Meaning and Nature of Research

Prof. Anil Palve

Meaning and Nature of Research
1. Research refers to a search for
knowledge.
2. A careful investigation or inquiry
specially through search for new facts
in any branch of knowledge.
3. Redman and Mory define research as,
“ systematized efforts to gain
knowledge.”
Meaning and Nature of Research
4. According to 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 weather they fit the formulating
hypothesis.
Meaning and Nature of Research
5. D. Slensinger & 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, verify
knowledge weather that knowledge aids
in construction of theory or in the
practice of an art.”
Meaning and Nature of Research
6. Research is, thus an original
contribution to the existing stock of
knowledge making for its advancement.
7. The search for knowledge through
objective and systematic method of
finding solutions to a problem in
research for any branch.
 Day to day research
1. Which product I should buy ?
 Day to day research
2. Which travel destination I should choose
this vacations to visit ?
 Day to day research
3. Which school I should choose for the
kids?
 Day to day research
4. Which market I should go to buy the
products ?
 Business research
1. Which product my company should
launch ?
 Business research
2. Why my products are not sold in the
market ?
 Business research
3. Which are the most effective
promotional strategies of competitors ?
 Business research
4. Why my employees are not highly
motivated ?
 Social Research
1. Why famers are committing suicide ?
 Social Research
2. Why the use of social media is
enhanced ?
 Social Research
3. Are we addicted to use of mobile phones
?
 Social Research
4. Are we forgetting our customs and
traditions ?
 Nature of Research
1. Systematic and analytic
2. Solution of a problem or inquiry
3. Search for knowledge, truth with study
observation and comparison
4. New facts, voyage of discovery
5. Original contribution to existing stock
6. Generalization of some theoretical
formulation
 Nature of Research
7. Generation of hypothesis
8. Collection and analysis of data
9. Validation of the data
10. Reaching to certain conclusions
11. Involves getting consequential benefits of
research
12. Observations, comparison and
experiments
 Nature of Research
13. Manipulation of things, concepts or
symbol for the purpose of generalization
14. What everybody is thinking and what
nobody is thinking
15. Research is purposive, objective & logical
16. It is based on observable experience and
empirical evidence
 Indian Innovations
Launch of Rin Bar and Powder (Smart
Foam Technology) to reduce water
consumption.
 Indian Innovations
Also in the homecare category was the
launch of Domex Toilet Cleaning
Powder, targeted towards rural and
lower-income families, which
traditionally use detergent powders to
clean toilets, since liquid toilet cleaners
are more expensive.
Indian Innovations
 Indian Innovations
The superior technology of Surf excel Quick Wash removes a variety of common
tough stains like oil, ketchup, chocolate, curry stains, tea etc. With X-tra cleaning
particles, it makes for the perfect wash. Surf excel Quick Wash detergent powder is
available in different sku's such as the 500gms, 1kg and 2kg.
The Dobermann, or Doberman Pinscher in the
United States and Canada, is a medium-large
breed of domestic dog that was originally
developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis
Dobermann, a tax collector from Germany. The
Dobermann has a long muzzle. It stands on its
pads and is not usually heavy-footed.
Objective or Purpose of Research
