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Research Methodology
Dr. K. Subrahmanyam Professor in CSE

Course Description
The module introduces the nature of research; the processes involved in carrying out research and develop some generic research skills. It also prepares students to undertake their dissertation or thesis at Masters/Doctoral level.

Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to

1. Understand objectives and the steps involved in research process. 2. Identify and articulate appropriate research questions. 3. Search, retrieve, select and critically evaluate information especially published literature in books, journals and web resources to support research. 4. Write a literature review in a scholarly style appropriate to dissertations and projects at masters level. 5. Critically evaluate various research approaches, methods and techniques. 6. Represent the data in tabular or graphical form. 7. Prepare an appropriate research report. 8. Optimize the data based on various techniques.

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Syllabus
UNIT-I Introduction: Definition and objectives of Research-Types of research, Various Steps in Research process, Mathematical tools for analysis, Developing a research question- Choice of a problem, Literature review, Surveying, Synthesizing, critical analysis, reading materials, reviewing, rethinking, critical evaluation, interpretation, Research Purposes, Ethics in research APA Ethics code. UNIT-II Quantitative Methods for problem solving: Statistical Modeling and Analysis, Time Series Analysis Probability Distributions, Fundamentals of Statistical Analysis and Inference, Multivariate methods, Concepts of Correlation and Regression, Fundamentals of Time Series Analysis and Spectral Analysis, Error Analysis, Application of Spectrum Analysis. UNIT-III Tabular and graphical description of data: Tables and graphs of frequency data of one variable, Tables and graphs that show the relationship between two variables, Relation between frequency distributions and other graphs, preparing data for analysis. UNIT-IV Soft Computing: Computer and its role in research, Use of statistical soft ware SPSS, GRETL in research. Introduction to evolutionary algorithm Fundamentals of Genetic algorithms, Simulated Annealing, Neural Network based optimization, Optimization of fuzzy systems. UNIT-V Structure and Components of Research Report, Types of Report, Layout of Research Report, Mechanism of writing a research report, referencing in academic writing.

Text Books
C.R. Kothari, Research Methodology Methods and Techniques,2nd Edition, Vishwa Prakashan,2006 Donald H. McBurney, Research Methods, 5th edition, Thomson Learning, ISBN: 81-3150047-0, 2006

1. Donald R.Cooper, Pamela S. Schhindler, Business Research Methods, 8th Edition, Tata MCGRAW-Hill Co.Ltd.,2006. 2. Fuzzy Logic with Engg Applications, Timothy J.Ross, Wiley Publications, 2nd Edition. 3. R. Panner Selvam, Research Methodology.

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What is research?
Means search for knowledge or a movement from known to unknown An art of scientific investigation Systematical effort to gain new knowledge (Redman & Mory)

What is Research?
Def: A scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. Def: An academic activity comprising defining and redefining the problem, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions, collecting, organizing and evaluating data, making deductions and reaching conclusions; and atlast carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis (Clifford Woodes)

What is Research?
Def: The manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art ( Slesinger and Stephenson) An original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its advancement. It is the persuit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison and experiment.

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Significance of research
Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and it promotes the development of logical habits of thinking and organization.

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Significance of research
To those students who are to write a Masters or PhD thesis, research may mean a careerism or a way to attain a high position in the social structure. To professional in research methodology research may mean a source of livelihood.

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Significance of research
To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights. To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new styles and creative work. To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the generalizations of new theories.

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Significance of research
The significance of research lies in its Quality and not in its Quantity

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

Motivation in Research
1. Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits 2. Desire to face the challenges in solving the unsolved problems 3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work 4. Desire to be of service to society 5. Desire to get respectability 6. Directives of government 7. Employment conditions 8. Social thinking and awakening

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Products of research
Source: Oates (2006)

A new or improved product A new theory A re-interpretation of an existing theory New or improved research tool or technique A new or improved model or perspective An in-depth study of a situation An exploration of a topic, area or field
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Types of research
Descriptive Vs Analytical Applied Vs Fundamental Conceptual Vs Empherical Other
Onetime Research (longitudinal) Historical Conclusion Oriented Laboratory or Simulation

Descriptive Vs Analytical
The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of the affairs as it exists at present. It is also known as Ex post facto research.
In this the researcher has no control over the variables, he can only report what has happened or what is happening.
Frequency of shopping, preferences of people, etc..

