Research Methodology - Unit 1
Research Methodology - Unit 1
Research Methodology - Unit 1
(Unit-1)
1. The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts be
used.
2. The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit
another researcher to repeat the research for further advancement, keeping the
continuity of what has already been attained.
3. The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield
results that are as objective as possible.
4. The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural
design and estimate their effects upon the findings.
5. The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance
and the methods of analysis used should be appropriate. The validity and
reliability of the data should be checked carefully.
6. Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research
and limited to those for which the data provide an adequate basis.
7. Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced, has
a good reputation in research and is a person of integrity.
Characteristics/ Qualities of Good Research
Systematic
Logical
Empirical
Reductive
Replicable
Significance of Research
Research can either be applied (or action) research or fundamental (to basic or pure)
research.
Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or
an industrial/business organization, whereas 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.”
Research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics are
examples of fundamental research. Similarly, research studies, concerning human
behavior carried on with a view to make generalizations about human behavior, are also
examples of fundamental research, but research aimed at certain conclusions (say, a
solution) facing a concrete social or business problem is an example of applied research.
Research to identify social, economic or political trends that may affect a particular
institution or the copy research (research to find out whether certain communications
will be read and understood) or the marketing research or evaluation research are
examples of applied research. Thus, the central aim of applied research is to discover a
solution for some pressing practical problem, whereas basic research is directed towards
finding information that has a broad base of applications and thus, adds to the already
existing organized body of scientific knowledge.
Quantitative vs. Qualitative
Pure
It is the study of search of knowledge.
Applied
It is the study of finding solution to a
problem.
Purpose of Pure and Applied Research
Pure
It can contribute new facts
It can put theory to the rest
It may aid in conceptual clarification
It may integrate previously existing theories.
Applied
It offers solutions to many practical
problems.
To find the critical factors in a practical
problem.
Exploratory or Formulative Research
Exploratory
Exploratory research is preliminary study of
an unfamiliar problem about which the
researcher has little or no knowledge.
Purpose