Research begins with identifying a problem or question. It requires a plan to address the main problem through sub-problems. Research seeks direction through hypotheses and assumptions to study facts and their meanings in a circular process. It can be basic or applied research using deductive or inductive approaches with quantitative or qualitative methods to solve practical problems or improve understanding. A hypothesis guides the study by suggesting relevant facts and an appropriate research design.

1.  Research begins with a problem in the form of a question in the mind of the
researcher.
 Research demands the identification of a problem, stated in clear terms.
 Research requires a plan.
 Research deals with the main problem through appropriate sub problem .
 Research seeks direction through appropriate hypothesis and is based upon
obvious assumptions.
 Research deals with facts and their meaning.
 Research is circular.

2.  Basic Research
 Applied Research

3. Deductive research approach –
 Works from the more general to the more specific.
 Sometimes it is called “Top down approach”
 Conclusion follows logically from premises (available facts)

4. Theory
Hypothesis
Observation
Confirmation
Water fall

5.  Inductive reasoning works the other way,
moving from specific observations to broader
term / general.
 Sometimes we call this ‘bottom up approach’
 Conclusion is likely based on premises
 Involve a degree of uncertainty

6. Theory
Tentative
hypothesis
Pattern
Observation
Hill climbing

7.  Designed to solve the practical problem of
the world.
 The goal of applied research is to improve the
human condition.
 This research is generally conducted on large
scale basis, it is expensive.
 It is often conducted with the support of
some financing agency like government,
public corporation and world bank etc.

8.  It is collecting, analyzing and interpreting
data by observing what people do and say.
 Much more subjective and use different
method of collecting information.
 The Qualitative method investigates the WHY
and HOW of decision making not just WHAT
WHERE and WHEN

9.  Measure the quantity or amount and compare
it with past records and tries to project for
future.
 Quantitative research involve the use of
structured questions, where the response
question have been pre-determined and large
number of respondent is involved.

10.  A hypothesis (H) is an unproven statement about a factor or
proposition phenomenon that is of interest to the researcher.
 When a manager makes a statement or an assumption that
he/she believes to be true and wants research to determine if
there is support for that statement, we call this statement a hypothesis.

11.  Guides the direction of the study
 Identifies facts that are relevant
 Suggests which form of research design is
appropriate
 Provides a framework for organizing the
conclusions that result

12.  No relationship between two measured
phenomena. Never proven either rejected or
fail.
 Alternative Hypothesis (H1)
The hypothesis to be accepted if the null
hypothesis is rejected.