Module 1 Research Basics

8/12/2019 Module 1 Research Basics

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Module I

Research ConceptsDr. Neeraj Anand

Sr. Associate professor

HODQT/RM/Operations, CMESUPES, Dehradun


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Contents

Research Basics

What research is and is not

Where research comes from

Research deliverables

Methodologies

Quantitative versus qualitative research


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Research Basics

What research is and isnt

Research characteristics

Research projects and pitfalls

Sources of research projects

Elements of research proposals

Literature reviews


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What Research Is Not

Research isnt information gathering:

Gathering information from resources such books or

magazines isnt research.

No contribution to new knowledge.

Research isnt the transportation of facts:

Merely transporting facts from one resource to

another doesnt constitute research.

No contribution to new knowledge although this might

make existing knowledge more accessible.


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What Research Is

Research is:

the systematic process of collecting andanalyzing information (data) in order to increase

our understanding of the phenomenon aboutwhich we are concerned or interested.


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Research Characteristics

1. Originates with a question or problem.

2. Requires clear articulation of a goal.

3. Follows a specific plan or procedure.

4. Often divides main problem into subproblems.5. Guided by specific problem, question, or hypothesis.

6. Accepts certain critical assumptions.

7. Requires collection and interpretation of data.

8. Cyclical (helical) in nature.


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Research Projects

Research begins with a problem.

This problem need not be Earth-shaking.

Identifying this problem can actually be the

hardest part of research.

In general, good research projects should:

Address an important question.

Advance knowledge.


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Research Project Pitfalls

The following kinds of projects usually dont

make for good research:

Self-enlightenment.

Comparing data sets. Correlating data sets.

Problems with yes / no answers.


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High-Quality Research(1 of 2)

Good research requires:

The scope and limitations of the work to be clearly

defined.

The process to be clearly explained so that it can bereproduced and verified by other researchers.

A thoroughly planned design that is as objective as

possible.


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High-Quality Research(2 of 2)

Good research requires:

Highly ethical standards be applied.

All limitations be documented.

Data be adequately analyzed and explained.

All findings be presented unambiguously and all

conclusions be justified by sufficient evidence.


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Sources of Research Problems

Observations. Friends, relatives, teachers.

Literature reviews.

Professional conferences. Exhibitions & Trade Fairs.

ExpertsCorporate Executives, Dealers,

Consultants etc.

Business Ideas/Plans/Quizzes/Contests

Professional BodiesCII/FICCI/PHDCCI


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Stating the Research Problem

Once youve identified a research problem: State that problem/opportunity clearly and

completely.

Determine the feasibility of the research.

Identify sub-problems: Completely researchable units.

Small in number.

Add up to the total problem.

Must be clearly tied to the interpretation of the data.


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Hypotheses

Hypotheses are tentative, intelligent guesses as

to the solution of the problem.

There is often a 1-1 correspondence between a

subproblem and a hypothesis. Hypotheses can direct later research activities since

they can help determine the nature of the research

and methods applied.


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Limitations

All research has limitations and thus certainwork that willnotbe performed.

The work that will not be undertaken is

described as the limitationsof the research.


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Definitions

Define each technical term as it is used in

relation to your research project.

This helps remove significant ambiguity from the

research itself by ensuring that reviewers, while theymay not agree with your definitions, at least know

what youre talking about. Use Common language and

avoid jargons.


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Importance of the Study

Many research problems have a kind of

theoretical feel about them. Such projects often

need to be justified:

What is the research projects practical value?

Without this justification, it will prove difficult to

convince others that the problem in question is

worth study.


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Assumptions

Assumptions are those things that the

researcher is taking for granted.

For example: a given test/standard instrument

accurately and consistently measures thephenomenon in question. Preferably base the

assumptions on review of literature.

As a general rule youre better off documenting

an assumption than ignoring it. Overlooked assumptions provide a prime source of

debate about a research projects results.


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Research Proposals

Research proposals are documents that describethe intended research including:

Problem and sub-problems

Definition

Significance

Literature review

Hypotheses

Limitations

Assumptions


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Common Methodologies

Methodologies are high-level approaches to

conducting research.

The individual steps within the methodology might

vary based on the research being performed.

Two commonly used research methodologies:

Quantitative.

Qualitative.


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Methodology Comparison

Quantitative

Explanation, prediction

Test theories

Known variables

Large sample

Standardized instruments

Deductive

Qualitative

Explanation, description

Build theories

Unknown variables

Small sample

Observations, interviews

Inductive


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References

1. Leedy P. D. and Ormrod J. E., Practical Research:Planning and Design, 7th Edition. 2001.

2. Web-sources:

http://computer.org

http://www.acm.org

www.ssrn.com

www.authorstrom.com
http://computer.org/http://www.acm.org/http://www.ssrn.com/http://www.authorstrom.com/http://www.authorstrom.com/http://www.ssrn.com/http://www.acm.org/http://www.acm.org/http://computer.org/

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Module 1 Research Basics