Research methodology: A guide for beginners

This presentation provides an overview of Research Methodology, highlighting the key steps involved in conducting systematic and scientific research. It covers research design, data collection, sampling methods, analysis, hypothesis testing, and report writing. The focus is on developing understanding in the beginners about the research methodology.

1. Research Methodology:
A guide for beginners
Dr. Pramod Phirke
Associate Professor,
Department of Zoology
Fergusson College (Autonomous),
Pune -04

2. Understanding Research and Research Methodology
Research methodology is the structured framework of procedures and techniques
used in conducting research. It includes principles, strategies, and tools that guide the
research process.
Importance of Research Methodology
•Ensures validity, reliability, and accuracy of research findings.
•Helps in reproducibility and generalizability of results.
•Supports researchers in selecting appropriate techniques for their study.
•Enhances the credibility of academic and industrial research.

3. •Research = Re + Search
‘Re’ means again and again and ‘Search’ means to find out something, the following is
the process:
Observes Collection of data
Person Phenomena Conclusions
Again and again Analysis of data
Therefore, research means to observe the phenomena again and again from different
dimensions.
Research

4. Important definitions of research:
“Research is a scientific and systematic search for relevant
information on a specific topic.”
It’s a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for
new facts in any branch of knowledge.
“Research may be a method of studying problems whose solutions
are to be derived partly or wholly from facts.”
(W.S. Monroes)
“Research comprises defining and redefining problems,
formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions, collecting,
organizing and evaluating data, making deductions and reaching
conclusions and at last careful testing the conclusions to
determine whether they fit the formulated hypothesis.” (Clifford
Woody)

5. Purpose of
Research
To seek answers to
questions using a
structured scientific
approach.
To uncover hidden truths
and explore undiscovered
knowledge.
To develop a deeper
understanding of a
phenomenon and gain new
insights
To accurately describe the
characteristics of an
individual, situation, or
group.
To analyze the frequency of
occurences and their
associations with other
factors
To test hypothesisand
establish casual
relationships between
variables.

6. Characteristics of Research:
Research focuses on solving specific problems
Conducting research requires specialized knowledge and expertise.
i)
Research aims to develop generalizations, principles, or theories that help predict
future events.
It is based on observable experiences and empirical evidence.
Research demands precise observation and accurate description.
It involves collecting new data from primary sources or repurposing existing data
for new insights.
ii)
v)
iv)
iii)
vi)

7. Research follows carefully structured procedures and rigorous analysis.
It seeks answers to unresolved problems.
vii)
Research aims to be objective and logical, ensuring that all procedures, data, and
conclusions are thoroughly validated.
viii)
xi)
x)
ix)
xii)
It requires patience and a meticuluos approach.
Research involves systematic data collection and accurate record-keeping.
At times, research demands courage and persistence.
Characteristics of Research continued:

8. Difference between Research and Research Methodology:
Research is the systematic
investigation into a
problem or hypothesis.
Research Methodology is
the way research is
conducted, including data
collection, analysis, and
interpretation.

9. Research Process Steps
Formulating the Research Problem
Extensive Literature Survey
Developing the Research Hypothesis
Preparing the Research Design
Determining the Research Design
Collecting the Research Data
Execution of the Project
Analysis of Data
Hypothesis Testing
Generalization and Interpretation
Preparing the Report or
Presentation of the Result

10. Identifying a Research Problem
Selecting the Research Field – Choose a domain that aligns with your interests and
expertise.
Gaining Expertise – Develop mastery in the field through specialization and in-
depth study.
Reviewing Existing Research – Analyze recent studies to understand trends and
research gaps.
Prioritizing the Study Area – Identify key areas that require further investigation
Identifying the Research Problem – Use insights from literature, personal
experience, or expert guidance.
Defining the Specific Focus – Narrow down the problem to a well-defined aspect
for systematic investigation.

11. What does Problem mean?
“Problem is the obstacle in the path of satisfying our needs.”
John Geoffery
“Problem is a question which is to be solved.”
John. G. Tornsand
“A problem is a question proposed for a solution generally speaking a problem exists
when there is a no available answer to same question.”
J.C. Townsend
“A problem is an interrogative sentence or statement that asks: What relation exists
between two or more variables?”
F.N. Kerlinger

12. • The problem concerns with the functioning of the broader area of field studied,
whereas a topic or title or statement of the problem is the verbal statement of the
problem.
• Usually it is observed that, the researcher select the topic especially from research
abstracts.
• They do not identify the problem, but a problem is made on the basis of the topic.
• As a results there is no active involvement of researcher in their research activities,
they just do it mechanically.

