SCOPE OF RESEARCH PROBLEM:

 It discovers facts and relationship in order to make educational process more

effective.
 It deals with the problems of classroom
 It deals with the basic problems of Social Studies and teaching learning
situations.
 It covers areas from formal education and conformal education

Research Approaches
A research approach is the procedure selected by the researcher to collect, analyze, and
interpret data. There are three approaches to research: quantitative, qualitative, and
mixed methods.
Quantitative research is the collection and analysis of numerical data to describe,
explains, predict, or control phenomena of interest. The analysis of numerical data is
complex and must be addressed systemically. Quantitative research uses deductive
reasoning.
Qualitative research is the collection, analysis, and interpretation of comprehensive
narrative and visual data to gain insights into a particular phenomenon of interest.
Qualitative research can be characterized as the simultaneous study of many aspects of
a phenomenon and the attempt to study things as they exist naturally. This approach
uses inductive reasoning.
Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches by
including both kinds of data in a single study. Mixed methods research allows the
researcher to build on the relationship and strength that exists between quantitative and
qualitative research approaches. This allows for the phenomenon that is being
researched to be better understood.
 Qualitative Research Approaches

Researchers employ qualitative research methods to study human behavior and habits.
It is also useful in product management for identifying the product features that will
help it to get sold. For example, a product manager planning to launch a mobile phone
would definitely want to know the habits and preferences of a target segment so that
he may incorporate the same in the design of the product. After this has been done,
quantitative research is employed to test whether the design of the product is
acceptable as per the standards or not.

Qualitative research can also be considered as the prior stage of quantitative research.
In this approach, the researchers generate various ideas and concepts that can be
converted into logical and testable hypotheses in future. These hypotheses can then be
comprehensively tested and analyzed using various techniques that come under the
purview of quantitative research. For example, a survey can be conducted before the
launch of a shampoo brand. This survey can find several popular brands. Quantitative
research can then be conducted around these brands, so that a lot of time, effort, and
resources can be saved.

Characteristics of Qualitative Research

 Qualitative research is a process to understand the uniqueness of situations in a

particular context.
 The researchers focus towards data collection and analysis process during the
qualitative research.
 Qualitative research involves a lot of fieldwork. The emphasis is on observing the
respondents in their natural settings, i.e., their homes, workplaces, entertainment spots,
etc.
 The research strategy which is employed in qualitative research is inductive in nature.
This research methodology relies on abstractions, concepts, testing of hypothesis
rather than relying on a body of existing theory.
Classification of Qualitative Research Approaches

Qualitative research describes the purpose for which the research is being conducted,
the importance of the researchers(s) therein, the role they will be playing, the stages
the research will follow, and the method(s) that will be adopted to analyze recorded
data.

Described below are the four most important approaches to qualitative research :
1. Ethnographic Approach
2. Field Research
3. Phenomenological Approach
4. Grounded Theory

1) Ethnographic Approach:
Ethnographic approach to qualitative research is an in-depth study of cultural groups
and is extensively used in the field of anthropology. The definition of the word
'culture' has greatly changed over time. While 'culture' earlier referred to only pre-
defined ethnic group(s) that belonged to a certain geographical location, it has now
come to include almost any organization or group. For example, this approach is now
being applied to study the culture of Non-profit organizations or NGOs.

2) Phenomenological Approach :
Phenomenological approach to qualitative research aims at identifying a phenomena or
theory by analyzing the behavior of those who participate in it, and their respective
perceptions of it. This approach has evolved from the study of the philosophy of
existentialism and other such behavioral theories.
For example, in public administration research, this approach is applied to interpret
how people perceive a certain event or symbol and what meaning they can attach to it.
Researchers collect data through narratives, in-depth personal interviews of
participants, their personal experiences, and other such techniques.

