The document outlines the research methodology process which consists of 11 steps: 1) formulating the research problem, 2) conducting an extensive literature review, 3) developing a working hypothesis, 4) preparing the research design, 5) determining the sample design, 6) collecting the data, 7) executing the project, 8) analyzing the data, 9) hypothesis testing, 10) drawing generalizations and interpretations, and 11) preparing the report. It also discusses key aspects of each step such as different research objectives, types of research, and components of a good research project.

1. Research Methodology An Introduction Ashok Karri

2. Research Methodology A search for knowledge A scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic A systematized effort to gain new knowledge Research as an academic activity comprises – defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis; collecting organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions.

3. Definition Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) in order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon about which we are concerned or interested.

4. Research Methodology The search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to a problem is research.

5. Objectives of research The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures

6. Objectives of research To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (studies with this objective are known as explorative or formulative studies)

7. Objectives of research To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group (studies with this object in view are known as descriptive studies)

8. Objectives of research To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else (known as diagnostic studies )

9. Objectives of research To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (known as hypothesis testing)

10. Types of Research Descriptive vs. Analytical Applied vs. Fundamental Quantitative vs. Qualitative Conceptual vs. Empirical

11. 1.Descriptive vs. Analytical The major purpose of the descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists; usually includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries. The main characteristic here is that the researcher has no control over the variables – he can only report what has happened or what is happening. Ex: survey methods to identify people’s preferences. In analytical research, the researcher has to use facts or information already available and analyze these for critical evaluation.

12. 2. Conceptual vs. Empirical Conceptual research is related to some abstract idea or theory. Used by philosophers and thinkers. Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone; it is data based research;

13. 3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity – it is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomena – relating to or involving quality or kind. Ex.-motivation research.

14. 4. Applied vs. Fundamental Research can either be applied (action) research or fundamental (basic or pure). Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing society or an organization, whereas, fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with formulation of a theory.

15. Research Process Research Process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out research. The process consists of closely related activities; such activities overlap continuously rather than following a strictly prescribed sequence. The steps are as follows:

16. Research Process Formulating the research problem Extensive literature survey Development of working hypothesis Preparing the research design Determining sample design Collecting the data Execution of the project Analysis of data Hypothesis-testing Generalization and Interpretation Preparation of the Report

17. 1. Formulating the Research Problem Two types of problems: Problems which related to state of nature Problems which relate to relationships between variables The formulation of a general topic into a specific research problem is the first step in scientific enquiry

18. Formulating the Research Problem… Two steps in formulating the research problem: Understanding the problem thoroughly Rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an analytical point of view

19. Formulating the Research Problem… Must review two types of literature: The Conceptual literature concerning concepts and theories The Empirical literature consisting of earlier studies, which are similar to the one proposed

20. Formulating the Research Problem… Formulating/defining a research problem is of great importance and significance in the entire research process The problem must be defined unambiguously Must verify the objectivity and validity of background facts concerning the problem

21. 2. Extensive Literature Review Abstracting/Indexing journals Published/Unpublished bibliographies Academic journals Conference proceedings Govt. Reports Books

22. 3. Development of Working Hypothesis The researcher should state, in clear terms the working hypothesis Working Hypothesis is a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical assumptions Hypothesis is the focal point of the research, for ex: “students who receive counseling will show a greater increase in creativity than students not receiving counseling” or “car A is performing as well as car B”

23. Functions of a Hypothesis It guides the direction of the study. It identifies facts that are relevant and those that are not. It suggests which form of research design is likely to be most appropriate. It provides a framework for organizing the conclusions that result

24. 4. Preparing the Research Design Need to prepare a research design – a conceptual structure within which the research would be conducted The primary objective of the research design is to collect the relevant data Research Purposes may be grouped into Exploration Description Diagnosis Experimentation Many research designs exist.

25. 5. Determining the Sample Design All the items under consideration in any field constitute a “Universe” or “Population” A complete enumeration of all the items in the “population” is known as a “census enquiry” Since a complete census enquiry is not possible generally, we select a ‘sample’ – a few items from the “universe” for our study Researcher selects the sample by using ‘sampling design’ – a definite plan determined before any data is actually collected

26. Types of Sampling Deliberate Sampling Simple Random Sampling Systematic Sampling Quota Sampling Stratified Sampling Cluster/area Sampling Multi-stage Sampling Sequential Sampling

27. 6. Collecting the Data Need to collect appropriate data Primary data can be collected thru experiment or survey In experiment, he observes some quantitative measurements (data), with which the hypothesis is tested In Survey, data can be collected by the following methods: Observation Personal Interview Telephone Interview Mailing Questionnaires Through Schedules

28. 7. Execution of the Project The research study must be executed in a systematic manner to ensure that adequate and dependable data are collected. Should be rigorously methodological

29. 8. Analysis of Data Requires that the data be necessarily condensed into manageable groups and tables for further analyses Should classify the new data into some purposeful and usable categories Coding is done at this stage Tabulation – classified data are put into tables Analysis, after tabulation is based on the computation of various percentages, coefficients, etc. by applying statistics Tests of significance would be applied wherever relevant

30. 9. Hypothesis Testing Do the data support the hypothesis or they contrary? Chi Square test, t-test, f-test are normally used Hypothesis testing will result in either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it

31. 10. Generalization & Interpretation To arrive at a generalization, that is, to build a theory Or to interpret the data in terms of existing state of knowledge (theories)

32. 11. Preparation of Report/Thesis Has to prepare the report The layout of the report is as follows: The prefatory part The Main Body/Text The Supplemental Part

33. The Prefatory Part Title page Certification Acknowledgments Preface Contents page

34. The Main Body Introduction Summary of Findings Main Report conclusion

35. The Supplemental Part References, or Bibliography Appendices Index

36. Good Research Requires The scope and limitations of the work to be clearly defined. The process to be clearly explained so that it can be reproduced and verified by other researchers. A thoroughly planned design that is as objective as possible. Highly ethical standards are applied. All limitations are documented. Data be adequately analyzed and explained. All findings are presented unambiguously and all conclusions be justified by sufficient evidence.