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AN ASSIGNMENT
ON
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
UNIT-I

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY UNIT-1

1. What do you mean by research? Explain its significance in modern times.
Research:
Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. Research has its derivative from
French word Researche means search, quest, pursuit and search for truth. The word Research
has multiple meanings attributed to it like: The Advance Learners Dictionary of current English
defines research as a careful investigation or inquiry in search of new facts in any field of
study. Clifford Woody defines research as defining and re-defining problems, formulating hypothesis or
suggesting solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating data making deductions and reaching
conclusions and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating
hypothesis. Redman and Mory define research as a systemized effort to gain new knowledge.
The word research has its commonality with all meaning in the aspect of the idea of either recreation or creation of Knowledge. This commonality has caused research as an integral part in
academic activity of any branch of knowledge. C.R.Kothari states research as inquisitiveness that is
when the unknown confronts us, we wonder and our inquisitiveness makes us probe and attain fuller
understanding of the unknown therefore its inquisitiveness which is the mother of all knowledge and it
can be termed as research. D.Slesigner and M.Stephenson in the Encyclopedia of Social Sciences defines
research as an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge. Likewise research is pursuit of
truth with the help of study, observation, comparison and experiment. On compiling all the definitions
research can be defined in holistic understanding according to C.R.Kothari as systematic method
consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis , collecting the facts or data, analyzing
the facts and reaching certain conclusions either in the form of solutions towards the concerned.
Research Significance in Modern Times:

The significance of research can be well understood from famous American scientist Hudson
Maxims lines All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than overconfidence, for it
leads to inquiry, and inquiry leads to invention. Research inculcates scientific and inductive
thinking and it promotes the development of logical habits of thinking and organization. For
example, every business companies with the help of research evaluates and examines the gross
profit and the loss by which the ways and strategies are formulated. Research acts a prior role in
several fields of applied economics, whether related to business or to the economy as a
whole,has greatly increased in modern times. Research acts as an aid to economic policy and
plays an important role both for government and business. Research provides the basis for
nearly all government policies in our economic system. For example, governments budgets rests
in part on analysis of the needs and desires of the people and hence for this research aids
government to understand and examine the alternative policies needed for the people.

2. Explain difference between research method and research methodology

Research Method

1.Research methods may be understood as

all those methods/techniques that are used
for conduction of research .

Research Methodology

Research Methodology is a way to

systematically solve the research problems. It
is understood as science of studying how
research is done scientifically.

2.Research methods are techniques refers to

the methods researchers use in performing
research operations.

In this we study the various steps adopted by

the researcher in studying his research problem
along with the logic behind them

3.At times, a distinction is also made between

research techniques and research methods.
(a)Research techniques refer to the behavior and
instruments used in performing research operations
such as making observations, recording data,
techniques of processing data and the like.
(b)Research methods refer to the behavior and
instruments used in selecting and constructing
research technique.

Researchers needs to calculate the mode,

the median or the standard deviation or chisquare, how to apply particular research
techniques, but they also need to know which
of these methods or techniques are relevant
and what they mean and indicate and why.
Researchers need to indentify whether which
technique or methods will be applicable to
different kinds of problems .
Research methodology is not just use of

logic behind the methods we use in the

context of our research study and explain
why we are using that particular method or
technique and why we are not using others so
that result results are capable of being
evaluated either by the researcher himself
For Example
Library:
method:Analysis of historical
recording of notes, content analysis
tape and research record analysis.
Technique:Analysis of documents,
statistical compilations and
manipulations, reference and abstract.

For Example:An architect who is going

to design a building will evaluate numbers
like how many door, ventilators, and uses
particular materials and not others and the like
Likewise the researcher should specify what
he decides and why he decides so that others
too can evaluate.

3. A Research scholar has to work as a judge and derive the truth and not as a
pleader who is only eager to prove his case in favour of his plaintiff Discuss the
statement pointing out the objectives of research

The purpose of the research is to discover answers to questions through the application
of scientific procedures. A research scholar should strive to find out the truth which is hidden and
which has not been discovered yet. A research scholar has to work to create or recreate a
research. Like a judge who evaluates hidden underpinnings of the case around all aspects and
give justice (a new order). Unlike the pleader who researches not finding the hidden aspects but
creating anything to justify or satisfy the case in favour of the plaintiff whether it is truth or not,
according to one plaintiff thinking, by which there is no research happening. A Research has to
gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it. Like the judge who
understands the case, becomes familiar with the case and gives new insights to it as judgement.
Then, a research has to potray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or
a group. Like a judge who asks questions and evaluates the case accurately considering all the
aspects, unlike the pleader who is focused on one idea of pleading for the plaintiff irrespective of
truth. Then, to determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is
associated with something else. The judge on hearing the case tries to associate it with the other
older cases for which judgements were given by which the judge identifies the frequency of the
case and gives judgement accordingly relying on truth. Unlike the pleader who tries to just think
about pleading for the plaintiff irrespective of relying on truth. A researcher should be able to
understand the research process and its outcome whether it is true and reliable, likea judge whose
judgement is normally reliable unlike the pleader who pleads for all either reliable or not .

