UNIT- II LITERATURE SEARCHING AND

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Concept of literature review:
 The term “Literature” means understand and investigation of
research problem and it is the previous research work consulted
for getting insight for the ongoing research.

 The term “Review” means a process of systematic, meticulous,

and critical summary of the published literature in the field of
research.

 After selection of topic, the researcher should developed

concepts and ideas about the selected topic by reviewing all the
relevant materials is known as literature review.

 Therefore literature of review begins with a search for a suitable

& related topic and continues through the duration of work.
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 So “Literature review” is the systematic, careful

and critical analysis of the previous research work
to get information, or knowledge regarding the
finding of research work done in different settings
previously done by different scholars.

 “A literature’ is a step-by-step process that involves the identification of

published and unpublished work from secondary data sources on the topic of
interest, the evaluation of this work in relation to the problem, and the
documentation of this work.” -by Uma Sekaran & Roger Bougie

 A ‘Literature review’ (or overview) is a summary and analysis of current

knowledge about a particular topic or area of enquiry.
- Nicholas Walliman (2010)

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 Thus, the review of literature is an essential part of all research
studies.

 It is a way to discover what other research in the areas of the

problem has uncovered?

 It is the way to avoid investigating problems that have already

been answered.

 A critical review of literature helps us to develop an

understanding and insight into previous research works that
relates to study.

 Books and journal, abstracts, reports, electronic medium are the

sources
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 Purposes of literature Review
The collective body of works done by earlier researchers
is known as literature review.

The previous studies cannot be ignored because specially

scientific research is based on past knowledge and they
provide the foundation to the present study and guideline
to a particular topic.

The main objectives of the literature review are as

follows:
 To identify the variables for research:- when
researcher makes a careful review of literature then
he/she becomes aware of the important and
unimportant variables in the related research areas.
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 To identify the research gap:- Other purpose of the literature
review is to find out what research studies have been conducted in
the chosen field of the study and what remains to be done? It helps
to avoid needless duplication of effort.

 To identify the relationships among variables :- It enables to the

researcher in discovering the important variables relevant to the
area of the present research and relationships among them.

 To develop the research foundation:- The literature survey

provides the foundation for research work and developing the
theoretical framework, from which the hypothesis is developed.

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 To place historical context to show familiarity with state-of-the-art development.

 To synthesize and gain new perspective, get more insight into the topic and know
about the knowledge status of the proposed subject.

 To developed theoretical frame work and defined the research parameters.

 To generate hypothesis.

 To developed research design.

 To update on current issues.

 To identify the methodology and techniques of research of data analysis.

 To give continuity in research.

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 Kinds of literature survey
 Primary literature review : Ii is Unpublished research, private corresponding
and conference proceedings.

 Secondary literature review : It is Published books, articles, news media

and published business, government, private and international bodies’
publications.

 Tertiary literature review : It is getaway to secondary sources and include

dictionary, encyclopedias, citation indexes, catalogues and web-based portal
and data bases.

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 Historical literature review: It traces the issues and concept or events

over time.

 Methodological literature review: it assesses and evaluates

methodological techniques used.

 Theoretical literature review: It focus on the theories or concepts

related to the research issue under study.

 Integrative literature review: It summarizes and integrates the current

state of knowledge on topic under study.

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Writing a literature survey

 Write a literature review only organized form or chain of point or rules,

only related summaries of each and every documents.

 Arrange literature on the basis of either relevance or date of the report

where each sentence should begin as; pant (2015) found ….., etc.

 Create arguments which explain and evaluates the literatures and shows
its relevance to the problem or topic.

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 Steps in the literature survey
Literature review is the most important functions in the
research work. It must be done step by step procedures. The
following steps must be adopted for the literature review.

1. Identification of materials and selection of related

literature:-
 The first step of the literature review is the identification of
the various published and unpublished materials that are
available on the topic of interest and gaining access to these.

 For example: Text books, journals, magazines, thesis, reports

etc. are the main sources of literature review.

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2. Obtaining literature:-
 Through the published journals, magazines, newspaper, research
articles researcher can find the research procedures, research design,
research gap.
 The references must be used for all those resources.
 Today, computer online has become the library to locate the
information because that provides the numbers of advantages like; time
saving, inexpensive and numerous resources.

3. Reading:-
 Reading involves, scanning the materials, identifying what the
material about, identifying and making ideas, issues, and methods used.
 All the collected literatures must be related with the research topics.
 After the collection of related materials researcher must screen out the
important and unimportant documents, this requires efficient reading
skills.
 It makes sure to choose a topic.
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4. Evaluation of the content of literature:-
 The evaluation process of researcher may be differ individual to individual as
well as the materials will often contradictory.

