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14-04-2012
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Research Methodology Dr. Nimit Chowdhary, Professor
© Dr. Nimit Chowdhary Research Methodology Workshop p. 2 Saturday, April 14, 2012
What is research? The scientific method Research and theory Conceptual and theoretical models Research process
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© Dr. Nimit Chowdhary Research Methodology Workshop p. 3 Saturday, April 14, 2012
…the systematic investigation into the study of materials, sources, etc. in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions; an endeavour to discover new or collate old facts etc. by the scientific study of a subject or by a course of critical investigation…
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Research is a procedure by which we attempt to find systematically, and with the support of demonstrable fact, the answer to a question or the resolution of a problem.
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© Dr. Nimit Chowdhary Research Methodology Workshop p. 5 Saturday, April 14, 2012
…the systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about presumed relations among natural phenomena…
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Systematic and critical investigation into the phenomenon
Not a mere compilation, but a purposive investigation
With an aim of either describing, interpreting or explaining a phenomenon
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Scientific-follows logical reasoning Objective- possible to test validity of
measuring tools and conclusions reached Based on observable experience and
empirical evidence Directed at finding answers to pertinent
questions and solutions to problems
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Lead to development of generalization, principles or theories
Not to arrive at answers those are pleasing but rather one those will stand up to test of criticism
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Epistemology is concerned with how we know things and what we can regard as acceptable knowledge of discipline.There are two ways one can acquire knowledge about things/ phenomenon
Through sensory experienceThrough reasoning
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Knowledge about individuals and phenomena on a spectrum ranging from scientific methods to human subjectivity can have three stand points
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Positivism An objective approach that can test theories and establish scientific laws. It aims to establish causes and effects
Interpretivism The recognition that subjective meanings play a crucial role in social actions.It aims to reveal interpretations and meanings
Realism That generalizations should be avoided. General structures divorced from the specific event or situation and context of the research and researcher are not tenable.
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Ontology is about the theory of social entities and is concerned with what there exists to be investigated.
ObjectivismConstructionism
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© Dr. Nimit Chowdhary Saturday, April 14, 2012
The belief that social phenomenon and
their meaning have an existence that is not dependent on social
actors. They are facts that have an independent
existence.
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…the belief that social phenomenon are in a constant
state of change because they are totally reliant on social
interactions as they take place. Even the account of researchers is subject to these interactions, therefore social knowledge can
only be intermediate.
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“…a set of systematically interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that are advanced to explain and predict phenomenon (facts).”
-Kerlinger
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Assumptions and ideas
…un-testable premise about the nature of selected aspects of social life…
Frames of reference
…identify the major dimensions of social life that will be subjected to empirical scrutiny…
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Concepts …are abstractions, e.g., group, motivations, democracy…
Variables …are relational units of analysis that can assume designated set of values, e.g., education level, income, etc.
Propositions …are statements between or among variables…
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Research initiates theory Research tests an existing theory Reformulation of an existing theory Research refocuses theory Research clarifies theory
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Suggesting a problem for study Giving a hypothesis to be tested Providing a conceptual model for delimiting the
scope of the study Selection of variables or identification of classes
of data to be collected Making research finding intelligible
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“…is a simplified systematic conceptual structure of interrelated elements in some schematic form”
…it describes relationships between and among concepts and variables…
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Example“The organizational effectiveness in a R&D organisation is determined by five sets of variables, viz., macroclimate (organizational climate), microclimate (job climate), personality of scientists, and their attitudinal and performance variables.”
Pandey, Subrata (1986), A study of organizational and individual characteristics in R & D organizations, unpublished thesis, Bangalore: Indian Institute of Science
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“The scientific method is a systematic step-by-step procedure following the logical process of reasoning”
Research is a scientific endeavour. It involves scientific method.
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Reliance on empirical evidence Use of relevant concepts Commitment to objectivity Ethical neutrality Generalization Verifiability Logical reasoning process
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Define the problem Establish hypothesis as to causes/
explanations/ solutions of the problems Collect the data Analyze the data to test the hypothesis and
draw inferences
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Saturday, April
14, 2012
Review your subject area to find problem
area
Investigate problem area to define a
research problem
Write proposal to explain the research
project and its timing
Investigate relevant research methods
Study theoretical background
Gain approval to continue
Examine ethical issues
Disseminate results. Indicate areas that
need further research
Carry out detailed research- data collection and
analysis
Explore methods for data collection and
analysis. Check ethical issues
Carry out more background research
to refine research problem
Report actions and results and draw
conclusions
Describe why and how research methods
used
Write up background to research
The Research ProcessWalliman, Nicholas (2006). Social science research methods. New Delhi: Sage Publications
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Saturday, April
14, 2012
Research area Topic Research
questions
Literature
Context
What data are required to answer
question?
Design Data collection
Data analysis
Answer questions
Pre-empirical stage
Empirical stage
Simplified model of researchPunch, Keith, F. (2003). Survey research-the basics. New Delhi: Sage Publications
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Quantitative research(tend to measure)
Qualitative research(tend to describe)
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Orientation(Approach to reasoning)
Uses a deductive approach to test theories (general to specific)
Epistemology(How we know about things)
Is based on a positivist approach inherent in the natural sciences
Ontology (Objectivity vs. subjectivity)
Objectivist in that social reality is regarded as objective fact
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© Dr. Nimit Chowdhary Research Methodology Workshop p. 29Saturday, April 14, 2012
Orientation(Approach to reasoning)
Uses an inductive approach to generate theories (specific to general)
Epistemology(How we know about things)
It rejects positivism by relying on individual interpretation of social reality
Ontology (Objectivity vs. subjectivity)
Constructionist, in that social reality is seen as a constantly shifting product or perception
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To describe To explain and evaluate To compare To correlate To act, intervene and change