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4. Briefly describe the different steps involved in a Research process.
Research process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively
carry out research.

The

different steps involved

in

research

process are

1.Formulating the research problem, 2.Extensive Literature Survey, 3.Development

of working hypotheses, 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.Generalisations and interpretation, 11Preparation of the
report or the thesis.
1. Formulating the research problem: A researcher must single out what area he
wants to study , in his area of interest or aspect of a subject-matter that he would
like to enquire into. The best way of understanding the problem is to discuss it with
ones own colleagues or with those having some expertise in the matter. The
researcher must at the same time examine the literature on conceptual and
empirical literature basis. In conceptual basis, identifying the theories, and concepts
and in the empirical literature consisting of earlier studies based on the same
proposed idea.
2.Extensive literature survey: A researcher should have a brief summary of the
problem formulated written down. During this stage a researcher should undertake
extensive literature concerned with the problem. A researcher also would have to
submit a report to the concerned committee for doing Ph.d research approval. In
this process there is an extensive study should be made by using library and other
resources.
3. Development of working hypotheses: Working hypothesis is tentative assumption
made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences. The role of
hypothesis is to guide the researcher by delimiting the area of research and to keep
him right on track with the research. Developing working hypothesis by discussions
with colleagues, experts and examination of data and records, finding clues , review
of similar studies and exploratory personal investigation results in a-priori thinking
about the subject. This step will help towards the continuous course of research.
4. Preparing the research design: The researcher will have to state the conceptual
structure within which the research would be conducted. The function of research
design is important as it is helpful in providing information with relevant evidence

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and minimal expenditure of effort, time and money. All these can be achieved when
it depends on research purposes such as Exploration, Description, Diagnosis and
Experimentation. The preparation of a research design involves the means of
obtaining information ,the availability of skills of researcher and his staff, time
available for the research and the cost factor relating to research.
5 .Determining sample design: All the items under consideration in any field or
enquiry constitute a universe or population. A complete enumeration of all items in
the population is known as census enquiry. The sample design to be used for
research must be decided by the researcher taking into consideration the nature of
the inquiry and related factors. There are some techniques in research design such
as Deliberate sampling, Simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified
sampling, Quota sampling, Cluster sampling and area sampling, Multi stage
sampling and sequential sampling.
6. Collecting the data: In dealing with any real life problem the collection of
appropriate data is necessary. Primary data can be collected through experiment or
through survey. In the case of survey there are many ways by observation, through
personal interview, through telephone interview, by mailing of questionnaires and
through schedules. The researcher should select one of the methods of collecting
the data taking into consideration the nature of investigation, objective , financial
resources, available time and desired degree of accuracy.
7. Execution of the project: The researcher should see that the project is executed in
a systematic manner and in time. In case of survey or interviews,

clear and

possibly sincere answers to be collected. In the survey if some of the respondents

do not co-operate then suitable methods to be designed to tackle this problem. One
method of dealing with non-response problem is to make a list of the nonrespondents and take a small sub-sample of them. Then with the help of experts
vigorous efforts can be made for securing the response.

8. Analysis of data: After data has been collected the researcher turns to the task of
analyzing them. The researcher should classify the raw data into some purposeful
and useful categories. The analysis of data requires a number of closely related

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operations such as establishment of categories, the application of these categories
to raw data through coding , tabulation and then drawing groups. Coding operation
is done in this stage through which the categories of data are transformed into
symbols that may be tabulated and counted. Editing is the procedure that improves
the quality of the data for coding. Tabulation procedure is done where the classified
data is put in the form of tables. In analysis of data the researcher can analyse the
collected data with the help of various statistical measures.

9.Hypothesis testing,: After analyzing the data as stated above , the researcher has
to be in a position to test the hypothesis, if any, if he had formulated earlier. Do the
facts support the hypothesis or they happen to be contrary ? this is the usual
question that should be answered while testing hypothesis. Various tests such as
Chi square test, t-test, F-test, have been developed by statisticians for the purpose.
With the help of one or more tests as mentioned will result in either accepting the
hypothesis or rejecting it.

10.Generalisations and interpretation:

If a research is tested and upheld several

times, it may be possible for the researcher to arrive at finding new generalization,
i.e., build a theory. The real value os research lies in its ability to arrive at certain
generalizations. If a researcher has no hypothesis to start with then he might seek
to explain the findings on the basis of some theory. It is known as interpretation.
The interpretation process might lead to trigger off new questions which in turn may
lead to further researches.

