Research Methodology module 1 RM_Module I 1.pdf

Research Methodology module 1. give brief of research

1. Research Methodology
1

2. 2

3. Introduction:
Research is an essential and powerful tool in learning mankind towards progress.
Scientific research leads to progress in the fields of life. New products, new facts, new concepts & new ways of finding things
are being found due to ever increasing significant research in the physical, the biological, the social & the psychological fields.
1. Physical Sciences: New Technologies and Concepts
Quantum Physics: Research in quantum mechanics has led to groundbreaking technologies like quantum
computers, which promise to revolutionize fields such as cryptography, data processing, and artificial
intelligence.
Nanotechnology: advanced materials, graphene, medical devices
Ultra laser surgery, genetic disease recovery by changing genes with precision, Vaccines:
3. Cross-Disciplinary Research:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare: Research that combines computer science (AI) and biology has led to
the development of AI-driven diagnostic tools that can detect diseases, such as cancer, from medical images
more accurately than humans.
3
2. Biological Sciences: New Discoveries in Health and Medicine

4. Meaning of Research :
Research can be defined as
•“a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.”
• Systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
• Exploration of unknown phenomena for scientific, technological, or social advancements.
•“systematized effort to gain new knowledge.”
•A systematic efforts of gathering, analysing, and interpreting the problems confronted by humanity.
•A thinking process and scientific method of studying a problem and finding solution.
•a movement from the known to the unknown.
Research is a scientific way of answering questions and validating/testing hypothesis.
Re + Search → search again (Search of Knowledge)
Research is not confined to science and technology only. There are vast areas of research in
other disciplines such as languages, literature, history and sociology.
4

5. Objectives of Research
Purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific
procedure.
Main aim of research is to find the truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered as
yet.
Objectives of Research can be grouped under following heads:
1.Exploratory or Formulative : To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new
insights into it.
2.Descriptive: To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a
group.
3.Diagnostic: To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is
associated with something else.
4.Hypothesis-testing: Totest a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables.
5

6. Exploratory or Formulative
1.Gain Familiarity with a Phenomenon:
Exploratory research is often used when a researcher or an organization encounters a
new problem or issue and needs to become familiar with it. This type of research doesn't
aim to provide conclusive results but helps in understanding the nature of the issue at
hand.
Example 1: A company notices a decline in customer engagement with their product but
doesn’t know why. Through exploratory research, such as conducting informal interviews
and surveys, they might discover that customers feel the product is outdated or difficult
to use. This provides initial insights into what might be causing the problem and leads to
more specific, focused research on improving customer satisfaction.
In healthcare, exploratory research is often used to identify early-stage problems or trends. For instance, if a new health issue
arises, such as an unknown disease or an unexpected side effect of a medication, researchers might initially conduct
exploratory research to better understand its scope, causes, and effects. This could involve interviewing patients, collecting
initial health data, and reviewing symptoms. The insights gained from this exploration provide a foundation for more focused
clinical trials or studies.
6

7. 2. Achieve New Insights:
Exploratory research helps to uncover new ideas or perspectives that were previously unknown. It is often used when
existing knowledge is limited, or the subject is novel, requiring flexibility and open-ended inquiry.
Example: In the tech industry, a team working on virtual reality (VR) may conduct exploratory research to understand how
users interact with the new technology. They might observe users during VR sessions, conduct focus groups, or review
feedback. This allows the researchers to gain insights into user experience, discomfort points, and preferences, which can
then guide the development of more user-friendly VR applications.
Characteristics of Exploratory/Formulative Research:
•Flexible and Open-Ended: No strict structure is followed;
researchers remain open to whatever findings might emerge.
•Unstructured Data Collection: Methods like informal
interviews, focus groups, and observations are commonly used.
•Developing Hypotheses: While the research is not aimed at
testing hypotheses, it helps in forming them for future studies.
7

