Unit 1 Introduction to Research

Meaning of Research
 Research means to search or study about a phenomenon.
 The word research is composed by‘re’ and ‘search’ where re means repeatedly or
again and again, and search means to investigate or find.
 Thus, to search again and again is research.
 Generally, research is an effort to search new fact, knowledge and principle in
scientific ways.
 Research is an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions.

Definition of Research
 In the words of D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson in the encyclopedia of social
science define research as, “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 practice of an art.”
 According to F.N. Kerlinger, “Research is a systematic, controlled, empirical and
critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations
among natural phenomena.”
 According to the Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, “Research is a careful
investigation or inquiry specially to search for new facts in any branch of
knowledge.”
 While analyzing the above definitions, it is clearly known that research is an
original work that enhances the store of knowledge based on facts and figures.
 Concisely, it can be said that research is a systematic and organized study and
analysis of an issue that helps to solve the problem or develop new theory or add
new knowledge in the existing bank of knowledge.
 Thus, the findings of the research must be supported by past research findings or
expert opinions or established theories.

Objectives of Research
 To explore new things.
 To verify and test important fact and theory.
 To develop new tools and techniques.

1
 Unit 1 Introduction to Research
 To identify the cause and effect relationship.
 To extend the knowledge of human beings.
 To analyze an event, process or phenomena.
 To plan for future benefits.

Scientific Method
What is Science?
• Science is a system of knowledge. It is an organized body of knowledge.
• Science is a quest for knowledge generation. It is a means of creating knowledge.
• Science helps in advancing knowledge.
Why do we need knowledge?
• To develop our understanding of the situation.
• To improve the quality of life.
• To understand the explanatory relationships.
What is Method?
• Methods are tools of investigation.
• Scientific method is a way of doing things.
• Scientific method is a rational method. It is accurate, logical, extensive, unbiased
and scholarly work.

Scientific Research
“Scientific research is a systematic, empirical and critical investigation of propositions
about the presumed relationship among the variables.”
- F.N. Kerlinger
Characteristics of Scientific Research
 Purposiveness: Focus on specific purpose. Research without definite purpose or aim
leads the study nowhere.

 Testability: Research involves testing of hypothesis. Research studies which do not

test hypotheses, do not meet the criteria of scientific research.

 Replicability: The research results, which are replicable, have more acceptability and
confidence of being scientific.

2
 Unit 1 Introduction to Research
 Objectivity: Research involves more objective analysis and interpretation of data. The
research process should not be influenced by personal values and biases.

 Rigorous: Research involves a rigorous process and a carefully thought-out

methodology. Lack of rigor may lead to faulty conclusions.

 Parsimony: Simple constructs are better. Simple means few elements and fewer
complexes.

 Generalizability: Research must aim at making generalization. Generalization means

wider applicability of the research findings.

Process of Scientific Research

1.Realizing
9.Reporting a problem
and 2.Identificati
Generalizatio on of
n problem

8.Data
analysis and 3.Review of
interpretatio Process of literature
n of findings Scientific
Research
4.Hypothes
7.Collection is
of data Formulatio
n

5.Research
6.Sampling
design
design
formulation

1. Realizing a problem: First of all a researcher should feel the problem for undertaking
research. Problems are created due to change in environment or any other reasons.
Researcher should realize and be worried with such problem. Realization can be made
through feeling, study, experience and observation.

2. Identification of problem: After realizing the problem, researcher should try to find out
the causes of the problems and the actual problem through the collection of information

3
 Unit 1 Introduction to Research
and analysis of situation. Research should define such problems that helps to minimize time
and cost. Thus, researcher should clearly identify the problem.

For example, if the sale of an organization is decreased then decrease in the

sale is symptom so the researcher should find out the causes of decrease in the sales. It may
be due to lack of motivation, incompetent Sales force etc. How to enhance the competence
is the research problem.

3. Review of literature: Literature review refers to the study of previous research and
documents. Researcher should find out the study gap from the review of literature. It helps
to define the problem and find out the methods which are suitable to study over the
research problem and issues. It also guides to the researcher in a method of conducting
research. It shows the way of conducting the research and concluding review. It
simultaneously helps to develop theoretical framework.

4. Hypothesis Formulation: Hypothesis refers to the estimated result of the research. It is

estimated on the basis of past studies. It presents the relationship of variables in the
testable forms. Researcher finds out the problems and related factors of problem through
literature review. On the basis of the facts from literature review, researcher formulates
hypothesis. It helps to determine the approach to be used in research and the methods of
data collection and also helps to draw conclusions of the result.

5. Research design formulation: Research design is a framework of research. Research

works are completed based on research design. It helps to collect evidence in less time and
cost. Research design depends on the objectives of research. It clarifies the bases of
research, way of collecting data and method of analysis. Research design is prepared before
initiating research. Researchers should find out appropriate research design considering to
the research problem.