 But however the different criterias must be followed in the evaluation process
like accuracy, dependability, suitability, scope, up-to-dateness, authors, styles,
publisher etc.

 Evaluation involves two steps(a) an initial appraisal (b) careful analysis of

contents.

 Initial appraisal involves evaluating the author, date of publication, edition or

revision, publisher and title of the journals.

 Evaluation of contents of the articles involves the carefully reading and analysis
of different parts of the articles like evaluation of introduction, method, result
discussion.

5. Writing
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 Relation of literature to research

 Know the concept

 Select the topic
 Identify variables
 Frame conceptual framework
 Decide research design
 Select the instruments for the data collection-Observation, interview,
questionnaire…
 Select tools for data analysis

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 Literature search through the internet
Literature search through the internet is the development of
post-electronic revolution.

Theinternet is the World Wide Web (network)(WWW) of

computers that can provide access to vast range of literature.

It was first introduced in the world in 1992. it has been

gaining popularity within a short span of time.

 Going through the internet and websites gives instant access

to the literature and data banks of large computers system.

Thus internet is the vast sources of information cannot be

ignored.
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WWW is the biggest sources of information in the
world, it adds the thousands of pages everyday.

Most of the researchers involve in business research

today by going online.

Address of internet sites or home page can be the most

quickest and direct method of accessing these
resources.

Search tools are more important method of internet

searching for the literature review that enables to
locate and up-to-date items.
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Searching procedure is more simple and easy only must

be familiar with the computer use.

Severalspecial sites have evolved to offer assistance of

each type of search.

Internet facility has significantly changed the way of

business researchers think about distributing and
accessing information.

Thewidely used searching engines are :

www.yahoo.com, www.google.com, www.lycos.com,
www.altavista.com, www.hobot.com, www.go.com etc.
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 Theoretical Framework
After completing the literature review and defining the
problem we have to developed the theoretical framework.

Itrepresents your beliefs on how certain phenomena or

variables are related to each other(model).

Theoretical framework is the foundation upon which the study

is established.

Entire study proceeds within the theoretical framework.

Theoretical framework can be presented in the graphic form,

which reflects the variables selected for inclusion in the
investigation.
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• Sekaran “the theoretical framework is the foundation on which the entire
research is based.

 It is logically developed, described and elaborated network of association

among variables that have been identified through such process as interviews,
observation and literature survey.

 These variables are deemed relevant to the problem situation.”

 When we present the measurable variables in the diagram that defined the
expected relationships between them and specifies the direction of such
relationship that is called theoretical framework.

 It is a base for developing the testable hypothesis. It is collection of

interrelated concepts.

 The basic features of theoretical framework are :-variables should be

clearly defined, model should give the relationship between the variables and
clearly
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explanation why relation ship exist. 18
 Theoretical Framework

Employees
Absenteeism
Productivity
Or
Training

Dependent
Age of Motiva variable
Independent employees tion
variable
Intervening
Moderating Variable
Variable

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 Theory and Research
 A theory is a statement concerning the relationship between
or among concepts.

 Theory has different components like; proposition, concept,

construct, operational definition, variable, hypothesis,
model and each research is based all above components.

 Theory helps to undertake research in the systematic way

and research helps to improve the in the existing theory.

 So, research and theory are closely related.

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 Research and theory are inseparable supplementary components of
scientific investigation.

 A theory provides the conceptual framework for research.

 Research, in turn, develops the theory.

 The findings of such research may lead to the formulation of the new
theory or modification of the existing theory.

 “A theory is a statement of relations among the concepts within a set

of boundary of assumptions and constraints.” Nicholas Walliman

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 Approaches-deduction and induction
Deduction(Testing Theory):- Top down approach

Itis a research approach used to test and develops the

theory.

Itinvolves the seven stages process:- Identify broad

problem era, define the problem statement, develop
hypothesis, determine measures, data collection, data
analysis and interpretation of data.

Itis an attempt made to verify the revised theory by

going back to first step and repeating the whole cycle.

Theory-hypothesis-observation-confirmation.
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 Induction(theory building):-Bottom-up
approach
 It is a process when we observe specific phenomena and arrive at
general conclusion.

In this research the researcher tries to understand the nature of

problem gather the quantitative and qualitative data and analyze
them to draw conclusion.

Inductive research develops and understand about the problem

and make proper analysis of its different dimensions.

 The result of this analysis would be the formulation of the theory.

