Global Research Methodology

Amit Kumar
S223MGS02
M.A. Global Studies
Submitted To- Rahul Kumar Ishwar
ASSIGNMENT – 1

Research is an organized method for keeping you

reasonably dissatisfied with what you have.
----------- Charles Kettering ----------
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY : AN INTRODUCTION

A. Meaning of Research

Term ‘Research’ is composed of two syllables “Re” and “Search”.

‘Re’, is a Latin term which means again, afresh or repeatedly. Search means try to find out
something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly.
Research is the systematic study of facts with intent to seek knowledge on the basis of which
certain decision can be made or valid conclusion may be drawn. Fact has been defined under the
Indian Evidence Act as “Fact means and includes anything, state of things, or relation of things,
capable of being perceived by the senses; any mental condition of which any person is
conscious.” Research is a process whereby any fact(s) are repeatedly, carefully and
systematically investigated by the researcher to know the truth. The definite sets of methods,
steps and procedures are followed to get accurate, true and reliable outcomes of any research.

Goode defines research as, “Research is ideally the careful unbiased investigation of problem
based in so far as possible upon demonstrable facts and involving refined distinction,
interpretation and usually some generalization.”

According to Clifford Woody, “Research comprises defining and redefining problems,

formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating data;
making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions to
determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis.”

According to Gina Wisker “Research is about asking and beginning to answer questions, seeking
knowledge and understanding of the world and its processes, and testing assumptions and
beliefs.”

D. Steiner and M. Stephenson in the Encyclopedia of Social Sciences define research as “the
manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or
verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an
art.”
“The systematic investigations into and study of materials, sources etc., in order to establish facts
and reach new conclusions. An endeavor to discover new or to collate old facts by the study of a
subject or by a course of critical investigation.”

Research is an intensive and purposeful search for knowledge and understanding of social and
physical phenomenon. It is an unbiased scientific activity undertaken to establish some fact,
theory or principal. In common parlance it is a moment from known to unknown. It is a voyage
for knowledge. Every research action is the outcome of inquisitiveness of researchers.
Inquisitiveness is the mother of all investigation to gain knowledge. Inquisitiveness stimulates
from the dissatisfaction of mind. If man is dissatisfied as to the state of anything it may be his
possessed knowledge, information or existing principle, appreciation or rejection of principle or
theory by researcher, society or group.

Research is, thus, an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its
advancement. It is the pursuit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison and
experiment. In short, the search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of
finding solution to a problem is research. The systematic approach concerning generalization and
the formulation of a theory is also research. As such the term ‘research’ refers to the systematic
method consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting the facts or
data, analyzing the facts and reaching certain conclusions either in the form of solutions(s)
towards the concerned problem or in certain generalizations for some theoretical formulation.

B. Meaning of Research Methodology

A research methodology is an outline of how a given piece of research is carried out. It defines
the techniques or procedures that are used to identify and analyze information regarding a
specific research topic. The research methodology, therefore, has to do with how a researcher
designs their study in a way that allows them to obtain valid and reliable results and meet their
research objectives.

Research papers, dissertations, thesis, academic journal articles, or any other piece of formal
research will contain a section (or chapter) on research methodology. This section stipulates the
methodological choices made and also substantiates why these choices were made. This section
is therefore used by researchers to justify why the methods they employed are best suited to
achieve the research objective and arrive at valid and reliable results. This section also allows
readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of a study based on the relevance and effectiveness
of the procedures employed.

C. Meaning of Global Research

Global research in global studies refers to the systematic and interdisciplinary study of global
issues and phenomena that transcend national boundaries. This type of research seeks to
understand the interconnectedness and interdependence of people, cultures, and societies around
the world, and the ways in which global trends, policies, and events impact different regions and
populations. It covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to globalization,
international relations, development, human rights, environmental sustainability, migration, and
cultural diversity. It draws on insights from various disciplines, such as sociology, anthropology,
economics, political science, geography, and history, to analyze and address complex global
challenges.

In general, the aim of global research in global studies is to contribute a better understanding and
insights of the complex dynamics of globalization and to generate knowledge and seek their
impact on different aspects that includes policy-making and action at local, national, and
international levels.

Overall, global research in global studies provides an idea to a complex processes of

globalization and their impact on different aspects of human life, including culture, politics,
economics, and the environment, among others.

INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL STUDIES

Global studies is a relatively new field of inquiry that emerged in the late 20th century, as a
response to the increasing interconnectedness of the world and the need for a more
comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding global issues.

