RESEARCH

METHODOLOGY
MSc.-CS & MSc.- CA
Asst. Prof. Nidhi Menaria
CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION
TO RESEARCH
1. Research Methods
2. Analytical vs. Empirical Methods,
3. Surveys, Case Studies, Controlled Experiments,
4. Ethnography and Action Research,
5. Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods,
6. Choosing research methods,
7. Validity threats
RESEARCH METHODS IN
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Research Definition-
Search for knowledge.
Scientific and systematic search on specific topic.
Clifford Woody
Defining and
Redefining
Problem

Reaching Formulation of
Research Hypothesis
Conclusion

Collection,
Organising
and
Evaluation
of Data
TYPES OF RESEARCH
1. Descriptive Research-
1. What has happened and what is happening.
2. Does not entail "WHY" part of information
3. AKA- Ex Post Facto research.
4. No control over the variables.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
2. Analytical Research -
1. Use facts and information and do analysis on already
available information.
2. Make critical evaluation of the material
TYPES OF RESEARCH
3. Applied Research -
1. Finding a solution for an immediate problem.
2. Concrete solutions to be provided.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
4. Fundamental research
1. All research in general are fundamental research in
nature because all research ultimately aims at improving
or gaining knowledge.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
5. Quantitative Research -
1.Expreseed in terms of quantities/numbers.
2. eventually all research ultimately turns
onto quantitative research.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
5. Qualitative Research-
1. Done to identify underlying motives and
desires.
2. Attitude/opinion/ feeling/thinking.
3. Why people do what they do.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
6. Conceptual Research -
1. Develop new concepts or reintegrate original ones.
2. Usually, an abstract idea is generally implied.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
7. Empirical Research-
1. Relies on experiments or observation.
2. Seeks proof of everything.
3. Based on working hypothesis.
SIGNIFICANCE
OF RESEARCH
1. Provides basis of all government policies in our
economic system.
2. Solving various operational and planning problem.
3. Outlet of new ideas.
RESEARCH

METHOD METHODOLOGY
Techniques used. Strategy used.
RESEARCH PROCESS
1. Define research Problem
2. Review the literature
3. Formulate Hypothesis
4. Research Design
5. Collect Data
6. Analyse Data
7. Interpret and report
RESEARCH PROCESS
1. Define research problem-
o Define and redefine the research problem to make it more
precise and clearer .
o Rewrite the problem multiple times and rephrase it to make
one clear statement.
RESEARCH PROCESS
2. Literature Review -
1. Review concepts and theories.
2. Review previous research finding.
RESEARCH PROCESS
3. Develop Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis - H0
Alternate hypothesis- Ha/H1
RESEARCH PROCESS
4. Research Design-
1. Means of obtaining information.
2. Sample size.
3. Tools to analyze data.
RESEARCH PROCESS
5. Collecting the data
1. Type of data- primary or secondary
2. Method of data collection
RESEARCH PROCESS
5. Analysis of Data
6. Report writing
CRITERIA OF GOOD RESEARCH

(1) carrying out ethical research;

