This document provides an introduction to social research. It defines research as a systematic, data-based inquiry into a specific problem. There are two main types of research: basic research, which expands knowledge without addressing a specific problem, and applied research, which is conducted to solve real-life problems facing organizations. The scientific research process involves developing a theoretical framework, hypotheses, research design, data collection, analysis, and modifying theories based on findings. Research reduces uncertainty and informs managerial decision making.

1. Introduction to Social
Research
Sufi Nouman Riaz

2. "The secret of success is to know something nobody
else knows. "
Aristotle

3. “ There are five types of companies: those
who make things happen; those who think
they make things happen; those who
watch things happen; those who wonder
what happened; and those that did not
know that any thing had happened. "
anonymous
(Research enables you to be the first company)

4. Objectives of this discussion
• Definition of Research
• Types of Research
• The Role of Research
• Research Process

5. Research Defined
• Research is defined as systematic, data based,
critical, scientific inquiry into a specific problem
that needs solution.
• Research provides the information that enables
managers to make decisions to rectify problems
• Research Methods:
Refer to the ways in which research studies are
designed and procedures are established by
which data are analyzed.

6. Business Research
• Research information is neither intuitive nor
haphazardly gathered.
• Literally, research (re-search) -“search again”
• Research must be objective
• Detached and impersonal rather than biased
• It facilitates the managerial decision process for all
aspects of a business.

7. Scientific Research
1- PURPOSIVENESS: - Research has a definite
purpose to work for.
2- RIGOR:- Carefulness and exactitude make a
research rigorous. It provides theoretical base and
carefully thought out methodology.
3-TESTABILITY:- Statistically testable hypothesis
can be generated and tested.

8. Scientific Research
4- REPLICABILITY :- Results should be supported and repeated
in similar settings.
5-PRECISION & CONFIDENCE:-
• Precision:- How close the findings are to “reality” exactitude and
accuracy of sample and confidence interval are made.
• Confidence :- Probability that outcome is true it is called
confidence level eg. 95%, 99% is congenial

9. Scientific Research
6-OBJECTIVITY:- Results are based on facts not on
emotions.
7-GENERALIZABILITY: - Applicability of findings
in one setting to other, results are valid in other
organizations as well.
8-PARSIMONY:- Simplicity in explaining the results
eg. Less Variables are identified to understand the
situation.

10. Information
Reduces
Uncertainty
I don’t know
if we
should
offer on-site
child care in
Campus?

11. Thought Process
DEDUCTION: - Process of arriving at
conclusions by interpreting the meaning of
the results of data analysis.
• The conclusion must necessarily follow from
reasons. Reasons are said to imply the
conclusion and to present a proof.
• Deduction is process by which we arrive at
reasoned conclusion by logically
generalizing from a known fact.

12. Theory
Hypothesis
Data collection
Findings
Hypothesis confirmed or rejected
Revision of theory
(Deductive reasoning)

13. Thought Process
• INDUCTION:-
• Drawing results from one or more particular
facts or pieces of evidence. (Observed facts)
• Conclusion is a hypothesis only. It is only one
explanation; there can be others as well. In
induction we have data on hand and generate
hypothesis and theory from it
• We observe a certain phenomena and on this
basis we arrive at a conclusion or we
establish a general proposition based on
observed facts

14. Data collection / Findings
Theory
(Inductive reasoning)

15. Basic research
Applied research
Business Research Types

16. Basic Research
• Attempts to expand the limits of knowledge.
• Not directly involved in the solution to a
pragmatic problem.
• When research is being done chiefly to improve
our understanding of certain problems that
commonly occur in organizational settings and
how to solve them. R & D department and
university professors do this. Purpose is to
improve / generate more knowledge.

17. Basic Research Example
• Is executive success correlated with high need for achievement?
• Are members of highly cohesive work groups more satisfied
than members of less cohesive work groups?
• Do consumers experience cognitive dissonance in low-
involvement situations?
• Is the level of job satisfaction of distance education teachers is
less than that of traditional teachers?

18. Applied Research
• Conducted when a decision must be made about a
specific real-life problem
• To Solve currently existing problem in the work
setting. Research is done with the intentions of
applying the results of its findings to solve specific
problem currently faced by organization. Most
organizations do this research. Usually used for
decision-making.

19. Applied Research Examples
• Our employee turnover has increased significantly.
We don’t know why?
• Business research told us that poor working
conditions are responsible,
• Should we promote females to managerial positions?
• Research showed women are equally competent to be
managers.

20. Determining When to Conduct
Business Research
• Time constraints
• Availability of data
• Nature of the decision
• Benefits versus costs

21. Value versus Costs
• Potential Value of a Business Research Effort Should
Exceed Its Estimated Costs

22. Value
•Decreased
uncertainty
•Increased likelihood
of a correct decision
•Improved business
performance and
resulting higher
profits
Costs
•Research
expenditures
•Delay of business
decision and
possible disclosure
of information to
rivals
•Possible erroneous
research results
Value Should Exceed
Estimated Costs

23. Research Process
Problem
Definition
(Research Question
& Objectives)
Data
Analysis &
Interpretation
Data
Collection
Research
Design
Literature
Review
Theoretical
Framework
Hypothesis
Development