hello there!!! so as part of lock-down situation, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar university started conduction online classes for upcoming NET examination. As part of that, i have been uploading series of Research Aptitude related stuff. paper code 30, English literature, research unit 10. and this slideshare is about paper 1. other pt also i've uploaded.
Net coaching & remedial classes p 1 part 2 research
1. NET COACHING & REMEDIAL CLASSES :
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, MKBU, 2020
MAIN SUBJECT : ENGLISH LITERATURE
PAPER 1. GENERAL PAPER.
UNIT : 2
“RESEARCH APTITUDE” (PART 2)
-RESOURCE PERSON.
-BHUMI DANGI.
3. 3. STEPS / PROCESS OF RESEARCH
Research involves a systematic process that focuses on being
objectives and gathering a magnitude of information for analysis, so that
the researcher can conclude.
Research process:
Step 1: FORMULATION OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
STEP 2: PREPARING RESEARCH DESIGN AND STUDY
DESIGN
STEP 3: DEVELOPING DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT
(RESEARCH INSTRUMENT)
STEP 4: SELECTING SAMPLES
STEP 5: WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
4. STEP 1(3.1): {A} FORMULATION OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
This is the initial phase of research. During this process, observations, belief,
information and general knowledge, etc., guide us about a new idea or a different
way of thinking about phenomena. the following steps are undertaken to formulate a
research problem.
Selection of a Research Area:
Formulating of research problem begins with selection of a broad research topic from
personal experience, literature, previous research and theories in which researcher is
interested.
Dissect broad areas into subareas:
The subject area chosen by the researcher may be broad in that case needs to
dissect it into small areas or topics.
Focus on and selecting an area of interest:
In this step, researcher may choose one or two areas of his interest, because it is not
possible to study many areas altogether. Rest subareas in which a researcher do not
have any interest and subsequently focus on the area you are passionate about.
Identifying the gaps and raising research questions:
Within an area, list all the questions the researcher wants to find answers to.
Formulation of broad objectives:
objectives grow out of the questions.
Assessing and reviewing objectives:
As researcher narrows the research problem, the specific identification of study
population is crucial in order to select the appropriate respondents.
5. Main Considerations in Selecting a Research Problem:
You can find innumerable research problems in any area. Obviously, you cannot
study all the problems.
1. Interest
2. Manageable magnitude
3. Concept measurement
4. Level of expertise
5. Relevance
6. Availability of data
7. Ethical issues
6. {B} Concepts and Variables
The meanings of terms, such as teaching effectiveness, class performance, job
satisfaction may vary from one person to another, from one place to another.
Concepts (also known as constructs) are mental images, thus are not directly
measurable. For research, we have to define concepts so that they are
understood in the same sense by respondents in case we collect data. Again for
research purpose, concepts have to be made measurable, otherwise how the
data can be collected. It means that concepts should be capable of assuming
different values. Here, the term indicators and variables come into picture.
Anything, capable of assuming different values is known as variable. Let’s take
another example, if richness is a concept or construct, then assets and income
are its indicators. The asset values and annual incomes are variables.
Types of Variables
The variables are classified into quantitative variables and categorical variables.
Quantitative variables vary in amount or degree, such as annual income and
categorical variables vary in type of king such as gender. Categorical variables
have been discussed in subsequent discussion. As per causation, the variables
are basically of two types, namely independent and dependent variables. In an
experiment, one discovers and confirms a relationship between an independent
variable and a dependent variable.
1. Independent variables (IV) also known as the manipulated, experimental or
treatment variables.
• become the case of another variable. It is the variable manipulated by the
researcher in an experiment.
7. {C} Formulating Hypothesis (Plural –
Hypotheses)
Researchers will have one or more hypothesis. These are the questions that
they want to address, which include predictions about possible relationships
between the things they want to investigate (variables).
As a researcher, we do not know the exact truth but have a hunch about the
outcome and thus, we make some prediction about the outcome. This hunch or
prediction about the outcome is called hypothesis. It can also be termed as an
educated guess or assumption about some phenomenon. This assumption is
tested by collecting information that will enable us to conclude if our hunch was
right. Thus, defining hypothesis has the following features.
