RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research in a common way of speaking refers to a search of knowledge. One can define
RESEARCH as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. Infact, research is an art of scientific investigation. The Advanced Learner’s dictionary of Current English lays down the meaning of research as ‘a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.’ Redman and Mory define research as a ‘systematic effort to gain new knowledge.’ People consider research as a movement from the known to the unknown. It is actually a journey of discovery.
Research is an academic activity and as such the term should be used in a technical sense. Research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solution; collecting, organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis. This process of finding new is an original contribution to the existing stock of
knowledge making for its advancement.
OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures. The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered as yet. Though each research study has its own specific purpose, we may think of research objectives as follows;
· To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into the topic
· To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group.
· To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else.
· To test the hypothesis of a casual relationship between variables.
MOTIVATION IN RESEARCH What makes people to undertake research? This is a question of fundamental importance. The possible motives for doing research may be as follows:
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Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits
· Desire to face the challenges in solving the unsolved
problems i.e. concern over practical problems initiates research
· Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work
· Desire to be of service to society
· 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 casual relationships, social thinking and awakening, and the like may as well motivate people to perform research operations.
TYPES OF RESEARCH · Descriptive vs. Analytical – Descriptive research includes surveys and fact- finding enquiries of different kinds. The description of state of affairs as it exists at present. In analytical research, the researcher has to use facts or information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material.
· Applied vs. Fundamental – Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/ business organization. Fundamental research refers to generalizations and with the formulation of a theory.
· Quantitative vs. Qualitative – Quantitative research is based on measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomenon i.e. phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind.
· Conceptual vs. Empirical – Conceptual research is that related to some abstract ideas or theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to interpret the existing ones. Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without the due regard for system and theory. It is databased research, coming up with conclusions, which are capable of being verified, by observation or experiment.
SKILLS OF AN IDEAL RESEACHER ·
Intellectual SKILLS – Include intellectual initiative, critical reflection, the
ability to gather, organize and deploy evidence and information, the ability to extract key elements from complex information, the ability to identity and solve problems, the ability to assess the meaning and significance of information, discriminating between opposing theories and the ability to handle arguments lucidly, coherently and concisely.
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Communication skills- The ability to present material orally in a clear and effective way, including sensitivity to the listener’s perspective, the ability to present written and statistical material appropriately, a good user of English language.
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Organizational skills- Include self-direction, self- discipline, the ability to think, communicate under pressure, the ability to meet deadlines and management of time and resources.
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Interpersonal skills -This includes working creatively and adaptable with others, formulating and meeting team objectives, interacting successfully on a one to one basis, interacting with a wide range of people, cultures and disciplines
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Research skills – This includes bibliographic skills, observational skills, practical skills, writing and presentation skills, may be developed through activities such as use of faculty and university libraries , use of electronic media in research
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IT skills – Computer proficiency is a must. Use of word-processing , spread sheets , databases and statistical packages, use of internet and e-mail facilities
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Numeric skills – The knowledge and use of descriptive statistics, including mode, mean, median, measures of spread, the ability to produce graphic representations of data – histograms, bar charts, etc.
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