8. The objective of descriptive research is to provide a detailed, factual, and accurate picture of characteristics, behaviors, or
phenomena in a specific population or context. It focuses on "what is" rather than "why" or "how," aiming to describe
existing conditions without manipulating the study environment.
1. Describe Characteristics or Phenomena: To give a detailed description of characteristics or distinction of a population,
group, or phenomenon.
Example: A researcher may study the demographic characteristics (age, gender, education level) of smartphone users in a
city to understand who uses smartphones the most.
2. Identify Patterns or Trends: To recognize recurring behaviors, patterns, or trends in data.
Example: An educational study might describe students' study habits and identify common patterns, such as whether
most students study in the morning or late at night.
3. Classify and Categorize Data: To classify information systematically, grouping similar entities together.
-Example: In healthcare research, a descriptive study might categorize patients based on their symptoms to identify
common disease patterns.
Descriptive Research
8

9. 4. Provide Insight for Future Research: To build a foundation for further exploratory or experimental research.
Example: A survey might describe the prevalence of a particular mental health issue among teenagers, paving the way for
future research into its causes.
5. Understand the Context or Environment: To describe how certain phenomena behave in a given environment.
Example: A retail business could use descriptive research to analyze customer behavior in different store layouts,
describing how people navigate the store and which products they are drawn to.
Descriptive Research
9

10. The objective of diagnostic research is to determine the causes of a specific problem or situation. It goes beyond merely
describing a phenomenon and seeks to identify the factors responsible for the occurrence of certain outcomes.
Diagnostic research helps in pinpointing the underlying issues and offering insights for solutions.
Diagnostic Research
Key Objectives of Diagnostic Research:
1.Identify Causes of a Problem:
1.The primary goal is to uncover the factors or reasons behind an issue or a phenomenon.
2.Example: A company experiencing high employee turnover might use diagnostic research to investigate the root
causes, such as job dissatisfaction, poor management practices, or lack of career growth opportunities.
2.Examine Relationships between Variables:
1.Diagnostic research often involves exploring how different factors are related and how they interact to cause the
observed outcome.
2.Example: In healthcare, diagnostic research might be used to identify the factors contributing to increased rates of
diabetes in a population, such as diet, lifestyle, genetics, or environmental factors.
3.Provide Solutions to Identified Problems:
1.Once the causes are identified, diagnostic research aims to provide actionable solutions or recommendations.
2.Example: In education, if diagnostic research reveals that poor academic performance is linked to inadequate
learning resources, solutions such as improving access to textbooks or enhancing teaching methods might be
proposed.
10

11. Example in Detail:
A hospital may observe a sudden increase in patient complaints about long waiting times. Through diagnostic research,
they conduct surveys, interviews, and analyze data to identify the causes, which could include understaffing, inefficient
patient scheduling, or outdated software systems. After identifying the root causes, they propose solutions such as hiring
more staff, improving scheduling systems, and upgrading software.
Conclusion:
Diagnostic research is essential when an organization or researcher seeks to go beyond description and solve problems by
identifying their root causes. It is commonly used in fields like healthcare, education, business, and social sciences where
understanding the why behind issues is critical for developing solutions.
11

12. The objective of hypothesis-testing research is to evaluate the validity of a proposed hypothesis by using empirical evidence.
This type of research aims to either confirm or refute a hypothesis by systematically analyzing data, and it is a key component
of scientific inquiry. The focus is on establishing cause-and-effect relationships or determining whether certain variables are
related.
Hypothesis-testing
Key Objectives of Hypothesis-Testing Research:
1.Test the Validity of a Hypothesis: The primary goal is to determine whether a specific hypothesis is true or false based on
the data collected.
2.Example: A researcher might hypothesize that a new educational app improves students' reading comprehension skills. The
objective of hypothesis-testing research would be to collect data from students who use the app and analyze it to determine if
there is a significant improvement compared to those who don't use the app.
3.Determine Cause-and-Effect Relationships: This type of research often involves testing whether one variable (the
independent variable) causes a change in another variable (the dependent variable).
4.Example: A pharmaceutical company may hypothesize that a new drug reduces blood pressure in patients. By conducting a
clinical trial where some patients receive the drug and others receive a placebo, the company can test whether the drug
causes a significant reduction in blood pressure. 12

