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RM Module 1

The document discusses different types of research including descriptive, analytical, fundamental, applied, quantitative, qualitative, conceptual, and empirical research. It also outlines the objectives, features, and process of research.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
125 views15 pages

RM Module 1

The document discusses different types of research including descriptive, analytical, fundamental, applied, quantitative, qualitative, conceptual, and empirical research. It also outlines the objectives, features, and process of research.

Uploaded by

Yogesh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Research Methodology and IPR

Module 1

Introduction to Business Research

Meaning:

Research is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic.

Definitions:

Redman and Mory define research as a “systematized effort to gain new knowledge.”

D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson define research as “the manipulation of things, concepts or


symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that
knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art.”

Clifford Woody – “research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating


hypothesis or suggested solutions; 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.”

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. Objectives of a Research are mentioned below,

1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it (studies with this
object in view are termed as exploratory or formulative research studies);

2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group


(studies with this object in view are known as descriptive research studies);

3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with
something else (studies with this object in view are known as diagnostic research studies);

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4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (such studies are known as
hypothesis-testing research studies).

Type of Research:

The basic types of research are as follows:

(i) Descriptive Research: Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of
different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of
affairs as it exists at present. In social science and business research we quite often use
the term Ex post facto research for descriptive research studies. The main characteristic
of this method is that the researcher has no control over the variables; he can only
report what has happened or what is happening. Usually survey methods of all kinds are
used in Descriptive research. It summarizes said outcome using descriptive statistics.
Example: What is the absentee rate amongst a particular group of workers?

(ii) Analytical Research: In analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use
facts or information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of
the research being conducted. Usually it is done to find the most relevant information in
the area of research. This research tries to answer how or why a certain outcome might
occur.
Example: How can the absentee rate among employees be reduced?

(Descriptive vs. Analytical Research Analytical research focuses on


understanding the cause-effect relationships between two or more variables. In
analytical research, the researcher tries to explain the reasons why and how the
trade deficit has moved in a specific direction within the given time)

(iii) Fundamental or Pure Research: fundamental research is mainly concerned with


generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. Gathering knowledge for
knowledge’s sake is termed ‘pure’ or ‘basic’ research. Research concerning some natural

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phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics are examples of fundamental research.


Pure research helps to find the critical factors in a practical problem .Pure research
develops many alternative solutions and thus enables us to choose the best solution.
Example: A study on investment in stocks

(iv) Applied Research: Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem
faced at society or an industrial/business organization. This aims at finding a conclusive
solution to problems. Research to identify social, economic or political trends that may
affect a particular institution. Thus, the central aim of applied research is to discover a
solution for some pressing practical problem.
Example: applied researchers may investigate ways to:
i. Improve agricultural crop production
ii. Treat or cure a specific disease
iii. Improve the energy efficiency of homes, offices, or modes of
transportation

(v) Quantitative Research: Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity


or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. It
is the process of collecting and analyzing numerical data. It is usually used to find
patterns and averages, make predictions, test causal relationships and generalize results
to wider population.
Example: Height in feet, age in years, and weight in pound

(vi) Qualitative Research: Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with
qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind. This
type of research aims at discovering the underlying motives and desires, using in depth
interviews for the purpose. Other techniques of such research are word association
tests, sentence completion tests, story completion tests and similar other projective
techniques. Attitude or opinion research i.e., research designed to find out how people

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feel or what they think about a particular subject or institution is also qualitative
research.
Example: Responses from an open ended questionnaire

(vii) Conceptual Research: Conceptual research is defined as a methodology wherein


research is conducted by observing and analyzing already present information on a
given topic. Conceptual research doesn’t involve conducting any practical experiments.
It is related to abstract concepts or ideas. Philosophers have long used conceptual
research to develop new theories or interpret existing theories in a different light.
(Descriptive is real-time)

(viii) Empirical Research: Empirical research is a type of research methodology that


makes use of verifiable evidence in order to arrive at research outcomes. In other
words, this type of research relies solely on evidence obtained through observation or
scientific data collection methods. Empirical research can be carried out using
qualitative or quantitative observation methods, depending on the data sample, that is,
quantifiable data or non-numerical data. Unlike theoretical research that depends on
preconceived notions about the research variables, empirical research carries a scientific
investigation to measure the experimental probability of the research variables.

