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