1. Extends knowledge of human beings
2. Unveil mysteries of nature, hidden facts
3. Research is purposive, objective &
logical
4. Verifies and tests existing facts and
theory.
Objective or Purpose of Research
5. General laws are developed.
6. Analyze inter relationships between
variables (Hypothesis testing)
7. Casual relationships
8. Finding solutions to problems…Socio
economic Problem.
Objective or Purpose of Research
9. Developing new tools and concepts.
10. National Development.
11. Evaluate alternative strategies and
choose best one
12. Finding solutions to problems…Socio
economic Problem.
Objective or Purpose of Research
13. Rational decision making.
14. To offer inventions and discoveries
(Exploratory or formulatory)
15. Making reliable predictions and forecasts
16. To improve quality of human life.
17. To portray actual characteristic of human,
situations and group (Descriptive)
 Invention of Telephone
Mechanical devices
A 19th century acoustic tin can or "lovers'
telephone"
Before the invention of electromagnetic
telephones, mechanical acoustic devices
existed for transmitting speech and music
over a distance greater than that of normal
direct speech.
 Invention of Telephone
Electrical devices
The telephone emerged from the making
and successive improvements of
the electrical telegraph. In
1804, Spanish polymath and
scientist Francisco Salva
Campillo constructed an electrochemical
telegraph.
 Invention of Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell ('Graham'
pronounced(March 3, 1847 – August
2, 1922) was a Scottish-
born American inventor, scientist,
and engineer who is credited with
inventing and patenting the first
practical telephone. He also co-
founded the American Telephone
and Telegraph Company (AT&T) in
1885.
 Invention of a breed
Karl Friedrich
Louis Dobermann (1834-1894) of
Apolda, Germany combines several
breeds of dogs to create
"Dobermann's Pinschers".
The Doberman breed was first
registered with the American Kennel
Club. It was not until 1922 that more
than 100 were registered each year.
 Motivation of Research
1. Solving un solved problems
2. Intellectual work
3. Creative work
4. Desire of service to society
5. Desire to get respect
6. Developing concepts, theory
7. Developing innovative products, services
 Role/Significance of Research
1. Enhanced productivity for industrial and economic
activity
2. Facts finding play important role in decision
making
3. Quantitative treatment can be given to business
problems
4. Identification of new projects, feasibility study and
project implementation
5. Implement managerial functions effectively
6. Analysis, interpretation, evaluation of business
environment
Role/Significance of Research
7. Formulation of business policy and
strategy
8. Developing new products, markets,
segments, R & D
9. Functional areas & relationship
10.Cost reduction improving product
quality.
Role/Significance of Research
11.When to buy, why to buy, how to buy,
how much to buy ? (Purchase Dept)
12.Market research studies-Marketing
13.Maintaining liquidity, profitability, fund
management, assets management etc.
14. Update business, attitude, products,
goals, approaches, methods, machinery
with changing environment.
 Methodology
Dhondyal (1994) defines research
methodology as, “A procedure designed
to the extend to which it is planned and
evaluated before conducting the inquiry
and the extend to which the method for
decision making is evaluated.”
 Scope
A. Day to day life
B. Business World, functional area
C. Society
 Scope
A. Day to day life
1. Purchase decisions
2. To gain knowledge
 Consider
ethical issues in
data collection