Observation-Find trend (pattern)-tentative hypothesis(formulate

hypothesis)-develop
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 Steps in the process of deduction and induction
Theory Develop Theory

Hypothesis Tentative Hypothesis

Observation Find trend (Pattern)

Observation

Conformation
Induction
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(Bottom-up approach-Specific
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to Broad)

Deduction
  Approaches – deduction and induction:

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 Research problem
Concept:
Research problem is a deviation, scatterness or gap
between actual and expected state.

 Research problem is a situation that needs a solution.

According to Sekaran and Bougie “A problem does not

necessarily mean that something is seriously wrong with
a current situation or with the organization under study.
A problem simply indicates an interest in an issue where
finding the right answers might help to improve an
existing situation”.
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Problem identification is the most crucial step in the research process.

The main function of problem identification is to decide what you want

to find out about?

 It identifies the destination.

 It tells what you intended to research?

 If wrong problem is defined the rest of the research is completely

useless.

 If practically organization facing some types of problem that is called

research problem.
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What is the actual causes of problem, that is the research problem.

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According to Uma Sekaran “research problem is any
situation where a gap exists between the actual and the
desired ideal state.”

According to Kerlinger “a good problem is defined as

interrogative sentence statement that shows what relation
exist between two or more variables.”

The features of good research problem are: It should raise

the question about relationship between variables,
relationship between variables should be clearly explained and
it should suggests a method of researching the question.

For example:- does training to aged people increase in

efficiency in the performance?
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 Identification of Research Problem in business
Problem identification
The management problem: How to increase market share?
-

-The research problem: How the quality of product be improved

so as to increase its market share?

-Research questions: Can product be sold if improving design of it?

-Hypothesis: Improve in design related to sale of product.

-Problem definition

-Problem Statement

-The management problem

-The research problem

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-Research question
 Steps in identifying a research problem
 Determining the field of research in which a researcher is keen to do
the research work.

 Develop the mastery on the area or in field of specialization.

 Review the recent research conducted in the selected area.

 On the basis of review, select the priority field of the study.

 Draw an analogy and insight in identifying a problem or employ the

personal experience of the field in locating the problem.

 In this process researcher can take help of supervisor or expertise of the

field.

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 Pin-point specific aspect of the problem which is to be investigated.
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Conceptualization of research problem

i) Discussion among the colleagues

ii) Discussion with the research guide

iii) Discussion with some experts and

iv) Intensive reading all the available literature

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 Research questions
 A research question is the fundamental core of
a research project, study, or review of literature.
 It focuses the study, determines the methodology,
and guides all stages of inquiry, analysis, and
reporting.
 What you specially want to understand by doing
this study?
 You should clearly spell out what you will attempt
to understand?
 Hence your intention must be expressed in the
form of research questions.
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 A research question is defined as a statement that
identifies the phenomena to be studied.

 For example, what factors responsible for the growing rate

of employees absenteeism?

 Research questions, thus, indicate the purpose and motive

of the research investigation.

 Research question is the mirror of the research objectives.

 It directly links to all others components of research

investigation.

 It is said “a question well-stated is a question half

answered”. You try to answer to these questions when you
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do research.
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 Hypothesis go beyond research question because

they are statements of relationships or
propositions rather than merely questions to which
answers are sought.
 Research questions describe the ideas contained in the research objectives.

 Research questions are the interrogative form of research objectives.

 Research questions are such questions that can help the researcher learn
something new- fruitfully

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 Research question is intended to help us learn something new.

 We often define our research goals in terms of questions.

Relationship questions, proposition and hypothesis

Proposition

Research Questions Hypothesis

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 There are three types of research questions
Descriptive:- It describes what is going on or what
exists?
Question: What is the current state of quality of work life
in Nepalese commercial bank?

Relational:- It establishes the relationship between two

or more variables.
question: What is the relationship between product
quality and purchase intention of customers in buying
television?

Causal:- It determines one or more variables causes or

effect on one or more variables.
Question: How the demographic variables(income, age)
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influence on purchase intention of vehicle in Nepal?

 Need for research question

 Formulation of research questions is the real starting

point in preparation of a research process.

 The data required for the study are determined by the

help of the research questions.

 The research design is necessarily based on the research

questions; the research method is also set on these
questions.

 The data analysis tools and methods, result

interpretation procedures and the writing phases of the
reports are also determined by the research questions.
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 Hypothesis formulation
 The crucial starting point of research is to have an
issue to investigate.

 In the scientific research, this issue is normally

expressed in the form of hypothesis.

