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RESEARCH

Meaning of research

The english word research is derived from the French word rechercher which means to seek again. Research as an activity is directed at the systematic search for pertinent information on a topic.

Definition

Research is a process of a systematic and in depth study or research of any particular topic, subject or area of investigation, backed by the collection, compilation, presentation and interpretation of relevant details or data.

Objectives of Research
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To gain familiarity with a phenomenon as to achieve new insights into it (termed as exploratory and formulative research) To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual (or) situation (or) a group. (such study is known as descriptive

Objectives contd
3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs with which it is associated with something else ( studies with this objective in view are known as diagnostic research studies) 4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are known as hypothesis- research testing studies).

Motivation in research (Kothari, 1993)


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Desire to face challenge in solving unsolved problems. Desire to get the research degree with its consequent benefits. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work. Desire to be of service to society.

Some of the characteristics of systematic research (Singh 1986)


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Research is always directed towards the solution of a problem. Research is always based upon empirical (or) observable evidence. Research involves precise observation and accurate description.

4. Research gives emphasis to the development of theories, principles, and generalizations, which are very helpful accurate predictions regarding the variables under study. 5. Research is characterized by systematic, objective and logical procedures.

6. Research is markedly characterized by patience, courageous and unhurried activities. 7. Research requires that the research has full expertise of the problem being studied. 8. Research is replicable. 9. Finally research has skill of working and reproducing the report.

Steps in Research: (Singh 1986)


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Identifying the problem Reviewing the literature Formulating a hypothesis Identifying, manipulating and controlling variable Formatting a research design Constructing devices for observation and measurement

7. Summarizing results in tabular method and graphic method. 8. Carrying out statistical analysis i. Parametric test ii. Non-parametric test 9. Writing the research report

RESEARCH PROCESS Review concepts and theory Design research finding sample design Collect data (executi on)

Define process

Formulate hypothesis

Interpret and report

Review previous research

F Analyse data (test hypothesis if any) FF

F-Feedback

FF-Feed forward

Sources of hypothesis
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Observation in the day to day practice Suggestions from functional executives Scientific theory Analogies (Similarity between two phenomenon) Experience or observation of the competition Observation of the past study Findings of the R&D Dept.

HYPOTHESIS
DEFINITION OF HYPOTHESIS Hypo means less than and thesis means Established statement. A hypothesis is a tentative statement the variety of which remains to be tested Analytic statements are necessarily true but empirically empty, Contradictory statements are necessarily false and empirically empty, Synthetic statements may be true or false. Hypotheses are synthetic statements.

Nature of Hypothesis ( Criteria )


1. It is a tentative solution to the problem addressed. 2. It is empirical, meaning that it refers to data that we can obtain by observation of natural phenomena. 3.It is a testable statement 4. The variables in an empirical hypothesis are operationally definable 5.Ideally it is a quantitative statement.

Definition of Science
The word science is derived from the latin word Scientia which means knowledge. Simpson defined science as follows: Science is verified knowledge; that is knowledge that can be validated and communicated to other people

Criteria of Science
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Objectivity Consistency Observable and measurable topic of enquiry Verifiability and Conclusions and predictability

Scientific research
Kerlinger defines Scientific research as follows: Scientific research is systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of natural phenomena guided by theories and hypothesis about the presumed relations among such phenomena.

Systematic and controlled means that scientific investigation is so ordered that investigators can have critical confidence in research outcomes. Empirical means, if the scientist believes something is so, he must somehow or other put his belief to a test outside himself. Subjective belief must be checked against objective reality.

The scientist is hypercirtical of the results of his own and others research results. Other scientists also read his research report and comment and therefore he has to be very cautious in reporting his findings.