13. 3. Confirm or Reject Theories: Hypothesis-testing research is crucial in validating or disproving existing theories in a given
field.
Example: In physics, a hypothesis could be that increasing the temperature of a material improves its electrical conductivity.
Through experimentation and data analysis, researchers can confirm or refute this theory.
4. Provide Generalizable Results: Hypothesis-testing research often aims to produce results that can be generalized to a
larger population or applied to similar cases.
•Example: A marketing firm might hypothesize that personalized email campaigns increase customer engagement compared
to generic campaigns. By testing this hypothesis on a sample population, they aim to generalize the results to broader
marketing strategies.
13

14. Example in Detail:
In medical research, a scientist may hypothesize that a new exercise regimen reduces the risk of heart disease. To test this
hypothesis, a study is designed where one group of participants follows the regimen and another group does not. Over time,
the researcher collects data on heart disease occurrences in both groups. Statistical analysis is then used to determine
whether the exercise regimen had a significant impact on reducing heart disease risk.
If the data support the hypothesis, the researcher may conclude that the regimen is effective. If the data do not support the
hypothesis, the researcher may either reject the hypothesis or refine it for further testing.
Conclusion:
Hypothesis-testing research is vital for confirming or disproving assumptions, establishing relationships between variables,
and advancing scientific knowledge. It follows a structured, empirical approach and is central to fields like psychology,
medicine, economics, and the natural sciences, where validation of ideas through evidence is key.
14

15. Motivation in Research:
What makes people to undertake research?
1.Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits.
2.Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems.
3.Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work.
4.Desire to be of service to society.
5.Desire to get respectability.
However, this is not an exhaustive list of factors motivating people to undertake
research studies. Many more factors such as directives of government, employment
conditions, curiosity about new things, desire to understand causal relationships,
social thinking and awakening, and the like may as well motivate (or at times compel)
people to perform research operations. 15

16. Types of Research
The basic types of research
are as follows:
Types of
Research
Descriptive
vs.
Analytical
social science and
business research
Applied
vs.
Fundamental
Conceptual
vs.
Empirical
Quantitative
vs.
Qualitative
Some Other
Type of
Research
16

17. 17
Descriptive vs. Analytical
•Definition: Descriptive research is a type of research that aims to observe, describe, and document aspects of a
situation as it naturally occurs.
•Purpose: To provide a detailed account or picture of the phenomenon being studied.
Characteristics of Descriptive Research:
•Non-experimental: No manipulation of variables, purely observational.
•Natural Setting: Research occurs in a natural environment.
•Cross-sectional: Often involves a one-time snapshot of data collection, though longitudinal approaches are
possible.
•Quantitative or Qualitative: Can involve surveys, interviews, or observation
Types of Descriptive Research
1.Survey Research:
1.Involves asking questions to respondents (e.g., questionnaires, polls).
2.Case Study:
1.Detailed, in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or situation.
3.Observational Research:
1.Observing subjects in their natural environment without interference.

18. 18
Example of Descriptive Research
•Case Study Example: A study exploring the use of
smartphones among university students.
•Objective: To describe smartphone usage patterns.
•Method: Surveys distributed to 200 university students
asking about their daily smartphone activities.
•Findings: 80% use social media apps for more than 3
hours per day. 50% report using smartphones primarily
for educational purposes.
Methods Used in Descriptive Research
1.Surveys & Questionnaires:
1.Structured or semi-structured forms with predefined
questions.
2.Observation:
1.Direct observation without interference, using
checklists or notes.
3.Archival Research:
1.Analysis of existing data like records, documents, and
reports.
Advantages of Descriptive Research
•Real-world Application: Helps in understanding real-world
problems.
•Rich Data: Provides detailed information that can be used
to generate hypotheses for future research.
•Inexpensive: Often less costly compared to experimental
research.
Limitations of Descriptive Research
•No Causal Relationships: Descriptive research cannot
explain "why" something happens.
•Bias in Data Collection: Surveys and interviews can be
biased based on the wording or respondent
interpretation.
•Limited Scope: Focuses only on the "what" and "how,"
not on "why" or "what next."

