An introduction to research methods in Sociology, Lecture notes of Sociology

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Research

Methodology

What is Research?

What is research?  (^) Research means finding answers to the questions.  (^) It is a systematic search for truth.  (^) Through research, new and original information, ideas about the world we live in, are obtained.  Research is search for knowledge.  (^) Research is defined as a scientific and systematic search for information on a specific topic.

Which of these can be classified as research? [1] Samad prepared a paper on “computer usage in secondary schools” after reviewing literature on the subject available in his university library. [2] Manoj says that he has researched and completed a document which gives information about the age of his students, their results, their parents income and distance of their schools from the District Office. [3] Kim participated in a workshop on curriculum development and prepared what he calls, a report on the curriculum for Engineers.

None of the above examples can be classified under the name research.

WHAT IS RESEARCH?

• Research is systematic, because it follows certain steps that are logical in order. These steps are:

1. Understanding the nature of problem to be studied and identifying the related area of knowledge.
2. Reviewing literature to understand how others have approached or dealt with the problem.
3. Collecting data in an organized and controlled manner so as to arrive at valid decisions.
4. Analyzing data appropriate to the problem.
5. Drawing conclusions and making generalizations.

DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

• Redman and Mory “Systematized effort to gain new knowledge”
• Organized scientific investigations to solve problems, test hypotheses, develop or invent new products.

Examples Driven by new data: X is a new type of data emerging How is X different from existing types of data? What new issues/problems are raised by X? Are existing methods sufficient for solving old problems on X? If not, what are the new challenges? What new methods are needed? Are old evaluation measures adequate? Driven by new users: Y is a set of new users (e.g., ordinary people vs. librarians) How are the new users different from old ones? What new needs do they have? Can existing methods work well to satisfy their needs? If not, what are the new challenges? What new functions are appropriate for Y? Driven by new tasks (not necessarily new users or new data): Z is a new task (e.g., social networking, online shopping) What information management functions are needed to better support Z? Can these new functions reduced to old ones? If not, what are the new challenges? 13

Research Idea

1. Job recruitment via the internet
2. Advertising and share prices
3. The future of trade unions Research Question
4. How effective is recruiting for new staff via the internet in comparision with the traditional methods. 2.How does the running of a TV advertising campaign designed to boost the image of a company affect.
5. What are the strategies that trade unions should adopt to ensure their future viability?

PROBLEMS IN RESEARCH

 Uncontrollable variables

 Human tendencies

 Time and money

 Lack of computerization

 Insufficient interaction between university research

departments and business establishments

 Lack of confidence on the part of business units to give

information

Role of research in management

Selected Examples of Real-Life Situations in Which Business Research Methods are Used  (^) A firm wants to produce and market a new product but first wants to ascertain if there is a potential consumer demand for this product in markets x,y and z  (^) A multinational firm wants to establish a production facility in another country after determining its technical and economic feasibility  (^) A government agency wants to ascertain the satisfaction level of its employees, the causes for any possible discontent, and propose a scheme for enhancing this level  (^) A financial institution wants to invest in commodities and commissions a study to determine the past trends and forecast future returns in a portfolio of commodities  (^) MNC wants to find out the trends in retail and wholesale sector

General Business Conditions and Corporate Research  Short- & Long-Range Forecasting,  Business and Industry Trends  Global Environments  Inflation and Pricing  Plant and Warehouse Location  Acquisitions Financial and Accounting Research Forecasts of financial interest rate trends, Stock,bond and commodity value predictions Capital formation alternatives Mergers and acquisitions Risk-return trade-offs Portfolio analysis Impact of taxes Research on financial institutions Expected rate of return Capital asset pricing models Credit risk Cost analysis Fields Where Research is Often Used – (1) Management and Organizational Behaviour Research

• (^) Total Quality Management
• (^) Morale and Job Satisfaction
• (^) Leadership Style
• (^) Employee Productivity
• (^) Organizational Effectiveness
• (^) Structural ssues
• (^) Absenteeism and turnover
• (^) Organizational Climate