RESEARCH

METHODOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CONTENT :
• Meaning of research
• Characteristics of Research
• Objectives of Research
• Motivation in Research
• Importance of Research
• Types of Research
• Research Process
• Difference Between Research Methods & Research Methodology
• Meaning of Business Research
• Role of Business Research
• Factors Affecting Business Research
 MEANING OF RESEARCH

Research is the systematic efforts of gathering,

analysing & interpreting the problems confronted
by humanity.
It is a thinking process and scientific method of
studying a problem and finding solution.

“A systematized efforts to gain

new knowledge”
CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

 It is a systematic & critical investigation into a

phenomenon.
 It adopts scientific method.
 It is objective & logical.
 It is based on empirical evidence.
 It is directed towards finding answers to question &
solution to problems.
 It is not mere compilation of facts.
 It emphasis the generalization theories and principles.
 OBJECTIVE OF RESEARCH
Purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the
application of scientific procedure.
Main aim of research is to find the truth which is hidden and which
has not been discovered as yet.
Objectives of Research can be grouped under following heads :-
1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new
insights into it.
2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular
individual situation or a group.
3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or
with which it is associated with something else.
4. To test a hypothesis of a casual relationship between variables.
 MOTIVATION IN RESEARCH
What makes people to undertake research?
1. Desire to get a research degree along with its benefits.
2. Desire to face the challenge in the solving the unsolved Problem.
3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work.
4. Desire to be of service to Society.
5. Desire to get respectability.
However, this is not an exhaustive list of factors motivating people to
undertake research studies. Many more factors such as directives of
government, employment conditions, curiosity about new things,
desire to understand causal relationships, social thinking and
awakening, and the like may as well motivate people to perform
research operations
 IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
a. It helps in finding the solution.
b. To the students who are to write a PHD; it is a
careerism.
c. To Professionals in research methodology, research
means a source of livehood.
d. To Philosophers & thinkers research may mean the
outlet for new ideas and insights.
e. To literary man research means the development of
new styles & creative work.
f. To the intellectuals research mean the generalization of
new theories.
 Types of Research

Descriptive
v/s Quantitativ
Analytical e v/s
Qualitative

Applied v/s
Fundamental Conceptual
v/s
Empirical
I. DESCRIPTIVE V/S ANALYTICAL :-

 Descriptive research includes Surveys or fact-finding

enquiries of different kinds. The major purpose of
descriptive research description of the state of affairs
as it exist at present. It also known as Ex-post facto
research.
For e.g.:- frequency of Shopping (Surveys)
 On the other hand, in Analytical research, the
researcher has to use facts or information already
available & analyse this to make a critical evaluation,
of the material.
I. APPLIED V/S FUNDAMENTAL :-

 Applied Research aims at finding a solution for

an immediate problem facing a society or an
organisation.
For e.g.:- Marketing Research
 Fundamental Research is mainly concerned
with Generalization and with the formulation of
a theory. It is also known as pure research.
For e.g.:- Pure Mathematics
I. QUANTITATIVE V/S QUALITATIVE :-

 Quantitative Research is based on the

measurement of quantity or amount.
 Qualitative Research is specially important in the
behavioral sciences were the aim is to discover
the underlying motives of human behaviour.
For e.g.:- Motivation research.
I. CONCEPTUAL V/S EMPIRICAL :-

 Conceptual Research is that related to some abstract

ideas for theory. It is generally used by philosophers and
thinkers to develop the new concepts or to interpret
existing ones.
 On the other hand, Empirical Researches relies on
experiments or observation alone, often without due
regard for system of theory. It is data based research
coming up with conclusions which are capable of been
variable of observation and experiment.
 RESEARCH PROCESS

FF

Define the Review the Formulate Design the

problem literature hypothesis Research

FF

F
Interpret &
Analysis Data Collect Data
Reports
F

Where, F = feed back (Helps in controlling the sub-system to which it is transmitted)

FF = feed forward (Serves the vital function of providing criteria for evaluation)
 I. DEFINE THE PROBLEM :-

The first step of research process is to define the problem.

