Research & methodology Q&A

1. Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problem. In it we study the
various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying his research problem along with
the logic behind them.
2. Research is characterized by the following features:
It means the discovery of new knowledge;
Is essentially an investigation;
Is related with the solution of a problem;
It is based on observation or experimental evidences;
g) It should be carefully recorded and reported.It demands accurate observation or
experimentation;
In research, the researchers try to find out answers for unsolved questions; and
3. Significance of research
It provides basis for government policies;
Helps in solving various operational and planning problems of business and industry;
Research helps in problem solving;
Is useful to students, professionals, philosophers, literary men, analysts and intellectuals;
Decision making in different fields of study; To identify relationship of issues in various fields of
study;
Intellectual satisfaction;
Students writing Bachelors, MBA, PhD Projects/ Theses/ Dissertations;
Source of livelihood for consultants;
Outlet for new ideas and insights for philosophers;
Generalizations of new theories for analysts and intellectuals; and
Development of new styles and creative work to literary people
4. Motivation of research.Refers to what makes people to undertake research.
Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits;
Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems, i.e., concern over practical problems
initiates research;
Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work;
Desire to be of service to the society;
Desire to get respectability;
Directive of government;
Employment conditions;
Curiosity about new things;
Desire to grasp causal relationships; and
Social thinking and awakening.
5. Qualities of a good research include:
a) A good research must be systematic;
b) A good research must be logical;
 c) A good research must be empirical;
d) A good research must be verifiable;
6. RESEARCH METHODS VERSUS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methods include all those techniques/methods that are adopted for conducting research.
Thus, research techniques or methods are the methods that the researchers adopt for conducting
the research studies.On the other hand, research methodology is the way in which research
problems are solved systematically.
It is a science of studying how research is conducted scientifically. Under it, the researcher acquaints
himself/herself with the various steps generally adopted to study a research problem, along with the
underlying logic behind them.
7. Types of research.
Descriptive research concentrates on finding facts to ascertain the nature of
something as it exists.
In contrast analytical research is concerned with
determining validity of hypothesis based on analysis of facts collected.
Applied research is carried out to find answers to practical problems to be solved
and as an aid in decision making in different areas including product design,
process design and policy making.
Fundamental research is carried out as more
to satisfy intellectual curiosity, than with the intention of using the research
findings for any immediate practical application.
Quanlitative research studies such aspects of the research subject which are not quantifiable, and
hence not subject to measurement and quantitative analysis.
In contrast quantitative research makes substantial use of measurements and quantitative analysis
techniques.
Conceptual research is involves investigation of thoughts and ideas and developing new ideas or
interpreting the old ones based on logical reasoning.
In contrast empirical research is based on firm verifiable data collected by either observation of facts
under natural condition or obtained through experimentation.
8. guideline regarding the research process:
1. formulating the research problem;
2. extensive literature survey;
3. developing the hypothesis;
4. preparing the research design;
5. determining sample design;
6. collecting the data;
7. execution of the project; 8. analysis of data;
9. hypothesis testing;
10.generalizations and interpretation, and
11.preparation of the report or presentation of the results, i.e., formal write-up of conclusions
reached.
9. Research purposes may be grouped into four categories,
i. Exploration,
ii. Description,
iii. Diagnosis, and
iv. Experimentation.
10. THERE ARE 3 SCENARIOS
Your supervisor /department can
provide you with a general topic area from which you study a particular aspect;
provide you with a list of possible topics to choose from; or,
leave it up to you to choose a topic and you only have to obtain the permission to write about it
before beginning your investigation
11. Variables are key components of every research study. Understanding their roles is important when
you use a research methodology.
12. What are Independent Variables (IV)? These are variables that are changed/manipulated so that
their impact on the dependent variables can be monitored.
13. What are Dependent Variables (DV) These are variables that rely on something else(the
independent variables) to occur/change before they can have a result. Dependent Variables are
usually the variables the researcher is interested in.
14. Differences between Independent Variables and Dependent Variables
1. Independent Variables are the manipulators or causes or influencers WHILE Dependent Variables
are the results or effects or outcome.
2. Independent variables are "independent of" prior causes that act on it WHILE Dependent
Variables "depend on" the cause.
15. Relationship between Hypothesis and Variables
A hypothesis is a prediction of what the study will find or the answer to a research question.
A hypothesis is an empirical statement that can be verified based upon observation or experiment
or experience
A hypothesis is testable to be true or false through the research study findings.
Variables are found in the hypothesis or research question. In a hypothesis, you can see how
variables operate in a research study.
16. How to identify independent and dependent research variables
To identify Independent research variables, look for items in your research question or hypothesis
that manipulates, causes or influences something or a reaction.
To identify Dependent research variables, look for items in your research question or hypothesis
that sees the result, effect or outcome of changing the independent variable
17.