Download RESEARCH METHODOLOGY UNIT-I Research Definition A careful ... and more Summaries Research Methodology in PDF only on Docsity!
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
UNIT-I
Research Definition A careful consideration of study regarding a particular concern or problem using scientific methods. According to the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie, “Research is a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed phenomenon. Research involves inductive and deductive methods.” Inductive research methods are used to analyze an observed event. Deductive methods are used to verify the observed event. Inductive approaches are associated with qualitative research and deductive methods are more commonly associated with quantitative research. Research is conducted with a purpose to understand:
- What do organizations or businesses really want to find out?
- What are the processes that need to be followed to chase the idea?
- What are the arguments that need to be built around a concept?
- What is the evidence that will be required for people to believe in the idea or concept? Characteristics of research
- A systematic approach must be followed for accurate data. Rules and procedures are an integral part of the process that set the objective. Researchers need to practice ethics and a code of conduct while making observations or drawing conclusions.
- Research is based on logical reasoning and involves both inductive and deductive methods.
- The data or knowledge that is derived is in real time from actual observations in natural settings.
- There is an in-depth analysis of all data collected so that there are no anomalies associated with it.
- Research creates a path for generating new questions. Existing data helps create more opportunities for research.
- Research is analytical in nature. It makes use of all the available data so that there is no ambiguity in inference.
- Accuracy is one of the most important aspects of research. The information that is obtained should be accurate and true to its nature. For example, laboratories provide a controlled environment to collect data. Accuracy is measured in the instruments used, the calibrations of instruments or tools, and the final result of the experiment. Types of research Following are the types of research methods: Basic research: A basic research definition is data collected to enhance knowledge. The main motivation is knowledge expansion. It is a non-commercial research that doesn’t facilitate in creating or inventing anything. For example: an experiment to determine a simple fact. Applied research: Applied research focuses on analyzing and solving real-life problems. This type refers to the study that helps solve practical problems using scientific methods. Studies play an important role in solving issues that impact the overall well-being of humans. For example: finding a specific cure for a disease. Problem oriented research: As the name suggests, problem-oriented research is conducted to understand the exact nature of a problem to find out relevant solutions. The term “problem” refers to multiple choices or issues when analyzing a situation. For example, revenue of a car company has decreased by 12% in the last year. The following could be the probable causes: there is no optimum production, poor quality of a product, no advertising, or economic conditions. Problem solving research: This type of research is conducted by companies to understand and resolve their own problems. The problem-solving method uses applied research to find solutions to the existing problems. Qualitative research: Qualitative research is a process that is about inquiry. It helps create in- depth understanding of problems or issues in their natural settings. This is a non-statistical method.
problem. It is conducted to handle new problem areas which haven’t been explored before. This exploratory process lays the foundation for more conclusive research and data collection.
- Descriptive: Descriptive research focuses on expanding knowledge on current issues through a process of data collection. Descriptive studies are used to describe the behavior of a sample population. In a descriptive study, only one variable is required to conduct the study. The three main purposes of descriptive research are describing, explaining, and validating the findings. For example, a study conducted to know if top-level management leaders in the 21st century possess the moral right to receive a huge sum of money from the company profit.
- Explanatory: Explanatory research or causal research is conducted to understand the impact of certain changes in existing standard procedures. Conducting experiments is the most popular form of casual research. For example, a study conducted to understand the effect of rebranding on customer loyalty. To understand the characteristic of research design using research purpose here is a comparative analysis: Exploratory Research Descriptive Research Explanatory Research Research approach used Unstructured Structured Highly structured Research conducted through Asking research questions Asking research questions By using research hypotheses. When is it conducted? Early stages of decision making Later stages of decision making Later stages of decision making Learn More: Primary Research – Examples, Methods and Purpose Research method is defined as the tools or instruments used to accomplish the goals and attributes of a study. Think of the methodology as a systematic process in which the tools or instruments will be employed. There is no use of a tool if it is not being used efficiently. Research begins by asking the right questions and choosing an appropriate method to investigate the problem. After collecting answers to your questions, you can analyze the findings or observations to draw appropriate conclusions.
