Research Methodology: Introduction to Research Methodology

What is Research ? 

“Research” may be defined as the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observation that may lead to the developments or generalizations, principles or theories, resulting in prediction and possibility ultimate control of events” 

The word research composed of two words ''re'' and ''search'' 

"re'' means again, or overagain.

''search'' means to  examine closely and carefully or to test

Sometimes research is defined as a movement, from the known to the unknown. It is an effort to discover something. Some people say that research is a on effort to know “more and more about less and less”.

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.

Research may also be defined.”Any organized enquiry discussed and carried out to provide information for solving a problem”.

Objective of Research  

The typical objectives of research can be summarized as follows:

1. Gain familiarity with a new phenomenon or develop new insight into a phenomenon.
2. Review and synthesize the existing knowledge.
3.  Investigate some existing situation or problem.
4. Offer solutions to a problem.
5.  Explore and analyse more general issues.
6.  Construct or create a new procedure or system
7. Generate new knowledge

Motivation For Research

Motivation for research can stem from a variety of sources and can be influenced by both personal and professional factors. Here are some common motivations:

Curiosity and Intellectual Interest: A desire to learn more about a specific topic or problem can drive individuals to conduct research. This intellectual curiosity often leads researchers to explore new ideas and expand their understanding.

Problem Solving: Research is often motivated by the need to address and solve specific problems or challenges. This can include practical issues in areas like medicine, engineering, or social sciences, where finding solutions can have significant impacts

Advancement of Knowledge: The goal of contributing to the body of knowledge in a particular field can be a strong motivator. Researchers often seek to build on existing theories, discover new insights, and advance their discipline.

Professional Development: For many, research is a key aspect of career growth and professional development. Publishing research findings, obtaining grants, and contributing to academic or industry communities can enhance one's professional standing and open up new opportunities. 

Societal Impact: The potential to make a positive impact on society or improve people's lives can drive research efforts. This motivation is often found in fields like public health, environmental science, and social work, where research can lead to beneficial changes.

Innovation and Discovery: The desire to create something new or innovative can be a powerful motivator. Research often leads to the development of new technologies, products, or methods that can revolutionize industries or improve daily life.

Academic and Institutional Goals: Researchers may be motivated by the goals and priorities of their academic institutions or research organizations, which often set agendas or focus areas that align with broader strategic interests.Overall, the motivations for research are diverse and can be influenced by a combination of personal interests, professional aspirations, and societal needs. 

Types of Research 

Research can be classified into various categories depending on the perspective under which the research activity is initiated and conducted.

1.  Classification based on Application: a) Pure / Basic / Fundamental Research b) Applied / Decisional Research 

   a) Pure / Basic / Fundamental Research : As the term suggests a research activity taken up to look into some aspects of a problem or an issue for the first time is termed as basic or pure.

It involves developing and testing theories and hypotheses that are intellectually challenging to the researcher but may or may not have practical application at the present time or in the future. 

The knowledge produced through basic research is sought in order to add to the existing body of research methods. basic research is theoretical but has a universal nature. It is more focused on creating scientific knowledge and predictions for further studies. 

b. Applied / Decisional Research: Applied research is done on the basis of pure or fundamental research to solve specific, practical questions; for policy formulation, administration and understanding of a phenomenon. 

It can be exploratory, but is usually descriptive. The purpose of doing such research is to find solutions to an immediate issue, solving a particular problem, developing new technology and look into future advancements etc.

This involves forecasting and assumes that the variables shall not change.  

Basic Research	Applied Research
Basic Research can be explained as research that tries to expand the already existing scientific knowledge base.	The applied research is used to mean the scientific study that is helpful in solving real-life problems.
While basic research is purely theoretical	While applied research has a practical approach.
The applicability of basic research is greater than the applied research	On other hand applied research can be applied only to the specific problem, for which it was carried out.
The primary concern of the basic research is to develop scientific knowledge and predictions.	On the other hand, applied research stresses on the development of technology and technique with the help of basic science.
The fundamental goal of the basic research is to add some knowledge to the already existing one	applied research is directed towards finding a solution to the problem under consideration.