Features of a good research study

 Systematic- It means that research is structured with specified steps to


be taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the well defined set of rules

 Logical- logical reasoning makes research more meaningful in the


context of decision making

 Empirical- It implies that research is related basically to one or more

aspects of a real situation and deals with concrete data that provides a basis for external
validity to research results

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 Replicable- This characteristic allows research results to be verified by


replicating the study and thereby building a sound basis for decisions.

Process of Research-Management Problem

Fig: Research process steps

Research process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out
research and the desired sequencing of these steps. The chart shown in Figure well illustrates a
research process. The chart indicates that the research process consists of a number of closely
related activities, as shown through I to VII. But such activities overlap continuously rather than
following a strictly prescribed sequence. At times, the first step determines the nature of the
last step to be undertaken. If subsequent procedures have not been taken into account in the
early stages, serious difficulties may arise which may even prevent the completion of the study.
One should remember that the various steps involved in a research process are not mutually
exclusive; nor are they separate and distinct.

They do not necessarily follow each other in any specific order and the researcher has to be
constantly anticipating at each step in the research process the requirements of the subsequent

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steps. However, the following order concerning various steps provides a useful procedural
guideline regarding the research process:

(i) Formulating the research problem


(ii) Extensive literature survey
(iii) Developing hypothesis
(iv) Preparing the research design
(v) Determining sample design
(vi) Collecting the data
(vii) Execution of the project
(viii) Analysis of data
(ix) Hypothesis testing
(x) Generalizations and interpretation
(xi) Report writing

1. Formulating the research problem: Put the problem in context (what do we already
know?) Describe the precise issue that the research will address (what do we need to
know?) Show the relevance of the problem (why do we need to know it?) In fact,
formulation of the problem often follows a sequential pattern where a number of
formulations are set up, each formulation more specific than the preceding one, each one
phrased in more analytical terms, and each more realistic in terms of the available data and
resources.

2. Extensive literature survey: Once the problem is formulated, a brief summary of it


should be written down. It is compulsory for a research worker writing a thesis for a Ph.D.
degree to write synopsis of the topic and submit it to the necessary Committee or the
Research Board for approval. At this juncture the researcher should undertake extensive
literature survey connected with the problem.

3. Development of working hypotheses: After extensive literature survey, researcher


should state in clear terms the working hypothesis or hypotheses. Working hypothesis is
tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical
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consequences. As such the manner in which research hypotheses are developed is


particularly important since they provide the focal point for research.

4. Preparing the research design: The research problem having been formulated in clear
cut terms, the researcher will be required to prepare a research design, i.e., he will have to
state the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted. The
preparation of such a design facilitates research to be as efficient as possible yielding
maximal information.

5. Determining sample design: All the items under consideration in any field of inquiry
constitute ‘universe’ or ‘population’. A complete enumeration of all the items in the
‘population’ is known as a census inquiry. It can be presumed that in such an inquiry when
all the items are covered no element of chance is left and highest accuracy is achieved.

6. Collecting the data: In dealing with any real life problem it is often found that data at
hand are inadequate, and hence, it becomes necessary to collect data that are appropriate.
There are sever always of collecting the appropriate data which differ considerably in
context of money costs, time and other resources at the disposal of the researcher.

7. Execution of the project: Execution of the project is a very important step in the research
process. If the execution of the project proceeds on correct lines, the data to be collected
would be adequate and dependable. The researcher should see that the project is executed
in a systematic manner and in time. If the survey is to be conducted by means of structured
questionnaires, data can be readily machine-processed. In such a situation, questions as
well as the possible answers may be coded. If the data are to be collected through
interviewers, arrangements should be made for proper selection and training of the
interviewers.

8. Analysis of data: After the data have been collected, the researcher turns to the task of
analyzing them. The analysis of data requires a number of closely related operations such
as establishment of categories, the application of these categories to raw data through
coding, tabulation and then drawing statistical inferences. The unwieldy data should

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necessarily be condensed into a few manageable groups and tables for further analysis.
Thus, researcher should classify the raw data into some purposeful and usable categories.
Coding operation is usually done at this stage through which the categories of data are
transformed into symbols that may be tabulated and counted.

9. Hypothesis-testing: After analyzing the data as stated above, the researcher is in a


position to test the hypotheses, if any, he had formulated earlier. Do the facts support the
hypotheses or they happen to be contrary? This is the usual question which should be
answered while testing hypotheses .Various tests, such as Chi square test, t-test, F-test,
have been developed by statisticians for the purpose. The hypotheses may be tested
through the use of one or more of such tests, depending upon the nature and object of
research inquiry. Hypothesis - testing will result in either accepting the hypothesis or in
rejecting it. If the researcher had no hypotheses to start with, generalizations established on
the basis of data may be stated as hypotheses to be tested by subsequent researches in
times to come.