11.Preparation of the report or the thesis: The researcher has to prepare the report
by keeping in mind some instructions
1. The layout of the report should be {a} The Preliminary pages; {b}The Main text ;
{c} The End matter.

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{a} The Preliminary pages should carry the date, acknowledgements and forward.
Then there should be contents followed by a list of tables and list of graphs and
charts, if any, given in the report.
2. {b} The Main text of the report should have Introduction , Summary of findings ,
main report and conclusion.
3. {c} At the end of the report the appendices should be enlisted . Bibliography
should also be given in the end. Index should also be given especially in the
published report

5. Explain the criteria of a good research

The criteria of a good research is that the purpose of the research should be clearly defined and
common concepts be used. Likewise the research procedure used should be described in
sufficient detail by which this permits another researcher to repeat the research for further
advancement. The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results
that are as objective as possible. The researcher should report with complete frankness by which
the flaws in procedural design and estimate their effects upon the findings. The analysis of data
should be adequately significant and the validity , reliability of the data should be checked. The
conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and limited to those
for which the data provide an adequate basis. Experienced research will have a greater
reputation. Some of the qualities of researcher is given below according to kothari
Systematic - This states that the research is structured with some specified steps, which are to
be followed in a specified sequence, according to the well defined set of rules. Systematic
characteristic of the research does not actually rule out creative thinking, but it does discourage
the use of guessing and intuition in order to arrive at conclusions.
Logical - This states that the research is guided by the rules of logical reasoning, and that the
logical process of induction and deduction are essential while conducting a research. Induction is
the process of reasoning from a part to the whole; while, deduction is the process of reasoning
from some premise to a conclusion that follows from that very premise. Besides, logical
reasoning enables the research to be more meaningful in the context of decision making.
Empirical - This states that the research is basically related to one or more aspects of a real
situation. Moreover, it deals with the concrete data, which provides a base for the external
validity of research results.
Replicable - This states that the research results should be allowed verification by replicating
their study, to thus build a sound basis for decisions.

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6. Research is much concerned with proper fact finding, analysis and evaluation. Do you

agree with this statement? Give reason in support of your answers.

Research is aimed at finding out the truth. To do research (i.e) to find out the truth a careful
investigation is required. For that investigation the research is more concerned about proper fact
finding, analysis and evaluation. Research has its three pillars as fact finding, analysis and
evaluation without which the authenticity of the research is lost. Research is well appreciated in
terms of its authenticity. Research is more concerned about authenticity and authenticity is more
concerned about proper fact finding, analysis and evaluation. Research starts with a question of a
problem. Then the problem is investigated and a solution is designed by the researcher. To
explain the problem and to explain the solution these three steps should be done like proper fact
finding, analysis and evaluation is mandatory. For example, In Tamilnadu there is agitation by
people against liquor. If a research is done on Can Tamilnadu become a liquor free state .Then
the researcher will research through the history of liquor business in the state and the present
condition of liquor business in the state. The researcher with the help of proper fact finding will
find the past and present condition of liquor business. Then the researcher will analyse the way
the business is carried out at present and the total profit government income through TASMAC.
Likewise, the researcher will evaluate the current situation if government closes TASMAC then
how will government suffer from business loss and will try to come with a new idea. The new
idea or solution might be focused on creating high class bars by the government for revenue.

Key Concepts in Research

Reliability and validity and deductivism and inductivism
Deductive research
Deductive research starts with a hypothesis or theory and then searches for evidence either to
support or refute that hypothesis or theory . Deductive research moves from general ideas or
theories to specific particular situations: the particular is deduced(arrived) from the general, e.g.
broad theories. For,e.g imagine if you want to learn what the word Professional meant to a
range of people. Then it is clear that the researcher should have a clear theoretical position prior
to collection of data. The researcher then researches the subject and discovers a number of
definitions for the term from number of professional associations.. This definition is testested on
number of people with help of questionnaire, structured interviews or group discussion. For
testing researcher should carefully select a sample of people on the basis of gender , age,
occupation. The data gathered should be collated and the results analysed and presented. This
approach offers researchers a relatively easy and systematic way of testing established ideas on a
range of people.
Inductive Research
Seeks to derive general principles, theories, or truths from an investigation and documentation of
single instances. Moves from particular situations to make or infer broad general ideas. Start with
talking to range of people asking for their ideas and definitions of prof. Then start to assemble
the common elements and then start to compare these with definitions gained from professional
associations. Coolated and analysed and presented. Arrive at a new definition or not-very less
time consuming, reward in terms-fresh way of looking at the subject.