Introduction to Research Methodology

D.A. Asir John Samuel, BSc (Psy), MPT (Neuro Paed), MAc, DYScEd,

C/BLS, FAGE

Meaning of Research

The systematic method consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analysing the facts and reaching certain conclusion either in the form of solutions towards the concerned problem or in certain generalisations for some theoretical formulation.

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Objectives of research

• Find out truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered yet

• Gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it

• Portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group

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Objectives of research

• Determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else

• Test a hypothesis of a casual relationship between variables

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Motivation in research

• Research degree along with its consequential benefits

• Face the challenge in solving the unsolved problem

• Get intellectual joy of doing some creative work

• Service to society

• Get respectability Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 5

Research approaches

• Quantitative approach

- Inferential

- Experimental

- Simulation

• Qualitative approach

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Inferential approach

• To form a data base from which to infer characteristics or relationships of population

• Usually means survey research where a sample of population is studied to determine its characteristics

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Experimental research

• Some variables are manipulated to observe their effect on other variables

• Much greater control over the research environment

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Simulation approach

• Involves construction of an artificial environment within which relevant information and data can be generated

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Qualitative approach

• Subjective assessment of,

- Attitudes

- Opinions

- Behaviour

• Not subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis

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Criteria of good research

• Purpose should be clearly defined

• Common concepts to be used

• Explain procedure clearly - for continuity

• Results should be as objective as possible

• Report with frankness

- Acknowledge, procedural flaws

- Limitations of the study Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 11

Criteria of good research

• Appropriate statistical test of significance

• Reliable outcome measures

• Justify conclusions with data

• Limitation of data

• Experienced researcher

• Systematic

• Logical Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 12

Problem encountered by researches in India

• Lack of scientific training in methodology of research

• Insufficient interaction

• Need for generating the confidence that the information/data obtained from a patient will not be misused

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Problem encountered by researches in India

• Research studies overlapping one another are undertaken quite often for want of adequate information

• Timely and adequate secretarial assistance, including computerial assistance

• Library management & functioning is not satisfactory at many places Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 14

Problem encountered by researches in India

• Difficulty of timely availability of published data

• Problem of conceptualization

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Types of research

• Descriptive

• Analytical

• Applied

• Fundamental

• Quantitative

• Qualitative

• Conceptual Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 16

Types of research

• Empirical

• One-time research / longitudinal

• Field-setting research/laboratory/simulation

• Clinical / laboratory

• Historical

• Conclusion oriented

• Decision oriented Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 17

Descriptive research

• Surveys & fact-finding enquiries

• Description of state of affairs as it exists at present

• Ex post facto research – social science & business research

• Has no control over variables

• Can only report what has happened or what is happening

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Analytical research

• Has to use facts / information already available

• Analyse these to make critical evaluation of material

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Fundamental research

• Generalisation

• Formulation of a theory

• Gaining knowledge for knowledge’s sake is ‘pure’ or ‘basic' research

• Finding information

• E.g. with view to make generalisation about human behaviour

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Applied research

• Finding a solution for an immediate problem / for pressing practical problem

• Society / industrial / business organisation

• Aimed at certain conclusions

• Marketing research / evaluation research

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Quantitative research

• Based on measurement of quantity or amount

• Expressed in terms of quantity

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Qualitative research

• Concerned with qualitative phenomenon

• Motivation research – an important type

• E.g. how people feel or what they think about a particular subject or institution

• To discover underlying motives

• Seek guidance

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Conceptual research

• Related to abstract ideas / theory

• To develop new concepts / reinterpret existing ones

• That is verified by empirical research

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Empirical research

• Data-based research

• Relies on experience / observation alone

• Verified by observation / experiment

• Works to get enough facts to prove / disprove hypothesis

• Evidence gathered by this is most powerful support possible for a given hypothesis

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Some other types of research

• Cross-sectional research/1 time

- Research is confined to a single time-period

• Longitudinal research

- Carried over several-time periods

• Field-setting/laboratory/simulation

- Depends upon the environment

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Some other types of research

• Clinical research

- case-study method

• Diagnostic research

- In depth approaches to reach basic casual relations

• Historical research

- Utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc

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Research methods

• All those methods/techniques that are used for conduction of research

• Refer to the methods the researchers use in performing research operations

• Method used by the researcher

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Research methods

• Put into 3 groups,

1. Methods which are concerned with data collection

2. Statistical techniques for establishment of relationship b/w data & unknown

3. Evaluating the accuracy of results obtained

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Research methodology

• A systematic way to solve the research problem

• Science of understanding how research is done

• Study varies steps adopted by a researcher

• Researchers should know the relevant method and which are not

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Research methodology

When we talk of RM we not only talk of the research methods but also consider the logic behind the methods we use in the context of our research study and explain why we are using a particular method and why we are not using others, so that research results are capable of being evaluated by the researcher himself or by others

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Reference

Research Methodology Methods and

Techniques (Second Revised Edition),

C.R. Kothari

(Chapter – 1)

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