1. It is a tentative proposition.
2. The validity of a hypothesis is unknown.
3. It must be generalizable.
4. It should be simple.
Main Functions of a Hypothesis
formulation performs the following functions.
1. They bring clarity, focus and specificity in the research study.
2. It helps in making sample design.
3. The make the study more objective.
4. They facilitate the formulation of a theory.
8. Concepts of Null and Alternative Hypothesis
Professor R.A. Fisher was the first to use such an experiment for testing the
hypothesis by scientific investigation. He talked about the principle of replication,
randomization and local control in research. Observations that are contrary to
those predicted are taken as evidence against the hypothesis;
observations that agree with those predicted are taken as supporting the
hypothesis. It is the same as we solve everyday problems, but there is only a
small twist that is termed as null and alternate hypothesis. As discussed, a
hypothesis is a statement that relates two or more constructs. For example, the
greater the stress experienced in a job, the lower the job satisfaction of
employees.
Here, you need a clear operational definition of stress and job satisfaction. A
good hypothesis is tested by the research that you propose to do. In classical
hypothesis testing, a statement about the population parameter and then a
random sample from the population are taken and the hypothesis are tested with
the appropriate sample statistics.
Suppose, as a teacher you are under the impression that a high dropout rate
exists among students from rural background or semi-urban areas. Then, we
collect data from all the students or some of them to check the validity of the
assumption or prediction. Null hypothesis (H°) will state that the place of
residence (rural, urban, semi urban) does not have any impact on the dropout
ratio. The alternative hypothesis (HA) will state that dropout rate is higher among
students from rural areas. Then, data are collected to challenge the null
hypothesis. If null hypothesis is rejected based on the data analysis, the
alternative hypothesis will be automatically accepted. Hypothesis can also
become the basis of further enquiry. Its formulation is based upon your own or
9. Directional and Non-directional
Hypothesis
In studies relating to the academic performance of girls and boys, the
null hypothesis would state that girls and boys have equal performance
level. The directional hypothesis may state that girls or boys are more
able. It tends to be more specific about the outcome. The non-directional
alternative would simply state that there is a gender difference. We have
no idea whether boys are more able or girls are more able and only say
that they are not the same.
10. STEP 2 (3.2) PREPARING RESEARCH DESIGN AND
STUDY DESIGN
A research design is a blueprint for the researcher, it helps the
researcher to decide the course of action during various stages.
Therefore, research design involves the following consideration.
1. Objectives of research study
2. Selection of method of data collection
3. Source of information-sample design
4. Tools for data collection
5. Data analysis-qualitative and quantitative
Research design achieves the following purposes:
1. It makes research efficient
2. Optimum utilization of resources-maximum information with
minimal expenditure, time and money
3. Flexibility
4. Minimization of bias
5. Reliability and objectivity
12. A.EXPLORATORY RESEARCH DESIGN:
also known as formulative design. In this
type of design, A working hypothesis is
developed by keen investigation of the team
from an operation point of view. From such a
research, new ideas and aspects are
developed.
13. B.CONCLUSIVE RESEARCH DESIGN:
Conclusive research is more likely to use
statistical tests, advanced analytical
techniques and large sample size as
compared to exploratory research design. It
consists of formal research procedures which
clearly defines the goals and needs.
14. C. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
If a study is done in a manner that we start
from cause to establish the effects, the
independent variable can be manipulated by
the researcher so as to see the effect of
change in independent variable (cause) on
dependent variable (effect).
15. STEP 3 (3.3): DEVELOPING DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT (RESEARCH
INSTRUMENT)
Data is defined as the information recorded to represent facts. Primary
Data and Secondary Data Primary data is collected for the purpose of
current research project, whereas secondary data is collected for some
other research purpose. It is collected fresh by the researcher and is
based on surveys, observations and experimentation. It is expensive
and difficult to acquire. It is reliable as it has been obtained directly.
Objective Data and Subjective Data
Subjective data can be it can be dependent upon the researcher or an
individual’s opinion whereas Objective data are independent of any
Individual opinion.