When it comes to customers and market studies, the more thorough your questions, the better. By thoroughly collecting data from customers through surveys and questionnaires, you get important insights into brand perception and product needs. You can use this data to make smart decisions about your marketing strategies to position your business effectively. Types of research methods and research example Research methods are broadly classified as Qualitative and Quantitative. Both methods have distinctive properties and data collection methods. Qualitative research is a method that collects data using conversational methods. Participants are asked open-ended questions. The responses collected are essentially non-numerical. This method not only helps a researcher understand what participants think but also why they think in a particular way. Types of qualitative methods include:
- One-to-one Interview: This interview is conducted with one participant at a given point in time. One-to-one interviews need a researcher to prepare questions in advance. The researcher asks only the most important questions to the participant. This type of interview lasts anywhere between 20 minutes to half an hour. During this time the researcher collects as many meaningful answers as possible from the participants to draw inferences.
- Focus Groups: Focus groups are small groups comprising of around 6-10 participants who are usually experts in the subject matter. A moderator is assigned to a focus group who facilitates the discussion amongst the group members. A moderator’s experience in conducting the focus group plays an important role. An experienced moderator can probe the participants by asking the correct questions that will help them collect a sizable amount of information related to the research.
- Ethnographic Research: Ethnographic research is an in-depth form of research where people are observed in their natural environment without This method is demanding due to the necessity of a researcher entering a natural environment of other people. Geographic locations can be a constraint as well. Instead of conducting interviews, a researcher experiences the normal setting and daily life of a group of people.
who are married are less likely to develop cancer. However, it doesn’t mean that marriage directly avoids cancer.
- Identifying Research Methodology To choose the appropriate types of research, you need to clearly identify the objectives. Some objectives to take into consideration for your business include:
- Find out the needs of your clients.
- Know their preferences and understand what is important to them.
- Find an appropriate way to make your customers aware of your products and services.
- Find ways to improve your products or services to suit the needs of your customers. After identifying what you need to know, you should ask what research methods will offer you that information. Organize your questions within the framework of the 7 Ps of marketing that influence your company – product, price, promotion, place, people, processes, and physical tests. A well-organized customer research process produces valid, accurate, reliable, timely, and complete results. Results that rigorously reflect the opinions and needs of your clients will help you grow your sales and improve your operations. To obtain the results, you need to establish and follow the processes that you have detailed out for your organization: Plan your research Good planning allows the use of creative and logical approaches to select the methods that gather the most accurate information. Your plan will be influenced by the type and complexity of the information you need, the skills of your market research team, and how soon you need the information. Your budget also plays a large role in your ability to collect data. Collect and collate your results Make a list of how you are going to carry out the research process, the data you need to collect, and collection methods. This will help you keep track of your processes and make
sense of your findings. It will also allow you to verify that your research accurately reflects the opinions of your clients and your market. Create a record table with:
- The consumer research activity
- The necessary data
- The methods for data collection
- The steps to follow for data analysis. Remember, research is only valuable and useful when it is valid, accurate, and reliable. Relying on imperfect research is dangerous. Incorrect results can lead to customer churn and a decrease in sales. It is important to obtain information about how the collection of customer information was carried out, and to ensure that your data is:
- Valid – founded, logical, rigorous, and impartial.
- Accurate – free of errors and including required details.
- Reliable – that can be reproduced by other people who investigate in the same way.
- Timely – current and collected within an appropriate time frame.
- Complete – includes all the data you need to support your business decisions. Analyze and understand your research Analysis of the data can vary from simple and direct steps to technical and complex processes. Adopt an approach, and choose the method of data analysis based on the methods you have carried out. 2. CHOOSING A TOPIC Choosing a dissertation topic sounds easy. You’ve been given the chance to write about something you like, or at least something you feel is worth studying. It’s not like most of the essays you may have written before, which came with titles already attached. However, before you can go rushing off to the library, you need a topic – otherwise you won’t know where in the library to look!
