CHAPTER 3

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Urban renewal programs aim to improve physical and socioeconomic position of neighborhoods.
However, due to the intervention's complexity, there is often little evidence of their impact on
health and health inequalities. This study aimed to identify the perception of a group of
neighborhood residents towards a large-scale urban renewal program and to explore its effects
and importance on their wellbeing using dash(we’ll come back to this) methodology. Our results
indicate that the majority of urban renewal projects within the initiative, including improved
walkability, construction of new public spaces and more community programs, have positive and
important effects on the overall wellbeing of participants. This study presents an innovative
method that diverts from traditional outcome-based evaluations studies often used within this
field. Research is a scientific investigation. Investigation means a search for new facts and ideas
in any branch of knowledge. Thus, we can say that research is a search for knowledge. Research
may be considered as a movement, a movement from the unknown to the known. It is actually a
voyage of discovery. Research is carried out for two purposes; one is the discovery of new facts
and the second, verification of the old ones. The object of every business organization, of course,
is the discovery of new facts, new relationship, and new laws governing the business
phenomena. But constant verification of the old concepts is also needed especially in dynamic
business environment. Common sense knowledge, based on the accumulated experiences,
prejudices and beliefs of the people is often contradictory and inconsistent. On the other hand,
scientific observations are based on verifiable evidence or systematic body of proof that can be
cited. For example, some common sense statements are: man is more intelligent than woman;
married men remain happier than single people; rural people are more hardworking than urban
people etc. Contrary to this, the scientific research or scientific inquiry finds that a woman is as
intelligent as a man; there is no association in happiness and marriage; hard work is not related to
environment alone. Thus, a statement based on common sense is just a guess or prejudice or
mistaken interpretation, though at times it may be true, wise and a useful bit of knowledge. But it
is not based on any scientific evidence. A scientific statement is based on accumulated
systematic knowledge through research.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

A well-organized research must possess certain characteristics features, which are as follows:

1. Solution Oriented: The problem of research must be clearly defined and stated. The motive of
research must be mentioned in the beginning of research work. The research should provide a
solution of a business problem.

2. Logical: In a research we find out facts about a phenomenon and draw conclusions about it.
The inferences and generalizations thus made must be logical. For example, all illiterate people
in the village live longer than the educated people in the cities leads to the conclusions that
illiteracy is the cause of longevity. This is an example of illogical research conclusion.

3. Objective: Observing true picture of a phenomenon without being affected by observers own
opinion is termed as ‘objective’. Objectivity means knowing reality. The criterion of objectivity
is that all researchers should arrive at the same conclusion about the phenomenon on which they
are pursuing research.

4. Impartiality: A dishonest research may select data items of individuals to draw conclusions to
his favour. This brings bias into research, which affects the objective of the study. Therefore a
true research must be impartial and unbiased.

5. Accuracy: A research worker needs to gain some expertise in the study he is undertaking. This
expertise results in achieving the accuracy in the solution drawn. The accuracy of conclusions is
a sensitive issue as it may affect the whole decision-making.

6. Systematic: In a research there should be well-defined steps. Each step should be sequentially
linked with another, so that, the whole research work is an organized structure.

7. Verifiability: the results of a research are subjective to verifications. For building a sound
basis for decision making one verifies the research results by replicating the study.

8. Empirical: A research is an empirical process and involves data collection. The results are
based on observed experience or empirical evidence. Research rejects assumptions and dogma as
methods of established knowledge. It accepts only what is verified by empirical observations.

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

The main goal of research is to improve the quality and level of living in the society. The
purpose of a research study is to find out the hidden facts about a business phenomenon. The
obvious function of research is to add new knowledge to the existing store. It serves the
government and the business organizations in forming their future policies. The objectives of a
research study are listed below:

1. Understanding a business problem: The first and foremost objective of any study is to
understand, analyze and explore a business problem. Once complete familiarity with the
phenomenon is achieved, it is easier to decompose the complex problem into smaller once.

