Basic Concepts of Research Methodology

DEFINITION OF RESEARCH:
Simply to say, Research is a scientific way of answering questions and testing
hypothesis. More elaborately to say, Research is the systematic and objective analysis and
recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations,
principles, or theories, resulting in prediction and possible control of events.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH:
Scientific research is a systematic, controlled, empirical, amoral, public and critical
investigation of natural phenomena guided by theory and hypotheses about the presumed
relations among such phenomena.

AIMS/ OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH:

The main objective of a research is to find out answers to questions through the
application of scientific procedures. Furthermore, each research has its own specific purpose.
Research objectives may include but are not limited to following groupings:
i. Assessment: To observe the situation and infer results.
ii. Exploration: To uncover the reality facing a problem
iii. Evaluation: To measure the level of existence.
iv. Examination: To test the existence.
v. Comparison: To compare and contrast between given variables.
vi. Estimation: To project probable level of happening.
vii. Propagation: To declare a concept, theory, system or model for application or policy
making.

Research Methods:
All the methods or techniques that are used for performing a research process are called
Research Methods. Research methods can be classified as follows:
i. Methods related to the data collection;
ii. Statistical techniques used to analyze research questions;
iii. Methods used to evaluate the accuracy of the results obtained through statistical
techniques.

Research Methodology:
Research methodology is a way of solving systematically the research problem. It is
actually a science on how a research is done scientifically. A research methodology should
answer the following questions;
i. Why a research study has been undertaken? What is the motivation of the
research?
ii. What is the problem statement? How is it defined?
iii. What data have been used and how have the data been collected?
iv. What statistical or econometric method has been conducted?
v. What is the contribution of the research?
vi. What is the significance of the research?
vii. What are the implications?
 Fundamental Differences between Research Method and Research Methodology

Research Method Research Methodology

Research methods are the methods used by A Research methodology is systematic approach to solve
researchers to collect data to conduct the research problem and to reach a new conclusion.
research on a particular research topic.
The objective of the research method is to The objective of the research methodology is to determine
find the solution. the solution by applying correct procedures of research.

Research methods are useful to apply Research methodologies are applied in the initial stage of
during the latter stage of the research the research being conducted.
process.
Research methods are small part of research A Research methodology is a multi-dimensional concept.
methodology.
Research methods consist of various Research methodologies are used applied during the initial
techniques where various studies and stage of the research to explain the purpose of chosen
experiments are used to conduct research methods and how they will serve its function.
and reach an appropriate conclusion.
Research methods consist of different Research methodologies are a systematic strategy to
investigation techniques. achieve the decided objective.
Research method encompasses of carrying Research methodology encompasses different techniques
out an experiment, survey, test and so on. which are used during the performance of the experiment,
surveys, and test, etc.

CRITERIA OF A GOOD RESEARCH:

A good research need to satisfy the following criteria:
i. The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts
should be used.
ii. The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit
another researcher to repeat the research for further advancement, keeping the
continuity of what has already been attained.
iii. The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results
that are as the objective as possible.
iv. The researcher should report with complete frankness, explain all flaws in the
procedural design and estimate their effects on the findings.
v. The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and
the methods of analysis used should be appropriate. The validity and reliability of
the data should be checked carefully.
vi. Conclusions should be confined to those parts justified by the data of the research
and limited to those for which the data provide an adequate basis.
vii. Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced, has a
good reputation in doing research and is a person of integrity.
QUALITIES OF A GOOD RESEARCH:
In a more systematic way, the qualities of a good research can be stated as follows:
i. OBJECTIVE: A good research must answer the research question.
ii. CONTROL: A good research must be able to control all variables.
iii. GENERALISABILITY: Generate similar result when used other method.
iv. BIAS FREE: Research should be free from personal bias. It should be based on objective
and not on subjective matter.
v. SYSTEMATIC: A good research study must have various well planned steps, i.e. all
steps must be interrelated and one step should lead to another step.
vi. LOGICAL: This implies that research is guided by the rules of logical reasoning and the
logical process of induction and deduction are of great value in carrying out a research.
Induction is the process of reasoning from a part to the whole whereas deduction is the
process of reasoning from some premise to a conclusion which follows from that very
premise. In fact, logical reasoning makes research more meaningful in the context of
decision making.
vii. EMPIRICAL: A research is related basically to one or more aspects of a real situation
and deals with concrete data that provides a basis for external validity to the research
results.
viii. REPLICABLE: This characteristic allows research results to be verified by replicating
the study and thereby building a sound basis for making decisions.

Classification of Research
Basis Of
Research Types Synopsis
Classification
Means description of the state of affairs as it exists at
Descriptive Research present. Researcher only reports only what has happened
or what is happening
In exploratory research, the main idea is to obtain close
Exploratory Research insights and knowledge regarding the issue which is
studied.
Analytical or explanatory research is an extension of the
descriptive research. The researcher not only describes
the issue, but also analyses and explains the reasons why
Analytical Explanatory or how the issue being studied happened. The important
Research elements of Analytical explanatory research are
Based on Research Identification, Controlling, Exploring causal links among
Purpose factors
Predictive research aims to generalize findings from the
analysis. It provides ‘how’, ‘why’ and ‘where’ answers to
Predictive Research current events and also to similar events that may occur in
the future. It is also helpful in situations where ‘what if’
questions are being asked.
Concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e. phenomenon
Based on the Qualitative Research relating to or involving quality or kind
Research Process Based on the measurement of quantity or amount.
 Quantitative Research Applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms
of quantity
Aims at finding solution for an immediate problem facing
Applied Research
Based on the a society or an industry/ business organizations
Research Outcome Mainly concerned with generalizations and with the
Pure/Basic Research formulation of a theory.
The deductive approach involves beginning with a theory,
Based on the Deductive Research developing hypotheses from that theory, and then
Research Logic collecting and analyzing data to test those hypotheses.
The inductive approach involves beginning with a set of
Inductive Research empirical observations, seeking patterns in those
observations, and then theorizing about those patterns.
Related to some abstract ideas or theory. Used by
Conceptual research philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or re-
interpret existing ones
Miscellaneous Relies on experience or observations alone, often without
Empirical Research due regard for system and theory
Historical research utilizes historical sources such as
Historical Research documents, remains, etc. in order to study events or ideas
from the past, including the philosophies of persons and
groups at any remote point of time.

Research Proposal:
A research proposal is a concise and coherent summary of your proposed research.
Main steps in preparing a research proposal:
I. Introduction
II. Background and Significance
III. Literature Review
IV. Research Design and Methods
V. Preliminary Suppositions and Implications
VI. Conclusion
VII. Citations

By
Masum Ebne Abdun Nur
Department of Statistics
SUST
Deputy Director
Bangladesh Bank