(2) importance of the research;
(3) clarity and coherence of the research report;
(4) use of appropriate and rigorous methods;
(5) importance of attending to researcher bias;
(6) importance of establishing validity or credibility;
and
(7) importance of verification or reliability.
CHALLENGES FACED BY
RESEARCHERS IN INDIA
1. Lack of Scientific Training​.
2.Lack of communication with the supervisor​.
3.Time management​.
4.Not having a definite deadline​.
5.A quantity of literature​.
6.Implementing quality of writing within the literature
review​.
7.Insuffi cient data​.
8.Concern that your focus is either still too broad or
SURVEYS
Surveys
• Systematic method for collecting data from a sample
population.
• Purpose: Gather quantitative data to understand
opinions, behaviors, or characteristics.
• Methods: Questionnaires, Interviews (structured, semi-
structured).
SURVEYS
• Advantages:
§ Can reach a large audience quickly.
§ Cost-eff ective.
§ Standardized data collection.
• Disadvantages:
§ Potential for response bias.
§ Limited depth of understanding.
CASE STUDY
• In-depth analysis of a particular case,
individual, group, or event.
• Purpose: Explore complex issues in real-life
contexts.
• Methods: Interviews, observations,
document review.
CASE STUDY
• Advantages:
• Provides detailed, rich qualitative data.
• Offers insights into unique situations.
• Disadvantages:
• Time-consuming.
• Not generalizable to broader populations.
CONTROLLED
EXPERIMENTS
• Research method where one variable is manipulated to
observe its effect on another variable, while keeping all
other variables constant.
• Purpose: Determine causal relationships between
variables.
• Methods: Random assignment, control groups,
experimental groups.
CONTROLLED
EXPERIMENTS
• Advantages:
• High level of control over variables.
• Can establish cause-and-effect relationships.
• Disadvantages:
• May lack ecological validity.
• Ethical concerns in some experimental designs.
ETHNOGRAPHY
• Definition: Qualitative research method focused on studying
cultures and communities through immersion and observation.
• Methodology: Involves participant observation, interviews,
and detailed field notes.
• Goal: Understand cultural norms, values, practices, and social
dynamics of a group.
• Application: Used to explore lived experiences, behaviors, and
interactions within a specific context.
ACTION RESEARCH
• Definition: Participatory research method aimed at solving
practical problems while generating new knowledge.
• Process: Involves cycles of planning, acting, observing, and
reflecting.
• Collaboration: Engages participants in identifying
problems and co-creating solutions.
• Outcome: Focuses on actionable results and continuous
improvement.
RESEARCH

ETHNOGRAPHY ACTION RESEARCH

1. For deep 1. For practical solutions.

understanding.
2. Action research
2. Ethnography observes intervenes and tests.
and describes.
3. Leads to actionable
3. Provides rich insights. outcomes
CHOOSING RESEARCH
METHODS
• Nature of Research: Is it exploratory, descriptive,
explanatory, or evaluative?
• Data Type: Will you be collecting quantitative data
(numbers, measurements) or qualitative data (words,
descriptions)?
• Access to Participants: Consider how easy or
difficult it is to access the population you want to
study.
CHOOSING RESEARCH
METHODS

• Time Constraints: Some methods require more time for

data collection, analysis, and interpretation than others.
• Research Setting: Whether it's a controlled environment
(like a laboratory) or a naturalistic setting (field research)
can influence your method choice.
• Research Paradigm: Are you more aligned with a positivist
(quantitative) or constructivist (qualitative) approach, or do
you prefer a mixed methods approach.
VALIDITY THREATS
• History: Unexpected events influencing study outcomes.
• Maturation: Natural changes in participants affecting results.
• Testing: Effects of pre-test or repeated measures.
• Instrumentation: Changes in measurement tools.
• Selection Bias: Non-random group differences.
• Ecological Validity: Differences between study and real-world
settings.
UNIT 2 - RESEARCH FRA
MEWORK
An Empirical Research Framework
Research Problems, Literature Reviews, Examples
RESEARCH PROBLEM
A research problem is a statement about
● an area of concern,
● a condition to be improved,
● a difficulty to be eliminated, or
● a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature,
in theory, or in practice that points to the need for
meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation
EXAMPLE
1. Why is productivity in Japan so much higher than in
India?
o What sort of productivity
o Time period not mentioned
o With what industry it is related.

