Unit 1: Introduction to Research

Meaning of Research

Re + Search=Research = Search Again

Research is the process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of the situational
factors.

Research is to know: seek knowledge

Meaning of Research
French word ‘recherché’ i.e.to go about seeking.
Composed of two syllables ‘re’and ‘search’.
‘Re’ means again and ‘search’ means finding new
or to examine closely and carefully.
So ,research denotes to the work of searching again
based on the established theories through a detailed
,scientific, and systematic study .
It helps to develop theories ,improvement in existing
theories and solve the existing problems of an
organization.
Research is conducted for two purpose:
One-to enhance the bank of knowledge or to
develop new theory in the concerned field .
Second for identifying the problem and
searching the solution of such problems.
Definition of Research
Advanced Learners Dictionary ,”a careful investigation or
inquiry especially through research for new facts in any
branch of knowledge.”
Grinnell ,”A careful, systematic, patient study and
investigation in some field of knowledge ,undertaken to
establish facts and principles .”
Faraday ,”a systematic process of formulating questions ,collecting
relevant data relating to such questions analyze and interpreting the
data and making the results publicly assessable”.
Hence, research is systematic and organized study and analysis of
an issue that helps to solve the problem or develop new theory or
add new knowledge in the existing theories .
Nature and Features of Research
1.Objective
A good research should be objective not
subjective.
It must have clear and specific objective.
It must answer the research questions.
2.Controlled activity
Act of restricting or limiting something .
The researcher must be specific in his /her area
to set of the research.
3.Generalizibility
The research conducted in one field must be generalizable
into another same field or in similar situation.
4.Free from personal biases
A good research should be free from researcher’s personal
influence or biasness .
It must be based on objectivity not subjectivity.
6.Directed towards solution of a problem
Ultimate goal of research
Always seeks problem and investigates on every
aspects of the problems.
And with the help of the depth study it tries to find
out the problem.
7.Logical
The researcher must use proper logic and
evidences in order to prove those results .
Mainly ,inductive and deductive logic are used
in the field of research.
Types of Research

Basic or Fundamental or Pure Research

Conducted for the depth knowledge about any issue or for the
development of theory .
P.V. Young ,”Gathering knowledge for knowledge sake “
The main purpose –To generate more knowledge and
understanding of the issue and build theories based on research
results.
• For e.g. A Study ON Financial analysis of Nabil Bank
Kanchanpur or a case study on ADSL service of Nepal telecom

• They are the bases for the further research in

the same issue.
• Professors ,academia and students do basic or
fundamental research so that more knowledge
is generated in particular area of interest .
The aim is not apply the findings to solve an immediate problem but
to understand more about certain issues that takes place in several
organizations and industries.
In this regard D.D.Bhattacharya ,”A research that is primarily
interested to find out certain basic principles not the solution of the
problem is basic research.”
Applied or Action Research
Conducted to find out a solution for an immediate problem
faced by the society or business organizations .
P.V.Young ,”Generating knowledge that could aid in the
betterment of human benefit “
The main aim-to find out the solution for some practical
problems
• For e.g. Financial Insecurity in the ATM Booths of
Mahendranagar
Differences between Basic and Applied
Research
Basic Research Applied Research
Objective Objective
To develop theory and To find out the solution of
enhance the existing immediate problem faced by
the concerned organizations
knowledge
Focus
Basic research Action Research
Researcher undertakes Researcher should conduct
research in those issues research focusing on the
where he/she has interest problems faced by the
and knowledge society or organizations
Time Limit

Basic Research Action Research

No time limit • Fixed time is given to the
researcher
Generalizations

Basic Research Action Research

Results of basic research It focuses on particular
can be generalized in all the problem so generalization is
similar nature of not possible
organizations
Practical

Basic Research Action Research

Principles developed Findings of the applied
through basic research research can be
cannot be implemented implemented immediately
immediately in practice in real life or practice
 Business Research
• Business research is defined as the systematic and objective
process of generating information for aid in making business
decisions.
• Business research can be described as a systematic and
organized effort to investigate a specific problem
encountered in the work setting, that needs a solution.
 Why Business Research?

Managers with knowledge of research have an advantage over those

without.

Knowledge of research and problem-solving process helps managers

to identify problem situations before they get out of control.

Minor problems can be solved by the manager, major problems

would warrant the hiring of outside researchers or consultants.

