CH.

1
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS RESEARCH
===========================================
1.1 Research
1.1.1 Introduction
Research may be very broadly defined as systematic gathering of data and information
and its analysis for advancement of knowledge in any subject. Research attempts to find
answer intellectual and practical questions through application of systematic methods.

Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines research as "studious inquiry or examination; esp:

investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts,
revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of
such new or revised theories or laws". Some people consider research as a movement, a
movement from the known to the unknown.

It is actually a voyage of discovery. We all possess the vital instinct of inquisitiveness for,
when the unknown confronts us, we wonder and our inquisitiveness makes us probe and
attain full and fuller understanding of the unknown. This inquisitiveness is the mother of
all knowledge and the method, which man employs for obtaining the knowledge of
whatever the unknown, can be termed as research.

1.1.2 Meaning of Research

Research is, thus, an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for
its advancement. It is the per suit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison
and experiment. In short, the search for knowledge through objective and systematic
method of finding solution to a problem is research. The systematic approach concerning
generalization and the formulation of a theory is also research. As such the term ‘research’
refers to the systematic method consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a
hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analyzing the facts and reaching certain
conclusions either in the form of solutions(s) towards the concerned problem or in certain
generalizations for some theoretical formulation.

1.1.3 Definition of Research

Research is defined as careful consideration of study regarding a
particular concern or problem using scientific methods. According to
the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie, “research is a systematic
inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed
phenomenon. It involves inductive and deductive methods.”

The Department of Education and Training defines research as

follows:

Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use

of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate
new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include
synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads
to new and creative outcomes.

1.1.4 Objectives of Research

The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the

application of scientific procedures. The main aim of research is to find out the
truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered as yet. Though each
research study has its own specific purpose, we may think of research objectives
as falling into a number of following broad groupings:

1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it

(studies with this object in view are termed as exploratory or formulative
research studies);
2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or
a group (studies with this object in view are known as descriptive research
studies);
3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is
associated with something else (studies with this object in view are known as
diagnostic research studies);
4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies
are known as hypothesis-testing research studies).

1.1.5 Significance of Research

Research is important because it helps us to understand the world around us

and to find solutions to problems. It helps us advance knowledge and develop
new technologies.

Research is essential to the academic community, as it helps scholars build on

previous knowledge and advance their understanding of the world. It is also
important to the general public, as it can help solve problems and improve our
quality of life.

There are many different types of research, each with its importance. Basic
research helps us understand the world around us, while applied research takes
that knowledge and uses it to solve problems. Clinical research is important for
developing new medical treatments, while social science research can help
improve our understanding of human behavior.

The Role of Research in the Advancement of Knowledge

The advancement of knowledge is essential to the progress of society.
Research plays a critical role in this process, as it helps us to understand the
world around us and identify potential solutions to problems.
Without research, we would be reliant on outdated information and would be
unable to identify new opportunities for innovation. The role of research is
therefore essential in ensuring that we can continue to make progress as a
society.

The Significance of Research in the Development of

New Technologies

The development of new technologies would not be possible without research.

By definition, research is the systematic investigation into a particular subject to
find new information or verify existing knowledge. In other words, it is the
process of asking questions and seeking answers.

Without research, we would not have any new technologies or advances in

knowledge. Even the most basic technologies we take for granted, such as the
wheel or fire, were the result of someone’s research. And without research, we
would not be able to solve problems or understand the world around us.

The importance of research is therefore clear. It is essential for the

advancement of knowledge and the development of new technologies. It helps
us to understand the world around us and to find solutions to problems.

1. Understanding the World Around Us:

Research helps us to understand the world around us. It allows us to ask
questions and find answers to them. It also helps us to understand the
relationships between things and to see the world in new ways.

