Research Methodology- Module II

Formulation and planning of research - selection of problem – setting of objectives -

formulation – hypotheses – measurement of variables – research plan – literature review –
conducting the research.
YOUR DEDICATION AND HARD WORK TODAY WILL SHAPE YOUR
TOMORROW
RESEARCH PROBLEM
 A research problem can be defined as a gap or uncertainty in the decision maker’s
existing body of knowledge which inhibits efficient decision making.
 It refers to some difficulties which a researcher experiences in the context of either
theoretical or practical situations and wants to obtain a solution for the same
Business Research
Systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific decision problem encounter in work
setting, which need a solution.

Review of Formulating
De-Limiting Evaluating
Selection of Literature the final
the the
Research (Collecting statements
Research Research
Area more of the
Area Problem
information) Problem

Sources of Research Problem

The sources of research problem may be
 Own interest or experience
 Contemporary issues
 Literature Review
 Discussion with experts
 Demand from the people/community
 RESEARCH VARIABLES
Convert concepts and construct into empirically testable and observable variables. A variable
is generally a symbol to which we assign numerals or values
Types of variables

 Independent Variables
An Independent variable is a variable based on which the dependent variable is predicted.
This variable is chosen, manipulated, and measured by the researcher aimed at figuring out its
relationship with other variables.

 Dependent Variables
Dependant variable is a variable in which the researcher is interested and in contrary to the
independent variable, the dependent variable is not in the control of the researcher, and he/she
is not able to manipulate it. In another words the value of such variables is depends on the
value of independent variables.
Example 1: Investigating the effect of women’s employment on family life satisfaction__
Women’s employment is an independent and family life satisfaction is a dependent variable.
Example 2: The effect of the sun on plants’ growth__ The sun and plants’ growth are the
independent and dependent variables, respectively.

 Moderator Variable
The moderator variable changes the relationship between the independent and dependent
variable. In points of the fact, the presence of the third variable affects the relationship which
was expected from the main variables; thus, it can be considered as the second independent
variable.
Example: In an investigation of the effect of students’ IQ on their average, in case of
significant difference among the male and female students’ IQ and average, gender can be
accounted as the moderator variable.

 Control Variables
It happens in some occasions that the researcher decides to delete or neutralize the effect of
some variables since examining all the variables simultaneously seems impossible and
uncontrollable for him/her that the mentioned variables are called control variables. It is
noteworthy that in some cases, the moderator variable can play the control variable’ role.
Example: Investigating the effect of the simulated tests on the students’ success in the final
tests__ simulated tests and success in the final tests are independent and dependent variables,
respectively. In this design, the students’ major can be considered as the control variable.
Intervening variable
An intervening variable in statistics and psychology is a variable that acts as the link between
the independent and dependent variables. The independent variable causes a change in the
intervening variable, which in turn causes a change in the dependent variable.
HYPOTHESIS
Hypothesis is any assumption that the researcher makes on the probable direction of the
results that might be obtained on the completion of the research process. In another words,
hypothesis is a statement or proposition that suggests a possible explanation for a
phenomenon or a relationship between variables. Hypotheses are often formulated based on
existing knowledge, observations, or theoretical frameworks.
Characteristics of hypothesis
Testable: A hypothesis must be formulated in a way that allows it to be tested through
empirical observation or experimentation. It should be possible to gather evidence that either
supports or refutes the hypothesis.
Specific: A hypothesis should be clear and specific, focusing on a particular relationship or
prediction within the scope of the research question. Vague or ambiguous hypotheses can
lead to confusion and difficulty in testing.
Falsifiable: A hypothesis should be capable of being proven false. In other words, there must
be a way to demonstrate that the proposed explanation or relationship is not valid based on
empirical evidence. If a hypothesis cannot be falsified, it falls outside the realm of scientific
inquiry.
Relevant: A hypothesis should be relevant to the research question or problem being
investigated. It should address a meaningful aspect of the phenomenon under study and
contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Grounded in theory or observation: A hypothesis should be based on existing theoretical
frameworks, previous research findings, or observations. It should reflect an understanding of
relevant literature and evidence in the field.
Clear and concise: A hypothesis should be stated in a clear and concise manner, avoiding
unnecessary complexity or jargon. It should be easy to understand and communicate to
others.
 Logical: A hypothesis should be logically consistent with existing knowledge and theoretical
principles. It should make sense within the context of the research question and the broader
scientific understanding of the topic.
Types of hypotheses
1. Null Hypothesis
The Null Hypothesis asserts that there is no true difference between the sample of data and the
population parameter. The Null Hypothesis denoted by H0
Example: Suppose if you want to find that, advertisement expenditure and sales are related the
null hypothesis will be like;
Sales and advertisement expenditure are not related
New sales training program is not effective
2. Alternative Hypothesis
If we reject null hypothesis, another hypothesis will develop, it is called alternative hypothesis.
It is denoted by H1.
Example: Sales and advertisement expenditure are t related
New sales training program is effective
 Directional hypothesis (one-tailed): Hypothesis predicts the nature of the effect of
the independent variable on the dependent variable. It predicts in which direction the
change will take place. (i.e. greater, smaller, less, more)
E.g., adults will correctly recall more words than children.
 Non-directional hypothesis (two-tailed): Hypothesis predicts that the independent
variable will have an effect on the dependent variable, but the direction of the effect is
not specified. It just states that there will be a difference.
E.g., there will be a difference in how many numbers are correctly recalled by
children and adults.
 LITERATURE REVIEW
A literature review is a comprehensive summary of previous research on a topic. The
literature review surveys scholarly articles, books, and other sources relevant to a particular
area of research.

All The Best…………