The manager who is knowledgeable about research can interact

effectively with the researchers.
Knowledge about research process also helps managers to
become discriminating recipients of the research findings
presented, and to determine whether or not the recommended
solutions are appropriate for implementation.
When managers understand the research reports about their
organizations handed to them by professionals, they will be
equipped to take intelligent, educated, calculated risks with
known probabilities attached to the success or failure of their
decisions.

Research then becomes a useful decision-making tool.

 What-Research conducted in the field of business
What-patient study and scientific investigation to
discover new facts in business sector
Why-to generate accurate information for the use in
business decision making
Why-to know about the various dimensions of business
Why-to find out business opportunities and threats
Why-generate alternatives and minimize threats
,evaluate those alternatives through surveys
To sum up, business research is conducted
To facilitate business manager in decision making
To take decisions on every aspects of business
like finance,HR,marketing ,accounting etc
Helps to decrease the risk of making wrong
decisions
Business research is for decision making, seeking new
opportunities ,competitiveness, market segmentation,HR
management, new alternatives ,solving business
problems and issues, knowing the present global
trend ,effectiveness of government policy, customer
satisfaction etc.
Business research is for decision making, seeking new
opportunities ,competitiveness, market segmentation,HR
management, new alternatives ,solving business
problems and issues, knowing the present global
trend ,effectiveness of government policy, customer
satisfaction etc.
Value and Costs of Undertaking Business Research

VALUE
COSTS

Decreased Uncertainty Research Costs

Higher Likelihood of Delay in Making
Correct Decisions Business Decisions
Better Business
performance Disclosure of
Information to
Higher Profits
Rivals
Better Reputation
Possibility of Error

31
When Should Business Research be Undertaken?

Is sufficient time
available?
Yes
Is information
NO Do not
inadequate?
undertake Business Research
Yes
High importance
of decision?
Yes
Research benefits
greater than costs? Undertake Business Research
32
Types of Business Research

On the basis of the nature of the problem

1)Exploratory Research
It is conducted to clarify ambiguous problems.
Manager –if realizes the problem in the organizations then
conduct this research.
 e.g. if a company wants to provide residential facility to
the employees.
2)Descriptive Research
It is conducted to describe the Characterstics of population or
phenomena.
It seeks the answer of who,what,where and how questions .
It helps to segment the market of business organizations .
E.g. a research is conducted to determine the Characterstics of
consumers purchase chicken meat.
3)Casual Research
When business organizations want to change their
strategies,investment and policies they undertake casual
research.
It helps business managers to take decision either to invest in
any activity or not.
For e.g. If it is making new packiging,advertizing,innovation.
Scientific research
a systematic,controlled,empirical and critical
investigation of hypothetical proposition presumed
relationship among the variables.
Hypothesis-an idea or explanation that you then test
through study and experimentation.
Something more than a wild guess but less than a well
established theory. Or a tentative concept that is not yet
verified but if true would explain facts.
Variables-an object ,idea, feeling or other type
of category that is capable of measurement
which can be manipulated controlled or
observed by the experimenter .
e.g.intelligence,income,education,age ,job
satisfaction ,sex etc
It is based on the specified method and logic.
It is not just laboratory based but this systematic, organized
and logical study is made even in social science research to
find the actual and specific knowledge.
Moreover ,it analyzes all the aspects systematically and finds
out the real cause of the problem, collects and interprets the
data and finds out the solution of the problem.
Hence, scientific research is not undertaken on
the basis of intituion,experience and estimation
but it always remains purposive and
comprehensive.
Characterstics of Scientific Research
1.Rigorous
Carefulness and degree of exactness in investigation.
Conducting research with few samples and few tests do
not make research rigorous.
So large sample and number of testing are required .
Sample-representative portion of the population for the
study .Since entire individual or area or group can not
be studied.
2.Purposive
Clear purpose and objective.
It determines the process of sample collection ,data
collection and interpretation so as to avoid errors and
come to the definite conclusion.
3.Replicability
If the same result is found while conducting the
research than it is replicable. If not our result is
unreliable.
4.Objective
Clear,factual,specific,and unbiased
Free from subjective perception or emotional or
personal values.
5.Testability
Firstly, hypothesis is developed logically.
Then, relationships are tested using various statistical
tools .
6.Precision
The degree of exactness of the results
i.e.the conclusions drawn from the scientific research
must be near to the actual results.
Process of Scientific Research
Works or steps to be followed while
conducting research .
Series of steps help to carry the research work
systematically and draw reliable conclusion.
1.Realizing or sensing a problem
Research goes ahead by feeling the problem.
Problem may occur due to change in environment or
other reason.
If we feel things are not going smoothly as they should
be .
Realization can be made through feeling ,study,
experience and observation
2.Identification of problem
Try to identify what exactly are the problems
or issues in the situation.
We need to define such problem since “a
problem well defined is a problem half solved “
so as to minimize time and cost.
3.Review of literature
Literature review
The study of previous research and documents.
It helps to conduct research or method of conducting
it .
And helps to develop theoretical framework .
4.Hypothesis formulation
Hypothesis
Estimated result of the research.
On the basis of the past experiences or
literature review
5.Research design
Plan for the research.
A strategy of conducting research.
It describes the general framework for
collecting ,analyzing and evaluating data
6.Collection of Data
A fieldwork
We need to administer the research instrument
(questionnaire, interview ,observation etc)
Primary and secondary data.
7.Data Analysis
A classification of collected data and information is
done
Classified data are codified ,tabulated and presented
in charts
Then analysis is done using mathematical ,statistical
,financial and accounting tools
8.Interpretation and generalization
Conclusions are drawn in the form of theories
and are applied in all the similar organizations
called as generalizations.
Application of Scientific Thinking in
Research
Scientific thinking - goal oriented problem solving
study, step by step procedure, logical ,organized and
rigorous in depth method .
It helps to identify problems, gather data, analyze
the data and draw conclusion
Likewise ,research-not haphazard and superficial study
but purposive and rigorous in nature.
Therefore ,research where scientific thinking is used
can give accurate results or findings.
helps to apply the solutions to various other
organizational setting.
Because of its objectivity it helps to highlight
most critical factors in the work place that
needs specific attention to avoid ,minimize or
solve problems.
It is used in both types of research.
Difficulties in Applying Scientific Thinking
in Management Problems
Management –concerned with human behaviour a domain or area
of social sciences.
Human behavior –dynamic and differ as per the context or
situation.
Likewise ,social problems differ as per the context because of the
differences of perception and feeling of people towards the finding
of such results.
For example ‘A Case Study on Best Customer
Service Policies ‘-the finding of this research is
not accepted by all the people and can not be
implemented equally to all.
Major Problems in the use of Scientific
Thinking in Social Science Research
1.Complexity of subject matter
Social science research contain so many factors like
need ,interest, values ,norms .
Unlimited factors makes research complex and
uncontrolled, hence difficult to apply scientific
thinking.
2.Difficult to obtain accurate measurement
Scientific method requires specific measurement .
But it is difficult to measure social phenomenon like
feeling,perception,attitude etc.
And even scientific tools cannot measure them
accurately.
3.Misconceived impression of society
 People have varied perception than actual one in some
issues of social science
 So people are reluctant to give information even if they
know about it
 For e.g. family planning
4.Subjectivity of social events
 Social events are subjective not objective
 Scientific method cannot be used in social science research
5.Emotional tendencies
 People’s emotional tendencies differ in different situation
which affects the exact measurement
6.Vested interest of the researcher
Unlike scientific research, social researcher
conduct research with vested interest ,use
different method to draw intended conclusion,
hence difficult to apply scientific thinking in
research.
7.Qualitativeness of social events
Human behaviors and social events can not be
explained or measured in quantity but in
qualitatively.
Since social events or issues are subjective .so
They cannot be measured quantitatively.
8.Lack of universality of social events
People understand the events differently as
per the context and differences in place.
So ,it goes against the norms of scientific
research.
Qualitative Vs Quantitative Research

Quantitative methods relate to numbers. Data must be able to be numericised and presented in
terms of statistical patterns/ associations. Commonly positivist

Qualitative methods – non quantifiable, focus on values, processes, experiences, language and
meaning. Data is often words/ text. Commonly non-positivist

Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses

Quantitative Research
A process of enquiry based on testing a theory or
hypothesis using statistical techniques .
It is based on the measurement of quantity .
It is used in those issues which can be measured
exactly in the quantity or amount.
It uses mean ,median ,mode ,standard
deviation,correlation,regression,z-test,t-test,f-test etc to
analyze or finds out the solutions or draw conclusions.
Quantitative data may be obtained from secondary
source or from the participants’responces that are
coded,categorized converted into numbers so that data
can be used for further analysis.
Qualitative Research
Concerned with qualitative phenomenon.
The main aim –to get depth knowledge and
explain the issue or subject rather finding the
solution or coming to the conclusions.
It explains the issue and easier to understand
the issue to the general people.
A research uses survey ,interview tools.
It is used in the social science research.
It collects data from individual ,books
environment, medias and events.
Bases of Difference Qualitative Quantitative
Focus of research Understand and analyze the issue Explain and predict over any
issue .
In depth understanding and develop
Purpose of research theory Explain and predict over any
subject and develop theory
and its testing.
Sample size is small Sample size is large
Sample size Researcher himself involves in the Involvement of researcher
Involvement of researcher research work. remains less in quantitative
research.
Data is collected through unstructured Data is collected through
Data collection questionnaires. structured questionnaires.
Collected data are analyzed based on Collected data are analyzed
established theories. using various statistical tools.
Data analysis
Paradigms in Research