Types of Research

Exploratory Descriptive Causal

Exploratory Research

Useful when researchers lack a clear idea of the problems they will meet during the study Important variables may not be known or thoroughly defined. Hypothesis may not be needed Sometimes linked to old biases about qualitative research: subjectiveness, nonrepresentativeness, nonsystematic. Saves time and money

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Four exploratory techniques emerge in management research. Secondary data analysis Experience surveys Focus groups Two stage designs

Descriptive/Diagnostic

To learn the who, what, when, where and how of the topic. State something about the form, distribution or existence of a variable. Rigidity. Focus on objective, methods, sample, data collection, analysis and report.

Causal research

Hypothesis testing Primary variance maximised, secondary variance controlled, error variance minimized. Methods of controlling secondary variance used. Experimental designs. Various types

New Paradigms in research

What is wrong with the Traditional Quantitative Research? Relatively sterile and artificial Inapplicable to the realities of everyday life.

Alternative approaches
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ACTION RESEARCH ENDOGENOUS/PARTICIPATIVE OR COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH DISCOURSE ANALYSIS: QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL VERSIONS FEMINIST PSYCHOLOGY: DIFFERENT METHODS BE USED/RESEARCH: MALE DOMINATED CULTURE CONTEXT REFLEXIVITY: Reflective thinking: Case analysis and then build a theory

Other Researches

Action Research: It is the research, a person conducts in order to establish him to achieve his purpose more effectively.

Social research: It is systematized investigation to gain knowledge about social phenomena and situation

Historical research: It is the systematic synthesis of objectives, location, evaluation and synthesis of evidence in order to establish facts and draw conclusions of discovering past events. It also refers to correlating past events.

Evaluation Research: This type of research is primarily directed to evaluate the performance of the developmental projects and other economic programs that has already been implemented.

Scientific research: Scientific research is systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the proved relations among natural phenomena.

SCIENTIFIC APPROACH

3. The scientist tries to systematically identify variables that are possible causes of the effects of the phenomena which he is studying.

4. The scientist rules out any metaphysical explanations which is simply a proposition that cannot be tested. 5. The scientist explains the phenomena on the basis of systematic and controlled observations.

Definition of Science
The word science is derived from the Latin word Scientia which means knowledge Simpson defined science as follows: Science is verified knowledge; that is knowledge that can be validated and communicated to other people

Criteria of Science
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Objectivity Consistency Observable and measurable topic of enquiry Verifiability Conclusions and predictability

Scientific Research
Kerlinger defines scientific research as follows: Scientific research is systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of natural phenomena guided by theories and hypothesis about the presumed relations among such phenomena.

Systematic and controlled means that scientific investigation is so ordered that investigators can have critical confidence in research outcomes. Empirical means, if the scientist believes something is so, he must somehow or other put his belief to a test outside himself. Subjective belief must be checked against objective

The scientist is hypercritical of the results of his own and others research results. Other scientists also read his research report and comment and therefore he has to be very cautious in reporting his findings.

Scientific Method-Berry
Karl Pearson- three distinct characteristics of scientific method 1. Careful and accurate classification of facts and observation of their correlation and sequence 2. The discovery of scientific laws with the aid of the creative imagination 3. Self criticism and the final touchstone of equal validity for all

The researcher should critically examine his own research in a detailed manner.

SOCIAL RESEARCH

Social research may be defined as a scientific undertaking by means of logical systematized techniques.
It attempts to discover facts concealed in a social phenomena or the law governing it.

AIMS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH


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Social research aims to discover new facts and verify the old facts. It also analyses their sequences, interrelationships and causal explanation. It aims to develop new scientific tools, concepts and theories.

IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH


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Social research generates knowledge about society and its institutions. It helps in social planning. It is useful in social predictions By revealing the truth, it can remove superstitions, ignorance and projects interdependence on different groups. It leads to social growth. It contributes to human welfare.

LIMITATIONS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH

Social behaviour is a complex phenomenon. Any social event may be an effect of a number of factors. Social scientists very often have to take help of biological sciences to explain social behaviour. Age old theories need to be replaced by new ones. Cross cultural differences play a very important role and hence the social behaviour should be explained by taking into account relevant cultural norms and the value system.

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