13. • Commonly, the guide assign or allot research problem to the student, but it should
not be.
• One of the primary roles of a research guide is to assist students in clarifying their
ideas, refining their focus, and transforming broad or complex topics into
well-defined, manageable research problems.
• Consulting an experienced faculty member or researcher is highly beneficial.

14. •Selection of problem is not the first step in research but identification of the
problem is the first step in research.
•It is wrong to think that identification of a problem means to select a topic of a
research or statement of the problem.
•Identification of problem and selection of problem are two different things.

15. Aspect Problem Identification Problem Selection
Definition
Recognizing and defining a broad or specific
problem in a field.
Choosing a specific problem to focus on from
identified issues.
Purpose
Understand what challenges exist and need
attention.
Narrowing down to a manageable and impactful
issue to research or solve.
Scope
Broad, involves exploring various potential
issues.
Narrow, focuses on a single problem for deeper
investigation.
Example
Identifying that antibiotic resistance is increasing
in bacterial infections.
Selecting to study how a specific bacterium, such
as E. coli, develops resistance to a particular
antibiotic like ciprofloxacin.
Difference Between Problem Identification and Problem Selection

16. Aspect Problem Identification Problem Selection
Example
Observing that cancer rates are rising in a
particular population.
Choosing to study how a specific gene
mutation contributes to lung cancer
progression.
Example
Investigating how microplastic pollution
affects lung function in children.
Investigating how microplastic pollution
affects lung function in children.
Example
Recognizing that existing antibiotics are
becoming less effective.
Researching a novel plant-based compound
for its antibacterial properties.
In short, problem identification is about recognizing an issue, while problem selection is
about choosing a specific aspect of that issue to study or address.

17. Can be investigated
using available resources,
time, and technology.
Should not be too
complex or unrealistic to
solve within the research
scope.
Criteria for good problem statement
Clarity and
Specificity
Clearly defines the issue
without ambiguity.
Focuses on a specific
aspect rather than being too
broad or vague.
Research
Feasibility
Relevance and
Significance
Addresses a gap in
existing knowledge or
solves a real-world
problem.
Has academic, practical,
or societal importance.

18. Criteria for good problem statement
Measurability
Should allow for data
collection, observation, or
experimentation.
Defines variables that
can be analyzed or
measured.
Novelty and
Originality
Contributes new
insights, ideas, or solutions.
Avoid duplicating
existing research without
adding value.
Alignment with
objectives
Relates to the research
aim and objectives.
Provides a clear
direction for hypothesis
formulation and
methodology.

19. 2. Extensive Literature Survey:
•Once the problem is formulated the researcher should undertake extensive
literature survey connected with the problem.
•For this purpose, the abstracting and indexing journals and published or
unpublished bibliographies are the first place to go to academic journals,
conference proceedings, government reports, books etc. must be tapped
depending on the nature of the problem.
•Use Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, PubMed, Scopus for literature searches.
•Analysing existing research help to identify gaps.
•Identifying research gap is the biggest challenge for Ph.D. students.

20. •Identify your field of interest and the research domain.
•Conduct extensive literature by reading 5-10 literature
revies in your research domain.
•Focus on future work and limitations section of the
research papers.
•Identify recent trends and emerging topics in your
domain.
•Look for patterns, contradictions, or unanswered
questions.
•Eliminate areas in which research is already done.
•Analyze Research Methodologies to identify limitations,
inefficiencies, or biases in existing methods and Explore
gaps in datasets and diverse applications.
How to find research gap?

21. •Explore interdisciplinary opportunities e.g. AI in
healthcare, blockchain in cybersecurity.
•Discuss the feasible research area with experts, peer
and your supervisor.
•Perform small-scale experiments or surveys to validate
hypotheses.
•Formulate a clear, specific, and researchable question.
•Ensure it contributes new insights and fills the
identified gap.

22. 3. Development of Working Hypothesis:
•The word hypothesis consists of two words – Hypo +
Thesis.
•‘Hypo’ means tentative or subject to the verification.
•‘Thesis’ means statement about solution of the problem.
•Thus, hypothesis is a tentative statement about the solution
of the problem.
•Hypothesis offers a solution of the problem that is to be
verified empirically and based on some rationale.
•It’s a testable prediction (e.g., “AI models can predict cancer
with 90% accuracy”).
•It’s very important or it provides the focal point for
research.

