This document outlines the key steps and considerations in the research process. It discusses that research is similar to a journey that involves deciding what to study and how to study it. The starting point is to identify and define the research problem by determining where there is a gap between the ideal and actual situation. This problem can then be formulated into a research question. Important factors in identifying a research problem include having knowledge in the subject area and research methodology, and considering the interest, magnitude, ability to measure concepts, relevance, and availability of data. The document provides steps for formulating a research problem, which includes selecting a broad field, dividing it into subareas, reviewing literature, selecting a subarea of interest, thinking of potential questions,

1. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
THE RESEARCH PROCESS
RESEARCH PROCESS
SAJITHAMOHAN.M
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
DEPT OF ECONOMICS
MES MAMPAD COLLEGE

2. THE RESEARCH PROCESS
• Similar to a journey
• Before you start.......you must
decide........????
• Where you want to go and which route
to go?

3. • In research journey 2 important
decisions to make...... ??
• 1) decide what you want to find out
about?
• 2) how to go about finding their
answers?

4. Research journey constitutes....
• Deciding what?
• Planning how?
• Actually doing?

5. The starting point.......
• Identification and Definition of the Research
Problem

6. RESEARCH PROBLEM?
• Any situation where a gap exists between the
actual and the desired ideal state
• Gap between ideal and real situation
• For e.g.: ideal situation: employees are
satisfied
actual situation: they are not at all satisfied
So study, why they are not satisfied

7. • Whenever there is a gap between ideal and
actual situation , can do research

8. Another view
• Any situation where a full understanding of
some phenomenon is missing

9. Problem statement
• Clear, precise and succinct statement of the
question or issue that is to be investigated

10. Research question
• Research problem can be formulated into a
question
• Why employees are not satisfied?

11. Identification of a research problem
• It require a considerable knowledge of both
the
Subject area
Research
methodology

12. Sources of research problem
• In humanities most of the research revolves
• 4 Ps
• People
• Problems
• Programmes
• phenomenon

13. • Theory
• Day to day problems
• Research studies
• Discussion with experts
• Innovations in technology

14. • PEOPLE provide the study population
• Other 3 p’s furnish the subject area
• the study ppn is the people from whom the
information is collected
• Subject area is a
problem,programme,phenomenon about
which the information is collected

15. Exercise
• 1) write down your areas of interest
• Try to identify 2research problems in your
areas of interest

16. Every research study has two aspects
aspect about Study of
Study
population
people Individuals,organisa
tions,groups,comm
unities
Provide information
Subject
area
problem Issues,situations,ass
ociations,needs,ppn
composition,ppn
profile
Information to find
answers to research
questions
Programme Contnts,structure,o
utcomes,attributes,
satisfaction,service
providers etc
Phenomenon Cause&effect
relation,study of a
phenomenon

17. When selecting a research problem
consider.......
Interest
Magnitude
Measurement of concepts
Level of expertise
Relevance
Availability of data
Ethical issues

18. Steps in formulation of a research
problem
Select broad area
for research
Divide broad area
into subarea
Literature review
Select one sub
area
Think of probable
questions Think which qn you
interest most
Select that question Think ,read and discuss
options
Finalise and define
concepts

19. • 1) identify a broad field or subject area
• 2) disset the broad area into subareas
• 3) select what is of most interest to you
• 4) raise research questions
• 5) formulate objectives
• 6) assess your objectives
• 7) double check

20. Steps in formulation of a research
problem
alcoholism
Divide broad area
into subarea
Literature review
Select one sub
area
Think of probable
questions Think which qn you
interest most
Select that question Think ,read and discuss
options
Finalise and define
concepts

21. •THANK YOU