19. 19
•Objective: To analyze and interpret data to understand why a phenomenon occurs.
•Approach: Focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship by testing hypotheses.
•Data Collection: Statistical methods, experimentation, comparative analysis.
•Outcome: Provides explanations, insights, and reasons behind observed patterns.
Example:
•An analysis of the relationship between smartphone usage and academic performance among university
students.
•Result: Students who use smartphones for more than 3 hours on social media tend to have lower GPAs
compared to those who spend less time.
Analytical Research
Key Differences:
•Descriptive: Answers what and how.
•Analytical: Answers why and what causes the observed phenomenon.

20. 20
•Fundamental Research (or Pure Research): Aimed at gaining knowledge and understanding, without specific
practical applications in mind.
•Applied Research: Focused on solving specific, practical problems using scientific knowledge.
Applied vs. Fundamental
Characteristics of Fundamental Research
•Objective: To advance theoretical knowledge and understanding of basic principles.
•Focus: Developing new theories, concepts, or models.
•Outcome: Provides a foundation for future practical applications.
•Example: Exploring the quantum properties of 2D materials to understand their potential behavior in different
conditions.
Characteristics of Applied Research
•Objective: To address specific, practical issues or problems.
•Focus: Application of theories and models to real-world situations.
•Outcome: Results in technology or processes that have immediate practical benefits.
•Example: Developing nanodevices using 2D materials for more efficient electronic components.

21. 21
Fundamental: Applied:
Nature of
Research:
Driven by curiosity and knowledge expansion
on fundamental properties of objects or
event.
Problem-solving, often directed by industry or
societal needs.
Scope: Broad, open-ended, exploring new frontiers.Narrow, focused on practical application and
solution development.
Funding: Usually funded by academic or governmental
bodies.
Funded by industries, businesses, or
government for specific outcomes.
Key Differences
Examples of Research
•Fundamental Research: Studying the properties of new nanomaterials for potential use in future technologies.
•Applied Research: Designing a new type of solar cell using nanomaterials to increase efficiency and reduce
costs.
Importance of Both in Scientific Progress
•Fundamental Research: Acts as the building block for future innovations.
•Applied Research: Translates the knowledge gained from fundamental research into tangible solutions.
Conclusion
•Both types of research are vital in science and technology.
•Fundamental research fuels the engine of scientific discovery, while applied research brings those discoveries
to life through innovation and problem-solving.

22. 22
Quantitative vs. Qualitative
•Qualitative Research: Focuses on understanding concepts, experiences, or phenomena.
•Quantitative Research: Focuses on quantifying relationships, behaviors, or characteristics.
Qualitative Research
•Objective: To explore underlying meanings,
motivations, and experiences.
•Nature: Non-numerical, more exploratory.
•Methods: Interviews, focus groups, observations,
case studies.
•Outcome: Insights into people’s attitudes,
behaviors, and experiences.
Example:
•A study interviewing teachers to understand their
experiences with online teaching during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Quantitative Research
•Objective: To quantify data and generalize results from a
sample to a population.
•Nature: Numerical, involves statistical analysis.
•Methods: Surveys, experiments, questionnaires.
•Outcome: Provides measurable data for decision-
making.
Example:
•A survey of 500 students to measure the impact of online
learning on academic performance, using GPA as a
measure.

