RCC Institute of Information Technology

Canal South Road, Beliaghata

Kolkata - 700 015, West Bengal, India

Topic: Criteria for Good Research

Name: SAGAR KUMAR

Registration Number : 201170100110126 OF 2020-21
University Roll No.: 11700220010
Paper Name: Research Methodology
Paper Code: PROJCS601
Class Roll : CSE2021/B10
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
 What is Research ?
Research is one of the means by which we seek to discover
the truth. It is based upon the tacit assumption that the
world is a cosmos whose happenings have cause and are
controlled by forces and relationships that can be expressed
as laws and principles.

In fact, research is an " art of scientific investigation". Redman

and Mory define the research as " systematic effort to gain new
knowledge." We can also say it is an academic activity and as
such the term should be used in technical sense . According to
Clifford Woody " Research comprises defining and evaluating
data; making deductions and reading conclusions".(Kothari.
2004:1)

The criteria as follows:

Good research is anchored on a sound research question
A sound research question is one of the most important characteristics of good
research. In fact, formulating one is embedded in the curricula of research-heavy
programs like engineering and physics degrees and careers.

A good research question details exactly what a researcher wants to learn and
defines a study’s scope. By formulating a good research question, researchers
can ensure that they stay on track during the course of their study. In most cases,
the research question influences the rest of the steps a researcher takes during
his or her study as well.

Good research follows a systematic, appropriate research methodology.

The overall quality and success of a research study are largely determined by the research
methodology it uses. Choosing an appropriate research methodology helps ensure that
researchers can collect relevant data and use the right data analysis methods. Research
methodology refers to the systematic procedures or techniques a researcher uses to
ensure that his study achieves valid, reliable results. Research methodologies are often
classified into qualitative research, quantitative research, and mixed-methods research
Good research acknowledges previous research on the topic
While good research leads to the discovery of new knowledge, it also means studying
previous research on the topic. By studying scholarly articles and other works related
to our subject of interest, we get an idea of what has already been studied and how
our study fits into existing research. We can easily find related studies by going
through our institution’s library management system or other publicly available ones.

Good research uses relevant, empirical data and proper data analysis methods.

Good research doesn’t stop with the collection of empirical data, the data collected
must be analysed properly as well. The type of data collected largely determines the
right data analysis method to use. Quantitative data, for instance, is usually analysed
through descriptive statistics or inferential statistics. These statistics can help
researchers find figures to summarize variables, find patterns, and make predictions. On
the other hand, the analysis of qualitative data involves identifying and interpreting
patterns and themes in textual data

Good research is representative and generalizable

Criteria of good research include being representative. In research, representativeness

refers to a sample’s ability to represent a larger group. This means the characteristics
of the subjects (people) being studied closely match those of the study’s target
population.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
The basic types of research are as follows:
(i) Descriptive vs. Analytical: Surveys and many types of fact-finding inquiries
are included in descriptive research. The primary goal of descriptive research is
to describe the current state of circumstances. We frequently employ the
following research methodologies in social science and business research:Ex
post facto research is a term used in the introduction of descriptive research
investigations. The main feature of this methodology is that the researcher can
only describe what has occurred or is occurring; he has no control over the
variables. The majority of ex post facto research projects are descriptive studies
in which the researcher aims to quantify things like, for instance, shopping
frequency, personal preferences, or similar data. Researchers that do ex post
facto studies also make an effort to identify explanations even when they are
unable to control the variables. Survey techniques of all kinds, including
comparative and correlational techniques, are used in descriptive research.
Contrarily, in analytical research, the researcher must employ already known
facts or information and analyse it in order to provide a critical assessment of
the subject matter.
ii)Applied vs. Fundamental: Research can either be fundamental (to basic or pure) or
applied (or action) research. While fundamental research is primarily concerned with
generalisations and the creation of a theory, applied research tries to discover a solution for
an immediate issue facing a society or an industrial/business organisation. "Pure" or "basic"
research is described as gathering knowledge merely for the sake of learning. Examples of
fundamental research include studies into pure mathematics or certain scientific
phenomena. Similar to this, studies of human behaviour conducted with the intention of
drawing generalisations about human behaviour are instances of basic research, whereas
applied research aims to draw specific findings (such as a solution) in response to a specific
societal or corporate problem is an example of applied research.

(iii) Quantitative vs. Qualitative: The measurement of quantity or amount is the foundation
of quantitative research. It is applied to phenomena that have a quantitative form. On the
other hand, qualitative research focuses on phenomena that are related to or include quality
or kind, or qualitative phenomena. For instance, we frequently refer to "Motivation
Research," a crucial subset of qualitative research, when we are interested in examining the
causes of human behaviour (i.e., why people think or act in certain ways).In-depth
interviews are used in this kind of study to uncover the underlying motivations and desires.
(iv) Conceptual vs. Empirical: Conceptual research is that related to some
abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to
develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. On the other hand,
empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due
regard for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with
conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment .
We can also call it as experimental type of research. Empirical research is
appropriate when proof is sought that certain variables affect other variables in
some way. Evidence gathered through experiments or empirical studies is today
considered to be the most powerful support possible for a given hypothesis.

(v) Some Other Types of Research : All other types of research are variations of
one or more of the above stated approaches, based on either the purpose of
research, or the time required to accomplish research, on the environment in
which research is done, or on the basis of some other similar factor. Form the
point of view of time, we can think of research either as one-time research or
longitudinal research. In the former case the research is confined to a single time-
period, whereas in the latter case the research is carried on over several time-
periods. Research can be field-setting research or laboratory research or
simulation research, depending upon the environment in which it is to be carried
out. Research can as well be understood as clinical or diagnostic research.
 Significance of Research:

All advancement is the result of research. Overconfidence is

bad, but doubt is healthier since it prompts inquiry, and
inquiry prompts investigation. The importance of applied
economic research has grown in the modern era. In their
research and efforts to address social issues, social scientists
regard it to be crucial . The research is also a means of
obtaining a higher education degree. The majority of
individuals, including professionals, philosophers, thinkers,
analysts, and intellectuals, value it as well . As a result,
"research is a fountain of knowledge" and a crucial tool for
generating ideas for resolving various governmental, societal,
and corporate issues.
Criteria of Good Research

No matter what kinds of research projects and studies are conducted, it is crucial
that they all have the scientific process as a foundation. One anticipates that
scientific research will meet the following standards:

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 are as 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.
 Thank you

Department of Computer Science and Engineering