This document provides an overview of research methodology. It defines research as a systematic, scientific search for knowledge on a topic. Research objectives are described as exploratory, descriptive, diagnostic, or hypothesis-testing. Motivations for research include obtaining degrees or intellectual fulfillment. Types of research include descriptive vs analytical, applied vs fundamental, quantitative vs qualitative, and conceptual vs empirical. Key aspects of the research process are identified as formulating the problem, reviewing literature, developing hypotheses, designing the study, collecting and analyzing data, testing hypotheses, and reporting results. Qualities of good research noted are being systematic, logical, empirical, and replicable. Common problems faced by researchers in India are also outlined.

1. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:
AN INTRODUCTION
K.BALAJI

2. What is Research
• Research commonly refers to search for
knowledge.
• Also defined as a scientific and systematic
search for pertinent information on a specific
topic.
• It is an art of scientific investigation.

3. Definitions
• Systematized effort to gain new knowledge – Redman
and Mory
• Defining and redefining problems, formulating
hypothesis or suggested sollutions; collecting,
organising and evaluating data; making deductions and
reaching conclusions – Clifford Woody
• Manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the
purpose of generalising to extend, correct or verify
knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the
practice of an art – D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson

4. Objectives of research
1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to
achieve new insights into it (exploratory or
formulative research)
2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a
particular individual, situation or a group
(descriptive research)
3. To determine the frequency with which
something occurs or with which it is associated
with something else(diagnostic research)
4. To test a hypothesis of a casual relationship
between variables ( hypothesis-testing research)

5. Motivation in research
1. Desire to get a research degree along with its
consequential benefits.
2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the
unsolved problems
3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some
creative work.
4. Desire to be of service of society.
5. Desire to get respectability.

6. Types of research
1. Descriptive vs Analytical
2. Applied vs Fundamental
3. Quantitative vs Qualitative
4. Conceptual vs Empirical
5. Other types of research

11. Other types
• One time research
• Longitudinal research
• Laboratory research
• Simulation research
• Clinical or diagnostic research
• Historical research

12. Research Methods vs Methodology
• Research Methods are the methods by which
we conduct research into a subject or a topic.
Eg. Conduct of experiments, tests, surveys
• Research Methodology is the way in which
research problems are solved systematically.
Eg. Learning of various techniques that can
be used to conduct research, tests, experiments,
surveys and critical studies.

13. Research process
1. Formulating the research problem
2. Extensive literature survey
3. Development of working hypothesis
4. Preparing the research design
5. Determining sample design
6. Collecting the data
7. Execution of the project
8. Analysis of data
9. Hypothesis testing
10. Generalisations and interpretation
11. Preparation of the report or the thesis

14. Research process

15. Qualities of good research
• Good research is systematic
• Good research is logical
• Good research is empirical
• Good research is replicable

16. Problems of researchers in India
1. Lack of a scientific training in the methodology of research.
2. Insufficient interaction.
3. Confidence in generating data from business which will not
be misused.
4. No code of conduct for researchers.
5. Difficulty of adequate and timely secretarial assistance.
6. Library management and functioning is not satisfactory at
many places.
7. Many libraries can’t get copies of old and new Acts/Rules,
reports and government publications in time.
8. Difficulty of timely availability of published data.
9. Problem of conceptualization.

17. Thank you