2. Finding Solutions to Problems:

Research is often used to find solutions to problems. It can help us to identify
new problems and to find ways to solve them. It can also help us to develop
new technologies and products that can make our lives better.
3. Developing New Technologies:
Research is essential for the development of new technologies. Without
research, we would not have many of the devices and products that we take for
granted today, such as computers, cell phones, and medical treatments.

4. Advancement of Knowledge:
Research plays a vital role in the advancement of knowledge. It allows us to
build on what we already know and to discover new things. This is especially
important in fields such as medicine, where advances in research can lead to
new treatments and cures for diseases.

1.1.6 Types of Research

Types of research can be classified in many different ways. some major ways of
classifying research include the following.

Descriptive versus Analytical Research

Applied versus Fundamental Research
Qualitative versus Quantitative Research
Conceptual versus Empirical Research

Descriptive Research concentrates on finding facts to ascertain the nature of

something as it exists.

In Contrast Analytical Research is concerned with determining validity of

hypothesis based on analysis of facts collected.

Applied Research is carried out to find answers to practical problems to be

solved and as an aid in decision making in different areas including product
design, process design and policy making.
Fundamental Research is carried out as more to satisfy intellectual curiosity,
than with the intention of using the research findings for any immediate
practical application.

Quantitative Research studies such aspects of the research subject which are
not quantifiable, and hence not subject to measurement and quantitative
analysis.

In Contrast Quantitative Research makes substantial use of measurements and

quantitative analysis techniques.

Conceptual Research is involving investigation of thoughts and ideas and

developing new ideas or interpreting the old ones based on logical reasoning.

In Contrast Empirical Research is based on firm verifiable data collected by

either observation of facts under natural condition or obtained through
experimentation.

Some Other Types of Research: All other types of research are variations of one
or more of the above stated approaches, based on either the purpose of
research, or the time required to accomplish research, on the environment in
which research is done, or on the basis of some other similar factor.

Form the point of view of time, we can think of research either as One-Time
Research or Longitudinal Research. In the former case the research is confined
to a single time-period, whereas in the latter case the research is carried on over
several time-periods.

Research can be Field-Setting Research or Laboratory Research or Simulation

Research, depending upon the environment in which it is to be carried out.
Research can as well be understood as clinical or diagnostic research. Such
research follows case-study methods or in-depth approaches to reach the basic
causal relations. Such studies usually go deep into the causes of things or events
that interest us, using very small samples and very deep probing data gathering
devices.

The research may be exploratory or it may be formalized. The objective of

Exploratory Research is the development of hypotheses rather than their
testing, whereas formalized research studies are those with substantial
structure and with specific hypotheses to be tested.

Historical Research is that which utilizes historical sources like documents,

remains, etc. to study events or ideas of the past, including the philosophy of
persons and groups at any remote point of time.

Research can also be classified as conclusion-oriented and decision-oriented.

Conclusion Oriented Research, while doing conclusion, a researcher is free to
pick up a problem, redesign the enquiry as he proceeds and is prepared to
conceptualize as he wishes.

Decision Oriented Research is always for the need of a decision maker and the
researcher in this case is not free to embark upon research according to his own
inclination.

Operations Research is an example of decision-oriented research since it is a

scientific method of providing executive departments with a quantitative basis
for decisions regarding operations under their control.

1.1.7 Criteria of Good Research

Whatever may be the types of research and studies; one thing that is important
is that they all meet on the common ground of scientific method employed by
them. One expects scientific research to satisfy the following criteria:

1. The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts
bemused.
2. 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.
3. The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield
results that areas objective as possible.
4. The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural
design and estimate their effects upon the findings.
5. 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.
6. Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research
and limited to those for which the data provide an adequate basis.
7. Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced,
has a good reputation in research and is a person of integrity.

In other words, we can state the qualities of a good research as under:

1. Good Research Is Systematic: It means that research is structured with

specified steps to be taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the
well-defined set of rules. Systematic characteristic of the research does not
rule out creative thinking but it certainly does reject the use of guessing and
intuition in arriving at conclusions.
2. Good Research Is 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 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.
3. Good Research Is Empirical: It implies that 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 research results.
4. Good Research Is Replicable: This characteristic allows research results to be
verified by replicating the study and thereby building a sound basis for
decisions.

