RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

NATURE OF SOCIAL AND BUSINESS RESEARCH

MEANING OF RESEARCH

Research in a general sense means collecting information such as observing, asking questions, making experiments, etc about something to reach decisions in certain matter. In scientific terminology research is an endeavour to discover facts by scientific method and is a course of a critical investigation.

Definition of Research
It is a careful critical inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles; diligent investigation in order to ascertain something. Websters Intl Dictionary Acc. to John W. Best, Research may be defined as the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to the developments of generalizations, principles, or theories, resulting in prediction and possibly ultimate control of events.

Criteria of Good Research

Purpose of research clearly defined Research procedure thoroughly described to permit repeat research for further advancement. Research design carefully planned to yield results that are objective Ethical standards followed

 Report frankly limitations / flaws in design Complete and appropriate analysis of data that is valid and reliable. Conclusion / Decision based on findings.

Qualities of a Good Research

Good research is systematic structured with specified steps in a specified sequence with well defined set of rules. Is logical guided by the rules of logical reasoning and logical process of induction & deduction. Is empirical related to aspects of real situation and deals with concrete data. Is replicable results can be verified by replicating the study.

FUNCTIONS OF RESEARCH
Discovery of truth or facts by applying scientific methods To find new techniques or generalizations with old data To find old conclusions or generalizations with new data To attempt to arrive at more conclusions from the same set of data To put forward an original or new theory or idea To find or to resolve the contradictions existing in the area of study

Types of Research
Pure or fundamental Research Original type of research through which laws and new theories are established and in the development of existing theory Applied Research Also known as action research, helps in finding a solution for an immediate problem faced by the society. It has practical utility to the society, individuals and business units.

 Historical Research Developing a solution to unsolved social problems on the basis of past events, past trends, facts and attitudes. Analytical Research (Quantitative/Qualitative) Collects data, analyses and critically evaluates to solve the problems. Quantitative Research is based on measurement of quantity or amount with the help of statistical tools Qualitative Research involves quality or kind. (Study of human behaviour/motivation research)

 Descriptive Research It is a fact finding approach. It aims to portray accurately the characteristics of a given situation and determine the frequency of occurrence. Tools like correlation coefficient and trend analysis are used. It is also called as Expost Factor Research. Experimental Research/Empirical Research Research conducted in a laboratory or in a simulated environment. Variables are manipulated to observe their cause and effect relationships.

Empirical research is a data based research that leads to conclusions capable of being verified by observation or experiment. Evidence gathered through experiments is today considered to be the most powerful support possible for a given hypothesis.

 Exploratory Research It is an indepth study or detailed analysis of a problem/situation. It is attempted when conclusive results are not obtained through the preliminary level of study. In this certain hypotheses are formulated which will be tested. Ex-Post Facto Research A systematic empirical enquiry in which the researcher does not have direct control on independent variables. As their manifestations have already occurred or because they are inherently not manipulatable. Such research findings may result in improper interpretations.

Surveys
A method of research involving collection of data directly from a population or a sample. Data collected by observation / interviewing / mailing questionnaires. Analysis using statistical tools. Widely used in business research- market research, consumer preferences, buying habits Features: Conducted in a natural setting Seeks responses directly Covers large population & area May be extensive study / intensive study.

Purpose of Surveys
To provide information to government / planners / business orgn. To explain certain phenomena, the causal relationships b/w variables, influence of factors.. To make comparisons of demographic groups / behavioural groups.. To make predictions based on cause effect relationships.

Census Vs. Sample

When a survey covers al the units of a given universe it is called a Census Survey. If the survey covers a fraction of the universe, it is called Sample Survey. Merits:
Versatility Facilitates drawing generalizations Uses various methods of collecting data Useful instruments for verifying theories.

Limitations of survey method

Feasibility depends on willingness & cooperation of respondents (primary data) Sample survey is subject to sampling error Subject to response errors Subject to measurement errors Demands more time, money and effort Limit to number of items/ information one may collect.

Case Study method

It is an in depth comprehensive study of a person, a social group, an episode, a situation, a community or institution or any other social unit. Case study helps to secure a detailed information about the unit of study. Intensive analysis, studying everything about something.

Case Study Vs. Survey methodstudy is Survey is broad based investigation Case
intensive investigation Survey covers large number of units Case study study of a single unit/group Survey findings can be generalized Limitations: Cannot be used to make generalizations Time-consuming Inadequate for analysis of macro problems Scope for errors in judgment & bias.