23. Importance of Setting a Hypothesis
A hypothesis plays a crucial role in guiding research. Here’s why it is important:
1. Provides Direction and Focus
Clearly defines the research objectives.
Helps in structuring the study and avoiding unnecessary exploration.
2. Facilitates Data Collection
Guides researchers on what kind of data is needed.
Ensures systematic data gathering and analysis.
3. Enhances Research Objectivity
Prevents bias by setting a predefined assumption.
Encourages evidence-based conclusions rather than personal opinions.

24. 4. Helps in Testing Relationships
Establishes a connection between variables.
Allows researchers to test cause-and-effect relationships.
5. Aids in Decision Making
Supports problem-solving and informed decision-making.
Helps organizations and policymakers make data-driven choices.
6. Validates Research Findings
Provides a benchmark for evaluating results.
Helps in determining whether the research supports or rejects the initial
assumption.
Importance of Setting a Hypothesis contd….

25. Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis
A strong hypothesis should meet the following criteria:
1. Clarity and Simplicity
Clearly stated and easily understandable.
Free from vague or complex language.
2. Testability
Can be tested through experiments, observations, or data analysis.
Allows for verification using scientific methods.
3. Specific and Precise
Defines the variables clearly.
Avoids broad or ambiguous statements.
Good

26. 4. Based on Existing Knowledge
Grounded in previous research or theoretical frameworks.
Builds on established facts and logical reasoning.
5. Falsifiability
Can be proven true or false.
Allows for empirical validation or rejection.
6. Relationship Between Variables
Establishes a clear relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Helps in understanding cause-and-effect dynamics.
7. Relevant to the Research Problem
Directly addresses the research question.
Aligns with the study’s objectives and purpose.
Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis contd…..

27. 4. Preparing the Research Design:
•State the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted.
•The preparation of such a design facilitates research to be as efficient as possible
yielding maximal information.
Reseasrch Design & Method Selection:
Exploratory
Design
Used when little
information is
available.
Experimental Design
Establishes cause-
and-effect
relationships.
Descriptive Design
Provides detailed
information about a
phenomenon.

28. Feature
Exploratory Research
Design
Descriptive Research
Design
Experimental Research Design
Objective
To explore and gain insights
into an unclear problem.
To describe characteristics,
behaviors, or trends
systematically.
To establish cause-and-effect
relationships.
Nature
Open-ended, flexible, and
unstructured.
Structured but does not
manipulate variables.
Highly controlled and structured.
Approach Qualitative (mostly) Quantitative (mostly) Quantitative
Methods
Used
Literature review,
interviews, focus groups,
case studies, observational
studies.
Surveys, questionnaires,
observational studies, case
studies.
Laboratory experiments, field
experiments, A/B testing,
randomized controlled trials.
Differences Between Exploratory, Descriptive, and Experimental Research Designs

29. Feature
Exploratory Research
Design
Descriptive Research DesignExperimental Research Design
Outcome
Identifies new problems,
patterns, or research
gaps.
Provides a detailed
understanding of a
phenomenon or population
Determines causality by testing
hypotheses.
Example
A study exploring
potential causes of a
newly emerging disease
by interviewing
healthcare professionals
and analyzing existing
case reports.
A survey conducted to
measure the prevalence of
obesity in different age groups
within a population.
A clinical trial testing the
effectiveness of a new cancer
drug by administering it to one
group and giving a placebo to
another, then comparing
outcomes.

30. •Surveys & Questionnaires: Used in social sciences and
business studies.
•Experiments: Common in sciences and engineering.
•Interviews & Focus Groups: Qualitative studies.
•Case Studies: In-depth analysis of a subject or organization.
5. Collecting the Data:
There are several ways of collecting the appropriate data which differ considerably
in context of cost, time and other resources at the disposal of the researcher.
Primary data can be collected either through experiment or through survey. In case
of survey, data can be collected by any one or more of the following ways;
Data Collection Techniques

31. 6. Determining Sample Design:
•A sample design is a definite plan determined before any data is actually
collected for obtaining a sample from a given population.
•Sample designs can be either probability or non-probability.
•With probability samples each element has a known probability of being
included in the sample. (Random sampling methods e.g., stratified, cluster
sampling).
•Non-probability samples do not allow the
researchers to determine this probability.
(Convenience, judgmental, or snowball sampling).