1.1.8 Features of Good Research

1. Good Research Is Anchored on A Sound Research Question.

A sound research question is one of the most important characteristics of good
research. In 2010, Farrugia et al. proposed that developing a research question
is the most important step in doing a research project.

A good research question details exactly what a researcher wants to learn and
defines a study’s scope. By formulating a good research question, researchers
can ensure that they stay on track during the course of their study. In most
cases, the research question influences the rest of the steps a researcher takes
during his or her study as well.

However, the formulation of a research question is often easier said than done.
As such, numerous frameworks–like the FINER and PICO criteria–have been
invented to help researchers formulate sound research questions.

For instance, Cummings et al. (2013) suggest using FINER criteria to create or
evaluate a research question. According to this set of criteria, a good research
question is:
  F – feasible
 I – interesting
 N – novel
 E – ethical
 R – relevant

2. Good Research Follows A Systematic, Appropriate Research Methodology.

The overall quality and success of a research study are largely determined by the

research methodology it uses. Choosing an appropriate Research

Methodology helps ensure that researchers can collect relevant data and use the

right data analysis methods.

Research methodology refers to the systematic procedures or techniques a

researcher uses to ensure that his study achieves valid, reliable results (Jansen &

Warren, 2020). Research methodologies are often classified into qualitative

research, quantitative research, and mixed-methods research.

 Qualitative Research Methodology involves collecting and analyzing non-

numerical data, such as language to interpret subjects’ beliefs, experiences, and

behaviors (Pathak et al., 2013). Qualitative research techniques include interviews,

focus groups, and case studies.

 Quantitative Research Methodologies involve the collection and analysis of

numerical data to discover patterns, test relationships, and make predictions

(Bhandari, 2021a). In doing quantitative research, surveys, experiments, and

systematic observation can be used to collect accurate data.

 Mixed-Methods Research Methodologies combine quantitative and qualitative

methods. According to Wisdom and Cresswell (2013), combining quantitative and

qualitative research methodologies “permits a more complete and synergistic

utilization of data than do separate quantitative and qualitative data collection and

analysis.”
Researchers must consider a variety of factors in choosing the best methodology

for their study. In most cases, research questions and objectives play a significant

role in defining the most appropriate research methodology to use.

Researchers should also take into account the methods currently used by other

researchers in their specific field. For instance, studies have shown the increasing

use of mixed-methods research in the health sciences. In their 2019 article “Mixed

methods and survey research in family medicine and community health”

published in the Family Medicine and Community Health journal, Cresswell and

Hirose observed how surveys were used in combination with focus groups on

resident physicians’ communication and collaboration competencies:

“Thus, the authors in the Sonnenberg et al. study used an explanatory sequential

mixed methods design to examine the ability of the IP clinicians to provide

feedback to pediatric residents during their rotation. Using survey research in the

first phase, the researchers compared IP supervisors and physician supervisors in

terms of communication and if collaborative training objectives were met. …Then,

in the second phase, the researchers conducted follow-up qualitative focus

groups to probe a contextual understanding of the factors that influenced the

process of assessment.”

3. Good Research Acknowledges Previous Research On The Topic.

While good research leads to the discovery of new knowledge, it also means

studying previous research on the topic. By studying scholarly articles and other

works related to your subject of interest, you get an idea of what has already been

studied and how your study fits into existing research.

Exploring previous research can also ensure that you’re not duplicating existing

work. Related literature can also shed light on potential obstacles and issues

researchers may encounter during their studies.

Given the importance of studying research related to one’s topic, most academic

research projects (like theses or dissertations) feature a literature review. A

literature review describes and objectively evaluates scholarly articles, books, and

other sources relevant to a particular field of study, helping readers gain a full

understanding of the topic at hand.