2. Identifying the cause and effect relationship: Individuals form groups, and groups form
organizations. They are interdependent. It is very important for a researcher to identify the
functional relationships among various components of an organization. A scientific investigation
is necessary in studying the cause and effect relationship of variables involved in a business
phenomenon.
3. To innovate new ideas: One of the objectives of a researcher is to bring constant improvement
in the techniques of his trade. Apart from verifying and testifying the existing assumptions, one
of the functions of a research is to add new knowledge to the state of the art. Research invokes
the innovation of new concepts, theories and idea in a business study. Apart from this, research
also removes and discards worthless theories that are prevalent in the society.

4. To improve the quality: The whole exercise of any activity is done for the improvement of
quality of a product, machinery, or life of human beings. For a business organization it is atmost
important to improve the quality of its products. This can be achieved by a systematic and
critical investigation i.e. research.

TYPES OF RESEARCH

Research is a multidimensional activity. It comes in various forms and is used in all social,
behavioral, educational, economical and management sciences. According to the approach and
method involved in a research, one can classify the following types of research.

1. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH: Descriptive research basically describes what is. It mainly

involves collection, recording, describing and analyzing the facts related to the study. It
tries to find the existing status, trend and state of affairs in a phenomenon. Descriptive
research involves surveys, but they are not merely data collection as they also involve
measurement, classification, analysis, comparison and interpretation. In this type of
research the variable under study are uncontrollable. One can only observe and report
what is happening in a situation
2. ANALYTICAL RESEARCH: Analytical research, on the other hand deals with what
will be. In this type of research, the variables involved are carefully and scientifically
controlled and manipulated. Analytical research is also known as experimental research
and is a very sophisticated technique. This kind of research is based on four important
characteristics namely; control, manipulation, observation and replication.
3. APPLIED RESEARCH: Applied research is action oriented or solution oriented. The
main goal of an applied research is to obtain an immediate, specific and practical solution
of a problem that a business organization is facing right now. It gives here and now
solutions in actual problem situations. It involves scientific investigations but the
methods are not as rigorous as in fundamental research. It finds solutions to be applied in
local environment and they may not be universally acceptable. Applied research does not
promise to add new knowledge to the discipline.
4. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH: Fundamental research is carried out to scientifically
enhance the organized body of knowledge of a discipline. Also know as basic research, it
is concerned with formulation of theory and generalizations of principles. To evaluate
and expand a formulated theory it may use empirical data. Basic research involves
systematic, highly sophisticated scientific techniques. Fundamental research may not
suggest the solutions of immediate problems; it rather draws long term conclusions.
 5. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH: Quantitative research is based on quantitative variables,
which can be measured in appropriate units. These involve objects and individuals that
vary in size, quantity, amount, scale or degree. For example, prices of commodity can be
measured in rupees, weight of a product is measured in kilograms and the mileage of
vehicle is measured in kilometers per liter.
6. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: Qualitative research, on the other hand, is based on
qualitative variables, which vary in quality of type. These variables cannot be measured
on a scale or in any units. Social scientists use qualitative research for studying human
behaviour. In market research surveys qualitative research is carried out to investigate the
likes and dislikes of customers. It helps in understanding the current pattern of demand of
a company’s products.
7. CONCEPTUAL RESEARCH: Conceptual research involves the development of new
theories, abstract ideas, and generalized principles. Philosophers, intellectuals and
thinkers carry out this kind of research. On the basis of their conceptual knowledge they
build theoretical models. Conceptual research is an intellectual process to develop and
verify knowledge.
8. EMPERICAL RESEARCH: Empirical research is based on observation and
experimentation. The information collected in the form of facts develops the conclusions
and theories about a phenomenon. The models, so developed, can again be verified by a
replication of data collection. To test a given hypothesis empirical research is most
popular and powerful tool in the modern world.
9. OTHER TYPES OF RESEARCH: Any research study is derivation of one or the other of
above four types of research. One can further classify a research on the basis of its
purpose, time taken and the discipline of knowledge it relates to. For example, Historical
research is the study of past events, historical documents, remains and relics. Clinical
research is employed to study the effects of a new drug. Market research is performed to
forecast the potential demand of a product. One- time research is carried out on a small
scale in short period with a specific purpose. Educational research is directed towards the
study and development of educational system. Social research is concerned with the
social problems of the society. Field research is done by going out in the field or market,
where as Laboratory research is carried out within four walls of a laboratory.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Research Design deals with selecting and defining a research problem, need for research
design, features of a good research design, different research designs (exploratory,
descriptive experimental and diagnostic research).
MEANING OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

