LM 262: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

INTRODUCTION
1.0 Research Methodology: An Introduction

1.1 Meaning of the Research

1.2 Research as a systematic Application of a Scientific Procedures
1.3 Objectives of the Research
1.4 Types of Research
1.5 Research Approaches
1.6 Significance of the Research
1.7 Research Methods versus Methodology
1.8 Research and Scientific Method
1.9 Research Process
1.10 Criteria of Good Research
1.1 What is the Research?
 A systematic and scientific investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or
principles. (Grinnell 1993: 4)

 According to Grinnell, ‘research is a structured inquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to

solve problems and creates new knowledge that is generally applicable.’ (Grinnell 1993: 4)

 According to Kothari (2004), research refers to the systematic method consisting of articulating the

problem, formulating hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analyzing the facts and reaching certain

conclusions either in the form of solutions towards the concerned problem or in certain generalizations

for some theoretical formulation.

Key words:
scientific investigation, systematic process/method,
articulating problem, formulating hypothesis/research questions,
collecting the facts/data, analyzing the facts,
reaching valid conclusion in the form of solution or theoretical formulation.
1.2 Research as a Systematic Application of Scientific Procedures

Basically, research study finds out answers to a given question which implies that the process being
applied:
i. is undertaken within a framework of a set of philosophies for development of theories and
principals (business sector, social science, health sector, economic development, technology
etc.;
ii. applies procedures, methods and techniques that have been tested for their validity and
reliability (scientific and systematic methods);
iii. is designed diligently to be unbiased and objective (reach conclusion and provide solutions).
1.3 Objective of the Research
The main purpose of the research is to investigate and discover answers to questions through
the application of scientific procedures.
However, each research study has its own specific purpose which falling into the following
broad groupings:-
i. To gain familiarity with a given phenomenon;
ii. To attain/achieve new insights into it (studies with this object in view are termed as
exploratory research studies);
iii. 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);
iv. 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);
v. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are known as
hypothesis-testing research studies).
1.4 Types of the Research

i. Descriptive vs. Analytical:

Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of
different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description
of the state of affairs as it exists at present. Example; social science and
business research we quite often use this type of research.

Analytical Research refers to the research study which use facts or

information already available and analyze it to make a critical
evaluation and conclusion on the given research problem.
1.4 Types of the Research

ii. Applied (Action) vs. Fundamental (Basic/Pure):

Applied research refers to the research study which aims at finding a solution for an
immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/business organization etc. This type
of research is aimed at certain conclusions (say, a solution) facing a concrete social or
business problem.
Thus, the purpose of applied research is to find out a solution for some practical problem.
Fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation
of a theory. “Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is termed ‘pure’ or ‘basic’
research.” (Kothari, 2004). Example of this type, it concerns with natural phenomenon or
relating to pure mathematics and research studies, concerning human behavior carried
on with a view to make generalizations about human behavior.
Therefore, basic research is directed towards finding information that has a broad base of
applications and adds contribution to the already existing organized body of scientific
knowledge.
1.4 Types of the Research
iii. Quantitative vs. Qualitative:
Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity/amount. It is
applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of given unit of quantity.
Qualitative research is basically concerned with qualitative phenomenon, that is
phenomena either relating to or involves quality or kind. Example, investigating the
reasons for human behavior. Qualitative research is mostly applied in the
behavioral sciences where the objective is to discover the underlying motives of
human behavior.
1.4 Types of the Research
iv. Conceptual vs. 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.

Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for
system and theory.
It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by
observation or experiment. It is sometimes known as experimental type of research.
In such a research, the researcher must first provide a working hypothesis as to the probable
results. Researcher works to get enough facts through data to prove or disprove the given
hypothesis. Empirical research is appropriate when proof is pursued that certain variables
affect other variables.
1.4 Types of the Research
v. Other Types of Research;
Exploratory Research – aim to develop hypothesis.
Clinical/Diagnostic Research – in depth investigation approach to reach
basic causal relations.
Decision-making (Operations Research) Research – Application of
quantitative basis for decisions regarding operations under control.
Normally applied in manufacturing industry, hi tech industry and
application of technology.
1.5 Research Approaches

There are two basic approaches to research which are:-

i. Structured Approach ( Quantitative)
can be classified into
 Inferential - to form a data base from which to infer characteristics and relationships of
population
 Experimental - is characterized by control over the research environment and in this case
some variables are manipulated to observe their effect on other variables.
 Simulation - involves the construction of an artificial environment within which relevant
information and data can be generated.

i. Unstructured Approach (Qualitative)

is concerned with subjective assessment of opinions, attitudes, and behavior. This approach
generates results either in non-quantitative form or in the form which are not subjected to
quantitative analysis. Basically, the focus group and depth interviews are key techniques used.
1.6 Significance of the Research

i. Formulation Government Policy;

ii. Solving Critical Problems/ Providing Solutions.
iii. Decision Making;
iv. Intellectuals - Development of Philosophies, Theories and Principals;
v. Professional and Academic Purpose;
vi. Planning Purpose;
vii. Scientists Explor

viii. ation;
ix. Development of New/Advanced Technology;
1.7 Research Methods versus Methodology

Research Methods may be understood as all those methods/

techniques that are used for conducting research.

Research methodology is a entire study of solving the research

problem systematically by applying scientific procedures from the initial
stage of defining the problem to the final stage of research findings and
interpretation.
It may be refers to a science of studying how research is done
scientifically which involves various steps that are generally adopted
along with the logic.
1.8 Research and Scientific Method

Research and Scientific Method should be relies on the following:-

i. Empirical evidence;
ii. Utilizes relevant concepts;
iii. Focus and committed to only objective considerations;
iv. It presupposes ethical neutrality/unbiased, i.e., it aims at nothing but making
only adequate and correct statements about population;
v. It results into probabilistic predictions;
vi. Its methodology is made known to all concerned for critical scrutiny are for use
in testing the conclusions through replication;
vii. It aims at formulating most general axioms which termed as scientific theories;
viii. Scientific method implies an objective, logical and systematic method.
1.9 Research Process

Research Process refers to a systematic series of actions/steps necessary to

effectively carry out research and the desired sequencing by applying scientific
procedures.
The chart below illustrates Research Process according to Kothari (2004)
1.10 Criteria of Good Research
i. Systematic:
Research is structured with specified steps to be taken in a specified sequence in
accordance with the well defined set of rules.
ii. Logical:
It is guided by the rules of logical reasoning and the logical process of induction and
deduction are of great value in carrying out research.
iii. Empirical:
It implies that research is basically related to either one or more aspects of a real
situation and deals with concrete data that provides a basis for external validity to
research findings.
iv. Replicable:
This allows research results to be verified by replicating the study and thereby
building a sound basis for decisions
Reference Books

Kothari, C.R (2004), Research Methodology, Methods and Techniques, 2004, New Age
International (P) Ltd., Publishers Published by New Age International (P) Ltd., Publishers
Kumar, R. (2011), Research Methodology, A step by step Guide for Beginners, 3rd Edition, SAGE
Publications Ltd 1 Oliver’s Yard 55 City Road London EC1Y 1SP
Babbie, E. R. (2007), The Practice of Social Research. 11th Ed,Q Thomson Higher Education: CA.
Creswell, J. W. (2009), Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approaches. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
De Vaus, D. A. (2002), Surveys in Social Research. 5th Ed, Austria, Allen and Unwin
May, T. (2001), Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process. Buckingham: Open University
Press.
Punch, K. F. (2005), Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches.