resolution
tool and its effectiveness in facilitating post-divorce communication.
o This involves gathering qualitative data on parents' experiences and
satisfaction with mediation processes.
3. To examine the effects of conflict resolution through mediation on the
emotional well-being and adjustment of children during and after the
divorce process.
o This objective aims to understand how successful mediation
contributes to better emotional outcomes for children compared to
traditional divorce methods.
Q 10. Formulate a tentative research topic/title(Must have all
three the research elements)

Here are two tentative research titles, each incorporating the three essential
research elements: research variables/phenomena, research environment,
and research participants.
Research Idea 1:
Tentative Research Title:
“The Impact of Parental Divorce on Children's Academic Performance: A
Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Settings”
 Research Variables/Phenomena: Parental divorce, academic
performance
 Research Environment: Urban and rural settings
 Research Participants: Children from divorced families

Research Idea 2:
Tentative Research Title:
“Exploring the Role of Mediation in Reducing Parental Conflict During
Divorce: Effects on Children's Emotional Well-Beingn Families”
 Research Variables/Phenomena: Mediation, parental conflict, children's
emotional well-being
 Research Environment: Indian families undergoing divorce proceedings
 Research Participants: Parents and children affected by divorce
Q 11. Come up with a conceptual framework

Creating a conceptual framework involves visually representing the

relationships between different constructs and variables involved in my
research. Here are the conceptual frameworks for both research ideas:
Research Idea 1:
Title: “The Impact of Parental Divorce on Children's Academic Performance:
A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Settings”
Conceptual Framework:
1. Independent Variable:
o Parental Divorce
2. Moderating Variables:
o Urban vs. Rural Setting
o Availability of Educational Resources
o Parental Involvement
o Social Support Systems
3. Dependent Variable:
o Children's Academic Performance
 Measured through grades, attendance, and overall
engagement in school.
4. Mediating Variables:
o Emotional and Behavioural Adjustments
 Emotional well-being (e.g., anxiety, depression)
 Behavioural changes (e.g., aggression, withdrawal)

Research Idea 2:
Title: “Exploring the Role of Mediation in Reducing Parental Conflict During
Divorce: Effects on Children's Emotional Well-Beingn Families”
Conceptual Framework:
 1. Independent Variable:
o Mediation vs. Traditional Litigation
2. Mediating Variables:
o Parental Conflict Levels
o Communication Quality between Parents
o Emotional Well-Being of Parents
3. Dependent Variable:
o Children's Emotional Well-Being
 Measured through emotional stability, anxiety levels, and
overall psychological adjustment.
4. Contextual Factors:
o Cultural Attitudes towards Divorce
o Socioeconomic Status of Families

Summary
 Research Idea 1: This framework illustrates how parental divorce
impacts children's academic performance through various moderating and
mediating factors, emphasizing the differences between urban and rural
settings.
 Research Idea 2: This framework outlines how mediation can reduce
parental conflict and subsequently influence children's emotional well-
being, considering the role of parental communication and emotional
states.
These frameworks will guide the research process by clarifying the relationships
between different constructs and the expected outcomes of the studies.
Q 12. Come up with a detailed working model

Creating a detailed working model for my research involves outlining the

specific steps and processes you'll follow to conduct my study. Here are
working models for both research ideas, focusing on methodology, data
collection, analysis, and anticipated outcomes.

Research Idea 1:
Title: “The Impact of Parental Divorce on Children's Academic Performance:
A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Settings”
Working Model
1. Research Design:
o Comparative Study: Utilize a quantitative approach to compare
academic performance between children from divorced families in
urban and rural settings.
2. Participants:
o Sample Size: Aim for a total of 200 children aged 6-15 from
divorced families (100 from urban areas and 100 from rural areas).
o Sampling Method: Use stratified random sampling to ensure
representation from different schools.
3. Data Collection:
o Instruments:
 Academic Performance Data: Collect school records (grades,
attendance) with permission from schools.
 Emotional and Behavioural Adjustments: Utilize
standardized questionnaires like the Child Behaviour
Checklist (CBCL) and Parenting Stress Index (PSI).
o Surveys/Interviews: Administer surveys to parents about their
involvement and available educational resources.
4. Variables:
o Independent Variable: Parental Divorce.
 o Dependent Variable: Children’s Academic Performance.
o Moderating Variables: Urban vs. Rural Setting, Parental
Involvement, Availability of Educational Resources.
5. Data Analysis:
o Use statistical software (e.g., SPSS or R) for analysis.
o Conduct comparative analysis (e.g., t-tests) to evaluate differences
in academic performance.
o Utilize regression analysis to determine the impact of moderating
variables on academic outcomes.
6. Expected Outcomes:
o Identify significant differences in academic performance between
urban and rural children from divorced families.
o Explore correlations between emotional/behavioural adjustments
and academic performance.
o Provide recommendations for educational interventions tailored to
the needs of children from divorced families in different settings.