In Analytical research the researcher has to use facts or information already available , and analyze these to make critical evaluation of the material

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Applied Vs Fundamental
Applied research (Action) aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing society or an industrial/business organization.
Research to identify social, economic, or political trends that may effect a particular institution.

Fundamental research (basic or pure) is concerned with generalizations and with the formulations of a theory. (Gathering knowledge for knowledges sake )
Research studies concerning human behaviour carried on with a view to make generalizations about human behaviour.

Conceptual Vs Empirical
Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea or theory.
It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.

Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone; often without due regard for system and theory.
It is data based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment

Other types of Research

One-time research or Longitudinal Research ( based on time) Field-setting research or laboratory research ( based on environment) Historical research Conclusion oriented or Decision oriented (OR) Exploratory or Formalized ( based on their development of hypothesis)

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Research Approaches
Quantitative Approach Qualitative Approach

Research Approaches
Quantitative Approach
Inferential ( form a database from which to infer characteristics or relationships of population ex: survey) Experimental ( some variables are observed to manipulate their effect on other variables) Simulation (involves construction of an artificial environment within which relevant information and data can be generated)

Research Approaches
Qualitative Approach
Concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions and behaviour. Group interviews, in-depth interviews are used

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The Research Process

Steps involved in research process:
1. Formulating the research problem 2. Extensive literature survey 3. Development of working hypothesis 4. Preparing the research design 5. Determining the sample design 6. Collect your data 7. Execution of the project 8. Analysis of data 9. Hypothesis testing 10. Generalisations and interpretations 11. Presentation of report or results

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Developing a research question

Choice of a problem Literature Review
Survey Synthesise Review/rethink Critical analysis/Evaluation interpretation

Developing a research question

Choice of a problem
Everyday observation (news paper articles, journals, thesis books, etc..) Your instructor or advisor Most important thing is to get started Narrow the topic down to a manageable size
Based on the resources, time, cost, etc...

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Selecting the problem

Subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen, for it will be a difficult task to throw any new light in such a case Controversial subject should not become the choice of an average researcher Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided

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Selecting the problem

The subject selected for research should be familiar and feasible so that the related research material or sources of research are within ones reach. Even then it is quite difficult to supply definitive ideas concerning how a researcher should obtain ideas for his research. For this purpose, a researcher should contact an expert or a professor in the University who is already engaged in research.

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Selecting the problem

He may as well read articles published in current literature available on the subject and may think how the techniques and ideas discussed therein might be applied to the solution of other problems.

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Selecting the problem

He may discuss with others what he has in mind concerning a problem. In this way he should make all possible efforts in selecting a problem.

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Selecting the problem

The importance of the subject, the qualifications and the training of a researcher, the costs involved, the time factor are few other criteria that must also be considered in selecting a problem. In other words before the final selection of a problem is done, a researcher must ask himself the following questions:
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Selecting the problem

Whether he is well equipped in terms of his background to carry out the research? Whether the study falls within the budget he can afford? Whether the necessary cooperation can be obtained from those who must participate in research as subjects? If the answers to all these question are in the affirmative, one may become sure so far as the practicability of the study concerned.

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Selecting the problem

The selection of a problem must be preceded by a preliminary study. This may not be necessary when the problem requires the conduct of a research closely similar to one that has already been done But when the field of inquiry is relatively new and does not have available a set of well developed techniques, a brief feasibility study must always be undertaken.

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Formulating the research problem

5 steps are involved in Developing research problem:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Statement of the problem in a general way Understanding the nature of the problem Surveying the available literature Developing the ideas through discussions Rephrasing the research problem

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Formulating the research problem

The researcher must decide the general area of interest or aspect of a subject matter that he would like to enquire into. Initially the problem may be stated in a broad general way.

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Understanding the problem

The best way to understand the problem is to discuss with people having some expertise in the matter. The researcher must at the same time examine all available literature to get himself acquainted with the selected problem.

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Understanding the problem

He may review two types of literature the conceptual literature concerning the concepts and theories, and the empirical literature consisting of studies made earlier which are similar to the one proposed. Basic outcome of this review will be the knowledge as to what data and other materials are available for operational purposes which will enable the researcher to specify his own research problem in a meaningful context.
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Rephrasing the problem

The problem to be investigated must be put into analytical terms i.e., to put the problem in as specific terms as possible. This task of formulating, or defining, a research problem is a step of greatest importance in the entire research process. Care must be taken to verify the objectivity and validity of the background facts concerning the problem.