Qualitative Data and Quantitative Data
Qualitative data is the description of things made without assigning
numeric values. For example, facts generated from unstructured
interview. It need the researcher’s interpretation. Quantitative data
entail measurements in which the numbers are used directly to
represent properties of things. It is ready for statistical analysis. A larger
sample is required in quantitative data and with proper sampling
design, the ability to generalize is also high.
16. TYPES OF OBSERVATIONS
1. Structured – for descriptive research
2. Unstructured – for exploratory research
3. Participant observation
4. Non-participant observation
5. Disguised observation
17. SURVEY METHOD
This research is most suited for gathering descriptive
information and this research may be direct or
indirect. Sometimes, observation method is
supplemented with survey method. It is of two types
and they are structured and unstructured surveys.
1. Structured surveys: They use formal lists of
questions to be asked from all respondents in the
same manner.
2. Unstructured surveys: They give the interviewer
the flexibility to probe respondents and direct the
interview according to their answers.
18. STEP 4 (3.4): SELECTING SAMPLES
Sampling is required if the population under study is very
large. A sample can be defined as a representative subset
of the population. Validity of research results depends upon
the sample drawn. There are logical ,scientific or statistical
techniques for formulating a sample. If the sample is
lopsided then the results cannot be trusted or generalized.
The main benefits of sampling are as follows:
1. Sample size: The larger the sample, the more is the
accuracy.
2. Variation in population: The greater the variation in
population, the greater will be the uncertainty of outcome.
The higher the consistency in population, the more
confident we are about the quality of outcome. The higher
the variations in population, the larger should be the
19. TYPES OF SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
1. Probability or random samples :
Each person in the population has equal, independent and known chances of being
selected. In case, there are 100 elements in a population, every element has 1/100 chance
of being selected in a sampling exercise. Here, independence means that selection of one
element is neither being affected by the selection of other elements nor it will affect the
other elements
Though probability or random sampling is mostly correct, still some error, technically
known as “Margin of Error’ cannot be avoided. It can be calculated statistically and
accounted for in the results. NET aspirants can refer to terms, such as ‘level of
significance’ for better idea.
Now we can discuss the important types of probability sampling.
• Simple random sample:
Every element or member of the population has a known and equal chance of being
selected.
• Stratified random sample:
in case, the population is heterogeneous, the population can be divided into different
strata. The population within a stratum is homogeneous with respect to the characteristics
under study. Population is segregated into mutually exclusive groups, such as age groups
and random samples are drawn from each group. The population in a particular stratum
may be in proportion to its population. Suppose there are 1000 students in a college, 600
of them study humanities and 400 pupils study commerce. In a sample of 100, 60 students
20. 2. Cluster sample:
The simple and stratified sampling is adopted in situations
when population size is small and units are identifiable.
But if the population is larger, the researcher can go for
cluster sampling. The population is split into mutually
exclusive groups and the researcher draws a sample of
the group to interview. For example, in a national level
survey, at the first few levels, a few states districts may be
selected and then, within each district, blocks may be
selected and then villages. It is termed as ‘multistage
cluster sampling’
Non-probability sampling: It is a non-structured sample
and items are included in the study due to some
convenience of the researcher, etc. this sampling takes
less time and is handy. As all members of population do
not get equal chance of being selected, non-probability
sampling may be lopsided, loaded with biases and has
higher margin of error.
21. The types of non-probably sampling have been discussed as
follows:
• Convenience sampling: The researcher selects the easiest
accessible member from the population to secure information.
• Purposive or judgment sampling: The researcher uses his or her
judgment to select population members who are likely to provide
accurate information. This can be used for descriptive or historical
research.
• Quota sampling: the researcher interviews a specified number of
people from each of several categories. Here, the main criterion
used by the researcher is the ease to access sample population.
The sample is selected from a location convenient to him or her.
Here, there are some possibilities to include people with some
visible characteristics.
• Accidental sampling: It is similar to quota sampling, but it is used
in market research (in market places) where a researcher can
come across any person and they may not have any information.
• Snowball sampling: snowball sampling is a nonprobability
sampling technique where existing study subjects takeon future
subjects from among their acquaintances.
22. STEP 5(3.5): WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
A research proposal is a document usually having three to seven
pages that informs others of a proposed piece of research.