4. Good Research Uses Relevant, Empirical Data And Proper Data Analysis
Methods.
One of the most important qualities of a good research study is that it deals with

empirical data. Empirical data is data that has been collected by researchers

themselves through observation, experience, or experimentation (Bradford,

2017). This is crucial in doing good research because empirical data is considered

objective, unbiased evidence.

Good research doesn’t stop with the collection of empirical data, the data

collected must be analyzed properly as well. The type of data collected largely

determines the right data analysis method to use.

Quantitative data, for instance, is usually analyzed through descriptive statistics

or inferential statistics (Humans of Data, 2018). These statistics can help

researchers find figures to summarize variables, find patterns, and make

predictions. On the other hand, the analysis of qualitative data involves identifying

and interpreting patterns and themes in textual data. Common analysis methods

for qualitative data include content analysis, narrative analysis, and thematic

analysis (Warren, 2020).

Using these analysis methods, you can interpret quantitative or qualitative data

to answer your research question.

5. Good Research Is Representative And Generalizable.
Criteria of good research include being representative. In research,

representativeness refers to a sample’s ability to represent a larger group. This

means the characteristics of the subjects (people) being studied closely match

those of the study’s target population (Austin Research, 2014).

In most cases, representativeness can be achieved through population sampling

(Economic Research and Social Council, n.d.). By using proper methods to create

a representative sample, researchers can ensure that their findings can be

generalized to the larger population represented.

1.1.9 Steps in Scientific Research Process

Before embarking on the details of research methodology and techniques, it

seems appropriate to present a brief overview of the research process. Research
process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out
research and the desired sequencing of these steps.

The chart shown in Figure well illustrates a research process.

The chart indicates that the research process consists of a number of closely
related activities, as shown through I to VII. But such activities overlap
continuously rather than following a strictly prescribed sequence. At times, the
first step determines the nature of the last step to be undertaken. If subsequent
procedures have not been taken into account in the early stages, serious
difficulties may arise which may even prevent the completion of the study. One
should remember that the various steps involved in a research process are not
mutually exclusive; nor are they separate and distinct. They do not necessarily
follow each other in any specific order and the researcher has to be constantly
anticipating at each step in the research process the requirements of the
subsequent steps. However, the following order concerning various steps
provides a useful procedural guideline regarding the research process:

1. Formulating the Research Problem

The first step in the process is to identify a problem or develop a research

question. The research problem may be something the agency identifies as a
problem, some knowledge or information that is needed by the agency, or the
desire to identify a recreation trend nationally. The selection of topic for research
is a difficult job. When we select a title or research statement, then other activities
would be easy to perform. So, for the understanding thoroughly the problem it
must have to discuss with colleagues, friend, experts and teachers. The research
topic or problem should be practical, relatively important, feasible, ethically and
politically acceptable.

2. Literature Survey

After the selection of research problem, the second step is that of literature mostly
connected with the topics. The availability of the literature may bring ease in the
research. For this purpose, academic journals, conference and govt. reports and
library must be studied.
A thorough examination of the relevant studies is essential to the research
process. It enables the researcher to identify the precise aspects of the problem.
Once a problem has been found, the investigator or researcher needs to find out
more about it.
This stage gives problem-zone background. It teaches the investigator about
previous research, how they were conducted, and its conclusions. The researcher
can build consistency between his work and others through a literature review.
Such a review exposes the researcher to a more significant body of knowledge
and helps him follow the research process efficiently.
3. Formulating the Hypothesis

Formulating an original hypothesis is the next logical step after narrowing down
the research topic and defining it. A belief solves logical relationships between
variables. In order to establish a hypothesis, a researcher must have a certain
amount of expertise in the field.
It is important for researchers to keep in mind while formulating a hypothesis that
it must be based on the research topic. Researchers are able to concentrate their
efforts and stay committed to their objectives when they develop theories to guide
their work.
The development of hypothesis is a technical work depends on the researcher
experience. The hypothesis is to draw the positive & negative cause and effect
aspects of a problem. Hypothesis narrows down the area of a research and keep a
researcher on the right path.