3) Field Research:
Field research is another systematized approach to qualitative research that aims to
study a situation or event over a long period of time through interactions and
observations. This method aims to closely observe the daily activities of a. social
group under prevalent conditions. Being a long-term extensive approach, it is often
termed to be a longitudinal research. This unique characteristic can make the research
carry on for months, and sometimes even years. This approach is, more often than not,
used to gather qualitative data.

For example, field research may aim to study the daily activities of the residents of a
slum and how they manage to organize their lives there. Through careful observation
over a period of several months, the researcher aims to study how these slum dwellers
respond to changes in both internal and external environment and continuously make
recordings of the same. In the above case, for example, the compiled findings may
then be used to study the economic conditions of the slum dwellers and how changes
can be brought about for their benefit.

4) Grounded Theory :
Grounded theory is a complex, inverted approach to qualitative research that was
formulated and developed by Glaser and Strauss in the 1960. Unlike other approaches,
grounded theory aims to first determine what needs to be observed or what question(s)
need to be answered and then extensively gather data that summarize said observation.
This approach does not merely aim to prove an abstract theory but aims to prove one
that is supported by in-depth observations and is based on facts.

The first step towards grounded theory research is to identify a phenomenon or

generate a question that will help guide the research, and this forms the center of the
process. After this phase, the researcher is merely engaged in verification of data, its
linkage to the theory, and summarizing his/her findings. Grounded theory uses the
following analytic strategies to define observations:

i) Coding:
The process of coding systematically categorizes qualitative data and its
implications.
ii) Memoing :
Memoing is the process of recording one's own thoughts and ideas throughout
the study and is often imagined to be a recording of marginal notes and
 comments.
iii) Integrative Diagrams and Sessions:
Diagrams are used to graphically represent the observations of the researcher and
depict -data in a manner that simplifies its link to the developing theory. They
may take the form of graphs, maps, or even cartoons, in some cases.

Techniques of Collecting Qualitative Data

1) Depth Interview:
Depth interview aims to achieve the opinions and perspectives of a small group of
individuals on a particular idea or situation, by conducting comprehensive interviews
with them.
For example, in order to gauge the impact of a new economic norm on the members of
a particular social class
2) Focus Group:
A focus group may be defined as a gathering of several persons, led by a trained
moderator, to discuss and debate ideas and opinions on a particular subject.

The first step is to determine the subject. Next, as the members of the group begin to
exchange ideas, the moderator silently observes them and ensures that the discussion
takes the course it is expected to. Any deviation(s) or non-participation by member(s)
is addressed and resolved by the moderator. At the end of the discussion, the
observations and recommendations of the group are attained and recorded by the
moderator to lay the groundwork for further research and analysis.

3) Projective Techniques :
In this method, individuals are encouraged to express their opinions on the behavior of
others under situations that have been pre-fabricated as ambiguous and vague.
Questioning is indirect and informal, and designed to observe the underlying notions
of persons. Researchers record these observations that help interpret the behavior of
these persons.

Pros of Qualitative Research Approaches

 Qualitative approach is easily employed when the research objective is complex, and
the answer is not a clear-cut yes or no.
 The qualitative research designs are very easy processes to carry-out, especially in
situations where the organization has resource constraints.
 Since the scope of a qualitative research is extensive, it always generates some data
that can be used by the organization. However, if the hypothesis is not proved then
there could be a lot of wasteful effort and expenditure.
 Unlike a quantitative study, a qualitative study does not involve constraints of sample
size requirements. For example, a case study analysis can be done even if the
respondent size is small.

Cons of Qualitative Research Approaches

 Even though qualitative research is not as time consuming as quantitative research, it
can still require substantial amount of planning and analysis on the part of researcher.
 One of the biggest limitations is that qualitative data are not possible to analyse using
mathematical analysis.
 It relies a lot on personal observations and opinions.
 Qualitative research is unique in nature up to a great extent. Hence, it suffers from a
limitation that it cannot be replicated again. There is thus the problem of reusing the
researched data by some other researchers who want to conduct the research again.
 Quantitative Research Approaches

Quantitative approach is mostly used in scientific researches. Quantitative researches

are also called as "true science", as this approach heavily relies on mathematical and
statistical research techniques to obtain the results of the research activity.

Quantitative research is mostly used in physical sciences, social sciences, education,

management, etc. Its nature is exactly opposite from that of the qualitative research.
Quantitative research employs a standardized format, for generating and testing
various hypothesis testing models. These hypotheses have to be tested using
mathematical and statistical techniques.

The use of randomization is a must during the selection of the research respondents.
There has to be a control group also. The research methodology should typically allow
for one variable to be manipulated at a time as otherwise the statistical analysis may
become complex. It should also allow the experiment to be replicated by other
researchers.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

 It is based on numbers and relies extensively on mathematical and statistical

techniques for the generation of the research results.
 It deals with analyzing the data.
 It involves the specific focus.
 The research design is predetermined. It employs measurements and analysis in a
systematic and structured manner.
 The validity and reliability can be expressed numerically using statistical techniques.
 The emphasis is on evidence rather than discovery.
Classification of Quantitative Research Approaches

Quantitative research approach is a means by which data is gathered in a quantifiable

way and assessed systematically. This approach can be classified into the following
three types :
1. Inferential Approach
2. Experimental Approach
3. Simulation Approach

1) Inferential Approach :
This approach is used to infer conclusions from a set database. The aim of the
researcher is to analyse data and draw conclusions beyond the most obvious ones, and
use descriptive statistics to describe these observations.
For example, if a researcher aims study the opinion of members of a particular age-
group, such as under-graduate students, towards new university norms, he/she will
consult a small population of this group and infer conclusions based on recorded data,
for the entire group.

2) Experimental Approach :
These 'experiments are within the purview of hard sciences, such as 'physics'.
Experimental approach enables greater control over the environment under which the
research is carried out.
The first step in experimental research is to formulate theory.

3) Simulation Approach :
Simulation approach differs from other approaches of quantitative research on the
basis of the type of environment it deals with. This approach also helps in foreseeing
future conditions, thereby enabling researchers to build models that accommodate the
same.

Techniques of Collecting Quantitative Data

 1) Observation:
Observation may be defined as the skill of an individual (researcher. in this case) to
interpret and analyze a phenomena and record findings.

2) Survey:
Survey data is often collected with the help of questionnaires which can be distributed
among the sample population through manual and electronic means.

3) Experiments:
Experiments are conducted by dividing members of a population into two groups,
namely, experimental group and control group. In an experiment, an independent
variable or condition is altered to study its effect on a dependent variable or condition.
This dependent variable is common to both groups of the population.

Pros of Quantitative Research Approaches

 It is a very good and standardized way of obtaining results as well as the testing of
hypothesis. This methodology has remained same over the years and is considered as
standardized.
 The employment of statistical analysis reaches the attainment of an outcome that can
be easily discussed, published and replicated by other researchers.
 The research throws up results which are real and unbiased in nature.
 Quantitative research is very effective in analyzing the results of qualitative research
and also generates platform for future researches.

Cons of Quantitative Research Approaches

 Quantitative research can be a time-consuming and expensive activity. It has to be
carefully planned in advance for true and unbiased results.
 Quantitative researcher requires the extensive use of statistical and mathematical
techniques. This can be a problem for many researchers who are not well acquainted
with the intricacies of various statistical techniques.
 Statistical techniques also require many conditions and retesting on the part of the
researcher. It increases the complexity
 Quantitative techniques are often disadvantageous, especially in social science
research studies, which are very complex. It is especially very difficult when the
research involves the areas which have no exact answers such as yes or no.

Mixed Methods Research

A mixed methods research design is a procedure for collecting, analyzing, and
“mixing” both quantitative and qualitative research and methods in a single study to
understand a research problem.
A mixed methods approach is one in which the researcher tends to base knowledge
claims on practical facts. The data collection also involves gathering both numeric
information (e.g., on instruments) as well as text information (e.g., on interviews) so
that the final database represents both quantitative and qualitative information.