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1. Exploratory Research:
Purpose: To gain initial understanding of a phenomenon or issue.
Focus: Gathering preliminary information and insights.
Methods: Often involves qualitative methods like interviews, observations, and case
studies.
2. Descriptive Research:
Purpose: To accurately portray the characteristics of a particular individual, situation, or
group.
Focus: Describing and summarizing data to understand the "what" of a phenomenon.
Methods: Often involves surveys, observations, and statistical analyses.
3. Diagnostic Research:
Purpose: To determine the frequency and association between different variables.
Focus: Identifying the causes or underlying factors of a problem.
Methods: Often involves surveys, data mining, and statistical analyses.
4. Hypothesis-Testing Research:
Purpose: To test a specific hypothesis or theory about a causal relationship between
variables.
Focus: Determining if there is a cause-and-effect relationship between two or more
variables.
Methods: Often involves experiments, controlled studies, and statistical tests.
Types of research
Analytical:
o Involves analyzing existing information to draw conclusions.
Qualitative:
o Deals with qualities and descriptions.
Empirical:
o Based on observation and experience.
5. Other Types
One-time vs. Longitudinal: One-time research is conducted at a single point in time,
while longitudinal research is conducted over an extended period.
Field vs. Laboratory vs. Simulation: Research can be conducted in real-world
settings, controlled laboratory environments, or simulated situations.
Exploratory vs. Formalized: Exploratory research aims to generate hypotheses, while
formalized research tests specific hypotheses.
Historical Research: Studies past events and ideas using historical sources.
Conclusion-Oriented vs. Decision-Oriented: Conclusion-oriented research focuses
on expanding knowledge, while decision-oriented research aims to provide information
for decision-making.
Research approaches:
1. Quantitative Approach:
Focus: Deals with numbers and measurements.
Methods:
o Inferential: Studies a sample to draw conclusions about the larger population. (e.g.,
surveys)
o Experimental: Manipulates variables to observe their effects. (e.g., controlled
experiments)
o Simulation: Creates an artificial environment to study a system's behavior. (e.g.,
computer simulations)
2. Qualitative Approach:
Focus: Deals with qualities, opinions, and attitudes.
Methods:
o Subjective assessment: Relies on researcher's insights and interpretations.
o Techniques: Focus group interviews, projective techniques, in-depth interviews.
In simpler terms:
Quantitative:
o Focuses on "how much" or "how many."
Qualitative:
o Focuses on "why" or "how."
Research is the foundation of knowledge and provides guidelines for solving problems in various fields..
here's the significance of research summarized in points:.
Progress: Research is essential for progress in any field. It helps us discover new
things and improve our understanding of the world.
Thinking Skills: Research encourages scientific and logical thinking, which is beneficial
in various aspects of life.
Decision Making: Research provides valuable information for making informed
decisions in government, business, and other areas.
Government Policy: Research helps create effective government policies by analyzing
data on social and economic issues.
o This includes areas like budgeting, resource allocation, and program development.
Business Operations: Research helps businesses solve problems and make better
decisions through market research, motivational research, and operations research.
o Market research helps understand customer needs and preferences.
Social Sciences: Research is crucial for social scientists to study social relationships
and solve social problems.
Knowledge and Understanding: Research can be driven by the desire for knowledge
and a deeper understanding of the world.
Personal Benefits: Research can be a path to a higher degree, a career in research, or
a source of creative inspiration.
Difference between Research Methods and Research Methodology:
In essence:
Research Methods are the how-to of research, the specific techniques used to gather
and analyze data. 1
Research Methodology is the why and how of using those methods, the overall
framework and rationale behind the research approach.
The relationship between Research and Scientific Method :
The scientific method provides the framework and principles that guide this
investigation.
The scientific method is a set of principles and procedures for conducting research.
Ensures the collection and analysis of data in a systematic and rigorous manner.
In essence:
Research Process
The research process is a systematic approach to conducting research, involving a series of steps to
ensure effective and efficient investigation.
The research process flow chart in points:
The researcher clearly identifies the specific research question or issue they want to
investigate.
This helps understand previous research findings, identify gaps in knowledge, and
refine the research question.
The researcher examines relevant theories and concepts that are applicable to the
research problem.
Based on the literature review and theoretical framework, the researcher formulates
testable hypotheses.
These are educated guesses or predictions about the relationship between variables.
The researcher collects data according to the research design and data collection
methods.
The researcher interprets the findings, draws conclusions, and reports the results of the
study in a clear and concise manner.
The "F" feedback loop indicates that the research process may involve iterative steps.
The researcher may need to revisit earlier stages based on the findings at later stages.
The "FF" feedback loop signifies that the research process is guided by criteria and
standards for evaluation.
In essence:
This flowchart illustrates a cyclical and iterative process, where each step informs and
influences the subsequent steps. The researcher continuously evaluates and adjusts
their approach as they progress through the research process.
Formulating a research problem
1. Identify and Define the Research Problem
Recognize the Issue: Start with a general area of interest.
Narrow Down: Refine the broad topic into a specific research question.
Clarify Ambiguities: Ensure the problem is clearly defined and free from any
vagueness.
2. Assess Feasibility
Consider Resources: Evaluate if you have the necessary time, budget, and expertise
to address the problem.
3. Understand the Problem Thoroughly
Consult Experts: Discuss the problem with colleagues, supervisors, or those with
relevant knowledge.
Review Literature: Examine existing research (conceptual and empirical) to
understand the context and identify available resources.
4. Rephrase the Problem Analytically
Operationalize: Translate the general problem into specific, measurable terms.
