Research
The
term research has two words Re + search . Re= again; and search
= find out something new. Research is oriented towards the discovery of relationship that exists among different
phenomena of the world
Definition
Research
is systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical
propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomenon.
-Kerlinger
Research
may be defined as the systematic method of discovering new facts or verifying
old facts, their sequences, interrelationships, casual explanations and the
natural laws which govern them.
-Young PV
• It
is a scientific investigation. Research (re-search) means to “search again.’ It
connotes patient study and scientific investigation.
• It
develops concepts and the theories.
• It
is solution oriented and directed towards the solution of a problem.
• It
determines the relation between two or more variables.
• Research
emphasizes to the development of theories, concept, principles and
generalization that are helpful in predicting future occurrences.
• Research
is replicable. The design, procedures and result of scientific research should
be replicable so that any person other than researcher may assess the validity
of research.
• Research
requires that researchers have full knowledge of the problem under the study.
• Logical
and objective
• Hypothesis
oriented
• Gather
new knowledge
• It’s
main aim is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been
discovered as yet.
• To
gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it.
• To
portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or
a group.
• To
determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is
associated with something else.
• To
test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables
TYPES OF RESEARCH
It
is undertaken for the sake of knowledge without any intension to apply it in
practice. This research helps in developing theories by discovering broad
generalization and principles. It is organized through different procedures of
research like sampling, hypothesizing facts, etc. It can be experimented in a
psychological laboratory. Research concerning some natural phenomenon or
relating to pure mathematics, research studies concerning human behavior
carried on with a view to make generalizations about human behaviour are
examples of fundamental research.
Applied
It
aims a finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an
industrial/business organization. Solve practical problem of the modern world,
rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge sake. Marketing research is an example of applied
research.
Exploratory
Research
It
is a preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem about which researcher has
little or no knowledge. The objective of exploratory research is the
development of hypothesis rather than their testing.
Action
Research
Its
aim is immediate application but not any development of theory. It is research
either initiated to solve the immediate problem or if the researcher finds any
problem during the course of his field investigation and observation he applies
it.
Descriptive
study
Includes
surveys and fact findings enquiries of different kinds. The major purpose of
descriptive research is description of the state of affairs, as it exists at
present. In social science and business research the term often used is
ex-post fact research. The researcher has no control over the variables, he
can only report what has happened or what is happening.
Evaluation
Study
• It
is a type of applied research. It is made for assessing and taking stock of
effectiveness of social or economic programmes. For example : Family planning
scheme, Irrigation project.
Diagnostic
Study
• Similar
to descriptive study but with a different focus, which is directed towards
discovering what is happening? Why is it happening and what can be done about
it?. It aims at identifying the causes of problems and possible solutions for
it.
Evaluation
Study
It
is a type of applied research. It is made for assessing and taking stock of
effectiveness of social or economic programmes. For example : Family planning
scheme, Irrigation project.
Diagnostic
Study
Similar
to descriptive study but with a different focus, which is directed towards
discovering what is happening? Why is it happening and what can be done about
it?. It aims at identifying the causes of problems and possible solutions for
it.
Variables
A
variable is a feature or aspect of an event , function or process, which is
being studied.
Types
of variable
• Experimental
Variable: an experiment is conducted in order to see the effect of a variable
or treatment is known as experimental variable
• Controlled
variable : when the effectiveness of an
experimental variable is examined by
comparing with other variables is known as controlled variable
• Dependent
variable : the basis on which the effectiveness of the experimental variables
is established or studied is known as the depended variable
• Intervening
variable : there are a number of abstract (invincible) variable working in
educational experiment which intervene the effect of experimental variables or
dependent variable eg: attitude, motivation, learning process etc
Research
Methods are tools, techniques or processes that are used for conduction of
research and Aims at finding solutions to research problems.
Research
Methodology
This
is the principles that guide our research practices. Research methodology aims
at the employment of the correct procedures to find out solutions.
Hypothesis
of the Study
• A
hypothesis is a logical supposition, a reasonable guess, an educated
conjecture. It provides a tentative explanation for a phenomenon under
investigation.” (Leedy and Ormrod, 2001).
• Hypotheses
are testable explanations of a problem, phenomenon, or observation.
• Both
quantitative and qualitative research involve formulating a hypothesis to
address the research problem.
• Hypotheses
that suggest a causal relationship involve at least one independent variable
and at least one dependent variable
Type
of Hypothesis
Below
are some of the important types of hypothesis
1.