Research is a scientific, systematic and purposeful search, for new knowledge or for re-
interpretation of existing knowledge. It is a journey, which starts with a problem and ends with a
solution. Identifying a research problem is the first and foremost step in a research process. The
statement of research problem is the axis around which the whole research revolves, because it
explains in brief the aims and objectives of the research. A research problem is a specific
statement in the general area of investigation. It is a precise identification of a problem situation
in a certain context involving what, why, who, where and when of the problem area. Who–
means the person or business organization that is facing a problem. Why– means that there is a
purpose, goal aim or objective to solve this problem. How– means the options of actions one can
take to solve the problem. When–means the time frame in which the problem is to be solved.
Where–means the environment in which the problem exists. What– means the optimum action
that is to be taken in solving the problem to attain the best results.

Selecting a Research Problem

A research study is another form of invention. Thus, if there is some necessity or a difficulty a
business organization is facing, it forms a research problem that is to be investigated in order to
fulfill that necessity or remove that difficulty. However, simple it may look, but selecting a
research problem is a big problem in itself. Specially, when there is no apparent problem in an
organization or when a students wants to select a research problem for the purpose of a
dissertation or thesis for a degree or a diploma it becomes utmost important that the research
problem must be very carefully chosen.

Some of the guidelines that researcher must follow in selecting a research problem are listed
below.

1. Sources of problems: First of all one should look at the sources from which one can select a
research problem. Those may be readily available problem that has been identified by a person
or an organization. If that is not the case, one can make use of the experience of experts of that
field. The survey of related literature may also help in selection of a research problem.

2. Potential to be a research problem: One must ensure that the problem one has undertaken has
potential to be called as a research problem. One should avoid trivial or meaningless problem. A
research problem must provide solution to an existing problem or contribute to the body of
knowledge.

3. Select non-controversial issues: Unless the problem is specifically related to issues such as
religion, dogmas, beliefs, sexual preferences etc; one should try to avoid taking up controversial
subjects.
4. Researcher’s interest and competency: In selection of research problem a researcher should
choose a topic of his own field of study in which he has independent mastery in both the subject
and method. The problem should sustain his interest, stimulate his imagination and should be
within the range of his competencies.

5. Resources available: To conduct a research study various resources are needed. A researcher
must ensure the following points about the inputs of the problem:

(a) Time: The study must be completed in the allotted time frame.

(b) Funds: The amount of funds available from the sponsoring agencies must be known in
advance and the study must be completed within given budget.

(c) Size of research: The size of the investigation must be manageable and should not be too
large to handle. It should also not be too small to appear as a trivial problem.

(d) Co-operation of others: A researcher must ensure the necessary cooperation of colleagues
and operational help of administrative authorities is available to the problem he is selecting.

(e) Literature and Material: Related literature is readily available to compare and support the
research findings.

(f) Obtainable data: The selection of a problem should be such that the information or data
needed for it is either readily available or obtainable. In short a researcher must select a research
problem of his area of interest and should ensure the availability of all the comments needed to
conduct the study. The consultation and guidance of experts, who have experience in that area, is
a must. A researcher must seek help of such supervisors and guides in selecting a research
problem.

