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9.1. Materials & Methods
9.1. Materials & Methods
Research is undertaken within most professions. More than a set of skills, it is a way
of thinking, examining critically the various aspects of our professional work. It is a
habit of questioning what we do, and a systematic examination of the observed
information to find answers with a view to implementing appropriate changes for a
more effective professional service. When we define the word research, it is
composed of two words, re and search. Re is a prefix meaning again, a new or over
again and Search is a verb meaning to examine closely and carefully, to test and try,
or to probe. Together they form a noun describing “a careful, systematic, patient
study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or
principles”. In other words, Research is a “structured enquiry that utilizes acceptable
scientific methodology, to solve problems and create new knowledge that is generally
applicable”. Scientific methods consist of systematic observation, classification and
interpretation of data.
When we say that we are undertaking a research study to find answers to a question, it
means;
1. The process is being undertaken within a framework of a set of
philosophies/approaches;
2. It uses procedures, methods and techniques that have been tested for their
validity and reliability;
3. It is designed to be unbiased and objective.
Validity means that correct procedures have been applied to find answers to a
question.
Unbiased and objective means that we have taken each step in an unbiased manner
and drawn each conclusion to the best of our ability and without introducing our own
vested interest.
Adherence to the three criteria mentioned above enables the process to be called
‘research’. However, the degree to which these criteria are expected to be fulfilled
varies from discipline to discipline and so the meaning of ‘research’ differs from one
academic discipline to another.
CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH:
Controlled- in real life there are many factors that affect an outcome. The concept of
control implies that, in exploring causality in relation to two variables (factors), we set
up our study in a way that minimizes the effects of other factors affecting the
relationship. This can be achieved to a large extent in the physical sciences (cookery,
bakery), as most of the research is done in a laboratory. However, in the social
sciences (Hospitality and Tourism) it is extremely difficult as research is carried out
on issues related to human beings living in society, where such controls are not
possible. Therefore in Hospitality and Tourism, as you cannot control external factors,
you attempt to quantify their impact.
rigor varies markedly between the physical and social sciences and within the social
sciences.
Valid and verifiable-this concept implies that whatever we conclude on the basis of
our findings is correct and can be verified by us and others.
Empirical-this means that any conclusion drawn are based upon hard evidence
gathered from information collected from real life experiences or observations.
Critical-critical scrutiny of the procedures used and the methods employed is crucial
to a research enquiry. The process of investigation must be foolproof and free from
drawbacks. The process adopted and the procedures used must be able to withstand
critical scrutiny.
TYPE OF RESEARCH
RESEARCH PROCESS
The research process is similar to undertaking a journey. For a research journey there
are two important decisions to make-
A. What we want to find out about
There are practical steps through which we must pass in our research journey in order
to find answers to our research questions. The path to finding answers to our research
questions constitutes research methodology. At each operational step in the research
process we are required to choose from a multiplicity of methods, procedures and
models of research methodology which will help us to best achieve our objectives.
The present research is basically of exploratory nature, where the aim is to gain
familiarity with Effective Agro Marketing Strategy and new insights to it. In this
research, some problems have been formulated for more precise investigation and
some working hypotheses have been developed from an operational point of view.
The major emphasis is on the discovery of ideas and insights. It is essential in
exploratory research that it must continue to remain flexible so that many different
facets of a problem may be considered as and when they arise and come to the notice
of the researcher. The following process has been adopted for present research
It is the first and most crucial step in the research process. Main function is to decide
what we want to find out and how will we find out. Research in social sciences
revolves around four Ps:
These help to ensure that our study will remain manageable and that we will remain
motivated.
Interest: a research Endeavour is usually time consuming, and involves hard work
and possibly unforeseen problems. One should select topic of great interest to sustain
the required motivation.
Magnitude: It is extremely important to select a topic that we can manage within the
time and resources at our disposal. Narrow the topic down to something manageable,
specific and clear.
Level of expertise: We should have adequate level of expertise for the task we are
proposing since we need to do the work ourselves.
Relevance: Our study should add to the existing body of knowledge, bridges current
gaps and is useful in policy formulation. This will help us to sustain interest in the
study.
Availability of data: Before finalizing the topic, we should make sure that data are
available.
Ethical issues: How ethical issues can affect the study population and how ethical
problems can be overcome should be thoroughly examined at the problem
formulating stage.
Materials & Methods 178
The review of literature brings clarity and focus to our research problem. It improves
our methodology and broadens our knowledge. It helps to contextualize our findings.
For the present research, widespread literature e.g. Subject Books by eminent authors,
journals, reports, periodicals and newspapers have been reviewed. The publication of
National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research New Delhi, National
Council of Applied Economic Research and NABARD have been widely consulted
and quoted in the text.
Objectives are the goals we set out to attain in our study. They inform us what we
want to attain through the study. It is extremely important to word them clearly and
specifically. Objectives of present study have been mentioned earlier.
4. Formulation of Hypothesis
The formulation of hypothesis provides a study with focus. It tells us what specific
aspects of a research problem to investigate. It suggests us what data to collect and
what not to collect, thereby providing focus to the study. In present research,
following hypothesis have been formulated for testing;
1. The existing agro marketing strategies are very effective and useful for
Farmers.
2. The purchasing of Agricultural inputs is basic objective of farmers to get
Kissan Credit Cards.
3. The farmers are aware about various Government Schemes.
Materials & Methods 179
5. Research Design
A. Sampling Method
B. Questionnaire
In this research, open ended and close ended questionnaire have been used.
Questionnaire designed to gather information regarding the views of farmers
regarding government policies and support, problems faced, credit and finance
facilities, role of cooperative societies in agriculture development, and their
suggestions for effective agro marketing strategies.
C. Personal Interview
Depth and Structured interview conducted with 10 officials from various departments
like State Agriculture Department, Cooperative Department, Food Corporation of
India, HDFC Bank Jodhpur, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Jaisalmer Central
Cooperative Bank, Thar Anchalik Gramin Bank Pokaran etc.
For the collection of Secondary Data Subject Books, journals, reports, periodicals and
newspapers have been used. Some of them are
b. For Hypothesis Testing: Since the sample size is more than 50 and
independent samples have been taken so the Chi-square test has been used for
hypothesis testing.
Answers received from Questionnaire and Personal Interview have been closely
observed and interpreted in such a way to find out fruitful conclusions. Detailed
discussion has been done in chapter no. 8.
The findings of the data analysis give the final outcome of the research which can be
recommended to the concern people.
8. Recommendations
Apart from the General Recommendations, other recommendations have been given
on Agricultural Marketing, Credit Management, Live Stock, Drought, Climate
Change etc.