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BBA Core B
Definition of research
John W. Creswell, who states that "research is a process of steps used to collect and analyse
information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue". It consists of three steps: pose a
question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question.
Research is a careful investigation or inquiry specifically through search for new facts in any branch
of knowledge.
Meaning of research
Research is a systematic investigation and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach
new conclusions, so it shapes peoples understanding of the world around them. Research comprises
of creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase knowledge of humans, culture
and society at large, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. Research can
simply be defined a task of searching from available data to modify a certain result or theory.
Characteristics of research
1. It originates with a Question or Problem.
2. Research is empirical i.e. based on observations and experimentation on theories
3. It follows orderly and sequential procedure; therefore, it is systematic.
4. Research process controls no variables except those that are tested/experimented upon are kept
constant.
5. The investigation process is guided by hypothesis.
6. There is critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error in their interpretation.
7. The research is Objective, Unbiased, & Logical - all findings are logical, systematic and empirical.
8. Employs quantitative or statistical methods - data are transformed into numerical measures and are
treated statistically
Objective of research
The main aim of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific
procedures. Though each research study has its own specific purpose, we may think of research
objectives as falling into a number of following broad groupings:
1. Systematic methods to find solution to a problem.
2. To discover truth and facts.
3. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it.
4. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group.
5. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with
something
6. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables
7. To gain familiarity or achieve a new insight towards a certain topic.
8. To identify the cause and effect relationship
9. To find solutions to scientific, non-scientific and social problems.
Types of research
The basic types of research are as follows:
1. Descriptive or Analytical
2. Applied or Fundamental
3. Quantitative or Qualitative
4. Conceptual or Empirical
5. Some other types of research
Research process.
1. Problem definition
2. Research design
3. Data collection
4. Data analysis
5. Interpretation of results
6. Report writing
1. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Initially the problem may be stated in a broad general way and then the ambiguities, if any, relating to
the problem be resolved. Then, the feasibility of a particular solution has to be considered before a
working formulation of the problem can be set up. The formulation of a general topic into a specific
research problem - scientific enquiry. Essentially two steps are involved in formulating the research
problem, viz., understanding the problem thoroughly, and rephrasing the same into meaningful terms
from an analytical point of view. The best way of understanding the problem is to discuss it.
A research problem is a definite or clear expression [statement] about an area of concern, a condition to
be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly
literature, in theory, or within existing practice that points to a need for meaningful understanding and
deliberate investigation. A research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad
proposition, or present a value question.
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction. It describes in concrete terms what you expect will
happen in a certain circumstance. A hypothesis is used in an experiment to define the relationship
between two variables. The purpose of a hypothesis is to find the answer to a question. A formalized
hypothesis will force us to think about what results we should look for in an experiment.
Types of Hypothesis:
1. Research (substantive) hypothesis.
2. Statistical hypothesis.
3. Null hypothesis.
4. Alternative hypothesis.
5. Directional hypothesis.
6. Non-directional hypothesis.
Variables
A characteristic that takes on different values/conditions for different individuals.
2. RESEARCH DESIGN
3. DATA COLLECTION
It is the process by which the researcher collects the information needed to answer the research
problem. The methods to collect data depends upon the resources available their credibility and skill
of evaluator to analyse and report.
Essentially there are two types of data: Primary data and Secondary data.
Primary data is collected for the first time and is in original from. It can be collected by experiments,
surveys, interviews, observations or questionnaire.
Secondary data are those which have already been collected by other and have been through
statistical analysis. They are available in official publications, journals, newspaper, books, etc.
4. DATA ANALYSIS
Data analysis is a process of inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modelling data with the goal of
discovering useful information, suggesting conclusions, and supporting decision-making. Data
initially obtained must be processed or organised for analysis. For instance, these may involve
placing data into rows and columns in a table format. Analysts may apply a variety of techniques
referred to as exploratory data analysis to begin understanding the messages contained in the data.
Analysis may be categorised as descriptive analysis and inferential analysis.
The data, after collection, has to be processed and analysed in accordance with the outline laid down
for the purpose at the time of developing the research plan. This is essential for a scientific study and
for ensuring that we have all relevant data for making contemplated comparisons and analysis.
Technically speaking, processing implies editing, coding, classification and tabulation of collected
data so that they are amenable to analysis.
5. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
Interpretation refers to the task of drawing inferences from the collected facts after an analytical
and/or experimental study. In fact, it is a search for broader meaning of research findings. The task
of interpretation has two major aspects
1. The effort to establish continuity in research through linking the results of a given study with those
of another.
2. The establishment of some explanatory concepts.
Researcher must give reasonable explanations of the relations which he has found and he must
interpret the lines of relationship in terms of the underlying processes.
In fact, this is the technique of how generalization should be done and concepts be formulated.
Researcher must accomplish the task of interpretation only after considering all relevant factors
affecting the problem to avoid false generalization.
6. REPORT WRITING
Research report is considered a major component of the research study for the research task remains
incomplete till the report has been presented and/or written. Research reports are the product
accurate inductive work.
The usual steps involved in writing report are:
1. Logical analysis of the subject-matter.
2. Preparation of the final outline
3. Preparation of the rough draft
4. Rewriting and polishing
5. Preparation of the final bibliography
6. Writing the final draft.
Logical analysis of the subject matter: It is the first step which is primarily concerned with the
development of a subject.
Preparation of the final outline: It is the next step in writing the research report Outlines are the
framework upon which long written works are constructed. They are an aid to the logical
organisation of the material and a reminder of the points to be stressed in the report.
Preparation of the rough draft: This follows the logical analysis of the subject and the preparation of
the final outline. He will write down the procedure adopted by him in collecting the material for his
study along with various limitations faced by him, the technique of analysis adopted by him, the
broad findings and generalizations and the various suggestions he wants to offer regarding the
problem concerned.
Rewriting and polishing of the rough draft: The careful revision makes the difference between a
mediocre and a good piece of writing.
Preparation of the final bibliography:
Significance of research
Research provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our economic system.
Research has its special significance in solving various operational and planning problems of business
and industry.
To professionals in research methodology, research may mean a source of livelihood.
To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights
Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social relationships and in seeking
answers to various social problems.
Limitations of research
Problems of collection of data and conceptualization may occur.
Repetition problems.
Outdated and insufficient information system may cause problems.
Sometimes lack of resources becomes an obstacle.
No availability of trained researchers.
Absence of code of conduct.
Research Design:
1. Meaning
A plan for collecting and utilizing data so that desired information can be obtained with precision or
so that a hypothesis can be tested properly.
Research design is the framework that has been created to find answers to research questions.
Decision regarding what, where, when, how much, by what means concerning an inquiry or research
study.
Research question dominates the design.
IN SHORT :
Research: process of steps used to collect and analyse information to increase our understanding of a topic or
issue.
It originates with a question. Systematic. Unbiased (unaffected by researchers views).
The basic types of research are as follows:
1. Descriptive or Analytical
2. Applied or Fundamental
3. Quantitative or Qualitative
4. Conceptual or Empirical
5. Some other types of research
Research design: