Research Methodology & IPR

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND IPR - N2MCAE14

Module-1 Research Methodology

Introduction: The word research is composed of two syllables “Re” and “Search”. “Re” is
the prefix meaning ‘Again or over again or a new’ and “Search” is the latter meaning ‘to
examine closely and carefully’ or ‘to test and try’. Together they form, a careful, systematic,
patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge undertaken to establish
principles / policies.
Meaning of Research: Research can be defined as
1. Search for knowledge
2. Systematic and scientific search for getting relevant answers on any taken up specific
topic.
3. Scientific enquiry into a subject.
4. Research is a movement from the unknown to the known.
5. It is the voyage of discovery

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 formulated hypothesis.
D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson in the Encyclopedia of Social Sciences 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“.
Bulmer- Research is primarily committed to establishing systematic, reliable and valid
knowledge about the social world.

Thus research is the search for knowledge through objective and systematic method for
finding solution to a problem.

Objectives of Research: The objective of research is to find answers to the questions by

applying scientific procedures. In other words, the main aim of research is to find out the
truth which is hidden and has not yet been discovered. Although every research study has its
own specific objectives, the research objectives may be broadly grouped as follows:
1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it
(exploratory or formulative research studies)
2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group
(descriptive research studies)

To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with
something else (diagnostic research studies)
3. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (hypothesis-testing
research studies)

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Motivation in Research: The intention of doing research may be one or more of the
following:
1 Get a research degree along with its consequential benefits
2 Face the challenges in solving the unsolved problems, i.e., concern over practical
3 problems initiates research
4 Intellectual joy of doing some creative work
5 Service to society
6 Get respect.

Factors like directives of government, employment conditions, curiosity about new things,
desire to understand causal relationships, social thinking and awakening, and the like may as
well motivate people to carry research.

Types of Research:

1. Descriptive Vs Analytical Research

Descriptive research consists of surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different types.

The main objective of descriptive research is describing the state of affairs as it prevails at
the time of study. The term ‘ex post facto research’ is quite often used for descriptive
research studies in social sciences and business research. The most distinguishing feature of
this method is that the researcher has no control over the variables here. He/she has to only
report what is happening or what has happened. Majority of the ex post facto research
projects are used for descriptive studies in which the researcher attempts to examine
phenomena, such as the consumer’s preferences, frequency of purchases, shopping, etc.
Despite the inability of the researchers to control the variables, ex post facto studies may also
comprise attempts by them to discover the causes of the selected problem. The methods of
research adopted in conducting descriptive research are survey methods of all kinds,
including correlational and comparative methods.

Meanwhile in the Analytical research, the researcher has to use the already available
facts or information, and analyze them to make a critical evaluation of the subject.
2. Applied Vs Fundamental Research

An attempt to find a solution to an immediate problem encountered by a firm, an

industry, a business organization, or the society is known as applied research.
Researchers engaged in such researches aim at drawing certain conclusions confronting a
concrete social or business problem
Fundamental research mainly concerns generalizations and formulation of a theory. In
other words, ―Gathering knowledge for knowledge‘s sake is termed pure or basic research
(Young in Kothari, 1988). Researches relating to pure mathematics or concerning some
natural phenomenon are instances of Fundamental Research. Likewise, studies focusing on
human behaviour also fall under the category of fundamental research.

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Applied aims at finding a solution to the problem faced by the society/ organization.
Fundamental Research is concerned with generalization and formulation of a theory

3. Quantitative Vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative research relates to aspects that can be quantified or can be expressed in terms of
quantity. It involves the measurement of quantity or amount. Various available statistical
and econometric methods are adopted for analysis in such research. This includes
correlation, regressions and time series analysis etc.
Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomena, or more specifically, the
aspects related to or involving quality or kind. For example, an important type of
qualitative research is Motivation Research‘, which investigates into the reasons for certain
human behavior. The main aim of this type of research is discovering the underlying
motives and desires of in-depth interviews. The other techniques employed in such
research are story completion tests, sentence completion tests, word association tests, and
other similar projective methods. Qualitative research is particularly significant in the
context of behavioral sciences, which aim at discovering the underlying motives of human
behavior.
Quantitative research is based on quantitative measurements of some characteristics
Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomenon

4. Conceptual vs. Empirical

The research related to some abstract idea or theory is known as Conceptual Research.
Generally, philosophers and thinkers use it for developing new concepts or for
reinterpreting the existing ones.
Empirical Research, on the other hand, exclusively relies on the observation or
experience with hardly any regard for theory and system. Such research is data based, which
often comes up with conclusions that can be verified through experiments or observation.
Empirical research is also known as experimental type of research, in which it is important
to first collect the facts and their sources, and actively take steps to stimulate the production
of desired information. In this type of research, the researcher first formulates a working
hypothesis, and then gathers sufficient facts to prove or disprove the stated hypothesis.
He/she formulates the experimental design, which according to him/her would manipulate
the variables, so as to obtain the desired information.
The results obtained by using the experimental or empirical studies are considered to be the
most powerful evidences for a given hypothesis.
Conceptual research is related to some abstract ideas
Empirical research is data based research which relies on observation or experience.

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5. Some other types of research

 One-time research or Longitudinal research- depends upon the time of doing

research
 Field-setting research or Laboratory research or Simulation research- depends
upon the environment in which research is carried on.
 Clinical or Diagnostic Research- in-depth approaches or case study method may be
employed to analyze the basic causal relations
 Exploratory research- consist of substantial structure and specific hypotheses to be
verified
 Historical Research- sources like historical documents, remains, etc. Are utilized to
study past events or ideas.

Research Approaches: The above description of the types of research shows that there are
two basic approaches to research, viz., quantitative approach and the qualitative approach.
Quantitative approach can be further sub-classified into

Inferential research - inferential approach to research is to form a data base from which to
infer characteristics or relationships of population. This usually means survey research where
a sample of population is studied (questioned or observed) to determine its characteristics,
and it is then inferred that the population has the same characteristics
Experimental research- characterized by much greater control over the research environment
and in this case some variables are manipulated to observe their effect on other variables

Simulation research- Simulation approach involves the construction of an artificial

environment within which relevant information and data can be generated. This permits an
observation of the dynamic behavior of a system (or its sub-system) under controlled
conditions
Qualitative approach to research generates results either in non-quantitative form or in the
form which are not subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis. Generally, the techniques of
focus group interviews, projective techniques and depth interviews are used.

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Significance of Research:

“All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than overconfidence, for it leads to
inquiry, and inquiry leads to invention”.
 Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and it promotes the development
of logical habits of thinking and organization.
 The role of research in several fields of applied economics, whether related to
business or to the economy as a whole, has greatly increased in modern times.
 Research provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our economic
system.
 Research has its special significance in solving various operational and planning
Problems of business and industry. (Operations research and market research, along
with motivational research)
 Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social relationships and
in seeking answers to various social problems.

In addition to what has been stated above, the significance of research can also be understood
keeping in view the following points:
(a) To those students who are to write a master’s or Ph.D. thesis, research may mean a
careerism or a way to attain a high position in the social structure
(b) To professionals in research methodology, research may mean a source of livelihood;
(c) To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights;
(d) To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new styles and
creative work;
(e) To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the development of new theories.

Thus, research is the fountain of knowledge for the sake of knowledge and an important
source of providing guidelines for solving different business, governmental and social
problems.

Research Methods versus Methodology:

Research methods may be understood as all those methods/techniques that are used for
conduction of research. Research methods or techniques thus, refer to the methods the
researchers use in performing research operations.
Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problem. It may be
understood as a science of studying how research is done scientifically. In it we study the
various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying his research problem
along with the logic behind them

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Research and Scientific Method:

The two terms, research and scientific method, are closely related. Research, as we have
already stated, can be termed as “an inquiry into the nature of, the reasons for, and the
consequences of any particular set of circumstances, whether these circumstances are
experimentally controlled or recorded just as they occur. Further, research implies the
researcher is interested in more than particular results; he is interested in the repeatability of
the results and in their extension to more complicated and general situations.”
The philosophy common to all research methods and techniques, although they may vary
considerably from one science to another, is usually given the name of scientific method.

Karl Pearson writes, “The scientific method is one and same in the branches (of science) and
that method is the method of all logically trained minds … the unity of all sciences consists
alone in its methods, not its material; the man who classifies facts of any kind whatever, who
sees their mutual relation and describes their sequences, is applying the Scientific Method
and is a man of science.”
Scientific method is the pursuit of truth as determined by logical considerations. The ideal of
science is to achieve a systematic interrelation of facts.