Paradigms: school of thought or a set of assumption about how research should be

conducted.
Emerging Paradigms in Research
• Ontology
• It is about how a social phenomena exists?
• Does a social phenomena exists independent of its actors
(peoples)?
• Examples of social phenomena: Laws, crimes, Racism,
discrimination, etc.
• Consists Objectivism (assumes independent social
phenomena), and Subjectivism (assumes dependent social
phenomena)
Objectivism and subjectivism are the two
important branches of ontology.
Objectivism(Positivism)-social entities exist in
reality external to social factors or actors or
independent of social actors.
Subjectivism(constructionism or interpretivism)-
social phenomena are created by perceptions
Social phenomena and their meanings are
determined by social factors .
• Epistemology
• It is about how the knowledge should be gathered?
• How the research should be conducted?
• Positivism: It views that scientific method should be used to
gather knowledge
• Interpretivism: Scientific method should not be used to
gather knowledge
• Realism: It is a view that researchers should be practical.
Based on the circumstances, method should be used. It is
middle ground view of positivism and intrepretivism
 Three Epistemologies
Positivism
Knowledge develops by investigating the social reality
through observing the facts.
Information derived from sense experience or senses are the
gateways of knowledge.
Based on empiricisms or experience
The society like the physical world ,operates according to the
general laws .
Three principals of positivism
The social world exist externally
Research is value free
The research is independent and taking the
role of objective analyst.
 Interpretivism
It involves researchers to interpret elements of the study
Thus integrates human interest into a study
It integrates social reality such as language ,consciousness
,shared meaning, values etc into the research work.
It rejects the objectivists view that meaning resides within the
world independently
Methodology
How we investigate the social world and how we
demonstrate that the knowledge generated is valid
Process of selecting research design ,data collection
methods and tools and techniques for analysis.
• Methodology
• It involves the methods of acquiring knowledge
• Quantitative Methods
• Qualitative Methods

Ontology Epistemology Methodology

Objectivism Positivism Quantitative Methods

Subjectivism Interpretivism Qualitative Methods

Other Paradigms in Research

Ethnography: Study of people in their own environment through the use of methods such as participant
observation and face to face interviewing.

Phenomenology: Describing the lived experience of a phenomenon.

Hermeneutics: Interpretation of the texts. Understanding the meaning of the texts. Interpreting about people on
the basis of their written text or the texts they read.

Constructivism: Reality and our knowledge of it are socially constructed in that they are a product of particular
social, political and historical circumstances.
Subjectivism: How researchers see the world can affect the research
process. Subjectivities take a key role in research.

Feminism: Gender has a pervasive influence in research. Positivism is a male point of view. Subjective
experience of women differs from that of men. Positivism has omitted women experiences. Issues such as
discrimination, gender issues, domestic violence, work-life balance are omitted.
Ethics in Business Research

Ethics are norms or standards of behavior that guide moral choices about our behavior and our relationships
with others

The goal is to ensure that no one is harmed or suffers adverse consequences from research activities

Note: Refer the book of Asmita Publication by Nepali writers (Dev Raj Adhikari and Dhurba Pandey)
Ethical norms are applied to the researcher .
These norms guide researchers while dealing with
the respondents and related parties .
They provide basis for deciding whether behavior is
right and proper.
Unethical behaviour
Behaviour that falls outside the bounds of accepted standards
or values .
They occur because researcher put their interests above the
interests of their respondents ,sponsors and other stakeholders
They may occur in any stages of the research project: while
seeking access to information , collecting information, during
data collection ,processed, analyzed and reported.
Ethical Considerations in Business
Research
Not Putting Pressure in Participants or Getting Information

Non Disclosure of Participants

Not Fabricating the Data

Not Presenting Dishonesty

No Manipulation

No Illegal Work
No Discrimination

Respect for Intellectual Property

Respect to Social and Culture, Norms and Values

Protection of Participants’ Rights

Not deception of participants
• Thank You