Research Methodology: Meaning, Definitions, Characteristics and Types of Research

Introduction to Research

• Research is a continuous activity in most disciplines and professions.
• It helps in critical assessment of work, policy execution, and instruction.
• Research involves systematic observation to find better ways to achieve objectives.
• It is a subconscious activity, e.g., purchasing daily-use items, planning holidays.

Objectives of Research

• Understand the meaning and types of research.
• Learn the importance and significance of research.
• Understand research design and its process.
• Formulate a research problem and state it as a hypothesis.

Meaning of Research

• Research is a process to discover new knowledge and find answers to questions.
• The word “research” comes from “re” (again) and “search” (find), implying a systematic and logical process.
• Clifford Woody defines research as defining problems, formulating hypotheses, collecting and evaluating data, and reaching conclusions.
• Research can involve modifying existing knowledge or creating new knowledge.

Definitions of Research

• Thyer (2001): Research is a careful, systematic, and patient study to establish facts or principles.
• Merriam-Webster: Research is a structured inquiry using scientific methodology to solve problems and create new knowledge.
• Kothari, C.R.: Research is the manipulation of things, concepts, or symbols to extend, correct, or verify knowledge.
• Creswell (2008): Research is a systematic investigation to establish facts.

Characteristics of Research

1. Generalized: Findings should be applicable to the entire population.
2. Controlled: Minimize the effects of other variables to explore causality.
3. Rigorous: Procedures should be relevant, appropriate, and justified.
4. Empirical: Conclusions should be based on real-life data and observations.
5. Systematic: Follow a logical sequence to optimize resource utilization.
6. Reliability: Results should be consistent under similar conditions.
7. Validity: Research should measure what it claims to measure.
8. Employs Hypothesis: Research begins with a hypothesis, which is an educated guess.
9. Analytical & Accurate: Data should be error-free and reasonable.
10. Credibility: Research should be trustworthy, based on the best sources and procedures.
11. Critical: Procedures and methods should withstand scrutiny.

Types of Research

• Based on Application:
  • Pure/Basic Research: Theoretical, aimed at expanding scientific knowledge.
  • Applied Research: Practical, aimed at solving specific problems.
• Based on Objectives:
  • Descriptive Research: Describes a situation or phenomenon.
  • Co-relational Research: Establishes relationships between variables.
  • Explanatory Research: Explains why events occur.
  • Exploratory Research: Explores new areas or problems.
• Based on Inquiry Mode:
  • Structured Approach (Quantitative): Predetermined methods, focuses on quantification.
  • Unstructured Approach (Qualitative): Flexible, focuses on understanding phenomena.
• Other Types:
  • Descriptive vs. Analytical: Descriptive research describes the state of affairs, while analytical research evaluates existing data.
  • Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Quantitative research measures quantity, while qualitative research focuses on quality or kind.
  • Conceptual vs. Empirical: Conceptual research develops new concepts, while empirical research is based on observation and experience.

Methodology of Research

• Methodology involves systematic procedures for collecting and analyzing data.
• The choice between qualitative and quantitative methods depends on the research objectives.
• Steps in research methodology include:
  • Deciding on data collection methods.
  • Selecting appropriate analysis tools.
  • Ensuring the methods align with the research objectives.

Formulating the Research Problem

• A research problem is a clear statement about an area of concern or a troubling question.
• Sources of research problems include personal experiences, media, literature, government records, and discussions.
• Important Considerations:
  • Persuasive Topic: The problem should be of interest and motivate the researcher.
  • Viability: The problem should be feasible to study.
  • The So What Test: The problem should be meaningful and relevant.
• Process of Formulation:
  • Develop a conceptual framework.
  • Refer to available literature.
  • Formulate objectives.
  • Define variables and measurement scales.

Research Design

• Meaning of Research Design: It is the conceptual structure within which research is conducted.
• Need for Research Design:
  • Facilitates smooth research operations.
  • Reduces inaccuracy and bias.
  • Helps in efficient resource utilization.
• Characteristics of Good Research Design:
  • Objectivity: Findings should be unbiased.
  • Reliability: Results should be consistent.
  • Generalization: Findings should be applicable to a larger population.
  • Ethical: Research should be honest and free from bias.
• Types of Research Designs:
  • Quantitative Research Design: Focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis.
    • Descriptive Design: Describes the current status of an issue.
    • Co-relational Design: Explores relationships between variables.
    • Experimental Design: Establishes cause-and-effect relationships.
    • Quasi-Experimental Design: Similar to experimental but without random sampling.
  • Qualitative Research Design: Explores complex social environments and meanings.
• Steps in Developing a Research Design:
  • Classify the intended outcome.
  • Develop the research question.
  • Select the population and data collection method.
  • Use appropriate analysis tools.
  • Decide how findings will be published.

Concept of Hypotheses

• A hypothesis is an educated guess based on probability.
• Types of Hypotheses:
  • Simple Hypothesis: Involves one independent and one dependent variable.
  • Complex Hypothesis: Involves multiple variables.
  • Null Hypothesis (H0): States no relationship between variables.
  • Alternative Hypothesis (H1): States a relationship between variables.
• Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis:
  • Predictive Power: Should predict future outcomes.
  • Clarity: Should be clear and simple.
  • Testability: Should be testable through research.
  • Relevance: Should be relevant to the research problem.

Summary

• Research is a systematic process to discover new knowledge.
• It involves defining problems, formulating hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, and reaching conclusions.
• Research can be classified into various types based on application, objectives, and inquiry mode.
• A good research design is essential for achieving reliable and valid results.
• Hypotheses provide focus and direction to research, helping to test theories and assumptions.

Glossary

• Applied Research: Research aimed at solving specific, practical problems.
• Bibliography: A list of sources used in research.
• Co-relational Research: Research that explores relationships between variables.
• Descriptive Research: Research that describes a situation or phenomenon.
• Empirical Research: Research based on observation and experience.
• Hypothesis: An educated guess or prediction in research.
• Quantitative Research: Research based on numerical data and statistical analysis.
• Qualitative Research: Research focused on understanding complex social phenomena.
• Research Design: The conceptual structure within which research is conducted.
• Variable: A measurable concept that can take on different values.