This ppt will help to understand the types of research in Music, like - historical research, survey, case study, comparative study, analytical study, experimental research etc.

1. Dr. Amit Kr.Verma
Assistant Professor
Sangeet Bhawan
Visva Bharati University
Shantiniketan, W.B.
Email: kr.amitverma@gmail.com

2. Research studies can be classified into
various types based on the nature of the
study, the types of data and method of
analysis, the general approach followed in
conducting it, the time dimension relating the
study and the basis development of
knowledge. It must not, however, be
forgotten that the lines of demarcation
between these categories are not very clear
cut and sharp. In many ways they appear to
overlap one other.

3.  On the basis of application, research
may be classified into Pure and
Applied research.
 On the basis of data collection it may
be divided into Quantitative and
Qualitative research.
 On basis of control of factors it may
be classified into controlled and
uncontrolled experimentation.

4. The research which is done for knowledge
enhancement, and the research which does
not have immediate commercial potential, it
is called basic or pure or fundamental
research. The basic or pure researcher is
essentially interested in increasing his
knowledge in the field of enquiry where many
questions remain unanswered. The primary
concern is the formulation of a theory or a
contribution to the existing body of
knowledge.

5. The main characteristics of fundamental
research are – to formulate the principal, to
create new dimensions in the field of
knowledge, development of new sub
principals to create new system and
mechanism. Basic research lay down the
foundation for the applied research.
Example-Theory of Nadadhinam Jagat,
conceptual theory of Raga and Taal, Raga
Dhyan, Raga mala painting, the Ten Pranas
of tala etc.

6. Applied research is used to find solutions to
everyday problems, cure illness, and
develop innovative technologies, rather
than to acquire knowledge for knowledge's
sake. Most of the experimental research,
case studies and inter-disciplinary research
are essentially applied research. Applied
research is helpful for basic research.
Applied research refers to scientific study
and research that seeks to solve practical
problems.

7. Quantitative research aims to measure the
quantity or amount and compares it with
past records and tries to project for future
period.
If the purpose of the research is to describe
a situation, phenomenon, problem or issue
such research is qualitative in nature.
Qualitative research refers to the meanings,
definitions, characteristics, symbols,
metaphors, and description of things.

8. Here we shall discuss the some of research
types, generally used in the field of music.
 Historical Research
 Descriptive Research
Survey, Case study,
Documentary analysis,
Comparative research.
 Analytical Research
 Experimental Research
 Inter disciplinary Research

9.  Some examples of historical research are-
 The evolution of Ragas and Talas in Indian
Music up to 13th century.
 A critical study of musicological studies
conducted in the post Bhatkhande period.
 Contribution of foreign authors to the growth
and development of music in India during the
last 200 years.

10.  Studies in the music of Tyagraj on a
background of the music and musicology of
the 18th and 19th century.
 Development of Hindustani music during the
17th -18th century with special reference to
relevant work in Persian and Urdu.
 A critical analysis of traditional vocal classical
music and Gharana system in West Bengal in
relation to North Indian Music during 20th
century.

11.  The history of music offers a vast area
for research. It concerns with the
different aspects of music – Raag,
Taals, music instruments and its
historical development, old musical
text, treatises, education patterns etc.

12. The music of India has an interesting and
eventful history of its own. Having its origin
in the primitive society, it kept the tempo of
its triumphal march throughout ages,
prehistoric, historic or vedic, post vedic or
classical and post classical. A history of
music is, therefore, the systematical and
chronological records of musical thoughts
and materials that evolved in different ages
in the gradual process.

13.  Historical research is the application of the
scientific method of inquiry to historical
problems.
 The foremost purpose of is to gain a clear
perspective of the past and the present. It
also helps in avoiding mistakes of the past.
 Historical Research has been described as the
critical examination of past or
happenings/events.

14.  Historical research enables us to understand
the dynamics of musical change in various
time spans. It develops understanding of the
deep rooted causes of the present day
problems in the field of music. It also helps to
remove the musical prejudices and
misconceptions. Successful implementation
of historical research depends on the source
of the information which may range from
official records, news papers, manuscripts
etc; to eye witness forming and oral historical
records.

15. Descriptive Studies are those which are
concerned with describing the
characteristics of a particular individual or
of a group. Descriptive research includes
surveys and fact finding enquiries of
different kinds. The major purpose of
descriptive research is description of the
state of affairs as it exists at present. It
deals mainly with collection, analysis and
presentation of data relating to the present
time, reflecting the present state of affairs
in social, economic and political activities.

16.  In the field of Indian music Descriptive
research is very popular and has a great
importance. Diversity is a main feature of
Indian Music. Diversity may be defined in
several aspects – different kinds of folk music
of different regions, various ragas and taals,
variety of music instruments, various
compositions of different Gharanas, music
related sculptures, paintings etc. Through
Descriptive Research a researcher collect the
material as a data and give the result after
analysis.

17. The descriptive research may be classified in
several sub categories – survey research,
comparative and co-relational research, case
study, documentary analysis, developmental
studies, trend studies etc. Here we shall
discuss about the research, especially used in
the field of music.