Simple Hypothesis
2.
Complex Hypothesis
3.
Empirical Hypothesis
4.
Null Hypothesis
5.
Alternative Hypothesis
6.
Logical Hypothesis
7.
Statistical Hypothesis
Simple
Hypothesis
• Simple
hypothesis is that one in which there exists relationship between two variables
one is called independent variable or cause and other is dependent variable or
effect.
Complex
Hypothesis
Complex
hypothesis is that one in which as relationship among variables exists. In this
type dependent as well as independent variables are more than two.
Empirical
Hypothesis
Working
hypothesis is that one which is applied to a field. During the formulation it
is an assumption only but when it is put
to a test become an empirical or working hypothesis.
Null
Hypothesis
Null
hypothesis is contrary to the positive statement of a working hypothesis.
According to null hypothesis there is no relationship between dependent and
independent variable. It is denoted by ‘H0”. When a null hypothesis is rejected
it shows the difference is existed between two variables
Alternative
Hypothesis
An
alternative hypothesis is to assert that the two samples drawn from population
having the same mean. It is denote by
“H1”.
It
involves two types of error
Type
I error or Alpha error – when an alternative hypothesis H1
may accepted and H0 is rejected. It exhibit that the difference does not exist
due to chance error
Type
II error or Beta Error – when null hypothesis H0 is accepted
and alternative hypothesis H1 is rejected . It exhibit that the difference is
due to chance/sampling error
Logical
Hypothesis
It
is that type in which hypothesis is verified logically. J.S. Mill has given
four area of these hypothesis e.g. agreement, disagreement, difference and
residue.
Statistical
Hypothesis
A
hypothesis which can be verified statistically called statistical hypothesis.
The statement would be logical or illogical but if statistic verifies it, it
will be statistical hypothesis.
Conceptual
Framework
• Conceptual
Framework is a written or visual presentation that explains either graphically,
or in narrative form, the main things to be studied – the key factors, concepts
or variables and the presumed relationship among them.
• The
conceptual framework identifies the research tools and methods that may be used
to carry out the research effectively The main objective in forming a
conceptual framework is to help the researcher give direction to the research..
Theoretical
Framework
The
theoretical framework enhances overall clarity of the research. It also helps
the researcher get through the research faster as he has to look only for
information within the theoretical framework, and not follow up any other
information he finds on the topic. The objective of forming a theoretical
framework is to define a broad framework within which a researcher may work
Steps in Research
• Formulation
of Research Problem
• Literature
Survey
• Developing
Hypothesis
• Preparing
Research Design
• Determining
Sample Design
• Collection
of Data
• Execution
of Project
• Analysis
of data
• Hypothesis
Testing
• Generalization
and Interpretation
• Preparation
of Report
Methods
of Research
Experimental
Method
An
experiment is a test, a procedure used to find out something not presently
known. Experiments are usually carried out in order to discover the cause of a
phenomenon. The experimental method is a matter of logic, not of location. Even
so, most experimentation takes place in special laboratories, chiefly because
the control of conditions commonly requires special equipment that is best
housed and used in one place.
Observational
Method
In
the observation method, the investigator will collect data through personal
observations. In this method the investigator will observe the behavior of the
respondents in disguise. Continuous monitoring of stock exchange index and
share prices movements through newspaper and magazines is an example of
observational method which will help investment companies and individuals
effective management of portfolios.
Survey
Method (Field Studies)
Those
problems which are difficult to study by direct observation may be studied
through the use of questionnaires or interviews. Surveys are usually
appropriate in case of social and behavioural sciences. Surveys are concerned
with describing, recording, analyzing and interpreting conditions that either
exist or existed. The researcher does not manipulate the variable or arrange
for events to happen. Thus, in surveys, variables that exist or have already
occurred are selected and observed. The survey method gathers data from a
relatively large number of cases at a particular time.
Case
Studies
The
case study method involves careful and complete observation of a social unit a
person, a family, an institution, a cultural group or even the entire
community. The case study is essentially an intensive investigation of the
particular unit under consideration. The objective of the case study method is
to locate the factors that account for the behavior patterns of the given unit
as an integrated totality.
Test Method
This
method is used to measure all kinds of abilities, interests, attitudes, and
accomplishments. Tests enable the psychologist to obtain large quantities of
data from people with minimum disturbance of their living routines and without
elaborate laboratory equipment. A test essentially presents a uniform situation
to a group of people who vary in aspects relevant to the situation (such as
intelligence, manual dexterity, anxiety, and perceptual skills).
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