RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research work is traditionally defined as the gathering data to answer the questions and finding a solution to problems. The research work may be asked to provide an answer to questions of theoretical interest to a particular discipline. This may include such questions which  have no interest to the society. In this chapter, the aim is to provide a brief overview of research methodology along with a simple model of research methodology. We will try to find out the importance of research methodology in handling the data. The research in management and social science is concerned with human beings, which is attached to their surroundings. The organizational behavior is an important part of the focus of research in management and social sciences and researcher must consider this part carefully to come to conclusions. The concepts of validity and reliability provide the criteria by which we need to judge our choice of research methods. These criteria determine the credibility and academic value of research work.

The validity means the success of a method in assessing what is to be assessed. If the method is valid then the result can be taken as true. There are four main approaches for assessing validity, viz. Face validity, content validity, predictive validity, and construct validity. The reliability is a criterion that refers to the consistency of the data stemming from the use of a particular research method. A measure is reliable to the extent that the repeated application of it under the same conditions gives the same result. However,

whatever research method is used, it is always possible to consider carefully features of research design that make for reliability. Research is commonly known as a search for knowledge. It can be defined as a search for systematic knowledge. Research is

scientific and systematic investigation about a specific aspect. It is a movement from known to unknown. Research is considered a careful investigation or inquiry to

find out new facts in any branch of knowledge. It is an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its advancement. Therefore research is a systemized effort to acquire new knowledge. Research should not be considered as an academic activity only, it also applies to all the respect of the human activity. Research is the basis for making the process of decision effective and more meaningful. It includes the definition of research problem formulation of hypothesis, collection of data, analyzing of data and arriving at

conclusions. After the conclusions are drawn, it is also necessary to find out testing of the conclusions about the hypothesis. Now research has acquired so much of prominence in all the activities, that no development can be thought without proper

application of research. Research is now take up by many professionals. It is a way of thinking. It critically examines the various aspect of professional work. It is a habit of questing. What you do and systematic examination of observed information to find the answer, to make appropriate change for effective use of the information.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

a)      Controlled:

There are many factors that affect on the outcome. In a study of cause and effect relationships, it is important to be able to link the effect (s) with the cause (s) and vice versa. The concept of control implies that, in exploring set up your study in a way

that minimizes the effects of other factors affecting the relationship. This is possible in physical sciences, whereas in social sciences such controls as impossible, therefore attempts are

made to quantity their impact.

b)     Rigorous:

You must be scrupulous in ensuring that the procedures followed to find the answer to questions are relevant; appropriate and justified. Again, the degree of rigor varies between the physical and the social sciences.

c)      Systematic:

This implies that the procedures adopted to undertake an investigation follow a certain logic sequence. The different steps cannot be taken haphazardly. Some procedures must follow others.

d)     Valid and Verifiable:

This concept implies that whatever you conclude based on your findings is correct and can be verified by you and others.

e)      Empirical:

This means that any conclusions drawn are based upon hard evidence gathered from information collected from real-life experiences or observations.

f)       Critical:

Critical scrutiny of the procedures used and the methods employed is crucial to a research inquiry. The process of investigation must be foolproof and free from drawbacks. The process adopted and the procedures used must be able to

withstand critically scrutiny.

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH:

A) Academic Objectives

            It relates to the development of new concepts and addition to an old concept. It means that the urge for knowledge is the main factor in this type of objective of the research.

B) Utility objectives

 It relates to the utility of research work, as research work, as research is accepted for more use to the society. It has to provide the base for policy formation in society.

This type of research must be in a position to provide for achievements in attending organizational objectives. As explained above the research provide a base for investigation by which the relationship between two variables can be established. It is only in systematic research where induction and deduction are possible. Observation is the main element in the research study by which decision-making ability can be increased. Collection of primary and secondary data is involved in the research process and now with these requirements objectives of the research can be further classified into the following:

1. Decision-making objectives.

2. Environmental objectives

3. Market objectives

4. Customer objectives

5. Profit and promotional objectives.

1. Decision-making objectives:

Decision making is now influenced by research. The project identification and implementation are based on the research conducted. There cannot be any business policy that is not affected by research findings. Controlling, which is the main

function in the management can effectively be organized through

research study.

2. Environmental objectives:

All the decisions in the business are taken about the environment in which business operates. All the factors affecting the business-like state, investor, worker, customer and the competition requires systematic investigation before any decision is to be taken.

