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Introduction To Research Methods

This document provides an introduction and outline for a course on research methods. It covers key topics like research methodology, defining problems, research design, sampling, measurement, data collection and analysis. The first chapter defines research, discusses its objectives and types. It also outlines the research process and criteria for good research. Research is defined as systematically investigating problems to establish facts or reach new conclusions. The objectives are to gain insights, describe characteristics, determine frequencies or test hypotheses. Key types are descriptive/analytical and quantitative/qualitative.

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Kamlakar Sadavarte
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81 views

Introduction To Research Methods

This document provides an introduction and outline for a course on research methods. It covers key topics like research methodology, defining problems, research design, sampling, measurement, data collection and analysis. The first chapter defines research, discusses its objectives and types. It also outlines the research process and criteria for good research. Research is defined as systematically investigating problems to establish facts or reach new conclusions. The objectives are to gain insights, describe characteristics, determine frequencies or test hypotheses. Key types are descriptive/analytical and quantitative/qualitative.

Uploaded by

Kamlakar Sadavarte
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Research

Methods
MIE-SPPU IoHE, Doha, Qatar
2022-23
Course Outline
 Research Methodology: An Introduction
 Defining the Research Problem
 Research Design
 Sampling Design
 Measurement and Scaling Techniques
 Methods of Data Collection
 Processing and Analysis of Data
 Sampling Fundamentals
 Statistical Techniques used in Research
Research Methods: An Introduction
Contents of the first chapter

 Meaning of Research
 Objectives of Research
 Types of Research
 Research Process
 Criteria of Good Research
Introduction (Contd.)
• D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson define research as “ 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.”
• According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining and redefining
problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting,
organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions;
and at last, carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the
formulating hypothesis.

• In short, the search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of
finding solution to a problem is research.
Introduction (Contd.)
Objectives of Research:
 Togain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (Exploratory
or Formulative research studies)
 Toportray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group
(Descriptive research)
 Todetermine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated
with something else (Diagnostic Research)
 Totest a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (Hypothesis-testing
research)
Introduction (Contd.)
Types of Research
 Descriptive v/s Analytical: Description of the situation as it exists in present. Often referred as Ex post
facto research. The researcher has no control over the variables; can only report what has happened or is
happening. The methods of research utilized are survey methods of all kinds including comparative and
correlational methods. In analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts or information
already available and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material.

 Applied v/s Fundamental: Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing
a society or an industrial/business organization, whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with
generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. Research studies concerning human behavior carried on
with a view to generalize about human behavior is an example of fundamental research. Research to identify
social, economic or political trends that may affect a particular institution, or the marketing research or
evaluation research are examples of applied research.
Introduction (Contd.)
Types of Research
 Quantitative v/s Qualitative: Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or
amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. Qualitative research, on the
other hand, is concerned with qualitative phenomena, i.e., phenomena related to or involving quality or kind.
Qualitative research is especially important in the behavioral sciences where the aim is to discover the
underlying motives of human behavior. Through such research we can analyze the various factors which
motivate people to behave in a particular manner.

 Conceptual v/s Empirical: Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is
generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. On the
other hand, empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, and often without due regard for
system or theory. It is data-based research, producing conclusions which are capable of being verified by
observation or experiment. In such a research it is necessary to get at facts firsthand, at their source, and actively
to go about doing certain things to stimulate the production of desired information.
Introduction (Contd.)
Research Process
Review Concepts
and Theories
Define Research Formulate Design research
Problem Hypothesis (including sample design)
Review Previous
Findings

Interpret and report


Analyze Data Collect Data
the findings
Introduction (Contd.)
Criteria for Good Research:
 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.

 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 whole whereas deduction is the process of reasoning from some premise to a
conclusion which follows from that very promise. In fact, logical reasoning makes research much more
meaningful in the context of decision making.

 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.

 Good research is replicable: This characteristics allows research results to be verified by replicating the study
and thereby building a sound basis for decisions.

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References for Chapter 1
Essentials of Research Design and Methodology: Geoffrey Marczyk, David
DeMatteo and David Festinger
The Craft of Research: Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb
Practice Questions for Chapter 1
1. What do you mean by research? Explain its significance in modern times.

2. Describe the different types of research, clearly pointing out the difference between an experiment and a
survey.

3. “A research scholar has to work as a judge and derive the truth and not as a pleader who is only eager to prove
his case in favor of his plaintiff.” Discuss the statement pointing out the objectives of research.

4. “Research is much concerned with proper fact finding , analysis and evaluation.” Do you agree with this
statement? Give reasons in support of your answer.

5. Write short notes on :


(a) Design of the research project
(b) Ex post facto research
(c) Objectives of Research
(d) Criteria of good research
(e) Research and Scientific method

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