18. Example –
 The Bauls of Birbhum: A study in persistence
and change in communication in cultural
context.
 A study of the social status of artists in
general and musicians in particular living in
Delhi state.
 A Survey based study on the Institutional
Education system of Vocal Music in West
Bengal:

19. In survey method researcher asks direct
question to respondent. This method can be
used to collect many different kinds of
information. In this method, the researcher
has to come in close and direct contact of the
people, whom he/she wants to study. A
survey brings the researcher in a position to
come face to face with the realities and see
things personally.

20. Case study is very popular and most utilized
type of research in the field of Music
research. According to P.V. Young –“Case
study is a method of exploring and analyzing
the life of a social unit- be that a unit a
person, a family, institution, culture group or
even an entire community. Its aim to
determine the factors that account for the
complete behavior patterns of the unit and
the relationships of the unit to its
surrounding milieu.”

21. The case study is potentially the most
valuable method known for obtaining a true
and comprehensive picture of individuality. It
is a method used to narrow down a very
broad field of research into one easily
researchable topic.
Case studies may be classified according to
the focus of study. This can include:
individuals, communities, social groups,
organizations and institutions, and events,
roles, relationships and interactions.

22. With the help of following examples one can
understand the case study in individual
perspective.
 Life and contribution of Ustad Bade Ghulam
Ali Khan to Hindustani Classical Music.
 The contribution of Raja Chakradhar Singh to
the Kathak Dance.
 Padmbhushan Ustad Ahamadjan Thirkava ki
Tabla Vadan Shaili ka Samikshatamak
Adhyayan aur Unak Sangeetik Yogdan.

23. With the help of following examples one can
understand the case study in social
perspective.
 A study of Jhumar songs of Jharkhand and
their analysis especially with reference to
Hindustani Classical Music.
 Study of cultural and musical aspect of Folk
song in Vidarbh.
 Himanchal Pradesh Ke Lok Geeto ka Sangeet
Moolak Addhyan.

24. With the help of following examples one can
understand the case study in social
perspective.
 Vaishnav Saints and their musical heritage
with special reference to Charanadasi
Sampradaya.
 Contribution of Saints and Seers to the Music
of India.
 Delli Gharane ki Gayaki Tatha us Gharane ke
Gayak-Vadko ka Sangeet me Yogdan.

25. Some examples of comparative studies are-
 A Comparative study Flamenco of Spain and
Kathak of India.
 Comparative study of the Lucknow and Jaipur
Gharana of Kathak Dance.
 Comparative study of musical system of
northern and southern India.
 Beesvi sadi me Uttar Bhartiya Sangeet me
Gharana Parampara aur Vidhyalaya Sangeet
Siksha ka Tulnatmak Addhyan.

26. Comparative research is a broad term that
refers to the evaluation of the similarities,
differences, and associations between
entities. The underlying goal of comparative
research is to search for similarity and
variation between the entities that are the
object of comparison.
The importance and utility of comparative
research penetrate virtually all types of
qualitative research projects.

27. Some examples of analytical research are-
 Impact of classical music on literary
composition and songs of Rabindranath, Kazi
Nazrul Islam and Atul Prasad Sen.
 Bhakti Kaleen Pramukh Hindi Kaviyo ki
Rachnao me prayukt Sangeet Shabdavaliyo ka
vishleshnatmak Addhyan.
 Gwalior Gharane ke Pramukh Vagyekaro ki
Swarachit Bandisho ka Vishleshnatmak
Addhyan.

28. Analytical research is a specific type of
research that involves critical thinking skills
and the evaluation of facts and information
relative to the research being conducted.
Analytical research utilizes existing and
available information and data for a critical
analysis with the objective of discovering
patterns, insights and generalization that
may help in building a theory or a better
understanding of the existing phenomenon.

29.  Some examples of experimental research are-
 Bharatnatyam as a Therapy for Mentally
Challenged.
 Effect of Music Education on school
achievement and adjustment of the mentally
handicapped in Himanchal Pradesh.
 A study on effect of music therapy and
meditation on performance in professional
shooters.
 The impact of music on creative output in art
and language activities of disadvantaged
children.

30.  This is the most rigorous of all research
methods. The method has its origin in
science. . Scientific method is systematic
study in which data collection is done on the
basis of definite scale. It may lead to
establish casual relationships and provide an
answer as to why certain phenomena occur or
what would happen if a particular factor
changes.
 Experiment - effects of music and rhythm on
the nervous system of mice.

31.  The example of interdisciplinary research
are-
 The contribution of various systems of Indian
Philosophy to Sangeet Shastra.
 Nirtyakala Eavm Murtikala ka Antah
sambandh: Angika Abhinya ke Sandarbh Me.
 Bhartiya Sangeet ke Pariprekshya me Sufiyana
Kalaam Sangeet ka Addhyan.

32.  “Interdisciplinary research is a mode of
research by teams or individuals that
integrates information, data, techniques,
tools, perspectives, concepts, and/or theories
from two or more disciplines or bodies of
specialized knowledge to advance
fundamental understanding or to solve
problems whose solutions are beyond the
scope of a single discipline or area of
research practice.”

33. Interdisciplinary research allows us to:
 Answer complex questions
 Address broad issues
 Explore disciplinary relations
 Solve problem that are beyond the scope of
any one discipline
 Achieve unity of knowledge

34. THANK YOU