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An illustration
Why is productivity in Japan so much higher than in India?

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An illustration
What factors were responsible for the higher labour productivity of Japans manufacturing industries during the decade 1975 to 1980 relative to Indias manufacturing industries?

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An illustration
To what extent did labour productivity in 1975 to 1980 in Japan exceed that of India in respect of 15 selected manufacturing industries? What factors were responsible for the productivity differentials between the two countries by industries?

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Objectives
The objective should determine the data which are to be collected, its characteristics of the data which are relevant, relations which are to be explored, the choice of techniques to be used in these exploration and the form of the final report.

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Extensive literature survey

Once the problem is formulated a brief summary (synopsis/Abstract) of it should be written down. It is compulsory for a research worker writing a thesis for PhD, or presenting a paper in a seminar/conference, or publish a research paper in a journal. At this juncture the researcher should undertake extensive literature survey connected with the problem.
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Extensive literature survey

For this purpose the researcher can read academic journals, conference proceedings, government reports, books etc. In this process one source will lead to another.

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Development of working hypothesis

Discussions with colleagues and experts about the problem, its origin and the objectives in seeking a solution. Examination of data and records, if available, concerning the problem for possible trends, peculiarities and other clues. Review of similar studies in the area or of the studies on similar problems. Exploratory personal investigation which involves original field interviews on a limited scale with interested parties and individuals with a view to secure greater insight into the practical aspects of the problem.

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Preparing the research design

Research design is to state the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted. In other words, the function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant evidence with the minimal expenditure of efforts, time and money.

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Preparing the research design

The preparation of the research design involves usually the consideration of the following The means of obtaining the information The availability and skills of the researcher and his staff (if any) Explanation of the way in which selected means of obtaining information will be organized and the reasoning leading to the selection The time available for research The cost factor relating to research, i.e., the finance available for the purpose.

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Research design happen to be in respect of

What is the study about? Why is the study being made? Where will the study be carried out? What type of data is required? Where can the required data be found? What periods of time will the study include? What will be the sample design? What techniques of data collection will be used? How will the data be analyzed? In what style will the report be prepared?

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Determining the sample design

Using your own sampling technique prepare a sample design

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Collecting the data

Data can be collected either through experiment or through survey. If the researcher conducts an experiment he observes some quantitative measurements or the data, with the help of which he examines the truth contained in his hypothesis

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Analyze the data

The researcher should classify the raw data into some purposeful and useful categories.

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Developing a research question

Literature Review
Survey Synthesise Review/rethink Critical analysis/Evaluation interpretation

Mathematical tools for Analysis

Statistical Techniques Operations Research Models

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Mathematical tools for Analysis

Statistical Techniques
Methods to find measures of central tendency, viz., mean, median and mode Methods to find measures of dispersion, viz., variance, coefficient of variance, coefficient of skewness, quartile deviation, etc. Forecasting methods Factorial Design Sampling methods Tests of hypothesis Factor Analysis Discriminant analysis Conjoint analysis

Operations Research Models

Mathematical tools for Analysis

Operations Research Models
Linear Programming Integer Programming Distance related network techniques Project Management Inventory control Dynamic Programming Queueing Theory Replacement Analysis Game Theory Goal Programming Simulation Production scheduling Non-Linear Programming

Ethics in Research

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Ethics in Research
Why? It is an important factor in higher education research activity, in ALL disciplines It is good academic practice It is sound professional practice It is University policy

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Ethical Guidelines (1)

Research to be conducted within an organisation should be arranged well in advance Maintain the trust of the organisation by keeping any sensitive company information confidential Only involve people (participants) with their consent and knowledge Tell the truth about the research and never deceive participants in any way

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Ethical Guidelines (2)

Respect a participants right to privacy Treat all participants with consideration and respect Protect & keep safe data collected from individuals

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Ethical Guidelines (3)

Analyse the data collected objectively and honestly. When you write up the research
Present the evidence with honesty and integrity Never knowingly allow anyone to misuse or misinterpret your work People who have taken part in the research also have a right to know about the results

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APA (American Psychological Association) Code

APA code(American Psychological Code)
Encouraging the development and application of psychology in the broadest manner Promoting research in psychology, the improvement of research methods and conditions and the application of research findings Improving the qualifications and usefulness of psychologists by establishing high standards of ethics, conduct, education and achievement Increasing and disseminating psychological knowledge through meetings, professional contacts, reports, papers, discussions and publications

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