2. To what extent did the labor productivity in 1971 to 1980 in

Japan exceed that of in India in steel manufacturing industry?
LITERATURE REVIEW
• Brief overview of the topic
• Importance and relevance of the topic
Problem Statement
• Clear definition of the research problem
• Research questions or hypotheses
LITERATURE REVIEW
Scope and Limitations
• Timeframe of the studies reviewed
• Types of sources included (journals, books, etc.)
• Any limitations or exclusions

Key Theories and Models

•Overview of relevant theories or models
•How they relate to your research topic
LITERATURE REVIEW
Gaps in the Literature
• Identified Gaps
 Areas where research is lacking
 Unanswered questions and underexplored areas
 CHAPTER 3 -
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH
• Quantitative research is a systematic investigation
that primarily focuses on quantifying phenomena by
collecting and analyzing numerical data. It aims to
o Identify patterns,
o Relationships, or
o Trends and
o Often involves the use of statistical techniques to test
hypotheses and draw conclusions.
SURVEY RESEARCH

Advantages of Survey Research

• Cost-Eff ective: Surveys can be conducted relatively cheaply,
especially online.
• Effi ciency: Allows for quick data collection from a large
number of respondents.
• Versatility: Can be used to study a wide range of topics.
• Generalizability: Results can be generalized to a larger
population if the sample is representative.
SURVEY RESEARCH

Limitations of Survey Research

• Response Bias: Participants may not always provide truthful or
accurate answers.
• Sampling Bias: Results may be biased if the sample is not
representative of the population.
• Limited Depth: Surveys may not capture detailed insights or the
underlying reasons behind responses.
• Question Design: Poorly designed questions can lead to
ambiguous or misleading answers.
EXPERIMENTAL
RESEARCH
Experimental research is a method of scientific
investigation that involves manipulating one or more
independent variables to determine their effect on one or
more dependent variables.
This method is used to establish cause-and-effect
relationships between variables
EXPERIMENTAL
RESEARCH
Advantages of Experimental Research
• Causal Inference: Allows for the establishment of cause-and-
effect relationships.
• Control: High level of control over extraneous variables,
increasing the internal validity of the study.
• Replicability: Can be replicated to verify results and ensure
reliability.
• Precision: Precise measurement and manipulation of variables
EXPERIMENTAL
RESEARCH
Limitations of Experimental Research
• Artificiality: Experimental settings may not reflect real-world
conditions, affecting external validity.
• Ethical Concerns: Some manipulations may be unethical or
impractical.
• Complexity: Designing and conducting experiments can be
complex and resource-intensive.
• Limited Scope: May not be suitable for studying all types of
research questions or phenomena.
CHAPTER 4

Data Analysis
DATA COLLECTION
1. Primary Data
2. Secondary Data
PRIMARY DATA
• Primary data collection involves gathering
o original data
o directly from sources
o for a specific research purpose.
This data is collected firsthand and is tailored to address
specific research questions or hypotheses.
TYPES OF PRIMARY
DATA
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Interviews
• Observations
• Experiments
• Focus group
• Delphi Technique
• Case study
• Ethnography
SECONDARY DATA
Secondary data collection involves using existing data that
has been collected by someone else for different purposes.
This data can be accessed through various sources such as
published research,
government reports,
organizational records, and
online databases
SECONDARY DATA
Advantages of Secondary Data Collection
• Cost and Time Effi cient: Lower cost and time investment
compared to primary data collection.
• Availability of Longitudinal Data: Access to historical data
allows for trend analysis over time.
• Breadth of Data: Wide range of data sources can provide
comprehensive insights.
• Ease of Access: Many secondary data sources are readily
available online or through libraries.
SECONDARY DATA
Limitations of Secondary Data Collection
• Relevance: Data may not perfectly align with the specific research
questions.
• Quality and Accuracy: Potential issues with data quality,
reliability, and validity.
• Lack of Control: Researchers have no control over how the data
was collected or recorded.
• Outdated Data: Data may be outdated, especially if it's from
older sources.
CHAPTER 5
Review Methods
REVIEW PAPER
1. Minimum 25 research paper reading
2. Write one concluding paragraph from each paper
3. Arrange each paragraph in chronological order.
THEMATIC REVIEW
1. Logical flow and cohesion.
2. Paraphrase with due credit.
3. When presenting conflicting reviews make sure the
reviews are valid.
4. Use as current sources as possible.
SAMPLING
IN RESEARCH
• Sampling is the study of population .
• Sampling in research refers to the process of selecting
a subset of individuals or items from a larger
population to participate in a study.
• The goal is to draw conclusions about the entire
population based on the characteristics and findings
from the sample
TYPES OF SAMPLING