 The assumption of population parameter from the

sample statistics and its validity is tested is called
hypothesis.

 The quantitative statement about the population

parameters is known as hypothesis.

 When the relationship/association among the variables

are identified then certain testable hypothesis is
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formulated.
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By testing these associations among variables through
statistical analysis we can obtain reliable information on
what kind of information exists among the variables.

Hypothesis provides the direction for the research, the

objective of the hypothesis is to organize the study.

Ahypothesis proposes the relationship between two or

more variables.

According to John W. creswel “A hypothesis is a formal

statement that presents the expected relationship
between dependent and independent variables”
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 A good hypothesis must be: stated in declarative form, state
the expected relationship among the variables, testable
empirical, limited in scope, clearly and preciously stated, should
guess solutions.

Hypothesis can be derived in a variety of way.

 For example, you could observe a social situation and come to a

conclusion about some variables and then develop the some
hypothesis which connect two or more variables.

Alternativelyyou might take an existing theory which have been

developed by others.

There are two grounds on which a hypothesis may be justified:

logical
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The logical justification is developed from
arguments based on concepts and theories relating
directly to the research problem.

The empirical justification is based on reference

to other research found in the literature.

Process of hypothesis formulation

Observation Theory

Hypothesis
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At the time of hypothesis formulation, researcher
using following approaches:

 Discussion: Discussion with the export of same field about development of

the problem and objectives.

 Through internal data: Checking records and data which provides

information like direction, feature etc.

 Literature review: It related to the similar issues and research problems

that shows the research gap in the study that help to development of
hypothesis.

 Interview: Taking interview with related person, group, organization etc.

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 Role of Hypothesis in Research
 Hypothesis is an integral part of any scientific research process.

 It plays very important role in undertaking research.

 The role of hypothesis is indispensable in any scientific investigation.

 It always guides and gives direction to research and research remains

unfocused without a hypothesis.

 A hypothesis provides the research study with its focus.

 It can be deducted from other hypotheses and theories well.

 It enables the researcher to proceed on correct line of study, if it is correctly

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drawn and scientifically formulated.
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 It translates research questions into clear and specific testable statements.

 It leads to discovery and additions to knowledge by confirming or disconfirming

particular theories or propositions.

 It determines data needs for an enquiry and suggests the most appropriate
instrument for data collection.

 It suggests the most appropriate instruments of data collection.

 It suggests the appropriate statistical methods and tools for analysis of data.

 It provides the framework for drawing conclusions of an investigation.

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 The role of hypothesis can specifically by
stated as follows:
 Select required facts:

 Confirm or disconfirm theories:

 Determine the types of data needed:

 Direction of research:

 Suggest most appropriate tools for analysis:

 Provide framework for drawing the conclusion:

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 Acts as a bridge:
 Types of hypothesis
1. Descriptive hypothesis
 Descriptive hypothesis are in the form of
propositions that only state the existence, size,
form or distribution of some variables.

 These descriptive statement contains only one

variable, so the relationship between variables are
not studied and explored.

 The average shareholders of Nepal Bank(case) favor

returns in the form of bonus dividend (variable).
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 2. Relational hypothesis
 It describes the relationships between two or more variables.

 It is also categorized into two types: correlation and explanatory.

 When a statement describes the relationship between two or

more variables, it is called correlation hypothesis.

 High level of income purchase luxuries goods.

 In the explanatory hypothesis one variable would cause or lead

to change in the other variable.

 The increase in the income would lead to increase in purchase

intention
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 3. Directional and non-directional hypothesis
The directional hypothesis:
It indicates the particular direction of the expected relationship
between two variables.

These relationships could be stated in positive and negative, less

than and more than form.

Like, older workers are less motivated than younger.

The non-directional hypothesis:

 It do not indicate any direction of the relationship of the
expected relationship.

For example: there is no significance difference across the

gender
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 4. Null and Alternative hypothesis

 A null hypothesis is a statistical hypothesis that is tested for

possible rejection under the assumption that it is true.

It usually reflects the “ no-difference” or “no-effect” situation.

A alternative hypothesis is the particular hypothesis that the

researcher is seeking to examine.

The hypothesis contrary to null hypothesis is known as alternative

hypothesis.

A hypothesis which expresses the tentative view of the researcher

regarding the parameters or phenomena under study and
considered
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hypothesis.
Error in hypothesis

Type I error (α)/Producer’s risk:

 The error which is committed of rejecting null hypothesis(H0), when it is
true.

Type II error (β)/Consumer’s risk:

 The error which is committed of accepting null hypothesis(H0), when it is
false.

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