32. Feature Probablitiy Sampling Non-probability Sampling
Definition
Every individual in the population has a known
and equal chance of being selected.
Selection is based on non-random criteria, and not
every individual has an equal chance of being chosen.
Selection
Method
Random selection methods (e.g., lottery,
systematic, stratified, or cluster sampling).
Non-random selection methods (e.g., convenience,
judgmental, quota, or snowball sampling).
Bias
Minimizes selection bias, leading to a
representative sample.
Higher risk of selection bias, which may not represent
the entire population.
Generability
Findings can be generalized to the whole
population.
Findings are specific to the sample and cannot always
be generalized.
Example in Life
Sciences
A clinical trial randomly selecting participants
from different age groups to test a new vaccine.
A study selecting specific cancer patients who are
willing to participate in a drug trial.
Difference between Probability and Non-Probability Sampling Design

33. 7. 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 inference.
•Analysis work after tabulation is generally based on the computation of various
percentages; coefficients etc., by applying various well defined statistical formulae.
•In the process of analysis, relationships of differences supporting or conflicting
with original or new hypothesis should be subjected to tests of significance to
determine with what validity data can be said to indicate any conclusions.

34. 8. Generalizations and Interpretation:
•If a hypothesis is repeatedly tested and validated, the researcher may be able to
formulate a generalization, leading to the development of a theory.
•The true significance of research lies in its potential to establish general principles.
•If no initial hypothesis exists, the researcher may interpret findings based on
existing theories, a process known as interpretation.
•Findings should be compared with existing literature to assess their relevance and
accuracy.
•It is essential to discuss the implications of the research, acknowledge its limitations,
and propose directions for future studies.

35. 9. Preparation of the Report or the Thesis:
•Finally, the researcher has to prepare the report of what has been done by him.
•The layout of the report should be as follows-
The preliminary pages (title, acknowledgements and forward and then index.)
The main text and end matter (introduction, review of literature and methodology.)
The preliminary pages
•Cover Page & Title Page
•Declaration &
Certification
•Acknowledgment
•Abstract
•Table of Contents
•List of Figures & Tables
•List of Abbreviations &
Symbols
Main Body of the Thesis
•Introduction
•Literature Review
•Research Methodology
•Results & Discussion
•Conclusion &
Recommendations
End matter
•References/Bibliography
•Appendices (if required)

36. Ethical Considerations in Research
•Plagiarism and Academic Integrity: Use tools like Turnitin
•Data Privacy and Confidentiality: Adhere to GDPR, HIPAA regulations.
•Informed Consent: Required for human subject research

37. Criteria of Good Research:
One expects scientific research to satisfy the following criteria:
(a) The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and
common concepts be used.
(b) The research procedure used should be described in
sufficient detail to permit another researcher to repeat the
researcher for further advancement, keeping the continuity of
what has already been attained.
(c) The procedural design of the research should be carefully
planned to yield results that are as objective as possible.

38. (d) The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design
and estimate their effects upon the findings.
(e) 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.
(f) 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.
(g) Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced, has a
good reputation in research and is a person of integrity.

39. Key Sections: Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Expected
Outcomes.
Grant Proposal Writing: How to secure funding from organizations.
Publishing Research Papers
•Selecting high-impact journals (Scopus, SCI-indexed).
•Understanding peer review processes.
•Structuring a research manuscript (Abstract, Introduction, Methods,
Results, Discussion).
Research Proposal Writing:

40. Title: Artificial Intelligence-Based Sign Language Recognition for Inclusive Communication
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Research Objectives
1.4 Research Questions
2. Literature Review
3. Research Methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Data Collection
3.3 Model Development
3.4 System Evaluation
4. Expected Outcomes
5. Significance of the Study
6. Timeline
7. References
Research Proposal Format

41. APA FORMAT (American Psychological Association)
Gupta, R., Sharma, M., & Kumar, A. (2020). Antimicrobial properties of Azadirachta indica
against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli. Journal of Medicinal Plant Research, 14(3), 45-
52. https://doi.org/xxxx
MLA FORMAT (Modern Language Association)
Gupta, R., Sharma, M., and Kumar, A. "Antimicrobial Properties of Azadirachta indica Against
Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli." Journal of Medicinal Plant Research, vol. 14, no. 3, 2020,
pp. 45-52.

42. Conclusion &
Key Takeaways
Research
methodology is
critical for
producing high-
quality, impactful
research.
Selection of
methods should
be aligned with
research
objectives.
Ethical
considerations
are essential
for credible
research.
Continuous
learning and
adaptation to new
methodologies
enhance research
quality.

43. References:
1. Research methodology: tools and techniques, Dr. Prabhat Pandey, Dr. Meenu Mishra
Pandey, Bridge Center 2015.
2. Fundamentals of research methodology and statistics, Yogesh Kumar Singh, New age
international (p) limited, publishers.
3. Research Methodology, Methods and Techniques, C. R. Kothari, New age international
(p) limited, publishers.

44. THANK YOU