4. Preparing the Research Design

After the formulation of the problem and creating hypothesis for it, research
Design is to prepare by the researcher. It may draw the conceptual structure of
the problem. Any type of research design may be made, depend on the nature and
purpose of the study. Daring R. Design the information about sources, skill, time
and finance is taken into consideration.

It is a is the plan for achieving objectives and answering research questions. It

outlines how to get the relevant information. Its goal is to design research to test
hypotheses, address the research questions, and provide decision-making
insights.
The research design aims to minimize the time, money, and effort required to
acquire meaningful evidence. This plan fits into four categories:

 Exploration and Surveys

 Experiment
 Data Analysis
 Observation

5. Determining Sample Design

When you survey a large population of respondents, you’re interested in the

entire group, but it’s not realistically possible to get answers or results from
absolutely everyone. So you take a random sample of individuals which
represents the population as a whole.
The size of the sample is very important for getting accurate, statistically
significant results and running your study successfully.

To choose the correct sample size, you need to consider a few different factors
that affect your research, and gain a basic understanding of the statistics
involved. You’ll then be able to use a sample size formula to bring everything
together and sample confidently, knowing that there is a high probability that
your survey is statistically accurate.

6. Collecting the Data

Once the instrumentation plan is completed, the actual study begins with the
collection of data. The collection of data is a critical step in providing the
information needed to answer the research question. Every study includes the
collection of some type of data—whether it is from the literature or from
subjects—to answer the research question. Data can be collected in the form of
words on a survey, with a questionnaire, through observations, or from the
literature. In the obesity study, the programmers will be collecting data on the
defined variables: weight, percentage of body fat, cholesterol levels, and the
number of days the person walked a total of 10,000 steps during the class.

The researcher collects these data at the first session and at the last session of the
program. These two sets of data are necessary to determine the effect of the
walking program on weight, body fat, and cholesterol level. Once the data are
collected on the variables, the researcher is ready to move to the final step of the
process, which is the data analysis.

7. Analysis of Data

All the time, effort, and resources dedicated to steps 1 through 7 of the research
process culminate in this final step. The researcher finally has data to analyze so
that the research question can be answered. In the instrumentation plan, the
researcher specified how the data will be analyzed. The researcher now analyzes
the data according to the plan. The results of this analysis are then reviewed and
summarized in a manner directly related to the research questions. In the obesity
study, the researcher compares the measurements of weight, percentage of body
fat, and cholesterol that were taken at the first meeting of the subjects to the
measurements of the same variables at the final program session. These two sets
of data will be analyzed to determine if there was a difference between the first
measurement and the second measurement for each individual in the program.
Then, the data will be analyzed to determine if the differences are statistically
significant. If the differences are statistically significant, the study validates the
theory that was the focus of the study. The results of the study also provide
valuable information about one strategy to combat childhood obesity in the
community.

8. Hypothesis Testing
Research data is then forwarded to test the hypothesis. Do the hypothesis are
related to the facts or not? To find the answer the process of testing hypothesis is
undertaken which may result in accepting or rejecting the hypothesis.

9. Generalizations and Interpretation

The acceptable hypothesis is possible for researcher to arrival at the process of

generalization or to make & theory. Some types of research has no hypothesis for
which researcher depends upon on theory which is known as interpretation.

10. Preparation of The Report or Presentation

A researcher should prepare a report for which he has done is his work. He must
keep in his mind the following points:

Report Design in Primary Stages

The report should carry a title, brief introduction of the problem and background
followed by acknowledgement. There should be a table of contents, grapes and
charts.