One of the key drivers of the development of global studies was the process of globalization,
which accelerated in the post-World War II period, and led to greater economic, political, and
cultural interdependence among nations. As the world became more interconnected, it became
clear that traditional disciplines such as political science, economics, and sociology were
inadequate for understanding the complex and multifaceted nature of global issues.

Global studies seeks to provide a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to

understanding global issues, drawing on a range of academic disciplines including anthropology,
history, geography, and cultural studies, among others. It explores the interactions and
interdependencies between different regions, cultures, and societies, and aims to develop a more
nuanced and contextualized understanding of the dynamics of globalization.

Overall, global studies is a field of inquiry that seeks to understand the complex and
interconnected nature of the world, and to develop new approaches and strategies for addressing
global challenges such as poverty, inequality, conflict, and environmental degradation. It is a
rapidly evolving field, as new global issues and challenges continue to emerge, and as scholars
and practitioners seek to develop new theories, methods, and approaches for understanding and
responding to these challenges.

WHAT IS PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is presenting work or ideas from another source as your own, with or without consent
of the original author, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement.
Plagiarism is considered a serious ethical and academic offense and can result in consequences
such as failing an assignment, course, or even expulsion from an institution. It is important to
always give credit to the original source when using someone else's work in your own writing or
research. There are several types of plagiarism that can occur, and it is important to understand
how to avoid each of them.

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, to "plagiarize" means:

 to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own
 to use (another's production) without crediting the source
 to commit literary theft
 to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source
In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and
lying about it afterwards.

Types of Plagiarism

 Direct Plagiarism

This type of plagiarism involves copying someone else's work word-for-word and presenting it
as your own. To avoid this, always use quotation marks and cite the source when quoting directly
from a text. If you want to paraphrase the text, be sure to rephrase the original content in your
own words and cite the source properly.

 Self plagiarism

This occurs when you submit your own previously published work as new or original.To avoid
this, be sure to get permission from the original publisher before republishing any work, and
always cite your own work if you use it in a new context.

 Accidental plagiarism

This type of plagiarism occurs when you unintentionally use someone else's work or ideas
without giving proper credit. To avoid this, always keep track of your sources and take notes on
where you found information. Double-check your work for proper citation and use plagiarism
checkers to ensure your work is original.

 Mosaic plagiarism

This type of plagiarism involves taking various sources and combining them without proper
citation, which can create a patchwork of stolen ideas. To avoid

this, always use proper citation and referencing formats and be sure to clearly distinguish your
own ideas from those of others.
  Paraphrasing plagiarism

This occurs when you rephrase someone else's work or ideas without proper citation. To avoid
this, always use your own words and provide proper attribution for any ideas or information you
use that is not your own.

Why does plagiarism matter?

Plagiarism is a breach of academic integrity. It is a principle of intellectual honesty that all

members of the academic community should acknowledge their debt to the originators of the
ideas, words, and data which form the basis for their own work. Passing off another’s work as
your own is not only poor scholarship, but also means that you have failed to complete the
learning process. Plagiarism is unethical and can have serious consequences for your future
career; it also undermines the standards of your institution and of the degrees it issues.

Why should you avoid plagiarism?

There are many reasons to avoid plagiarism. You have come to university to learn to know and
speak your own mind, not merely to reproduce the opinions of others - at least not without
attribution. At first it may seem very difficult to develop your own views, and you will probably
find yourself paraphrasing the writings of others as you attempt to understand and assimilate
their arguments. However it is important that you learn to develop your own voice. You are not
necessarily expected to become an original thinker, but you are expected to be an independent
one - by learning to assess critically the work of others, weigh up differing arguments and draw
your own conclusions. Students who plagiarise undermine the ethos of academic
scholarship while avoiding an essential part of the learning process.

GLOBAL RESEARCH DESIGN

Global research design can be defined as an overall plan or strategy that guides the conduct of
global research. It involves the selection of appropriate methods, data collection techniques, and
analytical frameworks to address specific research questions and objectives. A well-designed
global research project should be theoretically sound, methodologically rigorous, and ethically
and culturally sensitive.
The following are some key components of a global research design:

1. Research question: The research question should be clear, focused, and relevant to the
field of global studies. It should address a specific global issue, challenge, or trend and be
grounded in a theoretical framework that provides a basis for analysis.