Preparation
Preparation of
of
Research Proposal
Resaerch Proposal
 Research Process
1. Formulating the research problem: There are two types of
research problems, viz., those

which relate to states of nature and those which relate to relationships

between variables. At the very outset the researcher must single out
the problem he wants to study, i.e., he must decide the general area of
interest or aspect of a subject-matter that he would like to inquire
into. Initially the problem may be stated in a broad general way and
then the ambiguities, if any, relating to the problem be resolved.
Then, the feasibility of a particular solution has to be considered
before a working formulation of the problem can be set up. The
formulation of a general topic into a specific research
problem, thus, constitutes the first step in a scientific enquiry.
Essentially two steps are involved in formulating the research
problem, viz., understanding the problem thoroughly, and rephrasing
the same into meaningful terms from an analytical point of view.
 Research Process-Steps
Preparation of
Research Problem Collection of Data
Research Plan

Literature Review Research Design Data Processing

Formulation of
Sampling Design Data Analysis
Research Problem

Operationalization Creation of Data

Research Report
of the concept Collection Tools
Research Process-Steps
1. Identification and selection of
research problem.
a. Research area
b. Research topic
c. Research problem
d. Formulating a research problem
e. Rephrasing it in general terms and in
better manner.
 Research Process
2. Review of Literature
a. Preliminary review prior to problem
selection
b. Systematic review after selection
c. Conceptual Review
d. Research review/Empirical review
e. Identification of the gaps in previous
research
 Research Process
3. Formulation of selected problems
a. Definition of problem
b. Conceptual mode
c. Delimitation of study
d. Objectives of the study
e. Formulation of the hypothesis of study
f. Investigating problems
 Research Process
4. Operationalisation of concepts
a. Definition of concepts.
b. Construction of indexes/scales for
measuring variables.
 Research Process
5. Preparation of the research plan &
proposal
a. Statement of the problem
b. Objectives of the study
c. Hypothesis
d. Operational definition of the concept
e. Geographical area of the study
 Research Process
f. Research methodology
g. Research Design-type of research
h. Methods of data collection-Primary
&Secondary data
i. Sampling design- sample size, area, sampling
methods
j. Tools of collection of data
k. Plan for analysis
l. Overview of research report
m. Time Schedule
 Research Process
6. Research Design: Descriptive,
exploratory, experimental or
diagnostic
 Research Process
7. Sampling Plan : Probability &
Non probability
a. Type of sampling method-
Homogenous, heterogenous
b. Nature of population
c. Sample Size
d. Sample Unit
e. Sample Area
 Research Process
8. Construction of tools of data
collection
a. Identification of data needs
b. Delineation of data sources
c. Drafting observation schedule/interview
schedule/mailing questionnaire
d. Ethical issues in data collection
e. Check lists Time Schedule
f. Pretesting and possible revision
 Research Process
9. Collection of Data
a. Experimental Work/Field work
b. Preparing sample frame
c. Drawing samples of respondents
d. Interviewing/Observing
e. Mailing Questionnaire
f. Follow Up
 Research Process
10. Processing of Data
a. Editing
b. Coding
c. Transcription
d. Tabulation
e. Construction of tables, charts
 Research Process
11. Analysis of Data
a. Analysis as per the plan and nature of data
and its scale, univariate, bivariate or
multivariate techniques
b. Statistical Methods
c. Any other analytical method
d. Interpretation of findings
e. Testing of Hypothesis
 Research Process
12.Report Writing
a. Planning of Report
b. Drafting of report
c. Finalization of report
 Research Problems
1. Lack of training
2. Insufficient interaction
3. Misuse of data
4. Overlapping of studies
5. Code of conduct
6. Inadequate timely assistance
7. Library management
 Research Problems
8. Acts rule not available
9. Published data not available in time
10. Problems in conceptualization
 Research Types
1. Descriptive research
2. Analytical research
3. Applied Research
4. Fundamental Research
5. Quantitative Research
6. Qualitative Research
 Research Types
7. Conceptual Research
8. Empirical Research (Experience)
9. Clinical or Diagnostic Research (Casual
relationships)
10. Field Setting, Lab or Simulation Research
Actual research in artificial environment
11. Historical Research
 Research Types
12. Conclusion Oriented Research
13. Case Study Research
14. Field Studies-Scientific research, aimed
at discovering the relations and
interactions among sociological,
psychological, educational variables in
social institutions
 Research Types
15. Survey Type of research
Conducted in natural setting, seek direct
responses, covers large population,
large geographical area
16. Action Research- It is a concurrent
evaluation study of an action
programme launched for solving
problems to improve situation
 Research Types
17. One Time Research
18. Longitudinal Research
 Research Problem
1. What is a research problem?
a. Individual, organization with whom
problem is associated (I), environment
(N), uncontrolled variables (Y)
b. Course of action one, two more C1 and
C2.
c . Two possible outcomes O1, O2
 Research Problem
d. Objectives to be attained.
e. Alternative means for achieving
objectives.
f. Confusion or doubt while selection of
objectives
 Research Problem
Indian auto maker Mahindra and Mahindra
is facing problems in terms of reduced
sales of their vehicles in last few month.
Prepare statement of problem of this issue
and frame objectives to understand the
reason of decline in sales and also find out
the brands contributing the decline in
sales. State hypothesis if any.
 Research Problem
VICCO Laboratories is doing well in the
market through their range of dental and
herbal products. Himalaya Drug Company
is also major competitor of VICCO.
Prepare a research plan to analyze the
marketing strategies, schemes and
discounts given by Himalaya to
understand the competitor in a better way.
Formulate research problem, objectives.
Research Types