Primary and secondary sources Primary sources provide a first-hand account of an event or time period and are considered to be authoritative. They represent original thinking, reports on discoveries or events, or they can share new information. Often these sources are created at the time the events occurred but they can also include sources that are created later. They are usually the first formal appearance of original research. Secondary sources involve analysis, synthesis, interpretation, or evaluation of primary sources. They often attempt to describe or explain primary sources. Scholarly journals, although generally considered to be secondary sources, often contain articles on very specific subjects and may be the primary source of information on new developments. Primary and secondary categories are often not fixed and depend on the study or research you are undertaking. For example, newspaper editorial/opinion pieces can be both primary and secondary. If exploring how an event affected people at a certain time, this type of source would be considered a primary source. If exploring the event, then the opinion piece would be responding to the event and therefore is considered to be a secondary source. Primary sources Examples of primary resources include: ▪ diaries, correspondence, ships' logs ▪ original documents e.g. birth certificates, trial transcripts ▪ biographies, autobiographies, manuscripts ▪ interviews, speeches, oral histories ▪ case law, legislation, regulations, constitutions ▪ government documents, statistical data, research reports ▪ a journal article reporting NEW research or findings ▪ creative art works, literature ▪ newspaper advertisements and reportage and editorial/opinion pieces Secondary sources
Secondary sources offer an analysis, interpretation or a restatement of primary sources and are considered to be persuasive. They often involve generalisation, synthesis, interpretation, commentary or evaluation in an attempt to convince the reader of the creator's argument. They often attempt to describe or explain primary sources. Examples of secondary sources include: ▪ journal articles that comment on or analyse research ▪ textbooks ▪ dictionaries and encyclopaedias ▪ books that interpret, analyse ▪ political commentary ▪ biographies ▪ dissertations ▪ newspaper editorial/opinion pieces ▪ criticism of literature, art works or music ▪ Field research has a long history. Cultural anthropologists have long used field research to study other cultures. Although the cultures do not have to be different, this has often been the case in the past with the study of so-called primitive cultures, and even in sociology the cultural differences have been ones of class. The work is done... in "'Fields' that is, circumscribed areas of study which have been the subject of social research".[1]^ Fields could be education, industrial settings, or Amazonian rain forests. Field research may be conducted by zoologists such as Jane Goodall. Radcliff-Brown [1910] and Malinowski [1922] were early cultural anthropologists who set the models for future work.[2] ▪ Business use of Field research is an applied form of anthropology and is as likely to be advised by sociologists or statisticians in the case of surveys. ▪ Consumer marketing field research is the primary marketing technique used by businesses to research their target market. ▪ Conducting field research[edit] ▪ The quality of results obtained from field research depends on the data gathered in the field. The data in turn, depend upon the field worker, his or her level of involvement,
resources would be useful for you. In terms of sources here are some useful things you might learn:
- Databases that your university has access to (e.g. JSTOR, Wiley, ScienceDirect, etc.)
- Both online and physical journals that your university subscribes to (Why pay if you’re university already has a subscription?)
- Consortiums that your university participates in (this gives you access to more material)
- Average time needed to obtain books, articles, etc. from the consortium (this is important so you know when to start locating sources)
- Other libraries you can access with your University ID (sometimes it’s quicker or only possible to locate a source if you go there yourself)
- And so much more… Google Scholar Google Scholar is an incredibly useful, powerful, and FREE search engine that displays search results only from scholarly sources. These sources can include articles, books, dissertations, patents, etc. For a given source, you will often be able to read an abstract (or excerpt) and click on a direct link that will lead you to the source. There are further tutorials that show you how to effectively search and manage results within the tool. While Google Scholar is quite powerful and helpful, I have found that it does not always locate obscure, yet important, texts for some archaeological topics. Nonetheless, it is an excellent place to start when looking for sources. Literature Reviews Locating an excellent review article on your topic or an aspect of your topic is like striking gold. Why? Well, someone has already done the work of locating many of the important primary and secondary sources for you. While I would not rely solely on one review article for your sources, (because people can forget things and the article might not include the most recent discussions on a given topic) they are a great place to start.
