RESEARCH

METHODOLOGY
UNIT 1
 UNIT I
Syllabus-
Introduction: Concept, Types of Research,
Characteristics of Good Research;
Research Process; Problem Identification,
Formulation of Business Research Objectives
 What is Research?
Question /
Search for Knowledge

Scientific
Method

Contribution to
Knowledge A process of determining, acquiring, analyzing,
synthesizing, and disseminating relevant business
data, information, and insights to decision
makers in ways that mobilize the organization to
Scientific and systematic search for take appropriate business actions that,
pertinent information in turn, maximize business performance
 Research
Research is an activity which is systematic and objective in
nature conducted for the purpose of improving decision making
related to
• Identification of problem;

• Collection and analysis of data;

• Dissemination and use of information; and

• Identification and solution of problems and exploration

of opportunities in market.
 Research
Research is thus the process of a systematic and in-depth study or
search of any particular topic, subject or area of investigation, involving
collection, compilation, presentation and interpretation of relevant details or
data.

It is a careful search or inquiry into any subject matter, which is an

endeavor to discover to find out valuable facts which would be useful for solving
problems or improving existing solutions to problems.

The research that involves scientific analysis would result in the

formulation of new theories, the discovery of new techniques, modification of
old concepts or a knocking-off an existing theory, concept or technique.
 Characteristics of a Research
1. Directed toward the solution of a problem.
2. Highly purposive,
3. Logical and objective.
4. Carefully recorded and reported.
5. Emphasizes the development of generalization of principles or theories
6. Based upon observable experience or empirical evidence.
7. Involves a set of hypotheses concerning explanation of a phenomenon.
8. Demands accurate observation and description.
9. Involves gathering new data from primary sources, or using existing data
10. Requires expertise
11. Research applies every possible test to validate the procedures employed, the
data collected and the conclusions reached.
 Research Objectives
• To gain familiarity with the phenomenon to achieve new
insights into the subject;
• To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular
individual, situation or group;

• To determine the frequency with which something occurs;

• To test the hypothesis of a causal relationship between

variables; and
• To improve precise information necessary to address the
research problem.
 Purpose / Significance of Research

a. Progress & Good life f. Purposive Development

b. Development of scientific g. Problem Solving
attitude h. Schematic evaluation
c. Creativity & Innovativeness i. Impact Analysis
d. Establishing Theories j. Methodological Improvement
e. Prediction & Control
 Research Approaches
Research
Approaches

Qualitative Quantitative
Concerned with subjective assessment Data in quantitative form which can be
of attitudes, opinions and behavior subjected to statistical analysis

Simulation
Inferential Experimental Involves construction of an
To form a database from which Some variables are artificial environment within
to infer characteristics or manipulated to observe their which relevant information and
relationships of population effect on other variables data can be generated
 Types of Research
• Descriptive vs. Analytical
• Applied vs. Fundamental
• Quantitative vs. Qualitative
• Conceptual vs. Empirical
• Other Types of Research
 Descriptive vs Analytical
Descriptive (Also known as Ex-Facto – What is observed?)
▪ Survey Based Data
▪ Description of the problem that exists at present (simply present the
situation)
▪ Fact Finding on
• Frequencies (of preference)
• Comparison of Variables
• Correlations
• Past , present & future
Analytical
▪ Already available resources are analysed. (dissection for factors, co-
relationship, effectiveness etc. )
 Fundamental vs Applied
Fundamental/Basic/Pure
▪ Generalisations of Ideas
▪ Establishment of a new theory or evaluation of an existing
theory is the thrust of pure research.
▪ Exploring Reasons in
• Natural Sciences
• Common Human Behaviour
Applied/Action
▪ Application of the fundamentals
▪ Finding a solution for an immediate problem
 Quantitative vs Qualitative
Quantitative
▪ Measurement
▪ Amount
▪ Volume

Qualitative
▪ Qualitative Phenomenon like Reasons of Happenings
▪ Underlying Motives
▪ Desires
 Conceptual vs Empirical
Conceptual
▪ Abstract Ideas
▪ Reinterpretation
▪ New Thoughts

Empirical
▪ Data Based
▪ Evidence
▪ Conclusive
 Other Types of Research
• Laboratory Research
• Simulation Research
• Historical Research Vs. Futuristic Research
• Exploratory Vs. Explanatory
• Case Study Vs. Survey
• Longitudinal Vs. Cross-Sectional
• Experimental Vs. Desk
• Prescriptive ( classify good or bad )
• Synthetical Research
Significance of Research in Social Sciences
Social sciences refer to business, commerce, demography, psychology,
sociology, etc. Research in social sciences arena deals with the behavior of
people in their different roles, such consumers, competitors, producers,
executives, salesperson, leaders, workers, followers, teachers, students, opinion-
makers, etc. It deals with the systematic method of discovering new facts or of
verifying old facts, their sequence, inter-relationship, casual explanations and the
natural laws which cover them.

The following points bring out the significance of research in social

sciences;
- Problem Solving
- Societal behavior
- Development of Methodology
- Societal development & Control
- Societal welfare
 Research Method Vs. Research 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. It includes not only 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

*At times, a distinction is also made between research techniques and research methods. Research techniques
refer to the behavior and instruments we use in performing research operations such as making observations,
recording data, techniques of processing data and the like. Research methods refer to the behavior and
instruments used in selecting and constructing research technique.
 Research is a Scientific Method , why ??
A scientific method encourages a rigorous, impersonal mode of procedure
dictated by the demands of logic and objective procedure.”

Basic postulates can be stated as under:

• It relies on empirical evidence;
• It utilizes relevant concepts;
• It is committed to only objective considerations;
• It aims making only adequate and correct statements about population objects;
• It results into probabilistic predictions;
• Its methodology is made known to all concerned for critical scrutiny
• It aims at formulating most general scientific theories.

There are different forms of scientific method.

These are: historical & futuristic, descriptive &
prescriptive, pure & applied, deductive &
inductive and so on.
 Characteristics of Good Research
• Purpose clearly defined
• Concepts can commonly be used
• Procedures should be described
• Procedures should be well designed to meet the Objectives
• Researcher should be frank to mention the flaws of research
• Analyst of data should be adequate to reveal significance
• Conclusions in the light of objectives
• Greater confidence in research
In simple words, a Good Research is..
Systematic
Logical
Empirical
Replicable
Problems Encountered by Researchers in India
• Lack of scientific training
• Insufficient Interaction – Dissatisfactory Liaison
• Concept of Secrecy
• Availability of published data
• Problem of Conceptualization
• the difficulty of adequate and timely computing assistance
Research Process
 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.
Problem Identification

The entire research is centred on what problem is identified.

Review of Environmental Changes

Generation of Issues

Studying Issues in the Light of Environmental Changes

Discussion with Management (Subject Influenced)

Identification of Problem
 Formulation of Business Research Objectives
Research objectives are solution directed approach to the research
problem.

• Explore the nature of the problem

• Review the environment

• Explore the variables

• Consider the research questions and limitations

• Specify the research objectives

Thank you !!