This document provides an overview of different research methods including the scientific method, historical method, and descriptive method. The scientific method involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. The historical method focuses on interpreting past events through primary and secondary sources. Descriptive research aims to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon through methods like surveys and observations. Limitations of each method are also outlined.

1. ResearchMethods:AnOverview
By:
Venkatesh G
Email : venkateshgvenki987@gmail.com

2. Contents
1. Introduction
2.1 Scientific Method
2.1.1 Meaning and Definition
2.1.2 Basis of Scientific Method
2.1.3 Criteria for a Good Scientific Method
3.1 Historical Method
3.1.1 Meaning
3.1.2 Objective
3.1.3 Source
3.1.4 Steps
3.1.5 Limitation
4.1 Descriptive Method
4.1.1 Meaning
4.1.2 Objective
4.1.3 Usefulness
4.1.4 Limitation
5. Conclusion
Reference

3. 1. Introduction
The word “research” originated from
the old French word “recerchier” means
to search and search again.
Research is a process to discover new knowledge to
find answers to a question.
The word research has two parts
Re (again)
Search (find)

4. Research Method
Research Methods are the tools and
techniques for doing research.
Research methods are the
strategies, processes or techniques
utilized in the collection of data or
evidence for analysis in order to
uncover new information or create
better understanding of a topic.

5. Research methods
Scientific Method Historical Method
Descriptive Method

6. 2.1 Scientific Method
The scientific method is the process of
objectively establishing facts through testing
and experimentation.
The basic process involves making an
observation, forming a hypothesis, making a
prediction, conducting an experiment and
finally analysing the results.

7. 2.1.1 Definition
According to Encyclopedia
Britannica
“scientific method, mathematical
and experimental technique
employed in the sciences. More
specifically, it is the technique used
in the construction and testing of a
scientific hypothesis.”

8. 2.1.2 Basis of Scientific Method
Scientific method of research based on
following steps:
a) Ask a question
The first step in the scientific method is
asking a question you want to answer.
This question will include one of the key
starters: how, what, when, why, where,
who or which
The question you ask should also be
measurable and answerable through
experimentation.

9. b) Perform research
With your question formulated, conduct preliminary
background research to prepare yourself for the
experiment.
You can find information through online searches or
in your local library, depending on the question you
are asking and the nature of the background data
You may also find previous studies and experiments
that can help with your process and conclusions.

10. c) Establish your hypothesis
Hypothesis should also include predictions that you can
measure through experimentation and research.
d) Test your hypothesis by conducting an experiment.
Your experiment is a way to quantifiably test your
predictions and should be able to be repeated by
another scientist.
e) Make an observation.
If you change any factors in your experiment, keep all
others the same to maintain fairness. After completing
the experiment, repeat it a few more times to ensure
the results are accurate.

11. f) Analyse the results and draw a conclusion
You can now take your experiment findings and analyze
them to determine if they support your hypothesis.
Drawing a conclusion means determining whether what
you believed would happen did happen.
If it did not happen, you can create a new hypothesis,
return to step four, and conduct a new experiment to prove
your new theory.

12. g) Present the findings
The method for presenting your findings depends on
your scientific position and level.
 If you are entering a project into the science fair, you
will likely communicate your findings in a written
report, on a display board or during a presentation at
the event.

14. 2.1.3 Criteria for a Good Scientific
Method
scientific research to satisfy the following
criteria:
 The purpose of the research should be
clearly defined and common concepts be
used.
The research procedure used should be
described in sufficient detail
The procedural design of the research
should be carefully planned to yield
results that are as objective as possible

15. The researcher should report with
complete frankness, flaws in procedural
design and estimate their effects upon the
findings.
The analysis of data should be sufficiently
adequate to reveal its significance and the
methods of analysis used should be
appropriate.
Conclusions should be confined to those
justified by the data of the research

16. 3.1 Historical Method
Historical research involves studying,
understanding and interpreting past
events.
Historical research is a process of
collecting and interpreting data about past
events or ideas in order to find how they
affected the present events and ideas.
Historical research may not just help to
figure out connections between past and
present events, it can also provide the
researchers with information regarding
possible future events

17. 3.1.2 Objective
Historical research involves the careful study and
analysis of data about past events.
It is a critical investigation of events, their
development, experiences of past.
The purpose is to gain a clear understanding of
the impact past on present and future events
related to life process

18. The review of the written materials
but may include oral documentation
as well
Historical research helps the
researcher to what to include in in
the educational system and seeing
the past it also helps to make the
policies for the education system
and area
Historical research helps in testing
hypothesis. The evidence is
determined by the probability that it
is supported by fact.

19. 3.1.3 Source
The main emphasis in historical research is on interpretation
of documents, diaries etc.
Historical data are categorized into primary or secondary
sources.
Primary sources include first-hand information, such as
eyewitness reposts and original documents.
Found in public records & legal documents, minutes of
meetings, corporate records, recordings, letters, diaries,
journals, drawings.

20. Secondary sources
include second-hand information, such as
a description of an event by someone
other than an eyewitness, or
a textbook author’s explanation of an
event or theory.
Primary sources may be harder to find
but are generally more accurate and
preferred by historical researchers.
A major problem with much historical
research is excessive reliance on
secondary sources.

21. 3.1.3 Steps in historical research
1) Selecting the idea, topic or research question.
The investigator should have a clear mind about
the idea, topic or research question. The problem
should be significant and one which can be solved
through research.
2) Formulation of hypothesis.
The hypothesis that the researcher constructs for
historical research are useful in explaining events,
conditions or phenomena of the historical period in
question.

22. 3) Collection of data
 As compared to other method, collection of data in
this method is difficult.
 Historical data has to be inclusive, it will create a lot
of confusion.
 So researcher has to be on guard against it, he has
to propose a number of headings into which the
data may be classified.

23. 4) Interpretation of data
 The interpretation of data is complicated in
historical research.
 Since history is actually a record of the chain of
related events
 it becomes very difficult for a researcher to
interpret that one event in the chain was caused by
the previous event in the chain.
 The researcher must be cautious in his use of
analogy in the interpretation of data.

24. 5) Writing of research report
 The style of writing research report should be lucid,
simple, objective, designed scholarly and
intelligible for the report to be effective.
 It should reflect historical accuracy, possess historical
authenticity and should be based on historical
evidence obtained.

25. 3.1.4 Limitation
• Calculation and measurement are not possible in this
• Researchers cannot ensure representations of the sample.
• Interpreting sources is every time consuming
• Difficult to test the genuineness & authenticity of sources
& data
• Precise measurements, verifications & replication are not
possible

26. 4.1 Descriptive Method
Descriptive method or research in contrast of
historical method of research is present oriented,
whereas historical method is past oriented
Historical method is concerned with the past and
descriptive method is concerned with the present
and it describes and interprets what existed at
present.

27. 4.1.1 Meaning
•Descriptive research can be survey research,
comparative research or ex-post facto
research.
•Research which is longitudinal or cross-
sectional also falls under descriptive type of
research

28. 4.1.2 Objective
Describe the nature of problem.
Reveal Problem
Descriptive information should also be
useful for explanation, prediction &
awareness
Descriptive information obtained in
research may be useful for prediction
Provide basis for decision making
The collection of factual data increases
our awareness

29. 4.1.3 Usefulness
Data collection:
A researcher can conduct descriptive research using
specific methods like observational method, case
study method, and survey method.
Varied:
Since the data collected is qualitative and
quantitative, it gives a holistic understanding of a
research topic.
The information is varied, diverse, and thorough.

30. Natural environment:
Descriptive research allows for the research to be conducted
in the respondent’s natural environment, which ensures that
high-quality and honest data is collected.
Quick to perform and cheap:
As the sample size is generally large in descriptive research,
the data collection is quick to conduct and is inexpensive.

31. 4.1.4 Limitation
The biggest disadvantage of descriptive research is that
you cannot use statistical tools or techniques for verifying
problems.
There are high chances of biases in the research findings
Due to the observational nature, it is quite difficult to
repeat the research process.
By performing descriptive research you can find the root
cause of the problem.

32. 5. Conclusion
Know a day's research is an essential component of our
society, and it is required almost everywhere.
Research aids in the understanding of research methods.
Scientific Method, Historical Method, and Descriptive
Methods improve the accuracy, reliability, and usability of
our research, as well as the overall quality of our research.

33. References:
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https://muet-crp.yolasite.com/resources/Criteria%20of%20Good%20Research.pdf

34. Con…
• preparationworld. (2022, 08 24). Retrieved 03 19, 2023, from www.preparationworld.com
https://www.preparationworld.com/post/historical-research-methodology
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excel Books . Retrieved 03 19, 2023
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http://schools.yrdsb.ca/markville.ss/history/honours/researchmethods.html
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• voicedocs.com. (n.d.). Retrieved 03 19, 2023, from voicedocs:
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