Designing Questionnaires and Interviews Primary data are collected for the first time through
census or sample survey. The methods of collecting primary data in a research investigation are:
(a) Direct personal interview (b) Mailed Questionnaire

Direct personal interview: Under the direct personal interview method, the interviewer
interviews the respondents personally. During the course of this exercise, direct personal
interview was put into use. We were able to stand in as an investigator and thereby creating
personal contact with the respondents i.e. our informants and conducts on the spot enquiry. We
made direct contacts with the respondents and puts simple and direct questions to them. The
success of this method depends upon the character and efficiency of the interviewer. The
interviewer should be polite and tactful. He must identify himself with the people and must be
conversant with local conditions such as customs, languages etc.

Advantages of this method : 1. By this method original data are collected.

2. Correct and required information is gathered.

3. As one person collects the data, there is uniformity in collection of data.

4. Due to personal presence of the interviewer, there is flexibility in the enquiry, and necessary
adjustment can easily be done.

5. Personal approach helps overcome reluctance to respond.

6. It permits probing to explore questions in depth.

7. Promptness is assured.

Disadvantages But there are certain disadvantages also of this method. They are:

1. Such a method has limited value. Such method can be used in very few cases because most
statistical enquiries cover a wider field than any single investigator could possibly examine
personally within a reasonably time.

2. This method is very costly and requires more time.

3. Personal bias may vitiate the results. 4. If the field of enquiry is too short, the results may not
throw light on the characteristics of the universe.

(b) Mailed questionnaire Under this method, a questionnaire is prepared. The questionnaire
contains a set of questions on the problem under investigation. These questionnaires are
addressed to individual informants and sent by post or email. They are requested to answer the
questions and post back to the investigator. If necessary, they are also given an assurance that
the answers will be kept confidential. Advantages

This method is useful in following cases:

1. When the area of investigation is large.

2. When the information cannot be obtained directly from the informants.

3. This method is generally used by the Government or committees and commissions appointed
by the Government. They collect information about different problems by collecting information
from the persons concerned.

Disadvantages The major disadvantages of this method are: 1. Limitations: This method can be
used only when the informants are educated. If the informants are illiterate, they cannot
understand and reply the questionnaire. 2. Non- response/incompleteness: A number of
questionnaires may not be returned in case of mailed questionnaire method. In such cases non-
response becomes a serious problem. There may be long delay in receiving questionnaire. The
returned questionnaire may not be carefully filled in or they may be incomplete. 3. Dependence
of questionnaire: The success of this method largely depends on the proper drafting of the
questionnaire. 4. Lack of accuracy and reliability: There is no direct contact between the
investigator and the respondent. Therefore, one is not sure about the accuracy and reliability of
the data. 5. Inelastic: This method is inelastic, because on receipt of inadequate or incomplete
answers it is difficult to ask supplementary or complementary questions. 6. Lack of cross-
examination: The answers given by informants cannot be crossexamined. 7. No removal of
doubts of the informants: There is no chance to remove the doubts in the minds of informants.
REFERENCES

1. Mehdipanah, Roshanak & Malmusi, Davide & Carles, Muntaner & Borrell, Carme. (2013).
An evaluation of an urban renewal program and its effects on neighborhood resident's overall
wellbeing using concept mapping. Health & place. 23C. 9-17.

2. M.Phil. (Statistics) Research Methodology

Krishna Swamy K.N., Siva Kumar A.I., Mathirajan M., “Management Research Methodology
(2006), Pearson Education, New Delhi.

Kothari C.R., “Research Methodology, Methods and Techniques, Second edition, (2008), New
Age International Publication.

Ranjit Kumar : Research Methodology, A step by step guide for beginners, Pearson Education,
Sixth Edition 2009.

Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis, Adrain Thornhiu:Research Methods for Business Students,
Pearson Education.

Ram Ahuja, “Research Methods”, (2001), Rawat Publications, New Delhi.

Cooper D., Schindler P., Business research methods”, (2003) Tata Mc-Graw Hill, New Delhi