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The scientific method is, based on the following basic postulates:

1. It relies on empirical evidence

2.It utilizes relevant concepts

3. It is committed to only objective considerations

4. It presupposes ethical neutrality, i.e., it aims at nothing but making only adequate and
correct statements about population objects

5. It results into probabilistic predictions

6. Its methodology is made known to all concerned for critical scrutiny are for use in testing

the conclusions through replication

7.It aims at formulating most general axioms or what can be termed as scientific theories

Scientific method implies an objective, logical and systematic method, i.e., a method free
from personal bias or prejudice, a method to ascertain demonstrable qualities of a
phenomenon capable of being verified, a method wherein the researcher is guided by the
rules of logical reasoning, a method wherein the investigation proceeds in an orderly manner
and a method that implies internal consistency

Importance of Knowing How Research is done:

The importance of knowing how to conduct research is listed below:

 The knowledge of research methodology provides training to new researchers and

enables them to do research properly. It helps them to develop disciplined thinking or
a ‘bent of mind‘ to objectively observe the field
 The knowledge of doing research inculcates the ability to evaluate and utilize the
research findings with confidence;
 The knowledge of research methodology equips the researcher with the tools that
help him/her to make the observations objectively and
 The knowledge of methodology helps the research consumers to evaluate research
and make rational decisions.
Research Process:

Research process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out
research and the desired sequencing of these steps. The following Figure well illustrates a
research process.

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The various steps in a research process are as follows:

(1) formulating the research problem
(2) extensive literature survey
(3) developing the hypothesis
(4) preparing the research design
(5) determining sample design
(6) collecting the data
(7) execution of the project
(8) analysis of data
(9) hypothesis testing
(10) generalizations and interpretation

(11) preparation of the report or presentation of the results, i.e., formal write-up of
Conclusions reached

(1) Formulating a Research problem: In research process, the first step a researcher does
is formulating a problem and define it properly. Research forms a circle. It starts with a
problem and ends with a solution to the problem.
A research problem is anything that a researcher finds unsatisfactory or unsettling, a
difficulty of some sort, a state of affairs that needs to be changed, anything that is not
working well as it was expected (Creswell, 2009)

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A problem statement consists of four parts:

 the ideal
 the reality or real situation
 the consequences or impacts,
 What the study wants to address or the aim of the study.

(2) Extensive Literature Survey: abstracting and indexing Journals, conference

proceedings, government reports, books etc.

(3) Development of Working Hypothesis: A tentative assumption made to test its logical or
empirical consequences. The role of hypothesis is to guide the researcher by delimiting the
area and keep him on right track
Steps to develop a working hypothesis:

 Discussions with colleagues and experts about the problem, its origin and the
objectives in seeking a solution
 Examination of data and records,
 Review of similar studies in the area or of the studies on similar problems
 Exploratory personal investigation which involves original field interviews on a
limited scale with interested parties and individuals.

(4) Prepare the Research Design:

Research design is to provide for the collection of relevant evidence with minimal expenditure
of effort, time and money
Researcher will have to state the conceptual structure within which research would be
conducted.
State the conceptual structure within which Research will be conducted
Several research designs- Experimental and Non-Experimental Hypothesis testing.
Experimental design can be either informal or formal
Research purposes may be grouped into four categories, viz.,
(i) Exploration,
(ii) Description,
(iii) Diagnosis,
(iii) Experimentation

(5) Determining Sample Design:

All the items under consideration in any field of inquiry constitute a ‘universe’ or
‘population’. A complete enumeration of all the items in the ‘population’ is known as a
census inquiry
Quite often we select only a few items from the universe for our study purposes. The items
so selected constitute what is technically called a sample.

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• The researcher must decide the way of selecting a sample or what is popularly known
as the sample design.
• In other words, a sample design is a definite plan determined before any data are
actually collected for obtaining a sample from a given population

Samples can be either probability samples or non-probability samples. With probability

samples each element has a known probability of being included in the sample but the non-
probability samples do not allow the researcher to determine this probability. Probability
samples are those based on simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified
sampling, cluster/area sampling whereas non-probability samples are those based on
convenience sampling, judgement sampling and quota sampling techniques. A brief mention
of the important sample designs is as follows:

Types of Sampling
 Deliberate sampling
 Simple random sampling
 Systematic sampling
 Stratified sampling
 Quota sampling
 Cluster sampling and area sampling
 Multi-stage sampling
 Sequential sampling

Deliberate sampling : Deliberate sampling is also known as purposive or non-probability

sampling.
Convenience sampling (also known as opportunity sampling) is a type of non-probability
sampling that involves the sample being drawn from that part of the population that is close to
hand. This type of sampling is most useful for pilot testing.
A convenience sample is a type of non-probability sampling method where the sample is
taken from a group of people easy to contact or to reach.
judgement sampling the researcher’s judgement is used for selecting items which he
considers as representative of the population. Judgement sampling is used quite frequently in
qualitative research where the desire happens to be to develop hypotheses rather than to
generalise to larger populations
Simple random sampling:
This type of sampling is also known as chance sampling or probability sampling where each
and every item in the population has an equal chance of inclusion in the sample and each one
of the possible samples. For example, if we have to select a sample of 300 items from a
universe of 15,000 items, then we can put the names or numbers of all the 15,000 items on
slips of paper and conduct a lottery. Using the random number tables is another method of
random sampling.

