1.

Meaning of Research

 Defini on: Research is a systema c and scien fic method for exploring unknowns and
finding answers. It is defined as "a careful inves ga on or inquiry, especially through the
search for new facts in any branch of knowledge."

 Purpose: The goal of research is not just to find informa on but to contribute new
knowledge, advancing understanding through study, observa on, comparison, and
experimenta on.

2. Objec ves of Research

 Exploratory Research: Aims to gain new insights and understanding about a

phenomenon that is not well-defined. It’s o en the first stage of research, helping
researchers explore ideas more thoroughly.

 Descrip ve Research: Focuses on accurately describing characteris cs of a group, event,

or situa on. It typically involves surveys or observa onal methods to provide an in-
depth snapshot.

 Diagnos c Research: Examines the frequency of a specific condi on or associa on,

helping determine pa erns or rela onships between different factors.

 Hypothesis-Tes ng Research: Aims to test the cause-and-effect rela onship between

variables to confirm or disprove hypotheses.

3. Types of Research

 Descrip ve vs. Analy cal:

o Descrip ve: Involves surveys and observa ons to portray the current state of
affairs. The researcher does not have control over variables; it focuses on what is
happening.

o Analy cal: Relies on data that is already available and involves analyzing this
data to cri cally evaluate and explain the subject.

 Applied vs. Fundamental:

o Applied Research: Seeks to address and solve immediate, prac cal problems,
o en within organiza ons or society.

o Fundamental Research: Pursues generaliza ons and theore cal knowledge,

contribu ng to broader understandings in fields like science or social sciences.

 Quan ta ve vs. Qualita ve:

o Quan ta ve: Measures quan es and uses sta s cal techniques to analyze
data. Common in fields where data can be represented numerically.
 o Qualita ve: Explores quali es and mo va ons, commonly used in behavioral
sciences to understand human behavior. Techniques include in-depth interviews
and projec ve methods.

 Conceptual vs. Empirical:

o Conceptual Research: Related to abstract ideas or theories, o en used by

philosophers to develop or redefine concepts.

o Empirical Research: Based on observed and measurable evidence, o en relying

on experiments and observa on to reach conclusions.

4. Research Methods vs. Methodology

 Research Methods: Refers to techniques or tools used to conduct research, including

data collec on (e.g., surveys, experiments) and data analysis methods.

 Research Methodology: Encompasses not only the methods but also the reasoning
behind choosing specific methods. It includes understanding which techniques are
relevant to the study, how to use them, and why one method might be preferred over
another.

5. Research Process

 Steps in the Research Process:

o Defining the Research Problem: Iden fy and precisely outline the issue to be
studied, dis nguishing between research problems related to states of nature or
variable rela onships.

o Literature Review: Survey exis ng studies and theories related to the research
topic, helping to refine the problem and iden fy poten al gaps.

o Hypothesis Development: Propose hypotheses that can be tested through

research. Hypotheses are essen al for guiding the research focus and
determining which data is needed.

o Research Design: The blueprint for the research, detailing the methods and
procedures for data collec on and analysis. It includes planning for data
collec on, considering sample size, and selec ng relevant tools.

o Sample Design: If the en re popula on cannot be studied, a representa ve

sample is selected using probability (e.g., random sampling) or non-probability
(e.g., quota sampling) methods.

o Data Collec on: Methods include observa ons, interviews, surveys, and
experiments. The choice depends on the research’s nature and goals.

o Data Analysis: Organize and analyze the collected data, o en through coding,
tabula on, and sta s cal tes ng to derive pa erns and significance.
 o Hypothesis Tes ng: Use sta s cal tests (e.g., Chi-square, t-test) to confirm or
reject the hypotheses.

o Generaliza on and Interpreta on: Based on results, make generaliza ons or

interpreta ons that contribute to theore cal understanding or prac cal
applica on.

o Report Prepara on: Compile the findings in a structured report, including an

introduc on, summary of findings, conclusions, and references.

6. Research Problem Defini on

 Components of a Research Problem:

o Iden fica on of a Difficulty: An issue or situa on that requires a solu on.

o Objec ves: Clearly defined goals or outcomes that the research aims to achieve.

o Alterna ve Solu ons: Different approaches to solving the problem.

o Doubt About Solu ons: Research is required because the best solu on is unclear.

o Specific Context: The environment or context that frames the research problem.