10. Generalizations and interpretation: If a hypothesis is tested and upheld several times, it
may be possible for the researcher to arrive at generalization, i.e., to build a theory. As a
matter of fact, the real value of research lies in its ability to arrive at certain generalizations.
If the researcher had no hypothesis to start with, he might seek to explain his findings on
the basis of some theory. It is known as interpretation. The process of interpretation may
quite often trigger off new questions which in turn may lead to further researches.

11. Report Writing: Finally, the researcher has to prepare the report of what has been done
by him. Writing of report must be done with great care keeping in view the following:

 The layout of the report should be as follows:


i. The preliminary pages;
ii. The main text
iii. The end matter

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 In its preliminary pages the report should carry title and date followed by
acknowledgement and foreword. Then there should be a table of contents followed
by a list of tables and list of graphs and charts, if any, given in the report.
 The main text of the report should have the following parts:
i. Introduction: It should contain a clear statement of the objective of the
research and an explanation of the methodology adopted in accomplishing
the research. The scope of the study along with various limitations should as
well be stated in this part
ii. Summary of findings: After introduction there would appear a statement of
finding sand recommendations in non-technical language. If the findings are
extensive, they should be summarized.
iii. Main report: The main body of the report should be presented in logical
sequence and broken-down into readily identifiable sections.
iv. Conclusion: Towards the end of the main text, researcher should again put
down the results of his research clearly and precisely. In fact, it is the final
summing up.

At the end of the report, appendices should be enlisted in respect of all


technical data. Bibliography, i.e., list of books, journals, reports, etc., consulted,
should also be given in the end. Index should also be given specially in a
published research report.

 Report should be written in a concise and objective style in simple language avoiding
vague expressions such as ‘it seems,’ ‘there may be’, and the like.
 Charts and illustrations in the main report should be used only if they present the
information more clearly and forcibly.
 Calculated ‘confidence limits’ must be mentioned and the various constraints
experienced in conducting research operations may as well be stated.

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Research Methods versus Methodology: Method- procedure; Methodology- techniques used

Type Methods Techniques


Library Research  Analysis of historical Notes, content analysis,
records statistical compilations and
 Analysis of documents manipulations, reference and
abstract guides
Field Research  Non-participant direct Observational behavioral
observation scales, use of score cards,
 Participant interactional recording,
observation possible use of tape
 Mass observation recorders, photo graphic

 Mail questionnaire techniques, Recording mass

 Opinionnaire behavior, interview using

 Personal interview independent observers in

 Focused interview public places, Identification of

 Group interview social and economic

 Telephone survey background of respondents


etc
 Case study and life
history
Laboratory Research Small group study of random Use of audio-visual recording
behavior, play and role devices, use of observers
analysis

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Defining the research problem:

Research problem: It is about the data collection, sampling and analysis of data and then
drawing the result. The research problems mainly focus on the causes only. Also these are data
oriented as the collection of data is the part of it.

Formulating the Research Hypothesis:

One can develop working hypotheses, by the following method

(a) Discussions with colleagues and experts about the problem, its origin and the objectives in
seeking a solution;

(b) Examination of data and records, if available, concerning the problem for possible trends,
peculiarities and other clues;

(c) Review of similar studies in the area or of the studies on similar problems; and

(d) Exploratory personal investigation which involves original field interviews on a limited scale
with interested parties and individuals with a view to secure greater insight into the practical
aspects of the problem.

Developing the research proposals

A research proposal is a structured, formal document that explains what you plan to research (your
research topic), why it's worth researching (your justification), and how you plan to investigate it (your
methodology)
A research proposal's purpose is to capture the evaluator's attention, demonstrate the study's
potential benefits, and prove that it is a logical and consistent approach. The proposal must be
capable of convincing the evaluation committee about the credibility, achievability, practicality
and reproducibility (repeatability) of the research design.