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Systematic sampling:
In some instances the most practical way of sampling is to select every 15th name on a list,
every 10th house on one side of a street and so on. Sampling of this type is known as
systematic sampling

Stratified sampling:
If the population from which a sample is to be drawn does not constitute a homogeneous
group, then stratified sampling technique is applied so as to obtain a representative sample. In
this technique, the population is stratified into a number of non-overlapping subpopulations or
strata and sample items are selected from each stratum.
If the items selected from each stratum is based on simple random Sampling.

Quota sampling :
Actual selection of items for sample being left to the interviewer’s judgment. This is called
quota sampling Quota sampling is thus an important form of non-probability sampling. Quota
samples generally happen to be judgment samples rather than random samples.

Cluster sampling and area sampling

Cluster sampling involves grouping the population and then selecting the groups or the
clusters rather than individual elements for inclusion in the sample
Area sampling: divide the total area into a number of smaller non-overlapping areas,
generally called geographical clusters, then a number of these smaller areas are randomly
selected, and all units in these small areas are included in the sample

Multi-stage sampling
This is a further development of the idea of cluster sampling. This technique is meant for
big inquiries extending to a considerably large geographical area like an entire country.

Sequential sampling:
This is somewhat a complex sample design where the ultimate size of the sample is not fixed
in advance but is determined according to mathematical decisions on the basis of information

(6) Collecting the Data

 Observation
 Personal Interview
 Telephone Interview
 Questionnaires
 Schedules

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 several ways of
collecting the appropriate data which differ considerably in context of money costs, time and

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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:

(i) By observation: This method implies the collection of information by way of

investigator’s own observation, without interviewing the respondents. The
information obtained relates to what is currently happening and is not complicated
by either the past behaviour or future intentions or attitudes of respondents. This
method is no doubt an expensive method and the information provided by this
method is also very limited. As such this method is not suitable in inquiries where
large samples are concerned.

(ii) Through personal interview: The investigator follows a rigid procedure and seeks
answers to a set of pre-conceived questions through personal interviews. This
method of collecting data is usually carried out in a structured way where output
depends upon the ability of the interviewer to a large extent.

(iii) Through telephone interviews: This method of collecting information involves

contacting the respondents on telephone itself. This is not a very widely used
method but it plays an important role in industrial surveys in developed regions,
particularly, when the survey has to be accomplished in a very limited time.

(iv) By mailing of questionnaires: The researcher and the respondents do come in

contact with each other if this method of survey is adopted. Questionnaires are
mailed to the respondents with a request to return after completing the same. It is
the most extensively used method in various economic and business surveys.
Before applying this method, usually a Pilot Study for testing the questionnaire is
conduced which reveals the weaknesses, if any, of the questionnaire?
Questionnaire to be used must be prepared very carefully so that it may prove to be
effective in collecting the relevant information.

(v) (v) Through schedules: Under this method the enumerators are appointed and
given training. They are provided with schedules containing relevant questions.
These enumerators go to respondents with these schedules. Data are collected by
filling up the schedules by enumerators on the basis of replies given by
respondents. Much depends upon the capability of enumerators so far as this
method is concerned. Some occasional field checks on the work of the
enumerators may ensure sincere work.

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The researcher should select one of these methods of collecting the data taking into
consideration the nature of investigation, objective and scope of the inquiry, financial
resources, available time and the desired degree of accuracy

(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. The training may be given with the help of instruction
manuals which explain clearly the job of the interviewers at each step

(8) Analysis of Data: 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.

(9) Hypothesis Testing: Various tests, such as Chi square test, t-test, F-test, have been
developed by statisticians for testing the hypotheis. 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.
(10) Generalization and Interpretations: If a hypothesis is tested and upheld several times,
researcher may 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.
(11) Generalization and Interpretations: 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.
(12) Preparation of the report or the thesis:

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:
1. 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 acknowledgements
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:

(a) 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.

(b) Summary of findings: After introduction there would appear a statement of findings and
recommendations in non-technical language. If the findings are extensive, they should be
summarised.

(c) Main report: The main body of the report should be presented in logical sequence and
broken-down into readily identifiable sections.

(d) 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.

2 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.

3. Charts and illustrations in the main report should be used only if they present the
information more clearly and forcibly.