It is a document written by which a researcher gives a detailed
explanation of the intended program. It gives the reader a
summary of information discussed in the project. Research
proposals are written for various reasons, like budget request for
the research certification requirements for research, etc.
Main Elements of Research Proposal
1. Need of specific research project
2. Benefits and beneficiaries
3. type of data to be collected and the means to collect the data.
4. Types of analysis.
5. Help required from other organization, if any.
6. Duration, facilities and requirements of funds.
7. Profile and credentials of the proposers.
23. 4. THESIS ARTICLE WRITING :
FORMAT AND STYLES OF REFERENCING
The research is said to be completed only when a good
research report is written after the successful conducting
of the research by following the steps beginning with
identifying the research problem, hypothesis formulation
and finally culminating into the report writing.
The research thesis or dissertation is written by using and
stating even the works of other scholars are researchers
who have contributed to similar topics before. The
referencing style is generally a set of rules telling you how
to acknowledge the thoughts and words of others in a
certain way. They have many advantages, like:
GOOD
ACADEMIC
WRITING
AVOID
DUPLICACY &
PLAGIARISM
HELPFUL FOR
FUTURE
REFERENCES
24. STYLES OF REFERENCING
(A) MLA Styles
There are a few important features of MLA style :
• Titles are underlined with major words capitalized.
• The full name of the author is used
• Author's name and page numbers are used for "in-
text".
• The commas are not used usually
• The source page is cited as 'works cited.'
• They are generally used in humanities
Example of MLA style: Author, First name. 'Title of
Article'. Title of Journal Volume. Issue (Year): pages.
Name of the database. Web. Date of access.
25. (B) APA Styles
The APA style has the following features:
• The titles are in italics.
• The last name of the author is used
• Author's name and the year of publication is used for
in-text.
• Commas are used for in-text
• These styles are used in Social sciences subjects.
Example of the APA style:
Author, B.B., Author C.C and Author X.X (Year). Title of
the article. Title of periodical, volume number (issue
number), pages.
26. There are many terms that are used in the
context of footnotes and writings:
• Ibid: it is an abbreviation for the Latin term
Ibidem, which means the same. It means the
same author and source of books and journals
in immediately preceding referencing.
• cit.: It's same as Latin term opus citatum,
meaning the work cited. It means reference
listed earlier.
• cit.: This is the abbreviation for loco citato, which
means place cited — usually used as a footnote
or endnote used to repeat the title and page
number.
• al.: It refers to and others, usually referring to the
27. Research Report Format
Traditional written reports tend to be produced in the following format.
Title Page
1. Title of the research project.
2. Name of the researcher.
3. Purpose of the research project. For example: ‘A research project submitted on
partial fulfillment of the requirements of XYZ University, New Delhi, for the
degree of _____________’.
4. Date of publication.
Table of Contents
In this section, the contents of the report, either in chapters or in subheadings
are listed.
Example
Contents Page No.
Introduction
Chapter I Theoretical Framework and Review of related Literature
Chapter II Research Design
Chapter III Data Analysis and Interpretation
Chapter IV Summary and Conclusion. Suggestions for further Research
References/Bibliography
28. Appendices
Appendix I Questionnaire for Employees
Appendix II questionnaire for Managers
List of Tables
This section includes the title and page
numbers of all tables.
Example
Table No . Title Page
No.
1. Income levels of respondents
2. 2. Age distribution of Respondents
29. Acknowledgements
In this section, the researcher may acknowledge the institute, principal, faculty
guides (both research guide and technical guide), research participants, friends,
etc.
Introduction
This section introduces the research, setting out the main aims and objectives. It
is actually a rationale for the research.
Theoretical Framework and Review of Literature
This section includes all the background research information that has been
obtained from the literature review. You must indicate from where all the
information was obtained. Thus, it is mandatory to keep a complete record of
everything the researcher has read. Otherwise, there are chances that the
researcher could be accused of plagiarism, which is akin to intellectual theft.
Research Design
This section includes all practical details followed for the research. After reading
this, any interested party should be able to replicate the research study. It
includes the methods used for data collection, sampling procedures, tools used
for data collection and analysis of data.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
If you have conducted a large quantitative survey, this section may contain
tables, graphs, pie charts and associated statistics. If you have conducted a
qualitative piece of research, this section may be a descriptive prose.
