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Research Methods and

Methodologies

chapter -I

Outline
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Definitions
1.3 Significance
1.4 Objectives
1.5 Motivation
1.6 Types of Research
1.7 Research Methods
1.8 Research Methodology

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Introduction
Research is in general can be stated as search for finding an
answer for a question or finding a solution for an unresolved
problem.
The answer or solution can be obtained by following certain
systematic and logical procedures.
Thus research should be in a systematic and scientific manner.
This systematic procedure should find the hidden truth, which
was not found earlier.

In a classical model, research starts from a research

problem.

For the problem, a hypothesis is proposed. Then this

hypothesis is tested, by conducting research.
The results of the research are interpreted from which
it can be justified whether the theory is to be
accepted or rejected or modified.
From this theory again another research problem
may be defined. In this way research can be
continued as a cyclic process. The cyclical process is
shown in the following figure.

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Research definition
Clifford Woody:
Research comprises defining and redefining problems , formulating
hypothesis or suggested solutions, collecting, organizing and evaluating
data, making deductions and reaching conclusions, and at last carefully
testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the
formulating hypothesis.
•

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Significance of Research
• Design and development of new products in all branches of
engineering.

• Base for nearly all governmental policies in our economic system.

• solving various operational and planning problems of business and
industry.

• studying social relationships and in seeking solutions to various social

problems.

Objectives of Research
❖To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights
into it (Exploratory research)

❖To represent accurately the characteristics of a particular individual,

situation or a group (Descriptive)

❖To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with

which it is associated with something else. (Diagnosis)

❖To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables

(Hypothesis testing)

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Motivation of Research

❖Desire to face the challenges in solving the unsolved

❖Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work

❖Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits

❖Desire to be of service to society

❖Desire to get respectability

Classification of research
In general
✓Descriptive and Analytical

✓Quantitative and Qualitative

✓ Applied and Fundamental

✓ Empirical and Conceptual

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Descriptive and Analytical

• Description of the state of affairs as it exists at present.

• In this type of research the researcher has to report the existing as

it is.

• It includes surveys, fact finding enquiries of different kinds.

• researcher has no control on the variables
• report what has happened or what is happening
• Ex: Survey methods of all kinds

Analytical:
• based on analysis of facts and information already available.

• Based on the analysis of the data or information hypothesis if any

will be evaluated.

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Quantitative Qualitative
• based on the measurement of • associated with quality or
quantity or amount. behavior
• Eg. survey research& • research to explore the nature of
experimental research. a problem, issue or phenomenon.
• case studies.

Pure, basic, or fundamental research

• Procuring knowledge for the sake of knowledge only.
• Ex: Study of a natural phenomenon.

• involves development and testing of theories and hypothesis that are

intellectually challenging but may or may not have practical application
at the present time.

• may not have the practical application at present but it may be helpful
for the future practical application

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Applied Research
• Designed to solve practical problems of real world, rather than
acquire knowledge for knowledge sake.
• Mainly concerning problems required to be solved for direct
applications to society or industry or organization.
• Often involves the use of some technology in the
• development of new processes or systems.
• Frequently involved in Research & Development.

Empirical and Conceptual

Empirical Conceptual

❖It relies on observation or ❖It relies on some abstract ideas

experience or formulations.
❖experimenter’s control over the ❖mostly used by philosophers or
variables thinkers for proposing new theories
❖deliberate manipulation of one or making modifications of the
variable to study its effects on existing
some others.

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Some others: types

• Correlation Research: the statistical measure of association or the

relationships between two phenomena
• Explanatory research : explain why and how a situation or
phenomenon happens.
• Exploratory research : explore an area where little is known or to
investigate the possibility of launching a particular research study.

Research Methods
• All those methods which are used by the researcher during the
course of studying his research problem can be called as research
methods.
• Interviews, questionnaire, focus groups, and participant observation
are some research methods

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Research methodology
Defines
• what constitutes a research activity
• what methods to apply ,
• how to measure progress,
• what constitutes success and also
• specifies how to communicate about an area of research activity

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