1.Probability sampling
2.Non-Probability Sampling
PROBABILITY
SAMPLING
1. All have equal chance of getting selected.
2. Quantitative in nature
3. Deductive logic is used.
4. Level of significance is 1%.
5. SSSC - Simple, Stratified, Systematic, Cluster
PROBABILITY SAMPLING

Simple Probability Sampling

• Small Population
• Homogenous
• Example -
o Fishbowl method
o Lottery Method
PROBABILITY SAMPLING

Stratified Group Sampling - forming strata or groups

• Small Population
• Heterogenous
• Example - Class/ sections
PROBABILITY SAMPLING

Systematic Group Sampling -

Proper intervals = total population/no. of intervals
K = 5000/500
= 10 intervals
= every 10th object will be selected for study
PROBABILITY SAMPLING

Cluster Sampling -
• Large group of population.
• Divided into homogenous groups
• Only letter are kept in bowls and then selected
• Multi-stage cluster sampling
• Example - Indian blood group sampling based on states
NON- PROBABILITY
SAMPLING
• Random in nature
• Qualitative in Nature
• Level of Significance = 5%
• ACPSQ- Accidental, Convenience, Purposive, Snowball,
Quota
NON- PROBABILITY
SAMPLING
Accidental Sampling - Accidental sampling, also known
as haphazard sampling, is a non-probability sampling
method where the sample is drawn from the part of the
population that is close to hand or readily available.
This method is often used when quick, easy, and
inexpensive sampling is needed, although it comes with
significant limitations regarding the representativeness and
generalizability of the findings.
NON- PROBABILITY
SAMPLING

Convenience Sampling -
Sampling which is easily accessible.
NON- PROBABILITY
SAMPLING
Purposive or Judgemental Sampling -
Based on
 Hunch
 Specific Purpose
NON- PROBABILITY
SAMPLING
Snowball Sampling -
• AKA - Chain referred sampling
• When information is not enough or available
• Example – Teenager with drug issues
NON- PROBABILITY
SAMPLING
Quota Sampling -
Sampling is done based on various quotas such as age,
gender, occupation, income level, educational
qualification, religion, blood group etc.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
1. Basic/ Pure/ Fundamental -
For knowledge acquisition
Only 1 purpose
New theory/ principle is developed.
No practical application
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Applied Research -
• To solve practical problems
• Solution oriented
• Done by expert
TYPES OF RESEARCH
3. Action Research - Type of applied research only.
• Local problem is solved.
• No generalization only local problem is solved.
• Done by practitioner/ teachers/ Principals
• Immediate action.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
4. Quantitative Research - Always structured and planned
• Done to prove something
• Knowledge about it already exist.
• Deductive approach is followed- Knowledge
and solution applied on sample is applied
to population.
• Objective research
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Qualitative Research -
• Indepth and unstructured- based on discovery model.
• Spiral in nature
• Sample size is small.
• Subjective.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
5. Fixed Research -
• Rigid way of operation
• Not flexible
• Scientific
• Structured
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Mixed Research - Qualitative and quantitative
• Discover and prove
• Example – How much poverty and why
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Inductive Research - From particular to general
• Particular case- forms pattern - theory
• Flexible in nature
• No generalization
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Ethnography - Study of group of people
• Way of life – culture – language - values - beliefs -
attitude.
• Data Collection is done through Observation, interview,
questionnaire.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Historical Research - Study of past
Secondary data is used.
Critical evaluation - Internal as well as external criticism.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
Experimental Research -
Manipulation – observation - Control
Independent variable is manipulated
Example - Aquaponic and hydroponic gardens.
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that focuses
on understanding human experiences, behaviors, and
social phenomena from the perspective of those being
studied. It is often used in the social sciences, humanities,
and health sciences to explore complex issues that
cannot be quantified easily. The key characteristics and
types of qualitative research are as follows:
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
Nature of Qualitative Research
1. Exploratory
2. Descriptive
3. Subjective
4. Contextual
TYPES OF QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
Ethnography:
• Focus: In-depth study of cultures and communities
through direct observation and participation.
• Method: Researchers immerse themselves in the
environment and lives of the participants to understand
their practices, values, and behaviors.
• Example: Studying the daily life of a remote tribe in the
Amazon.
TYPES OF QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
Phenomenology:
• Focus: Exploration of lived experiences and the meanings
individuals attach to those experiences.
• Method: In-depth interviews are commonly used to
understand the essence of an experience from the
participant's perspective.
• Example: Investigating the experiences of patients living
with chronic pain.
TYPES OF QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
Grounded Theory:
• Focus: Development of a theory based on data
collected from participants.
• Method: Data is collected and analyzed simultaneously,
allowing theories to emerge from the data itself.
• Example: Developing a theory on how people cope with
natural disasters
TYPES OF QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH
Narrative Research:
• Focus: Exploration of stories or accounts to understand
how individuals make sense of their experiences.
• Method: Collection of personal stories through
interviews, letters, diaries, or autobiographies.
• Example: Analyzing life stories of individuals who have
overcome significant adversity.
Content Analysis:
• Focus: Systematic analysis of text, images, or media to
identify patterns, themes, or meanings.
• Method: Coding and categorizing qualitative data to
draw conclusions from the content.
• Example: Analyzing the portrayal of gender roles in
television advertisements.
 THE ART OF SCIENTIFIC
AND TECHNICAL WRITING
Writing research paper
1. Planning and Preparation
• Choose a Topic:
•Tip: Narrow down your research topic to something manageable and
specific.
•Example: Instead of "Impact of Technology on Education," focus on
"Impact of Augmented Reality on High School Science Education in
the year 2024."
WRITING RESEARCH PAPER