A cover page should contain the

(i) title of the proposal, (ii) name and affiliation of the researcher (principal investigator) and co-
investigators, (iii) institutional affiliation (degree of the investigator and the name of institution

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where the study will be performed), details of contact such as phone numbers, E-mail id's and
lines for signatures of investigators.
The main contents of the proposal may be presented under the following headings:

(i) introduction, (ii) review of literature, (iii) aims and objectives, (iv) research design and
methods, (v) ethical considerations, (vi) budget, (vii) appendices and (viii) citations

Research Design Formulation

The formidable problem that follows the task of defining the research problem is the
preparation of the design of the research project, popularly known as the “research design”.
Decisions regarding what, where, when, how much, by what means concerning an inquiry or a
research study constitute a research design. “A research design is the arrangement of
conditions for collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the
research purpose with economy in procedure.”

In fact, the research design is the conceptual structure within which research is conducted; it
constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. As such the
design includes an outline of what the researcher will do from writing the hypothesis and its
operational implications to the final analysis of data.

More explicitly, the design decisions happen to be in respect of:

(i) What is the study about?


(ii) Why is the study being made?
(iii) Where will the study be carried out?
(iv) What type of data is required?
(v) Where can the required data be found?
(vi) What periods of time will the study include?
(vii) What will be the sample design?
(viii) What techniques of data collection will be used?
(ix) How will the data be analyzed?
(x) In what style will the report be prepared?

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Sampling Design

Population: a population is the entire group that you want to draw conclusion about
Census enquiry: A complete enumeration of all the items in population is called as census
enquiry
Even the slightest bias in the enquiry will make the result haphazard. Therefore, we select only
a few items from the universe for our study purpose. The items selected constitute to what is
called as a sample.
Sampling designs:
1. Simple random sampling
2. Systematic sampling
3. Stratified sampling
4. Cluster sampling
5. Quota sampling
6. Convenience sampling
7. Snowball sampling
Collecting the data for research

There are several ways of collecting the appropriate data which differ considerably in context of
money costs, time and other resources at the disposal of the researcher.
Primary data can be collected either through experiment or through survey. If the researcher
conducts an experiment, he observes some quantitative measurements, or the data, with the
help of which he examines the truth contained in his hypothesis. But in the case of a survey,
data can be collected by any one or more of the following ways,
1. Observation
2. Through personal interview
3. Through telephone interview
4. Google forms
5. Questionnaire etc

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Data Analysis and interpretation

Researcher should classify the raw data into some purposeful and usable categories.
Coding operation is usually done at this stage through which the categories of data are
transformed into symbols that may be tabulated and counted.
Editing is the procedure that improves the quality of the data for coding. With coding the stage
is ready for tabulation.
Tabulation is a part of the technical procedure wherein the classified data are put in the form of
tables. The mechanical devices can be made use of at this juncture. A great deal of data,
specially in large inquiries, is tabulated by computers. Computers not only save time but also
make it possible to study large number of variables affecting a problem simultaneously

Research Application in business decisions

Steps in Business Research decision making application

1. Assess current business


The current business environment of the company provides the platform the
development and growth of the company. So it is of great importance to assess the
current business situation. There might be some problems in the existing business
model that have been overlooked till now, but need to be addressed in order to grow.
Identifying the problem at the right time and finding a solution to the same quickly and
efficiently might give an advantage by improving the bottom line.
2. Create research methods
On the basis of the problems that evolve as a result of assessing the current business
situation, research methods will be chosen. These research methods could include
collection of demographic data about the target market of the new product or service
intended to be sold, or to conduct consumer surveys, filling up of questionnaires or
through focus groups and ask for reviews on sample products which could be either
given away freely with other products.

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3. Determine an action plan


Having collected information about the possible courses of actions that can be taken,
the management should focus on creating a plan that will effectively execute the
change. This plan should be made keeping in mind the long term as well as the short
term plans of the organization.

Ethical issues in Business Research

 Honesty and integrity- This means that you need to report your research honestly, and that this
applies to your methods (what you did), your data, your results, and whether you have
previously published any of it. You should not make up any data, including extrapolating
unreasonably from some of your results, or do anything which could be construed as trying to
mislead anyone. It is better to undersell than over-exaggerate your findings.
 Carefulness- Take care in carrying out your research to avoid careless mistakes. You should also
review your work carefully and critically to ensure that your results are credible. It is also
important to keep full records of your research. If you are asked to act as a peer reviewer, you
should take the time to do the job effectively and fully.
 Openness- You should always be prepared to share your data and results, along with any new
tools that you have developed, when you publish your findings, as this helps to further
knowledge and advance science. You should also be open to criticism and new ideas.
 Violation of non-disclosure agreement
 Respect of Intellectual Property Rights
 Breaking participants confidentiality
 Misinterpreting results
 Plagiarism
 Legality- aware of laws and regulations

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