Define Terms: Clearly define any key terms or concepts used in the research.
5. Importance of Problem Formulation
Guides the Research Process: A well-defined problem determines:
o Data Collection: What data to collect and how.
o Data Analysis: What relationships to explore and how to analyze the data.
o Research Methods: The appropriate research techniques to use.
o Reporting: The structure and content of the final report.
Extensive literature survey
It's the overall plan or structure that guides your research process.
It's like a blueprint that outlines how you'll collect, analyze, and interpret data to answer
your research question.
Why is it Important?
Efficiency: A well-designed research study ensures you collect the right data with
minimal effort, time, and cost.
Validity and Reliability: It helps to minimize bias and maximize the accuracy and
trustworthiness of your findings.
Focus: It keeps your research on track and prevents you from getting sidetracked.
Types of Research Purposes and Designs
1. Exploration:
o Purpose: To gain a better understanding of a phenomenon or issue.
o Design: Flexible and open-ended, allowing for the exploration of various aspects of the
problem.
2. Description:
o Purpose: To accurately describe a situation or phenomenon.
o Design: Emphasizes minimizing bias and maximizing the reliability of data collection.
3. Diagnosis:
o Purpose: To identify the causes or underlying factors of a problem.
o Design: Often involves in-depth investigation and analysis of specific cases.
4. Experimentation:
o Purpose: To test cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
o Design: Involves manipulating variables and controlling for extraneous factors.
Certainly, here's a breakdown of the points on determining sample design in an easy-to-
understand format:
Sample Design
A plan for selecting a subset of the population for your research.
Determines how you will choose the individuals or units that will be included in your
study.
Types of Sampling
Probability Sampling: Each member of the population has a known chance of being
selected.
o Simple Random Sampling: Every individual has an equal chance of being chosen.
o Systematic Sampling: Selecting every nth individual from a list.
o Stratified Sampling: Dividing the population into subgroups (strata) and then sampling
from each stratum.
o Cluster Sampling: Dividing the population into clusters and then randomly selecting
clusters.
o Multi-stage Sampling: Combining multiple sampling methods (e.g., selecting states,
then cities, then individuals).
Non-probability Sampling: The probability of selecting each member is unknown.
o Convenience Sampling: Selecting individuals who are easily accessible.
o Judgment Sampling: Selecting individuals based on the researcher's expertise.
o Quota Sampling: Selecting individuals to fill predetermined quotas for certain
subgroups.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sample Design
Nature of the Research: The purpose and objectives of the study.
Population Characteristics: The size, diversity, and accessibility of the population.
Resources: Time, budget, and available personnel.
Desired Level of Accuracy: The level of precision required for the research.
expensive)
Telephone Interviews: Conducting interviews over the phone. (Limited by telephone
5
access)
Mail Surveys: Sending questionnaires to respondents through the mail. (Relies on
respondent participation)
Surveys using Schedules: Enumerators visit respondents and collect data using
prepared schedules. 6
Hypothesis Testing
What is Hypothesis Testing?
A statistical method used to determine if the results of a study are statistically significant
or due to chance.
Uses statistical tests (e.g., t-test, chi-square test, ANOVA) to determine if the evidence
supports rejecting the null hypothesis.
The Process:
1. Formulate Hypotheses:
o Null Hypothesis (H0): A statement of no effect or difference.
o Alternative Hypothesis (H1): A statement that contradicts the null hypothesis.
2. Choose a Statistical Test: Select the appropriate test based on the research question
and the type of data.
3. Set a Significance Level: Determine the level of significance (e.g., 0.05, 0.01) which
represents the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is actually true.
4. Calculate the Test Statistic: Calculate the value of the chosen test statistic using the
sample data.
5. Determine the Critical Value: Find the critical value from the appropriate statistical
table based on the significance level and degrees of freedom.
6. Compare the Test Statistic to the Critical Value:
o If the test statistic is greater than the critical value (or less than the negative critical
value), reject the null hypothesis. 1
o If the test statistic is less than or equal to the critical value (or greater than or equal to 2
o Acknowledgements
o Foreword
o Table of Contents
o List of Tables
Main Text:
o Introduction:
Research objectives
Methodology
Scope of study
Limitations
o Summary of Findings:
Concise and non-technical summary of key findings and recommendations.
o Main Report:
Detailed presentation of research findings in a logical and organized manner.
o Conclusion:
Summary of key conclusions and their implications.
End Matter:
o Appendices: Technical data and supporting documents.
o Bibliography: List of all sources consulted.
o Index: (Optional) For published reports.
2. Writing Style:
Concise and Objective: Use clear and direct language, avoiding jargon and vague
expressions.
Clarity and Brevity: Present information in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.
3. Visual Aids:
Use Sparingly: Use charts and illustrations only when they enhance clarity and
understanding.
4. Reporting Constraints:
Confidence Limits: Include information on the level of confidence in the research
findings.
Limitations: Acknowledge any limitations or constraints encountered during the
research.
Academics lack practical insights, while businesses struggle to apply research findings.
Lack of coordination among researchers leads to duplication of effort and inefficient use
of resources.
The absence of a code of conduct for researchers can lead to unethical practices and
inter-institutional rivalries.
Researchers often face delays in their work due to lack of adequate support staff and
computing resources.
Poorly managed libraries hinder researchers' access to necessary resources and waste
valuable time.
Libraries, especially those located outside major cities, face delays in receiving crucial
government documents.
The availability and consistency of published data from government agencies vary
significantly, creating challenges for researchers.
By addressing these challenges, Bangladesh can significantly improve the quality and
impact of research conducted within the country.