3. Market objectives:

The market objectives of the research are defined as market research. This includes the market share of products, the profit margin of the organization and total sales volume of the company. Based on the careful investigation of the available market

information, relevant market strategies can be drawn regarding new product development, product selling approach and product modification.

4. Customer objectives:

The need of the customer is assessed, well in advance even before the product is planned. The utility of the product is decided based on the quality of the product, about the requirements of the customers. It is in this respect that the inquiry is conducted to

find out the level of the satisfaction of customers.

5. Profit and promotional objectives:

In most of the companies' profit maximization is the main objective to be attended by them. This requires investigations and consultations to be conducted. Surveys are also conducted to work out the variables in support of the promotional activities. The research provides a strong base for these activities. The development of a business entity is based on a corporate image which is the outcome of the relationship between internal and external factors of the

companies.

 NATURE OF RESEARCH

Research is a process in which an in-depth study of the problem is carried out. This requires investigation to be conducted based on collections and compilation of data along with its interpretation and presentation. Research is properly conducted, it helps in the decision

making process. There cannot be any research exercise which will not yield any additional input to knowledge.  As such research involved a critical examination of facts which leads to the formation of new concepts of modification of old concepts.

The research activities will help us in the testing of hypothesis and establishing a relationship between variables by this we can identify the methods for the solution of the research problems. The research is a fact finding process, which influences

the decisions to be taken. This also provides an opportunity to check the effectiveness of the decision taken. The research is a scientific process and it is required to conduct in proper sequences, which includes activities right from identification of research problem, formulation of hypothesis, testing of hypothesis, observation and relationship of variables and drawing of conclusions

 IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

All development and progress in society are an outcome of research work. The development of logical thinking is promoted by conducting research activities.

Research provides a base for the policies formation of the Government related to agriculture, industries and infrastructural services in the region. In this context investigation in the structure of the economy is conducted through a compilation of data and analysis of facts. Research provides for predicting of future prospects of the region. Research has special importance in solving various problems of business and industries. Market research, operation research, and motivation research are conducted in the business for various requirements. The importance of research can also be certain through its application in the socio-political sector to find out the solution to the social and political problem of the society.

 RELEVANCE OF RESEARCH

Though research is extensively used everywhere in business for planning, forecasting and decision making, but it may lose its relevance of business competition in the society. Therefore in underdeveloped countries normally having no competition it may consider as luxury and for this very reason, it may be neglected in the society. In the existing stage of business competition, where problems are becoming more complex, research, is becoming more relevant than before. The usefulness of research can very well be seen in the managerial functions. Research establishes the relationship between variables and functional areas. It is an effective tool for forecasting. It also provides necessary help for the optimum utilization of the available resources. The formulation and implementation of policies and strategies will be more effective when they are based on the research studies. Research is the main source of decision making as it helps the process of thinking, analyzing and interpretation of the business situations. It provides a base for innovations product development and product modifications.

RESEARCH PROCESS

There are various approaches to research work. Every research project is different from each other on account of its time and place in which it is to be conducted. But all the research projects will have a common understanding of the society and have common

steps through which research is conducted. To have proper research work, every research project work, every research project has to have a research problem

identified. The the research process will consist of a particular objective which should be clearly stated and there should be a hypothesis that has to proceed right or wrong. In addition to this, each research project will have a research design which

indicates as to how required data will be collected, analyzed and interpreted.

The research process consists of a series of various actions, which are necessary for effective research work. It includes all such stages required to carry out research work. This must specify the desired steps involved in conducting research work.

It is necessary to understand that there is no specific sequence or established order in which research work is carried out. Therefore in the research process, there are certain guidelines regarding steps involved in research work. The stages in the research process are listed as, selecting research problems and stating of hypothesis, formulating of

research design, collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. These steps can be summarized as under

1. Formulate the research problem

2. Get the background information.

3. Refine your search topic

4. Consider your research option.

5. Select the appropriate tool (i.e. sampling procedure)

6. Use the tool effectively

7. Locate your material (i.e. data for research)

8. Analyses the material located (i.e. data analysis)

9. Organize and write report.

10. References and bibliography.

The stages which are explained above are depended on each other. It is clear from the above steps sequence in the research process, which are described as under-

1. Formulation of research problem

2. Review of the existing literature

3. Formation and development of the working hypothesis

4. Preparation of research design

5. Determining sample design

6. Data collection

7. Project execution

8. Data analysis

9. Testing of hypothesis

10. Data interpretation

11. Report of the research work.

In order to understand the research process perfectly brief description of each of the stages will be of more help to researchers

1.      Formulation of the research problem:

The research problem relates to the statement of problem and relationship between two variables under study. Research has to identify the problem first and later on its required to single out the problem. This will give scope to the researcher to decide a general area of interest or subject matter of that researcher who has no knowledge about the subject matter will not be in a position to collect and analyze data. Therefore researcher is supposed to have proper knowledge of later stages before be perform the earlier stages. The research process is a system of interdependent related stages. Before giving a brief description of the various stages involved in the research process it is necessary to understand the difference between research method and research process.