Try The Annual Review of Anthropology. This series is part of a larger initiative that invites scholars to review the current state of knowledge (and the process leading up to it) for a specific topic in their field. The Annual Review of Anthropology reviews topics in each of the sub-disciplines of anthropology, including archaeology. Recent topics in the archaeology sections included Pleistocene Overkill and North American Mammalian Extinctions, The Archaeology of Ritual, and Recent Developments in High-Density Survey and Measurement for Archaeology. Another potential resource for review articles is scholarly databases. Some databases allow you to specify the type of article you are looking for and you might be able to check a box that says ‘Review’ or ‘Review Article’. ScienceDirect and EBSCOhost are two search engines that have this feature under the ‘Advanced’ options. Be aware that there are articles out there that aren’t intended to be review articles, but still have an excellent bibliography containing valuable sources. Such sources might not turn up in these searches. Master’s theses or doctoral dissertations can also be a great resource for locating sources. Graduate students have to provide a literature review in the final document they produce for their degree. Some go into exhaustive detail in these review chapters. This might not be fun for their committee, but it’s great for you! There are a number of online databases that provide access to dissertations. Check with your library to see which ones you have access to.Also, since there is no magical formula for finding a review article (if you know of one, please let me know!), it’s worth asking your instructor if they know of any sources. Now please remember the tips I offered in a previous post, specifically, doing your own research first. Academia & ResearchGate If you mix social networking and sharing research you end with platforms like Academia and ResearchGate. These platforms allow scholars to set up their own profile and share their research with the public. This is done by either by providing a citation or a PDF copy of their work. You do have to create an account to gain access, but it’s free. These social platforms are quite useful when trying to locate sources, especially some harder to access material (e.g. chapters in edited volumes, technical reports, conference proceedings, etc.).
- The thesis of this text is…: Here I write a couple sentences on the main idea of the text. It makes for a useful quick reference if I’m reading multiple summaries at once and it also ensures I know what the text is about.
- Basic Summary: This section can be highly variable. For those texts that I feel are quite integral to my writing project, this section will be quite detailed. For those texts that I feel aren’t as important or just tangential to my writing goal, this aspect gets less time. Also, as I’m summarizing, I put the page numbers in parenthesis (e.g. A literature review of copper finds for Bronze Age Oman is given (114-117)), which makes referring back to and citing specific aspects of the text easier during the writing process.
- The most interesting ideas in this text are…and why do I find these ideas interesting?: This question allows me to tease out parts of the text that I found interesting and reflect on why. Writing this out has served as a helpful reference when drafting discussion or conclusion sections of papers.
- What aspects of the topic do this text overlook or distort?: It’s also important to be critical of texts and this question gives me space to reflect on that. This question is especially useful when analyzing secondary sources and trying to understand the various components of a larger topical debate.
- How is this text of potential use to my writing project?: Usually, I’m reading academic texts for a specific writing goal and I like to explicitly write out how a certain text contributes to that. Sometimes the text can support an argument I’m making, happens to be a foundational work for a topic, is an interesting case study, etc. Nonetheless, I clearly write out how this text helps (or doesn’t) help me reach my writing goal.
- Further texts to look into: Often when we read texts, we find other potentially useful and interesting references cited within it. I like to create a space where I can paste (or write out) references that I want to follow up on. I usually write a note on why a potential source could help and if I found numerous sources, I usually rank them, in terms of priority.
