Research Methodology

 

# Research Methodology:

# What is Research?

The term ‘research’ indicates a systematic investigation into and study of materials/ sources,

in order to establish facts and arrive at new conclusions. Other terms for research are investigation, testing, exploration, fact finding, analysing, examination, etc.

There is a specific methodology involved in the process of research.

# Steps of Research:

# Define the Research Problem/Question:

·       Clearly articulate the problem or question you want to investigate.

·       Ensure that the problem is specific, focused, and researchable.

·       Take care that the topic is challenging and interesting for you.

# Review Existing Literature:

·       Conduct a thorough review of relevant literature to understand what is already known about the topic.

·       Identify gaps in existing knowledge that your research aims to address.

·       Review of literature will help in getting foundational knowledge and understanding studies already conducted in the past.

# Formulate Hypotheses or Research Objectives:

·       Develop hypotheses if you are conducting experimental research or clearly state the research objectives.

·       These should guide your data collection and analysis.

·       Narrow down the extent of the research problem for making it specific and clear.

# Design the Research:

·       Choose the research design (e.g., experimental, correlational, case study) which is appropriate, and suitable with your objectives.

·       Develop a research plan, including the sampling strategy and data collection methods.

·       Define the terms and concepts clearly.

# Ethical Considerations:

·       Address ethical issues and obtain necessary approvals if your research involves human subjects, animals, or sensitive data. 

# Collect Data:

·       Implement your data collection plan. It will provide information for addressing the research problem.

·       Date can be collected through various ways – surveys, questionnaire, interviews etc.

·       Ensure reliability and validity in your measurements.

# Data Analysis:

·       Use appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis methods based on your research design.

·       Interpret the results in the context of your hypotheses or research objectives.

# Draw Conclusions:

·       Summarize the findings and discuss their implications. 

·       Consider the limitations of your study.

# Communicate Results:

·       Write a research paper, thesis, or report that includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.

·       Present your findings at conferences or through other appropriate channels.

# Reflect and Iterate:

·       Reflect on the research process and outcomes.

·       Give recommendations and suggestions on the basis of your research.

·    Consider how your findings contribute to the existing knowledge and if there are areas for further research.

 

#   Types of Research:

Research can be broadly classified into several types based on different criteria such as purpose, methodology, and application. Here are some common types of research:

1. Basic Research (Pure or Fundamental Research):

    Aim: To increase understanding of fundamental principles.

    Focus: Knowledge for knowledge's sake.

    Example: Studies exploring the properties of materials, literary research,

                     finding relevance etc.

2. Applied Research:

    Aim: To solve practical problems or provide solutions.

    Focus: Address specific issues or needs.

    Example: Developing a new drug to treat a specific medical condition.

                     Agricultural research.

3. Quantitative Research:

    Methodology: Involves the collection and analysis of numerical/ statistical data.

    Techniques: Surveys, experiments, statistical analysis, mathematical method.

    Example: Conducting a survey to analyse customer satisfaction ratings.

4. Qualitative Research:

    Methodology: Involves non-numerical data, often in the form of text, images, or

                              observations.

    Techniques: Interviews, focus groups, content analysis, questionnaire etc. Subjective in

                          nature.

     Example: Studying the live experiences of a particular group through in-depth interviews.

5. Descriptive Research:

    Purpose: Describes the characteristics of a phenomenon.

    Techniques: Surveys, case studies, content analysis.

    Example: Investigating the demographic profile of a specific population.

6. Exploratory Research:

    Purpose: To gain insights into a problem or explore a new area.

    Techniques: Literature review, pilot studies, interviews.

    Example: Preliminary investigation to identify potential variables for further study.

7. Experimental Research:

    Methodology: Involves manipulation and control of variables to establish cause-and effect

    relationships.

    Techniques: Randomized controlled trials, laboratory experiments.

    Example: Testing the effectiveness of a new teaching method on student performance.

8. Case Study Research:

    Methodology: In-depth analysis of a single case or a small number of cases.

    Techniques: Interviews, observations, document analysis.

    Example: Studying the impact of a specific intervention in a particular organization.

These categories are not exclusive, and researchers often combine different approaches to address complex research questions. The choice of research type depends on the nature of the problem being studied and also on the research objectives.