7. Criteria of Good Research

 Systema c: Structured and follows a defined sequence.

 Logical: Based on logical reasoning processes, such as induc on (from specifics to

general conclusions) and deduc on (from general principles to specifics).

 Objec ve: Avoids bias, with data and findings presented as objec vely as possible.

 Adequate Analysis: Uses appropriate methods for data analysis and ensures validity and
reliability of the data.
1. Research Approaches

 Quan ta ve Approach: Involves genera ng numerical data that can be analyzed

sta s cally. This approach includes:

o Inferen al: Collects data from a sample to infer characteris cs about a larger
popula on.

o Experimental: Involves manipula ng one variable to see its effect on another,

allowing for more control.

o Simula on: Uses ar ficial environments to model real-life scenarios, commonly

used in business and social sciences.

 Qualita ve Approach: Focuses on subjec ve assessments of a tudes, behaviors, and

mo va ons. Data is o en non-numerical, and the analysis relies on techniques like in-
depth interviews, focus groups, and observa ons.

2. Significance of Research

 Advancement of Knowledge: Research is essen al for developing new theories,

expanding knowledge, and answering unexplored ques ons.

 Prac cal Applica ons: In economics, business, and policy, research helps solve
opera onal and strategic problems. For instance, governments use research to shape
policy, allocate resources, and understand social or economic condi ons.

 Decision-Making Tool: For businesses, research provides cri cal data that can inform
decisions in marke ng, budge ng, and forecas ng, replacing guesswork with data-driven
insights.

 Social Science Applica ons: Research in social sciences helps understand human
interac ons and rela onships, providing both theore cal insights and prac cal solu ons
to social issues.

3. Difference Between Research Methods and Methodology

 Research Methods: Refers to specific techniques or tools for conduc ng research, like
surveys, experiments, and data analysis.

 Research Methodology: Includes both the methods and the reasoning behind their
selec on. Methodology examines why certain techniques are chosen, ensuring they suit
the research problem and allow for the most accurate results.

 Purpose: Methodology helps researchers understand which tools or methods are

appropriate for their problem and provides a structured plan for conduc ng research in
a systema c way.

4. Research and Scien fic Method

  Scien fic Method: An approach to research focused on objec ve, systema c
observa on, experimenta on, and reasoning. The scien fic method uses logical
reasoning, empirical evidence, and structured processes to reach reliable conclusions.

 Key Principles:

o Empirical Evidence: Relies on observable, measurable facts rather than opinions

or beliefs.

o Objec vity: Free from bias; conclusions are based solely on data.

o Replica on: Findings should be repeatable by other researchers, reinforcing

reliability.

o Probabilis c Predic ons: Emphasizes accuracy in predic ng outcomes within a

given probability, rather than absolute certainty.

5. Importance of Knowing How Research is Done

 Training and Skill Development: Understanding research methodology equips students

and researchers with tools for collec ng and analyzing data, making it possible to
conduct reliable research.

 Evalua on Skills: Knowledge of research techniques allows individuals to cri cally

evaluate the quality and reliability of research findings.

 Prac cal Problem-Solving: Those trained in research methodology are be er equipped

to use research in prac cal se ngs, like policy-making, community work, and business
decisions.

 Intellectual Development: Research methodology fosters a logical and objec ve

approach to understanding the world and making informed decisions.

6. Research Problem Selec on and Defini on

 Selec ng the Research Problem:

o Relevance: The problem should be relevant, address an exis ng gap, and

contribute value to the field.

o Feasibility: Ensure that the problem is within the researcher’s scope in terms of
knowledge, resources, and me.

o Interest: Choosing a problem that aligns with the researcher’s interests can
increase mo va on and dedica on.

 Defining the Research Problem:

o Clarity: A well-defined problem provides a clear focus for research, making it

easier to determine relevant data and methodologies.
o Boundaries: Set specific limits to the problem to ensure the research is
manageable and specific.

o Techniques:

 General Statement: Begin by sta ng the problem in broad terms.

 Understand the Nature: Discuss the problem with experts or individuals

familiar with the subject.

 Literature Review: Survey exis ng research to understand what has

already been explored.

 Rephrase as a Working Hypothesis: Clarify the research problem in

prac cal, testable terms.