Research Idea 2:
Title: “Exploring the Role of Mediation in Reducing Parental Conflict During
Divorce: Effects on Children's Emotional Well-Beingn Families”
Working Model
1. Research Design:
o Mixed-Methods Study: Combine quantitative and qualitative
approaches to gain comprehensive insights into the impact of
mediation on parental conflict and children's emotional well-being.
2. Participants:
o Sample Size: Target 150 families undergoing divorce (75 using
mediation and 75 going through traditional litigation).
o Sampling Method: Use purposive sampling to select participants
from family courts and mediation centres.
3. Data Collection:
 o Instruments:
 Parental Conflict Levels: Use the Conflict Resolution Styles
Inventory (CRSI).
 Emotional Well-Being: Administer standardized
questionnaires like the Strengths and Difficulties
Questionnaire (SDQ) for children.
o Interviews: Conduct semi-structured interviews with parents to
understand their experiences with mediation and its perceived
effectiveness.
4. Variables:
o Independent Variable: Type of Conflict Resolution (Mediation vs.
Traditional Litigation).
o Dependent Variable: Children’s Emotional Well-Being.
o Mediating Variables: Parental Conflict Levels, Communication
Quality, Emotional Well-Being of Parents.
5. Data Analysis:
o Quantitative Data: Use statistical software (e.g., SPSS) to perform
comparative analyses (e.g., ANOVA) to assess differences in
emotional well-being between groups.
o Qualitative Data: Analyse interview transcripts using thematic
analysis to identify common themes related to mediation
experiences.
6. Expected Outcomes:
o Determine the effectiveness of mediation in reducing parental
conflict compared to traditional litigation.
o Analyse how lower levels of parental conflict relate to improved
emotional well-being in children.
o Provide insights into the role of effective communication in
facilitating better outcomes for children in divorce scenarios.
Summary
 Research Idea 1: The working model outlines a quantitative comparative
study focusing on academic performance across urban and rural settings,
emphasizing data collection methods, analysis techniques, and expected
outcomes.
 Research Idea 2: The working model integrates both quantitative and
qualitative methods to explore the impact of mediation on parental
conflict and children’s emotional well-being, detailing participant
selection, data analysis, and anticipated findings.
These detailed working models will guide the research process, ensuring that all
aspects of the study are thoroughly planned and executed.
Q 13. Hypotheses (Formulate Associational and difference
hypotheses)

Here are formulated associational and difference hypotheses for both research
ideas regarding the impact of divorce on children in the context of Family Law.

Research Idea 1:
Title: “The Impact of Parental Divorce on Children's Academic Performance:
A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Settings”
Associational Hypotheses:
1. H1: There is a significant negative association between parental divorce
and children's academic performance in both urban and rural settings.
2. H2: Higher levels of parental involvement are positively associated with
better academic performance among children from divorced families.
Difference Hypotheses:
1. H3: Children from divorced families in urban areas will have
significantly different academic performance compared to children from
divorced families in rural areas.
2. H4: There will be a significant difference in the emotional and
behavioural adjustments of children from divorced families based on
whether they live in urban or rural settings.

Research Idea 2:
Title: “Exploring the Role of Mediation in Reducing Parental Conflict During
Divorce: Effects on Children's Emotional Well-Beingn Families”
Associational Hypotheses:
1. H1: There is a significant negative association between parental conflict
levels during divorce and the emotional well-being of children.
2. H2: Effective communication between parents post-divorce is positively
associated with the emotional adjustment of children.
Difference Hypotheses:
 1. H3: Children whose parents undergo mediation will demonstrate
significantly better emotional well-being compared to children whose
parents utilize traditional litigation for divorce.
2. H4: There will be a significant difference in the levels of parental conflict
experienced by families that utilize mediation compared to those that go
through traditional litigation.

Summary
These hypotheses provide a clear framework for testing the relationships
between variables in my studies, guiding my research design and analysis.
Associational hypotheses focus on the relationships between variables, while
difference hypotheses explore the comparative outcomes between distinct
groups.