2.      Review of the existing literature:

Research can not be conducted without reviewing of existing literature may be conceptual or empirical in nature. Conceptual literature is concerned with the concept of theories empirical literature is concerned with earlier studies of similar nature already conducted. This review of existing studies provide a base to understand how to plan for the study.

3.      Formation and development of working hypothesis:

After the formation of the research problem and reviewing of the available existing literature now hypothesis is required to be explained by the researcher. The normal assumptions which are the base of the study which may be tentative in nature are considered as hypothesis

4.      Preparation of research design:

The research design is prepared by the research after the formulation of research the problem, reviewing of literature and developing hypotheses. It is an outline on a conceptual structure within its limit research work is supposed to be carried on. The research design is prepared with an object of collecting relevant data with the minimum efforts and with a minimum of expenditure, just to control wasteful expenditure

.

5.      Determining sample design:

        

The the success of the research study is largely based on proper identification of the sample to be selected for the study. the method for selecting is normally known as a sample design. It is a sample plan already decided before later is collected from

given population A brief description of these techniques of various sampling is given below.

I. Deliberate sample:

This technique involve deliberate selection of sample which represents the whole universe.

II. Simple random sampling:

As this sample is controlled by probability, there is every equal chance for all the items of the universe to get selected.

III. Systematic sampling:

This is the most simple and practical way of sampling. It is covered under the techniques of probability sampling.

IV Stratified sampling:

This is also a the technique of probability sampling, which is used for the population not having homogeneous group.

V. Quota sampling:

This is an important from the non-probability technique of sampling quota sampling is considered as judgment sampling.

VI. Custer sampling:

This is a probability sampling technique cluster refers to a group and in this sampling technique first, the population is grouped, then the specific group is selected for the study.

VII. Area sampling:

The area sampling is just like a cluster sampling when the geographical area under the investigation is very large than the total area is divided into a non-overlapping small areas.

6.      Data collection:

The data is collected as per the requirement of the study. this may be primary or secondary in nature. If the secondary is sufficient enough to assess the research problem then there is no necessity for primary data to be collected. As per the requirement of the research study, appropriate data is a basic need of research. This primary data can be collected by observation, interview, questionnaire, and schedule.

7.      Project execution:

The project execution is a very important stage in the research process. It should be executed systematically. Therefore periodical and occasional check are essential for verification of the data collected.

8.      Data analysis:

In research process after the data is collected it is required to analyze the meaning of objective. The collected data is processed through various operations. So to make raw data meaningful, these operations will help us to draw proper conclusions.

9.      Testing of hypothesis:

It is only after the analyzing data, the researcher can go further in testing of his hypothesis in which he can ascertain the fact to support or disagree with the hypothesis.

110.  Data Interpretation:

After hypothesis is tested than researcher can go further for drawing of general inferences so that he can arrive at making of statement. The ability of any research is largely based on its capacity of making general statement.

111.  Report writing:

Report writing is final job to be done by the researcher. Research work which is conducted by him is finally presented inform of research report. Report must be written in a systematic manner, which normally should have the following parts.

I. Preliminary part

II. The main text of the report

III. Conclusion part

IV. Reference material

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RESEARCH METHOD AND RESEARCH PROCESS

Research Method                                                                  Research Process

1. Formulation, analysis of

information needed.

1. Chose a broad topic. Get    overview of a topic, narrow down the

topic.

2. Identification and appraisal of

the likely resources

2. Formulate question to guide

 research plan for research

3. Tracing and locating

individual resources

3. Find analyze and evaluate the resources

4. Examining and selecting

individual resources

4. Evaluate, evidence take note

compile the bibliography.

5. Recording and storing of

information

5. Established conclusions and organized information

6. Interpretation and analysis

6. Interpretation and analysis

7. Shape presentation and

communication

7. Create and present final project

8. Evaluation of assignment                                                    8. Reflection- satisfactory

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