FORMAT OF THE THESIS
▪ The thesis may focus on an analysis of one of the elements of fiction, drama, poetry or nonfiction as expressed in the work: character, plot, structure, idea, theme, symbol, style, imagery, tone, etc. ▪ Example ▪ In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit. ▪ Note that the work, author, and character to be analyzed are identified in this thesis statement. The thesis relies on a strong verb (creates). It also identifies the element of fiction that the writer will explore (character) and the characteristics the writer will analyze and discuss (determination, faith, cunning). n form, the thesis is a lengthy experimental, design, or theoretical report, with a problem- method-results-discussion structure. This recurrent hypothetico-deductive pattern of developing a thesis to solve a problem and then constructing a methodology and testing for results is common in research writing. When you begin to write the first draft of your thesis, try to salvage useful material for problem statements, methodologies, and bibliographies from your thesis proposal. Make use of your laboratory notebook for detailed accounts of your procedures. Front The front matter frames the thesis work. It includes these elements:
- Title page. Your department will have a standard title page form you are required to follow. The title should be informative, contain keywords, and reveal the topic of the thesis. Include the title, author, thesis supervisor, place, and date.
- Abstract. Briefly state the (1) research problem, (2) methodology, (3) key results, and (4) conclusion. Generally, abstracts are between 100 and 150 words--roughly 5- 10 sentences.
- Table of contents. List the key subject headings and subheadings of your thesis with their page numbers. Number the front-matter section in lowercase roman numerals. Be sure to list acknowledgments, appendixes, and bibliography.
- List of figures. Include the figure numbers, figure titles, and page numbers.
- Appendixes. Provide detailed calculations, procedures, data in separate appendixes. Give each appendix a title, a letter (Appendix A, B, C), and an introductory paragraph.
- Bibliography. List alphabetically any works referred to in your study. Follow the bibliographical and footnote formats of your department or of a prominent periodical published by a professional society in your field. ▪ THE FIRST DRAFT:- ▪ A first draft is a rough sketch of your future piece of writing. Sometimes your first draft may become the final one due to it being rather satisfactory, but in most cases, it requires further work. A first draft is a way to elaborate on the main points of your essay stated in your outline, giving them a sample form. It may seem paradoxical, but while being one of the most important stages of the writing process, most first drafts don’t require a tremendous attention to detail. Steps for Writing a First Draft of an Essay
- Take a closer look at your assignment and the topic if it was given to you by your instructor. Revise your outline as well. This is needed for your clearer understanding of the tasks you must accomplish within the draft, and to make sure you meet the requirements of the assignment.
- Sketch out the introduction of your essay. At this point, don’t get stalled on form; introductory part should inform readers about what the topic is, and state your point of view according to this topic. The introduction should also be interesting to read to capture readers’ attention, but this task has more to do with thoughtful and scrupulous writing, and thus should be left for later.
- Based on your outline, start transferring your ideas to paper. The main task here is to give them the initial form and set a general direction for their further development, and not to write a full paper.
- Chalk out the summarizing paragraph of your essay. It should not contain any new ideas, but briefly reintroduce those from the main body, and restate your thesis statement.
- Read through the draft to see if you have included the information you wanted to, but without making any further corrections, since this is a task for the second and final drafts. Key Points to Consider
- While an outline is needed to decide on what to write, the first draft is more about answering a question: “How to write?” In the first draft, you shape your ideas out, and not simply name and list them, as you did in an outline.
- When you start writing your thoughts down, it may happen that one idea or concept sparks new connections, memories, or associations. Be attentive to such sidetracks; choose those of them that might be useful for your writing, and don’t delve in those that are undesirable in terms of the purpose of your paper (academic, showing opinion). A successful piece of writing is focused on its topic, and doesn’t include everything you have to say on a subject.
- Making notes for yourself in the margins or even in the middle of the text is a useful practice. This can save you time and keep you focused on the essence of your essay without being distracted by secondary details. For example, such notes could look like this: “As documented, the Vietnam War cost the United States about … (search for the exact sum of money and interpret it in terms of modern exchange rates) U. S. dollars.”
- When you finish crafting your first draft, it is useful to put it aside and completely quit thinking about writing for a certain period of time. Time away will allow you to have a fresh look at your draft when you decide to revise it. Common Mistakes When Writing a First Draft of an Essay
