Research Methodology

Short Notes on Research i. Design of the research project The main function of a research design is to explain how will find answers to research questions. The research design sets out the specific details of your enquiry. A research design should include the following. The study design and the logistical arrangements that propose to undertake, the measurement procedures, the sampling strategy, the frame of analysis and the timeframe. For any investigation, the selection of an appropriate research design is crucial to arrive at valid findings, comparisons and conclusions. In scientific circles, the strength of an empirical investigation is primarily evaluated in the light of the research design adopted. ii. Motivation in research The motivation of research is the desire and passion of a person. The desire will be considered in all dimensions, as follows.       Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits. These benefits support the progressive of the work. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems. This motive lead to find a new work. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work. Desire to be of service to society and it will be the ethical part. Desire to get respectability. This motive depends on the society. Curiosity of the researcher is also considering as a motive. iii. Objectives of research The main aim of research is to find out the truth through scientific procedures. It may be a hidden, we have to discover it. The objectives of research fall in to four broad categories.     Familiarity and Insights: Be familiar with the topic and find a new insight in it. This kind of study is called as exploratory or formulative. Portray the Characteristics: we have to form the characteristics of individual, situation or a group. Such studies called as descriptive research studies. Frequency: Find the frequency with which something occurs or with which it associated with something else. Such objective based research is called diagnostic research. Test hypothesis: Test the studies with a hypothesis of a causal relationship of a causal relationship between variables. It is called as hypothesis testing research studies. iv. Characteristics of research The research process must have certain characteristics. 1. Controlled – In real life there are many factors that affect an outcome. A particular event is seldom the result of a one-to-one relationship. Some relationships are more complex than others. Most outcomes are a sequel to the interplay of a multiplicity of relationships and interacting factors. In a study of cause-and-effect relationships it is important to be able to link the effect(s) with the cause(s) and vice versa. In the study of causation, the establishment of this linkage is essential; however, in practice, particularly in the social sciences, it is extremely difficult – and often impossible – to make the link. The concept of control implies that, in exploring causality in relation to two variables, you set up your study in a way that minimizes the effects of other factors affecting the relationship. This can be achieved to a large extent in the physical sciences, as most of the research is done in a laboratory. However, in the social sciences it is extremely difficult as research is carried out on issues relating to human beings living in society, where such controls are impossible. Therefore, in the social sciences, as you cannot control external factors; you attempt to quantify their impact. 2. Rigorous – You must be scrupulous in ensuring that the procedures followed to find answers to questions are relevant, appropriate and justified. Again, the degree of rigour varies markedly between the physical and the social sciences and within the social sciences. 3. Systematic – This implies that the procedures adopted to undertake an investigation follow a certain logical sequence. The different steps cannot be taken in a haphazard way. Some procedures must follow others. 4. Valid and verifiable – This concept implies that whatever you conclude on the basis of your findings is correct and can be verified by you and others. 5. Empirical – This means that any conclusions drawn are based upon hard evidence gathered from information collected from real-life experiences or observations. 6. Critical – Critical scrutiny of the procedures used and the methods employed is crucial to a research enquiry. The process of investigation must be foolproof and free from any drawbacks. The process adopted and the procedures used must be able to withstand critical scrutiny