Main Text of the Report

It should contain objectives, hypothesis, explanations and methodology of the
research. It must be divided into chapters and every chapter explains separate title
in which summary of the findings should be enlisted. The last section would be
clearly of conclusions to show the main theme of the R-study.

Closing the Report

After the preparation of report, the last step in business research process contains
of bibliography, references, appendices, index and maps or charts for illustration.
For this purpose the information should more clearer.
1.1.10 Research Methods versus Methodology

Research methods and research methodology are two terms that are often
confused as the same. Strictly speaking, they are not so and show
differences between them.

If we zone in on the etymology of the word methodology, it refers

to method+ology, ‘Ology’ typically means a discipline of study or a branch
of knowledge. Thus technically speaking, the methodology is the study of
methods.

The most important difference between research method and

research methodology is that; the research method is the
techniques and tools for research, whereas research
methodology explains the research methods.

Research Method

Research method means the techniques or tools used for conducting

research irrespective of whether the research belongs to physical or social
sciences or other disciplines.

The methods include three broad groups.

 The first group includes methods dealing with the collection and
description of data;
 The second group consists of techniques used for establishing a
statistical relationship between variables;
 The third group deals with methods used to evaluate the reliability,
validity, and accuracy of the results discerned by the data.

 For example, a physical scientist may employ tools such as an

electron microscope or a radio telescope to obtain his data.
  In contrast, a social scientist or a manager may use, as a technique, an
opinion poll or sample survey with a mail questionnaire or conduct a
personal interview to obtain his data.

 He might conduct a telephonic interview, group discussion, and case

study approach to gather data. Still, they are employing the same
technique, ‘observation‘ of some kind, that generates data for
research.

 Nevertheless, scientists in their disciplines employ tools and

techniques that may differ widely in nature and complexity.

 Research Methodology

 The research methodology is a way to study the various steps

generally adopted by a researcher in systematically studying his
research problems, along with the logic, assumptions, justification,
and rationale behind them.

 Whenever we choose a research method, we must justify why we

prefer this particular method over others. The methodology seeks to
answer this question.

Thus, when we speak of research methodology, we not only talk of research

methods but also keep the logic and justification behind the method we
use in the context of our research undertaking.

A researcher’s methodology aims at answering such questions as:

 Why was this particular group of people interviewed and not the
other groups?
 How has been the research problem defined?
 How many individuals provided the answers on which the
researcher’s conclusions were based?
 Why were these particular techniques used to analyze data?
 In what way and why has the research hypothesis been formulated?
 What evidence was used to determine whether or not to reject the
stated hypothesis?
Difference between Research Method and Research Methodology

Suppose the subject into which you conduct research is a scientific subject
or topic. In that case, the research methods include experiments, tests, the
study of many other results of different experiments performed earlier
about the topic or the subject, and the like.

On the other hand, research methodology about the scientific topic

involves the techniques regarding how to conduct the research, the
justification of the use of particular research tools, advanced techniques
that can be used in performing the experiments, and the like.

A method is what you did. It is a simple description. You selected, for

example, 100 rats and measured their weights. You fed some rats and
some not.

A week later, you measured their weights again.

The methodology is why that should give you a meaningful result and
why you used some specified method and not some other one.

This would, in particular, include how you have controlled for errors, e.g.,
why you fed the rats for a week rather than a month and why 100 rats you
thought were enough.

The table below summarizes the primary differences between the research
methods and methodology.

Research Method Research Methodology

The research method seeks to The research methodology seeks to

answer: answer;
What did the researcher use to How did the researcher complete
complete his research? his study?
The objective of methods is to The objective of methodology is

find solution to the research to determine appropriateness of

problem. the methods applied with a view

to ascertain solution.

Methods are applied during the Methodologies are applied during

later stage of the research study. the initial stage of the research

process.

Research methods are the Research methodology explains

techniques and tools by which you and justifies the techniques and
research a subject or a topic. tools by which you may proceed
with your research.

Research methods involve Research methodology involves

conducting experiments, tests, learning various techniques to
surveys, and the like utilizing the conduct research and acquiring
knowledge and skills learned knowledge to perform tests,
through research methodology. experiments, surveys, and critical
analyses.

The research method aims at Research methodology ensures the

finding solutions to research employment of the correct
problems. procedures to solve the problems.

Research methods are the end of Research methodology paves the

any scientific or non-scientific way to choosing appropriate
research.
 research methods and thus is the
beginning of any research.

1.2 Ethics and Modern Practices in Research

1.2.1 Ethical Issues in Research – Plagiarism

When you hear people discussing the word plagiarism, you will often hear
them say “copying” someone else’s work; or borrowing a few words and
phrases from another author. While that may not seem like a big deal, it
truly is. And that is not only about serious consequences pertaining to
plagiarism. It is also about the ethics of plagiarism.
The topic of ethics and plagiarism is common to every academic discipline and
professional career path. Ethics is defined as the moral principles that govern a
person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity. We make ethical decisions in
the workplace every day, including language that either supports or undermines
inclusion and civility. Additionally, company resources and policies determine
the culture and climate of an organization. In a professional setting, plagiarism
refers to idea development. Whether you are presenting at a conference,
conducting a research study, creating a menu for your new restaurant, or
designing a website for freelancing, it is necessary to accurately cite original
authorship. Plagiarism is defined as the practice of taking someone else’s work
or ideas and passing them off as one’s own. It is important that you avoid
plagiarism and understand the consequences for trying to pass off someone else’s
work or ideas as your own.
The ethics of plagiarism is merely the ethics of stealing
The ethics of plagiarism is merely the ethics of stealing
Plagiarism is an act when you take someone’s work and try to pass it off as your
own. This is known as stealing, which is not only unethical, but it is also illegal.
In legal terms, plagiarism is considered literary theft. If you knowingly use
another person’s work without giving them credit, you are committing
plagiarism. Plagiarism also extends to ideas and products; taking someone’s
original idea or product and passing it off as your own.
When you are accused of plagiarism, you are accused of stealing because you are
committing an act of fraud. You are not only stealing the work, product, or
original idea of another person, but you are lying about doing so afterward. So
the ethics of plagiarism is merely the ethics of stealing.

How Can Words be Stolen?

Do not believe the myths; words can be stolen. US law states that original ideas,
including stories, phrases, and other groups of words are protected under the US
copyright law. This means that if you steal another person’s idea and original
content, you have violated the intellectual property law, which is a crime. If a
person protects their literary work (consisting of words and phrases), they have
physical proof that you have committed plagiarism, and you could face severe
consequences.

Plagiarism is Never a Good Idea

Many people are able to plagiarize without being caught. However, stealing
someone’s work is never a good idea, and it is not ethical. As it was just
mentioned before – the ethics of plagiarism is just the ethics of stealing. You
always want to cite your sources and give credit to the original author. If you have
not created an idea, be honest. Paraphrasing is okay, as long as you paraphrase
properly. Failure to paraphrase correctly could lead to plagiarism, even if this was
not your intention.
There are a variety of plagiarism checkers available to ensure your work is not
copied in any way. Some of these plagiarism checkers are available online for
free. Always use your own work, regardless if it is for school, business, or
personal use.

1.2.2 Role of Computer in Research

Computers have always assisted to solve the problems faced by the mankind.
Since the time of invention, the size of the computers has drastically reduced from
that of a room to that can be accommodated in a human palm. The word computer
means “something which computes or a machine for performing calculations
automatically”. But today computer means not merely a “calculator”. It does vast
variety of jobs with tremendous speed and efficiency. Today people use
computers in almost every walk of life. Computers have become a subject of
study at schools.

Electronic computers have now become an indispensable part of every

profession: so do research.