2. Literature review: A thorough review of relevant literature is essential to identify gaps in

knowledge and to situate the research question within the broader context of global
studies. This review should include both academic and non-academic sources, such as
reports from international organizations and other relevant stakeholders.

3. Research methods: The research methods should be appropriate for the research question
and objectives. They may include qualitative or quantitative methods, or a combination of
both. The methods selected should be designed to ensure that the research is rigorous,
reliable, and valid.

4. Data collection: The data collection process should be carefully planned and
implemented to ensure that the data collected is relevant, reliable, and valid. The data
collection methods may include surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, or
document analysis.

5. Analysis: The data analysis process should be guided by a clear and appropriate
analytical framework, which may draw on theories and concepts from different
disciplinary perspectives. The analysis should be systematic, transparent, and replicable,
and should aim to generate meaningful insights into the research question.

6. Ethics and cultural sensitivity: Global research should be conducted in a way that is
ethical, culturally sensitive, and respectful of the communities and individuals being
studied. This may involve obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality and
anonymity, and addressing issues related to power and representation.
A well-designed global research project should be grounded in a strong theoretical framework,
use appropriate methods and data collection techniques, and be conducted in an ethical and
culturally sensitive manner. The research design should be flexible and responsive to changes in
the research context, and should be designed to generate new insights and knowledge that can
contribute to the field of global studies.

GLOBAL METHODS AND METHODOLOGIES

Global methods and methodologies refer to the approaches and techniques used in global studies
research to understand the complex dynamics of globalization and its impact on different aspects
of human life. These methods and methodologies draw on a range of disciplines, including
anthropology, economics, political science, sociology, and geography, among others.
Some of the key global methods and methodologies used in global studies research include:

 Comparative analysis: Comparative analysis involves the systematic comparison of

different regions, countries, or cultures to identify similarities and differences in the way
they approach global issues. This method is often used to identify best practices or to
generate insights into the ways in which global issues are experienced and managed in
different contexts.
 Case studies: Case studies involve in-depth analysis of a particular situation, event, or
phenomenon in a specific context. This method is often used to generate detailed insights
into the complex dynamics of globalization and its impact on different aspects of human
life.
 Quantitative analysis: Quantitative analysis involves the use of statistical methods to
analyze data collected through surveys, experiments, or other forms of quantitative
research. This method is often used to generate large-scale data sets that can be used to
identify trends and patterns in global issues.
 Participatory research: Participatory research involves collaboration between researchers
and the communities they are studying. This method is often used to develop a more
nuanced and context-specific understanding of global issues, and to empower
communities to take an active role in addressing these issues.
 Discourse analysis: Discourse analysis involves the analysis of language and the way it is
used to construct meaning and shape social reality. This method is often used to explore
 the ways in which global issues are represented in different contexts and to identify the
underlying power relations and ideological assumptions that shape these representations.

The choice of methods and methodologies used in global studies research will depend on the
specific research question, the nature of the data available, and the theoretical framework guiding
the research. Global studies researchers must be able to draw on a range of disciplinary
perspectives and methodological approaches in order to develop a comprehensive and nuanced
understanding of global issues.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, global research methodology is a crucial aspect of conducting research in the field
of global studies. It involves a range of methods and methodologies that are designed to address
the complex and dynamic nature of global issues, trends, and challenges. A well-designed global
research project should be theoretically sound, methodologically rigorous, and ethically and
culturally sensitive. It should also be flexible and responsive to changes in the research context
and aim to generate new insights and knowledge that can contribute to the field of global studies.

To ensure the quality and validity of global research, it is important to adopt a range of research
methods and techniques that are appropriate for the research question and objectives. These may
include both qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as mixed-method approaches. The
research design should also take into account issues related to ethics and cultural sensitivity, such
as obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity, and addressing issues
related to power and representation.

Overall, global research methodology plays a critical role in advancing our understanding of
global issues and challenges. By adopting a rigorous and thoughtful approach to global research,
we can generate new insights and knowledge that can inform policy and practice and contribute
to the development of more equitable and sustainable global systems.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

I have completed my assignment with the help of following:-

 BOOKS –
1. The Global Turn- Theories, Research Designs, and Methods for Global Studies
By- Eve Darian-Smith and Philip C. McCarty
Edition- 2017, University of California Press

2. The Basics of Social Research

By – Earl Babbie
Edition – 4th edn, 2008, Thomson Wadsworth

 WEBSITES –
1. http://epgp.inflibnet.ac.in
2. https://research-methodology.net/research-methodology/