2. Classification based on Objectives : 

a.) Descriptive Research b.) Co relational Research c).Exploratory d).Explanatry Research

a). Descriptive Research  : This attempts to explain a situation, problem, phenomenon, service or programme, or provides information viz. living condition of a community, or describes attitudes towards an issue butthis is done systematically

• It is used to answer questions of who, what, when, where, and how associated with a particular research question or problem.
• This type of research makes an attempt to collect any information that can be expressed in quantifiable terms that can be used to statistically analyze a target audience or a particular subject.
• Descriptive research is used to observe and describe a research subject or problem without influencing or manipulating the variables in any way. Thus, such studies are usually correlation or observational.
• This type of research is conclusive in nature, rather than inquisitive.
• Eg ; surveys on consumer preferences, observational studies of behavior, case studies of specific organizations, and demographic analyses of communities 

b). Co relational Research : This is a type of non-experimental research method, in which a researcher measures two variables, understands and assesses the statistical relationship between them with no influence from any extraneous variable

• This is undertaken to discover or establish the existence of a relationship/ interdependence between two or more aspects of a situation.
• For example, the mind can memorize the bell of an ice cream seller or sugar candy vendor. Louder the bell sound, closer is the vendor to us. We draw this inference based on our memory and the taste of these delicious food items.
• This is specifically what co relational research is, establishing a relationship between two variables, ―bell sound and ―distance of the vendor in this particular example.
• Co relational research is looking for variables that seem to interact with each other so that when you see one variable changing, you have a fair idea how the other variable will change. 

c). Exploratory Research : The terms exploratory research is conducted to find a solution for a problem that has not been studied more clearly, intended to establish priorities, develop operational definitions and improve the final research design.

• Exploratory research helps determine the best research design, data-collection method and selection of subjects. For such a research, a researcher starts with a general idea and uses this research as a medium to identify issues that can be the hub for future research.
• An important aspect here is that the researcher should be willing to change his/her direction subject to the revelation of new data or insight.
• Such a research is usually carried out when the problem is at a beginning stage. It is often referred to as grounded theory approach or interpretive research as it used to answer questions like what, why and how 
• For example: a fast food outlet owner feels that increasing the variety of snacks will enable increase in sales, however he is not sure and needs more information. Thus the owner starts studying local competition, talks to the existing customers, friends etc to find out what are their views about the current menu and what else do they wish to be included in the menu to genrate high sales. 

d.) Explanatry Research : It is the research whose primary purpose is to explain why events occur, to build, elaborate, extend or test a theory. It is more concerned with showcasing, explaining and presenting what Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli. Directorate of Distance & Continuing Education 5 we already have.

• It is the process of turning over 100 rocks to find perhaps 1 or 2 precious gemstones.
• Eg ; Why and how stress leads to a heart disease? 

3. Classification based on Inquiry/Logic Mode

a.) Structured approach  b.) Unstructured approach 

a.) Strucured Approach : The structured approach to inquiry is usually classified as quantitative research. Here everything that forms the research process- objectives, design, sample, and the questions that you plan to ask of respondents- is predetermined 

• It is more appropriate to determine the extent of a problem, issue or phenomenon by quantifying the variation e.g. how many people have a particular problem? How many people hold a particular attitude? 
• E.g. asking a guest to give feedback about the dishes served in a restaurant 

b.) Unstructured approach : The unstructured approach to inquiry is usually classified as qualitative research. This approach allows flexibility in all aspects of the research process. 

• It is more appropriate to explore the nature of a problem, issue or phenomenon without quantifying it. Main objective is to describe the variation in a phenomenon, situation or attitude.
• E.g. when guest is complaining about the room not being Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli. Directorate of Distance & Continuing Education 6 comfortable and is demanding a discount the staff has to verify the claims empathically 

4. Other Types of Research

a.) Descriptive & Analytical  b.) Quantitative & Qualitative c.) Conceptual & Empirical

a.) Descriptive & Analytical Research : Descriptive research includes surveys and fact finding enquiries of different kinds. 

• The term Ex post facto research is used in social sciences and business research for descriptive research studies. The researcher only reports about the factors identified and cannot modify the details available thus it makes it clear that he does not have any control over such variables.
• Most ex post facto research projects are used for descriptive studies in which the researcher strives to find out information It includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries with adequate interpretation. 
• The methods of research utilized in descriptive research are survey methods of all kinds, including comparative and co relational methods.
• 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 material.

 b.) Quantitative & Qualitative : 

Quantitative	Qualitative
Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity.	Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative phenomenon,
E.g. Studying the number of enquiries received for room bookings through different modes like internet, emails, calls, letters, or different sources like travel and tours operators, companies and government organizations etc.	E.g. studying the stress levels and reasons for variable performances of staff in different shifts in the same department of a hotel. The same individuals may perform differently with the change of shift timings.

c.) Conceptual & Empirical : 

Conceptual	Empirical
Conceptual research is associated to some theoretical idea(s) or presupposition and is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to get a better understanding of an existing concept in practice.	On the other hand, Empirical research draws together the data based 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. It is also known as experimental research as it is essential to get facts firsthand, at their source, and actively to go about doing certain things to stimulate the production of desired information.
Examples include philosophical arguments	Example includes laboratory experiments or surveys

Refrences: 

1. Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques by C.R. Kothari & Gaurav Garg
2. Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners by Ranjit Kumar