02 what is research

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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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…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…


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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…the systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about presumed relations among natural phenomena…


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


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


Knowledge about individuals and phenomena on a spectrum ranging from scientific methods to human subjectivity can have three stand points

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© Dr. Nimit Chowdhary Research Methodology Workshop p. 11Saturday, April 14, 2012

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.


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.


…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


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…

© Dr. Nimit ChowdharyResearch Methodology Workshop p.

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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



“…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



“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



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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© Dr. Nimit Chowdhary Research Methodology Workshop p. 25

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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

© Dr. Nimit Chowdhary Research Methodology Workshop p. 26

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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)


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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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



To describe To explain and evaluate To compare To correlate To act, intervene and change

02 what is research

Technology