A computer has three basic components. They are:

1) An input device (keyboard and mouse)

2) A central processing unit (CPU) and

3) An output device (monitor and/or printer)

Important characteristics of a computer

1. Speed: Computers can perform calculations in just a few seconds that a human
beings would need weeks to do.
2. Storage: Huge number of data can be stored in the computer and retrieved
when needed. Whereas a human mind can remember limited information and
unimportant data can be forgot sometimes.

3. Accuracy: The computer’s accuracy is consistently high. Almost without

exception, the errors in computing are due to human rather than to technological
weakness. i.e. due to imprecise thinking by the programmer or due to inaccurate
data or due to poorly designed system.

4. Automation: The computer programmes are automatic in nature. Individual

instructions to perform which programme is needed sometimes.

5. Diligence: Being a machine computer does not suffer from human traits of
tiredness and lack of concentration. A computer can perform n number of
calculations continuously with the same accuracy and speed.

Computers in Research

The computers are indispensable throughout the research process. The role of
computer becomes more important when the research is on a large sample. Data
can be stored in computers for immediate use or can be stored in auxiliary
memories like floppy discs, compact discs, universal serial buses (pen drives) or
memory cards, so that the same can be retrieved later.

The computers assist the researcher throughout different phases of research

process.

Phases of Research Process

There are five major phases of the research process. They are:

1) Conceptual Phase

2) Design and Planning Phase

3) Empirical Phase

4) Analytic Phase

5) Dissemination Phase

1) Role of Computer in Conceptual Phase

The conceptual phase consists of formulation of research problem, review of
literature, theoretical frame work and formulation of hypothesis.
Role of Computers in Literature Review: Computers help for searching the
literatures (for review of literature) and bibliographic references stored in the
electronic databases of the world wide webs. It can thus be used for storing
relevant published articles to be retrieved whenever needed. This has the
advantage over searching the literatures in the form of books, journals and other
news letters at the libraries which consume considerable amount of time and
effort.
2) Role of Computers in Design and Planning Phase
Design and planning phase consist of research design, population, research
variables, sampling plan, reviewing research plan and pilot study.
Role of Computers for Sample Size Calculation: Several software are available
to calculate the sample size required for a proposed study. NCSS-PASS-GESS is
such software. The standard deviation of the data from the pilot study is required
for the sample size calculation.
3) Role of Computers in Empirical Phase
Empirical phase consist of collecting and preparing the data for analysis. Data
Storage: The data obtained from the subjects are stored in computers as word files
or excel spread sheets. This has the advantage of making necessary corrections
or editing the whole layout of the tables if needed, which is impossible or time
consuming in case of writing in papers. Thus, computers help in data entry, data
editing, data management including follow up actions etc. Computers also allow
for greater flexibility in recording the data while they are collected as well as
greater ease during the analysis of these data. In research studies, the preparation
and inputting data is the most laborintensive and time consuming aspect of the
work. Typically the data will be initially recorded on a questionnaire or record
form suitable for its acceptance by the computer. To do this the researcher in
conjunction with the statistician and the programmer, will convert the data into
Microsoft word file or excel spreadsheet. These spreadsheets can be directly
opened with statistical softwares for analysis.
4) Role of Computers in Data Analysis
This phase consist of statistical analysis of the data and interpretation of results.
Data Analysis: Many softwares are now available to perform the ‘mathematical
part’ of the research process i.e. the calculations using various statistical methods.

Softwares like SPSS, NCSS-PASS, STATA and Sysat are some of the widely
used. They can be like calculating the sample size for a proposed study,
hypothesis testing and calculating the power of the study. Familiarity with any
one package will suffice to carry out the most intricate statistical analyses.
Computers are useful not only for statistical analyses, but also to monitor the
accuracy and completeness of the data as they are collected.

5) Role of Computers in Research Dissemination

This phase is the publication of the research study. Research publishing: The
research article is typed in word format and converted to portable data format
(PDF) and stored and/or published in the World Wide Web.