This document defines research and outlines different types of research methodologies. It discusses research as a systematic process of inquiry aimed at discovering and interpreting facts. The document then describes various research objectives, including defining problems, formulating hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, and testing conclusions. It also outlines different categories of research such as descriptive vs analytical, applied vs fundamental, quantitative vs qualitative, conceptual vs empirical, and longitudinal vs one-time research. Finally, the document discusses factors that motivate research and different orientations of research like conclusion-oriented vs decision-oriented.
2. Definition / Meaning of Research
Research is the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled
observations that may lead to development of generalizations, principles/theories,
resulting in prediction and possible control of events.
The quest for knowledge is a never ending process and its simplest form this
process has been called as Research.
Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge.
Once can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for knowledge.
3. Is the pursuit of truth with the help of study, observations, comparison and
experiment.
The search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding
solution to a problem is research.
The systematic method consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a
hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analyzing the facts.
In reaching certain conclusion either in the form of solutions towards the
concerned problem or in certain generalizations for some theoretical formulations.
4. Objectives of Research
The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has not
been discovered yet. In research objectives as falling into number of following
broad groupings.
Defining and redefining the problems.
Formulating the hypothesis/suggested solutions.
Collecting, organizing and evaluating data.
Making deductions and reading conclusions.
And at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the
formulating hypotheses.
5. Broad Groupings Name Explanations
Exploratory/Formulative research studies To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to
achieve new insights into it.
Descriptive research studies To portray accurately the characteristics of a
particular individual, situation or a group.
Diagnostic research studies To determine the frequency with which
something occurs or with which it is
associated with something else.
Hypothesis Testing research studies To test a hypothesis of a casual relationship
between variables.
6. Motivation in Research
The possible motivates for doing research may be either one or more of the following:
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 society;
Desire to get respectability;
7. However, this is not an exhaustive list of factors motivating people to undertake
research studies.
Many more factors such as directives of government, employment conditions,
curiosity about new things, desire to understand casual relationships, social
thinking and awakening and the like may as well motivate people to perform
research operations.
8. Types of Research
Descriptive vs Analytical
Applied vs Fundamental
Quantitative vs Qualitative
Attitude/Opinion Research
Conceptual vs Empirical
Some other types of Research
Longitudinal/One-time Research
Laboratory/Field-Setting Research
Clinical/Diagnostic Research
Exploratory Research
Historical Research
Research classified
Research
Classified
Conclusion
Oriented
Decision Oriented
9. Descriptive Research
It includes surveys and fact finding enquires of different kinds.
It descriptive of state of affairs as it exits at present.
The term Ex post-facto research. Social Science and Business Research.
The main characteristic of has no control over variables.
Can only report What has happened/What is happening?
It including comparative and correlation methods.
Eg: Frequency of shopping.
10. Analytical Research
In researcher has to use facts/information already available.
It analyze these to make critical evaluation of material.
11. Applied Research
It aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem like facing a society/an
industrial/business organization/for processing practical problem.
It aimed at certain conclusions.
Eg: Marketing Research and Evaluation Research
12. Fundamental Research
It mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of theory.
The research is directed towards finding information.
Eg: It concerning human behavior carried on with a view to make generalizations
about human behavior.
13. Quantitative Research
It is based on measurement of quantity/amount.
It is applicable to phenomena can be expressed in terms of quantity.
14. Qualitative Research
It is concerned with qualitative phenomenon.
In motivation research is an important type for interested in investigating the
reasons for human behavior.
To discovering the underlying motivates and desires.
They should seek guidance from experimental psychologist.
16. Conceptual Research
Related to some abstract ideas/theory.
It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts/to
reinterprets existing ones.
That is verified by empirical research.
17. Empirical Research
It relies on experience/observation alone.
It is data-based research coming up with conclusions.
That is verified by experiment/observation.
Then works to get enough facts to prove/disprove hypothesis.
Evidence gathered by this is most powerful support possible for a given hypotheis.
25. Conclusion Oriented Research
It is free to pick up problems.
Redesign the enquiry as proceeds.
It is prepared to conceptualize as wishes.
26. Decision Oriented Research
The need of a decision maker.
The research is not free to embark upon research according to his own inclination.
Eg: Operation Research