Conduct Thorough Research

• Tip: Use credible sources like academic journals, books,
and reputable websites.
• Example: Refer to databases like JSTOR or Google
Scholar for peer-reviewed articles on your topic.
Create a Strong Thesis Statement
• Tip: Your thesis should clearly state your research
question or argument.
• Example: "This paper argues that augmented reality
significantly enhances students' engagement and
learning outcomes in high school science."
Organize Your Paper Logically
• Tip: Structure your paper with a clear introduction,
body, and conclusion.
• Example: Start with an introduction that outlines the
purpose of your research, followed by sections on
literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion.
• Use Evidence to Support Your Arguments
• Tip: Back up your claims with data, quotes, or findings
from your research.
• Example: "According to a 2023 study by Smith et al.,
students using augmented reality scored 20% higher on
science tests compared to those who did not."
• Cite Sources Properly
• Tip: Follow the appropriate citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago,
etc.).
• Example: In APA format:

• APA (American Psychological Association)

 In-Text Citation:
 Format: (Author's Last Name, Year, Page Number)
 Example: (Smith, 2023, p. 45)
Write in a Clear and Concise Manner
• Tip: Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences; be
straightforward.
• Example: Instead of "The utilization of augmented
reality has been shown to be efficacious in educational
settings," say "Augmented reality improves learning in
schools."
Revise and Proofread
• Tip: Review your paper multiple times for grammar,
punctuation, and clarity.
• Example: Use tools like Grammarly or have a peer
review your paper for errors.
• Stay Within the Required Length
• Tip: Adhere to the word or page count specified by your
instructor or journal.
• Example: If the limit is 5,000 words, ensure your paper
is concise enough to meet this requirement.
• Develop a Strong Conclusion
• Tip: Summarize your findings and restate the significance of your
research.
• Example: "This research demonstrates that augmented reality is
a powerful tool for enhancing science education, offering new
ways to engage students and improve learning outcomes."