6. Sampling design: Research cannot undertake census study. So, he/she has to select few
units that can represent the characteristics of whole population. Those selected units are
known as sample. Sample should be representative, free from bias and precision.
Researcher should decide probability or non-probability design that will be followed
considering the nature of research and accuracy requirement. Researcher should take
decision on the size of sample as well.

7. Collection of data: Collection of information on the basis of research problem and

objectives is referred as data collection. It is the work performed in the field/outside the

4
 Unit 1 Introduction to Research
organization. Success of research depends largely on data collection. Reliable data collection
helps to draw reliable conclusions. A researcher should develop questionnaire, schedule for
interview or observation for collecting data. Researcher should decide what sort of data and
information are essential before collecting data.

8. Data analysis and interpretation of findings: A researcher classifies all the collected data
and information on the basis of their feature and nature. Classified data are then codified,
tabulated and presented in chart and tables. Such presented data are analyzed using
mathematical, statistical, financial and accounting tools.

Most of the researchers use statistical tools for the analysis of data. Mean,
median, mode and standard division at descriptive statistical tools and t-test Z-test and Chi-
square test are used to test hypothesis. They are known as inferential statistical tools. Use
of statistical tools depends on the research objective, research design and nature of data.
After analysis of the data, certain conclusions are drawn and those conclusions are
considered as theories.

9. Reporting and Generalization: Research should give answer to research questions. So,
researchers develop a report incorporating all the procedures and findings so as to inform
to the outsiders. Such conclusions of the research are applied in all the similar organizations
which is regarded as generalization. Conclusions without hypothesis are discussed on the
basis of previous theories. Such discussions create new issues that require further research.

Relationship between Research and Scientific method

 Research can be understood as a structured and organized way of figuring things out.
If you noticed something happening, you could carry out some research into that to
understand it better.

 Scientific method is one of the ways of doing research - and it is at the moment the
best way of doing the research.

 In scientific method, you try to come up with an explanation about why something is
happening - and then you do your best to prove your explanation false. This leads to
an important aspect of scientific method – it’s done experimentally.

5
 Unit 1 Introduction to Research
 If the experimental result suggests your theory is not correct, you come up with a
better one - one that will explain the thing that is happening as well as the
experimental result. Then you test it again. That’s research

Characteristics of Research
There are 8 core characteristics that all research projects should have. These are:

• Empirical – based on proven scientific methods derived from real-life observations

and experiments.

• Logical – follows sequential procedures based on valid principles.

• Cyclic – research begins with a question and ends with a question, i.e. research
should lead to a new line of questioning.

• Controlled – vigorous measures put into place to keep all variables constant, except
those under investigation.

• Hypothesis-based – the research design generates data that sufficiently meets the
research objectives and can prove or disprove the hypothesis. It makes the research
study repeatable and gives credibility to the results.

• Analytical – data is generated, recorded and analyzed using proven techniques to

ensure high accuracy and repeatability while minimizing potential errors and
anomalies.

• Objective – sound judgment is used by the researcher to ensure that the research
findings are valid.

• Statistical treatment – statistical treatment is used to transform the available data

into something more meaningful from which knowledge can be gained.

Purposes of research
There are three main purposes:

1. Exploratory: Exploratory research is the first research to be conducted around a

problem that has not yet been clearly defined. Exploration research therefore aims to
gain a better understanding of the exact nature of the problem and not to provide a

6
 Unit 1 Introduction to Research
conclusive answer to the problem itself. This enables us to conduct more in-depth
research later on.
2. Descriptive: Descriptive research expands knowledge of a research problem or
phenomenon by describing it according to its characteristics and population.
Descriptive research focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘what’, but not on the ‘why’. For
example, a study conducted to know if top-level management leaders in the 21st
century possess the moral right to receive a considerable sum of money from the
company profit.
3. Explanatory: Explanatory research, also referred to as casual research, is conducted
to determine how variables interact, i.e. to identify cause-and-effect relationships.
Explanatory research deals with the ‘why’ of research questions and is therefore
often based on experiments. For example, a study that is conducted to understand
the effect of rebranding on customer loyalty.

Types of Research

Types of
Research

Basic Research Applied Research

Basic Research
 According to P.V. Young, “Gathering knowledge for knowledge sake is termed as pure
or basic research.”
 A research which is conducted for the depth knowledge about any issue or for the
development of theory is known as basic research.
 The main purpose of basic research is to generate more knowledge and
understanding of the issue and build theories based on research results. Such
theories are the bases for the further research in the same issue.
 It is also known as Pure and Fundamental Research.

7
 Unit 1 Introduction to Research
 E.g. exploring existence of life on moon.
 What type of training should be given to improve the productivity of workers?

Characteristics of Basic Research

Basic research has the following characteristics: 
 Develops fundamental principles.
 Principles developed by basic research can be generalized.
 Finds major factors of practical problems.
 Helps to understand the problems in depth.
 Develops various alternative solutions of various problems.