Summary and Conclusion
In this section, you sum up your findings and draw conclusions from them,
perhaps in relation to other research or literature.
30. Recommendations :
If the research has been conducted for any client organization, this
section could be treated as the most important part of the report.
Sometimes, this section is included at the beginning of the report.
Suggestions for Further Research :
Research is a continuous process. This section shows how research
could be continued. This could happen as some results are
inconclusive or the research itself has thrown up many more research
questions that need to be addressed. It also shows the honesty and
integrity of the researcher that he has a wider perspective and has
actually not tried to cover up the shortcomings.
List of References/Bibliography
The list of references contains only the details of those works cited in
the text. It includes sources not cited in the main text matter but are
relevant to the subject of study, specifically in case of larger
dissertations or thesis. Small research projects may need just a
reference section to include all the literature that has been referred to
in the report.
Appendices
This is a section or table of subsidiary matter at the end of a book or
document. Appendices do not count towards your total number of
pages or words. It is a useful way of including relevant material so that
the examiner can gain a deeper understanding of your work by reading
it
31. 5. APPLICATION OF ICT IN RESEARCH
Revolutionising Information and Communication Technologies (ICT's) remains the top
agenda of many developing countries including India. Much stress has been made to
facilitate the application of ICT's in developmental planning and research. Application of
ICT's in higher education and research is seen as another potent and convincing paradigm
for development in developing countries. Despite its polemic nature, ICTs have
undoubtedly impacted the teaching and learning process in a positive manner. Human
beings have an advanced skill that allows them to share knowledge with others and the
use of ICTs to make this transfer and sharing of knowledge all more interesting is, indeed,
praiseworthy. ICTs enhance our access to knowledge as well as act as a supplement of
knowledge that we gather through traditional sources. In this post, we will focus more on
the application of ICT's in academic research at the universities.
Pre-Data Analysis Phase
Role of ICTs in Pre-Data Analysis Phase: This includes the application and use of ICT tools
during the research process before one reaches the data analysis phase. It is quite
appalling to observe the ways in which technological tools can be used to achieve the pre-
data analysis research goals. Undeniably, computers and the internet have made a
remarkable impact in this area. Some of the ways in which ICT's can be used during the
pre-data analysis phase are: ICT's can be very helpful for the literature review of any topic
in any discipline. The college libraries have adequate material to help research scholars for
writing a dissertation; yet to incorporate the fast-paced global changes into one’s writing
and literature review, the internet is highly reliable. Some universities have e-library (digital
library) access as well. This saves time and effort for the researchers to travel back and
32. …Portals like e-Gyankosh, JStor, Google Scholar, Shodh Ganga,
Microsoft Academic Search etc. are very helpful to do a rich literature
review. There are several other online repositories of multi-disciplinary
literature such as SSRN, EPW, and Encyclopaedia Britannica among
others. ICT tools are helpful for the process of data collection. Surveys
can be done online using Google forms. To conduct a large scale
study, tools like survey monkey and Qualtrics are very helpful. These
tools help to accommodate questions based on conditions, logic and
do experiment trials. Software like Mendeley is very useful for the
purpose of the literature track. Mendeley helps to manage, share and
find literature content. Such a thing was not possible in the past.
Microsoft Word also has features that help to manage content and
dissertation writing. Many college professors ask for write-ups and data
via email. They send back reviewed files to the scholars with
suggested changes and suggestions. The ‘track changes’ feature in
MS-Word saves time and effort of both researchers and mentors in
terms of avoiding unnecessary meetings. Features like Google
translator have profound value for international students and students
coming from regions where different language or dialects are spoken.
There are mobile applications that allow scholars to connect and share
33. Role Of ICT In Post-Data Analysis Phase:
Once the data has been collected and data analysis process is
over, ICTs can be applied in the post-data analysis phase as
well. Some of the ways in which ICTs can be used during the
post-data analysis phase are: ICTs such as a computer,
internet, online journals, newspaper etc. are a good platform to
share findings with academia as well as the general audience.