There are two types of research problem:-
i. Those which relates to state of nature
ii. Those which relates to relationship between variables.

Essentially two steps are involved in define research problems :-

a. Understanding the problem thoroughly.
b. Rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an point of
view.
 II. REVIEW THE LITERATURE :-

Once the problem is define, a brief summary of it should

be written down. It is compulsory for a research worker
writing a thesis for a Ph.D. degree to write a synopsis of
topic and submit it to necessary committee or the research
board for approval.
 III. FORMULATE HYPOTHESIS : -

The next step is to formulate hypothesis. It is tentative

assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical
or empirical consequences. Hypothesis should be very
specific and limited to the piece of research in hand
because it has to be tested.
The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher by
delimiting the area of research and to keep him on the
right track.
 IV. DESIGN THE RESEARCH :-

The research problem having been formulated in

clear cut terms, the researcher will be required to
prepare a research design, i.e., he will have to state
the conceptual structure within which research would
be conducted.
The function of research design is to provide for the
collection of relevant evidence with minimal
expenditure of effort, time and money.
Research purpose may be grouped into four categories,
i.e. (a). Exploration; (b). Description; (c). Diagnosis; (d).
Experimentation.
 V. COLLECT THE DATA :-

The next step is to collect the data.

There are several ways to collect the data are :-
1. By Observation
2. Through personal interview
3. Through telephone interview
4. By mailing of questionnaires
5. Through schedules
The researcher should select one of these methods of
collecting the data taking into consideration the nature of
investigation, objective and scope of the inquiry, financial
resources, available time and the desired degree of accuracy.
 VI. ANALYSIS THE DATA :-
After the data have been collected, the researcher turns to the task
of analysing them. The analysis of data requires a number of
closely related operations such as establishment of categories, the
application of these categories to raw data through coding,
tabulation and then drawing statistical inferences.
VII. INTERPRET & REPORT

Research has to prepare the report of what has been done

by him.
Writing of report includes :-
1. The preliminary pages
2. The main text
3. The end matter
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RESEARCH METHODS & RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY

S.N
Basis Research Methods Research Methodology
o.

It implies the methods

It is the way to systematically
1. Meaning employed by researcher
solve the research problems.
to conduct research.
Behavior and instrument
Science of understanding,
used in the selection and
2. What is it ? how research is performed
construction of the
methodically.
research technique.
Study different techniques
Carrying out experiment, which can be utilized in the
3. Encompasses
test, surveys and so on. performance of experiment,
test, surveys etc.

Different investigation Entire strategy towards

4. Comprise of
techniques. achievement of objective.

To discover solution to To apply correct procedures

5. Objective
research problem. so as to determine solutions.
 MEANING OF BUSINESS RESEARCH

Business research is described as the systematic

and objective procedure for producing
information for help in making business
decisions.
 ROLE OF BUSINESS RESEARCH IN DECISION MAKING

There are different roles of business research in decision making :-

1. Production Management :- the research performs an important function in

product development, diversification, introducing a new product, product
improvement, process technologies, choosing a site, new investment etc.
2. Personnel Management : Research works well for job redesign, organization
restructuring, development of motivational strategies and organizational
development.
3. Marketing Management : Research performs an important part in choice and size
of target market, the consumer behavior with regards to attitudes, life style, and
influences of the target market. It is the primary tool in determining price policy,
selection of channel of distribution and development of sales strategies, product
mix, promotional strategies, etc.
4. Financial Management : Research can be useful for portfolio management,
distribution of dividend, capital raising, hedging and looking after fluctuations in
foreign currency and product cycles.
Materials Management: It is utilized in choosing the supplier, making the
decisions relevant to make or buy as well as in selecting negotiation strategies.
5. General Management : It contributes greatly in developing the standards,
objectives, long-term goals, and growth strategies.
 FACTORS AFFECTING BUSINESS
RESEARCH

1. Time constraints
2. Availability of resources
3. Very expensive
4. Availability of data
5. Nature of information sought
Presented By :-
YAMINI KAHALIYA
BBA (Honors)