Applied Research
 According to P.V. Young, “Generating knowledge that could aid in the betterment of
human benefit is termed as applied research.”
 A research which is conducted to find out a solution for an immediate problem faced
by the society or industry or business organization is known as applied research.
 The researchers who are keenly interested in solving real-world problems conduct
applied research.
 It is also known as Practical or Decisional or Action Research.
 E.g. Discovery of effective medicine for HIV AIDS.
 Study of factors affecting the smooth run of banks.

Characteristics of Applied Research

Applied research has the following characteristics: 
 It is related with solving real life problems.
 Conclusion of applied research can be implemented immediately.
 Applied research helps to prove concepts.
 Applied research helps to formulate new policies and programs improving previous
procedures and practices.
Business Research
 Business research is a process of acquiring detailed information of all the areas of
business and using such information in maximizing the sales and profit of the

8
 Unit 1 Introduction to Research
business. Such a study helps companies determine which product/service is most
profitable or in demand.
 Business research can be done for anything and everything. In general, when people
speak about business research it means asking research questions to know where the
money can be spent to increase sales, profits or market share. Such research is critical
to make wise and informed decisions.
 For example: A mobile company wants to launch a new model in the market. But they
are not aware of what are the dimensions of a mobile that are in most demand.
Hence, the company conducts a business research using various methods to gather
information and the same is then evaluated and conclusions are drawn, as to what
dimensions are most in-demand, This will enable the researcher to make wise
decisions to position his phone at the right price in the market and hence acquire a
larger market share.

Exploratory research
Exploratory research is defined as a research used to investigate a problem which is
not clearly defined. It is conducted to have a better understanding of the existing
problem, but will not provide conclusive results. For such a research, a researcher
starts with a general idea and uses this research as a medium to identify issues that
can be the focus for future research. An important aspect here is that the researcher
should be willing to change his/her direction subject to the revelation of new data or
insight. Such a research is usually carried out when the problem is at a preliminary
stage. It is often referred to as grounded theory approach or interpretive research as
it used to answer questions like what, why and how.

For example: Consider a scenario where a juice bar owner feels that increasing the
variety of juices will enable increase in customers, however he is not sure and needs
more information. The owner intends to carry out an exploratory research to find out
and hence decides to do an exploratory research to find out if expanding their juices
selection will enable him to get more customers of if there is a better idea.

Descriptive research
Descriptive research is defined as a research method that describes the
characteristics of the population or phenomenon studied. This methodology focuses
more on the “what” of the research subject than the “why” of the research subject.

The descriptive research method primarily focuses on describing the nature of a

demographic segment, without focusing on “why” a particular phenomenon occurs.

9
 Unit 1 Introduction to Research
In other words, it “describes” the subject of the research, without covering “why” it
happens.

For example, an apparel brand that wants to understand the fashion purchasing
trends among New York buyers will conduct a demographic survey of this region,
gather population data and then conduct descriptive research on this demographic
segment. The study will then uncover details on “what is the purchasing pattern of
New York buyers,” but not cover any investigative information about “why” the
pattern exits. Because for the apparel brand trying to break into this market,
understanding the nature of their market is the study’s objective.

Evaluation research
Evaluation research, also known as program evaluation, refers to research purpose
instead of a specific method. Evaluation research is the systematic assessment of the
worth or merit of time, money, effort and resources spent in order to achieve a goal.

Evaluation research is closely related to but slightly different from more

conventional social research. It uses many of the same methods used in traditional
social research, but because it takes place within an organizational context, it requires
team skills, interpersonal skills, management skills, political smartness, and other
skills that social research does not need much. Evaluation research also requires one
to keep in mind the interests of the stakeholders.

Evaluation research is a type of applied research, and so it is intended to have some

real-world effect.  Many methods like surveys and experiments can be used to do
evaluation research. The process of evaluation research consisting of data analysis
and reporting is a rigorous, systematic process that involves collecting data about
organizations, processes, projects, services, and/or resources. Evaluation research
enhances knowledge and decision-making, and leads to practical applications.

Why do evaluation research?

The common goal of most evaluations is to extract meaningful information from the
audience and provide valuable insights to evaluators such as sponsors, donors, client-
groups, administrators, staff, and other relevant constituencies. 

10
 Unit 1 Introduction to Research

Significance of Research
 Research is important for researchers in studying social relationship and in
seeking answers to various social problems.
 Research provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our
economic system.
 Research has its special significance in solving various operational and
planning of business and industry.
 Research is needed to develop strategies and models in rural development.
 The role of research in several fields of applied economics, whether related
to business or to the economy as a whole, has greatly increased in modern
items.
 To students who are to write a master’s or PhD thesis, research may mean
a way to attain a high position in the social structure.
 To professionals, research may mean a source of livelihood.
 To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new
style and creative work.
 To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the generalizations of
new theories.

Thus, research is the foundation of knowledge for the sake of knowledge and
an important source for providing guidelines for solving different business,
government and social problems.

11