What is research?

1. Umm-e-Rooman Yaqoob
Roll # 3
B.S (English) 5th
Semester
What is Research ?
Definition:
 Research can be defined as the search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation,
with an open mind, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new
ideas, or develop new theories. The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed
to applied research) documentation, discovery, interpretation, or the research and
development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge.
 Research is a systematic inquiry that investigates hypotheses, suggests new
interpretations of data or texts, and poses new questions for future research to explore.
Methods of Research:
1. The Scientific Method:
This method involves techniques for
 investigating phenomena
 acquiring knowledge
 correcting and integrating previous knowledge
2. Historical Method:
 It involves techniques and guidelines by which historians use primary sources and other
evidence to research and then to write history
 This approach may also be used with artistic project development
ResearchSources:
Research Sources are mainly of two types :
1. Primary Research :

2.  It includes collection of data not previously existent
 Examples are Interviews ,Surveys ,Speeches or performances
2. Secondary Research :
 It includes summary, collation
 Examples are Books, Journals and magazines , electronics
 Database – library,
 Internet - primarily .org, .Edu, gov.
7 STEPS OF RESEARCH PROCESS:
 Step One: Define research problem
 Step Two: Review of literature
 Step Three: Formulate hypotheses
 Step Four: Preparing the research design
 Step Five: Data collection
 Step Six: Data analysis
 Step Seven: Interpretation and report writing

3.  Step One: Define Research Problem:
There are two types of research problem, viz., those that relate to state of nature and
relationship between variables. The main focus of a researcher should be on
understanding the problem thoroughly and rephrasing the same into meaningful terms
from a point of view.
 Step Two: Review of Literature:
Once the problem is defined, a brief summary of it should be written down. It is
compulsory for a research worker writing a thesis, to write a synopsis of topic and
submit it to necessary committee or the research board for approval.
 Step Three: Formulate Hypothesis:
Formulating hypothesis is cautious statement made in order to draw out and test its
logical or empirical consequences. Hypothesis should be very specific and limited to the
piece of research in hand because it has to be tested. The role of the hypothesis is to
guide the researcher by delimiting the area of research and to keep him on the right
track.
 Step Four: Preparing the Research Design:
The function of research design is to provide the collection of relevant evidence with
minimal expenditure of effort, time and money.
Research purpose may be grouped into four categories:
1. Exploration,
2. Description,
3. Diagnosis, and
4. Experimentation.
 Step Five: Data Collection:
1. By Observation.

4. 2. Through personal interview.
3. Through telephone interview.
4. Questionnaires Through Schedules.
5. Surveying.
 Step Six: Data Analysis:
The analysis of data requires a number of closely related operations such as
establishment of categories . This stage mainly include :
1. Coding.
2. Editing.
3. Arrangement.
 Step Seven: Interpretation and Report Writing:
Researcher has to prepare the report of what has been done by him. Writing of report
includes:
1. The preliminary pages;
2. The main text, and
3. The end matter
Classificationof Research:
On a broader perspective, all researches can be classified into two groups:
1) Qualitative Research.
2) Quantitative Research.
 Qualitative Research:
Qualitative researchers aimto gather an in-depth understanding of human behaviour
and the reasons that govern such behaviour. The qualitative method investigates the
why and how of decision making, not just what, where, when.
Qualitative research is research dealing with phenomena that are difficult or impossible
to quantify mathematically, such as beliefs, meanings, attributes, and symbols
 Quantitative Research:

5. Quantitative research refers to the systematic empirical investigation of any phenomena
via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. The objective of quantitative
research is to develop and employ mathematical
models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena.
Quantitative research is generally made using scientific methods, which can include:
 The generation of models, theories and hypotheses.
 The development of instruments and methods for measurement.
 Experimental control and manipulation of variables.
 Collection of empirical data.
 Modelling and analysis of data.
 Evaluation of results.