Post on 09-May-2015
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY :An Introduction
Meaning Of Research According to Redman and Mory, “ Research
is a systematized effort to gain new knowledge .”
According to M. Stephenson, “Research is the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art.”
Objectives Of Research To gain familiarity or achieve new insights on a
phenomena (exploratory/ formulative)
To portray characteristics of a situation/ group/ individual (descriptive)
To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else (diagnostic/ clinical)
To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between given variables (Hypothesis-testing)
Motivation in Research Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential
benefits.
Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems.
Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work.
Desire to be of service to society.
Desire to get respectability.
Types Of Research
Descriptive vs. Analytical Applied vs. Fundamental Quantitative vs. Qualitative Conceptual vs. Empirical One-time or Longitudinal Historical Research
Research Approaches Quantitative Approacho Inferential Approacho Experimental Approacho Simulation Approach
Qualitative Approach
Significance Of Research
It inculcates scientific and inductive thinking.
The role of research in several fields of applied economics has greatly increased today.
It provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our economic system.
It helps in solving various operational and planning problems of business and industry.
It helps in studying social relationships.
Research Methods versus Methodology
Research methods refer to the methods the researchers use in performing research operations where as
In Research methodology, we not only talk of the research methods but also consider the logic behind the methods we use in the context of our research study and explain why we are using a particular method or technique so that the results are capable of being evaluated.
Importance of Knowing How Research is Done
It helps in developing disciplined thinking or a ‘bent of mind’ to observe the field objectively.
It will inculcate the ability to evaluate and use research results with reasonable confidence.
It gives us the satisfaction of acquiring a new intellectual tool which can become a way of looking at the world and of judging everyday experience.
It helps us to take rational decisions.
Research Process Formulating the research problem
Extensive literature survey
Development of working hypothesis
Preparing the research design
Determining sample designo Deliberate Samplingo Simple random samplingo Systematic samplingo Stratified samplingo Quota samplingo Cluster samplingo Multi-stage samplingo Sequential sampling
Collecting the datao By observationo Through personal interviewo Through telephone interviewso By mailing of questionnaireso Through schedules (look up Appendix – 1)
Execution of the project
Analysis of data
Hypothesis-testing
Generalizations and interpretation
Preparation of the report or the thesiso Introductiono Summary of findingso Main reporto Conclusion
Criteria of Good Research Clearly defined purpose
Procedure should be described in sufficient detail
Carefully planned design
Researcher should report with complete frankness.
Adequate analysis of data
Proper conclusions
Experienced researcher
Systematic research
Logical research
Empirical research
Replicable research
Problems Encountered by Researchers in India
Lack of scientific training
Insufficient interaction
Lack of confidence Overlapping research studies
No code of conduct for researchers
Difficulty of adequate and timely secretarial assistance
Unsatisfactory library management and functioning at many places
Difficulty of timely availability of published data
Problem of conceptualization
End of Topic
Appendix - 1
Date and time of appointment
Name of medicine outlet
Contact person
Location Sector Number Back-up outlet name and contact details
March 23rd, 13h00
ABC Pharmacy
Mrs. Nguyen
45 Main Street
private 01 Main St.
Chemist
59 Main
Street
Eastern
City
Mr. Shah
Survey Area: Eastern Region
Sample schedule for data collection team