4. Calculated ‘confidence limits’ must be mentioned and the various constraints experienced in
conducting research operations may as well be stated.

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Criteria of Good Research:

Whatever may be the types of research works and studies, one thing that is important is that
they all meet on the common ground of scientific method employed by them. One expects
scientific research to satisfy the following criteria.
1. The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts be used.
2. The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit another
researcher to repeat the research for further advancement, keeping the continuity of what has
already been attained.
3. The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results that
areas objective as possible.
4. The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design and
estimate their effects upon the findings.

5. The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and the
methods of analysis used should be appropriate. The validity and reliability of the data
should be checked carefully.
6. Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and limited
to those for which the data provide an adequate basis.
7. Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced, has a good
reputation in research and is a person of integrity.

In other words, we can state the qualities of a good research as under:

1. Good research is 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. Systematic
characteristic of the research does not rule out creative thinking but it certainly does reject
the use of guessing and intuition in arriving at conclusions.

2. Good research is logical: This implies that research is guided by the rules of logical
reasoning and the logical process of induction and deduction are of great value in carrying
out research. Induction is the process of reasoning from a part to the whole whereas
deduction is the process of reasoning from some premise to a conclusion which follows from
that very premise. In fact, logical reasoning makes research more meaningful in the context
of decision making.
3. Good research is 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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4. Good research is replicable: This characteristic allows research results to be verified by

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

Problems Encountered by Researchers in India:

Researchers in India, particularly those engaged in empirical research, are facing several
problems. Some of the important problems are as follows:
1. The lack of a scientific training in the methodology of research is a great impediment
for researchers in our country. There is paucity of competent researchers. Many researchers
take a leap in the dark without knowing research methods. Most of the work, which goes in
the name of research is not methodologically sound. Research to many researchers and even
to their guides, is mostly a scissor and paste job without any insight shed on the collated
materials. The consequence is obvious, viz., the research results, quite often, do not reflect
the reality or realities. Thus, a systematic study of research methodology is an urgent
necessity. Before undertaking research projects, researchers should be well equipped with all
the methodological aspects. As such, efforts should be made to provide short duration
intensive courses for meeting this requirement.
2. There is insufficient interaction between the university research departments on one
side and business establishments, government departments and research institutions on the
other side. A great deal of primary data of non-confidential nature remains
untouched/untreated by the researchers for want of proper contacts. Efforts should be made
to develop satisfactory liaison among all concerned for better and realistic researches. There
is need for developing some mechanisms of a university—industry interaction program so
that academics can get ideas from practitioners on what needs to be researched and
practitioners can apply the research done by the academics.
3. Most of the business units in our country do not have the confidence that the material
supplied by them to researchers will not be misused and as such they are often reluctant in
supplying the needed information to researchers. The concept of secrecy seems to be
sacrosanct to business organizations in the country so much so that it proves an impermeable
barrier to researchers. Thus, there is the need for generating the confidence that thein
formation/data obtained from a business unit will not be misused.
4. Research studies overlapping one another are undertaken quite often for want of
adequate information. This results in duplication and fritters away resources. This problem
can be solved by proper compilation and revision, at regular intervals, of a list of subjects on
which and the places where the research is going on. Due attention should be given toward
identification of research problems in various disciplines of applied science which are of
immediate concern to the industries.
5. There does not exist a code of conduct for researchers and inter-university and
interdepartmental rivalries are also quite common. Hence, there is need for developing a
code of conduct for researchers which, if adhered sincerely, can win over this problem.

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6. Many researchers in our country also face the difficulty of adequate and timely
secretarial assistance, including computerial assistance. This causes unnecessary delays in
the completion of research studies. All possible efforts be made in this direction so that
efficient secretarial assistance is made available to researchers and that too well in time.
University Grants Commission must play a dynamic role in solving this difficulty.
7. Library management and functioning is not satisfactory at many places and much of
the time and energy of researchers are spent in tracing out the books, journals, reports, etc.,
rather than in tracing out relevant material from them.
8. There is also the problem that many of our libraries are not able to get copies of old
and new Acts/Rules, reports and other government publications in time. This problem is felt
more in libraries which are away in places from Delhi and/or the state capitals. Thus efforts
should be made for the regular and speedy supply of all governmental publications to reach
our libraries.
9. There is also the difficulty of timely availability of published data from various
government and other agencies doing this job in our country. Researcher also faces the
problem on account of the fact that the published data vary quite significantly because of
differences in coverage by the concerning agencies.
10. There may, at times, take place the problem of conceptualization and also problems
relating to the process of data collection and related things

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Dr H S Vijayakumar 17 SIT-Tumkur