A lot of policy decisions are made in accordance with the new
and worthwhile findings made by individual researchers in
various fields. An online journal such as Economic and
Political Weekly, The Social Science, Idea for India, Science
Open are good mediums for getting one’s work published.
There are collaborative writing tools (Typewrite, Upwork) that
are widely used in cases when several researchers wish to
write and combine studies. In terms of bibliography and
referencing, ICT tools like advanced versions Microsoft Office
Packages are very useful. ICT's have proved to be very useful
for the purpose of plagiarism check as well. Some tools used
for this are Plagiarism Checker, Anti Plagiarism, Plagiarisma,
so on and so forth.
34. 6. ETHICS IN RESEARCH
RESEARCH ETHICS
We have read in many books regarding the invention of telescope
by galileo galilee. But, it is said that a Dutchman, Hans lippershey
created the first ever telescope, who was denied a patent. Galileo
caught wind of this idea and made his own. The controversy
regarding this still exists. Here, the idea of telescope was put
forward and implemented by Hans, but it was taken from him by
Galileo. From a pure theoretical research, it is an ethical issue.
Ethics can also be defined as the norms for Conduct. Ethics are
the guidelines and principles that help us to uphold the things we
value. Almost all societies have legal rules to govern certain
behaviour in a country or society, but ethical norms end to be
broader and more informal than laws. An action may be illegal but
ethical or legal but unethical. Ethics aim to achieve two
fundamental objectives, i.e., to tell us how we ought to act in a
given situation and to provide us with strong reasons for doing so.
35. The benefits of observing ethics in research studies are as follows:
1. It helps in promoting the aims of research, such as bringing out the truth and
avoidance of errors.
2. It promotes the values that are essential to collaborative work, such as trust,
accountability, mutual respect and fairness.
3. It holds the researcher accountable to the public and society.
4. It helps in building public support for research, which in return can help in
getting participants who take part in the research willingly.
Main Approaches to Research Ethics
The following are the three major approaches to ethics:
1.. Deontological approach: We should identify and use a universal code in making
ethical decisions. This is an absolutist approach.
2. Ethical skepticism approach: It states that ethical standards are not universal but
are relative to one’s own particular culture and time. This is based on
relativism.
3. Utilitarianism approach: Decisions regarding ethics in research should be based
on an examination and comparison of the costs and benefits that may arise
from a study. If the expected benefits exceed the expected risks the study is
presumed to be ethical. The riskbenefit precaution is a modern version of the
end justifying the means. It has its most direct application when hose exposed
to the risks also receive the benefits. The ratio is more difficult to justify when
the participants are subjected to potential harm and when the benefits are
directed to other individuals or to the society to be absolute in their
requirements.
36. Morals in Ethics:
Various Characteristics that a good researcher should hold:
Honesty:
❑ Researcher should aspire for honesty in all scientific communication,
❑ Should present only honest report data, results, methods and procedures,
❑ Fabrication, falsification or misrepresentation of data can lead to many severe issues,
❑ Should not try to deceive colleagues, funding agencies, public and even their heart.
Frankness:
❑ Researcher should avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis and data interpretation,
❑ No personal relationship should come into play while doing peer review, giving grants and
even writing testimonies,
❑ Should make sure that financial or personal interest will never affect research,
❑ Should have mind to share data, results, ideas, tools and recourses,
❑ Should be open to new ideas and criticisms.
Confidentiality:
Sharing data is well acceptable. But when there are situations to handle sensitive data,
protect those confidential communications with much care.
Responsible:
Researcher should always have a commitment to society, should strive to promote social
good and prevent or mitigate social harms through research and public education. They
should try to improve their self-competence along with the upliftment of the society.
37. Non-Discrimination:
Discrimination against colleague and students
on the basis of sex, race and ethnicity needs to
be avoided. Any factors that are not related to
their scientific competence and integrity need
not be questioned or challenged.
Subject Protection:
When conducting research on humans subjects,
we need to minimize the harms that may cause.
The risk factors need to be well studied and the
work needs to be progressed in such a way that
it maximises the benefits. Proper care and
respect needs to be given to the animals while
using them in research.
38. THANK YOU…
FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION, YOU CAN
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