INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
Research and experimental development is formal
work undertaken systematically to increase the
stock of knowledge, including knowledge of
humanity, culture and society, and the use of this
stock of knowledge to devise new applications It
is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the
results of previous work, solve new or existing
problems, support theorem, or develop new
theories.
DEFINATION OF RESEARCH
Systematic investigation into a problem or situation, where the intention is to identify facts and/or opinions that will assist in solving the problem or dealing with the situation
"Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue".
It consists of three steps:a) Pose a question,b) collect data to answer the question,c) present an answer to the question.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
1) Fundamental research :
Fundamental research means experimental or theoretical work under taken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without any direct practical application or use in view."
2) Quantitative research :
Quantitative research aim to measure the quantity or amount and compares it with past records and tries to project for future period.
3) Applied Research:
Aims at solving specific problems
Aims at establishing policy programs that will help to improve social life
Types of applied research are action research,, cost-benefit analysis, evaluation research
4) Longitudinal research:
Longitudinal’ is a broad term. It can be defined as research in which: (1) data are collected for two or more distinct periods (implying the notion of repeated measurements);(2) the subjects or cases analysed are the same, or at least comparable, from one period to the next period.
5) Qualitative Research:
This type of research aims at discovering the
underlying motives & desires of human
behaviour. using indepth interviews for this
purpose.
6) Action Research:
It is application of fact findings to practicalproblem solving in a social situation with aview to improve quality of action within it,involving collaboration and cooperation ofresearchers, practitioners and laymen.
7) Descriptive Research:
Usually it forms preliminary study of a
research project.
It aims at describe social events, relations and
events.
It provides background information about an
event in question.
8) Classification research:
It aims at categorization of units into groups
To demonstrate differences
To explain relationships
9) Comparative Research: To identify similarities and differences between
units at all levels.10) Exploratory Research: It aims at gaining information about an issue in
hand.11) Explanatory Research: It aims at explaining social relations and
eventsm &To build, test or revise a theory.12) Causal Research: Causal Research explores the effect of one thing
on another and more specifically, the effect of one variable on another. The research is used to measure what impact a specific change will have on existing norms and allows market researchers to predict hypothetical scenarios.
Objectives of research
Research extends knowledge
Research establishes generalizations and general laws
Research verifies and tests
General laws developed through research
Research analyze inter-relationships
Applied research aims at finding solutions
It aims to develop tools, concepts
Rational decision making
Steps of research
Formulating the research problem
Although the problem is identified in a broader perspective, it needs to be defined specifically in terms of what is to be researched. It is important to define the problem in a precise manner. A well defined problem gives the researcher a proper direction for carrying out investigation. It also helps in utilizing the resources provided for the research effectively.
Extensive literature survey
At this juncture the researcher should undertake extensive literature survey connected with the problem.
Developing the hypothesisA hypothesis is a statement based on some
presumptions about the existence of a relationship between two or more variables that can be tested through empirical data.A hypothesis normally makes the research question clearer to the researcher.
Preparing the research designPlanning the research design is a crucial step in the research design process. A research design is the actual frame work of research that provides specific details regarding the process to be followed in conducting the research.
Determining sample designA sample design is a definite plan determined before any data are actually collected for obtaining a sample form a given population.Types of sample designsi. Deliberate sampling ii. simple random samplingiii.Systematic sampling iv. stratified samplingv. Quota sampling vi.Cluster sampling vii. Multi-stage sampling viii. sequential sampling
Collecting the data
In dealing with any real life problem it is often found that data at hand are inadequate and hence it become necessary to collect the data which differ considerably in context of money costs, time and other resources at the disposal of the researcher.
Primary data
secondary data
Execution of the project
The researcher should see that the project is executed in a systematic manner and in time. The steps should be taken to ensure that the survey is under statistical control so that the collected information is in accordance with the pre-determined standards of accuracy.
Analysis of data
The most important aspect of data analysis is to convert the data collected into a format which will facilitate the manager in effective decision making.
Editing
Coding
Hypothesis testing
If there is any hypothesis , the next step is to test it. Various tests such as Chi-square test, t-test, F-test has been developed by statisticians for this purpose.
Generalisations and interpretation As a matter of fact, the real value of research lies in its ability to arrive at certain generalisations. If the researcher had no hypothesis to start with, he might seek to explain his findings on the basis of some theory.
Preparation of the report for presentation of the resultsFinally, the researcher has to prepare the report of what has been done by him. Writing of report must be done with great care keeping in view the following: layout reports should be written in concise charts and illustration calculated confidence limits must be mentioned
METHODS OF RESEARCH
1.Experimental method
Laboratory
Variables
Degree of control
Value of an experiment
2.Observational method
3.Survey method
4.Case studies
5.Test method
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Statement of the problem
Objective of the study
Scope of study
Methodology