23. 23
Key Differences
Qualitative Quantitative
Focus Why, how How many, how much
Data Words, images Numbers, statistics
Approach: Exploratory Conclusive
Methods: Open-ended Structured
Analysis: Thematic, narrative Statistical
Examples 1. Case Study: Understanding how individuals cope
with stress at work.
2. Ethnographic Study: Observing how a community
interacts during a social event.
1. Survey: Measuring customer satisfaction on a
scale of 1 to 10.
2. Experimental Study: Testing the effectiveness
of a new drug on 100 patients.
Strengths and
Weaknesses
Strengths: Provides depth, context, and
understanding of a topic.
Weaknesses: Results are subjective, harder to
generalize.
Strengths: Provides clear, concise, and objective
data.
Weaknesses: Can miss the full context behind
numbers.
When to UseWhen you want to explore new ideas or gain in-depth
understanding of experiences.
When you need precise data, measurable
outcomes, and statistical comparisons.
Conclusion •Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are essential in the scientific and academic fields.
•They complement each other and can often be used together (mixed-methods approach) to provide a
comprehensive understanding of a research problem.

24. 24
Conceptual vs. Empirical
Conceptual Research Empirical Research
Definition:Research that develops ideas and concepts based
on existing knowledge.
Research based on actual experiments or
observations.
Methods: Literature reviews, theoretical analysis, and
argumentation.
Data collection, experimentation, and surveys.
Outcome: Builds frameworks or models that enhance
understanding of topics.
Provides concrete evidence for or against a
hypothesis.
Example:Developing a theoretical model for economic
growth based on historical trends and concepts.
Conducting a study to test the relationship
between physical activity and academic
performance in schoolchildren.
When to
Use
•When developing a new theory or exploring
abstract ideas.
•Often used at the beginning stages of a
research project.
•When testing a theory or hypothesis.
•Best for research questions that require
data collection to provide answers.
Conclusion•Both conceptual and empirical research play crucial roles in advancing knowledge.
•Conceptual research is foundational, while empirical research validates or refutes theories
through data.

25. 25
Some Other Type of Research
1. Exploratory Research
•Definition: A research approach that seeks to investigate a problem that has not been clearly
defined.
•Objective: To gain a better understanding of an issue, often laying the groundwork for further
studies.
•Methods: Literature reviews, interviews, focus groups.
•Example: Exploring the effects of social media usage on student performance before developing
a focused hypothesis.
2. Explanatory Research
•Definition: Research aimed at explaining why or how something happens.
•Objective: To establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
•Methods: Experiments, longitudinal studies.
•Example: Studying how different teaching methods influence student learning outcomes.

26. 26
3. Action Research
•Definition: Research conducted by individuals or groups to solve an immediate problem or improve a situation.
•Objective: To implement changes while conducting the research.
•Methods: Participatory observation, iterative problem-solving.
•Example: Teachers implementing and evaluating new classroom management techniques to enhance student
engagement.
4. Cross-Sectional Research
•Definition: Research that examines a particular population at a single point in time.
•Objective: To identify trends, patterns, and relationships at a specific moment.
•Methods: Surveys, snapshot studies.
•Example: A survey conducted to assess public opinion on a policy issue at one point in time.
5. Experimental Research
•Definition: Research that manipulates variables to observe the effect on a particular outcome.
•Objective: To test hypotheses and determine causality.
•Methods: Controlled experiments, random trials.
•Example: Testing a new drug’s efficacy by comparing a treatment group with a control group.

27. Types of Research
The basic types of research
are as follows:
Types of
Research
Descriptive
vs.
Analytical
Applied
vs.
Fundamental
Conceptual
vs.
Empirical
Quantitative
vs.
Qualitative
Some Other
Type of
Research
27
Recap….
• what and how.
•why and what causes
Literature reviews, theoretical analysis, and argumentation
Data collection, experimentation, and surveys.
•Focuses on understanding concepts,
experiences, or phenomena.
•Focuses on quantifying relationships,
behaviors, or characteristics.
•Exploratory
•Explanatory
•Understanding of basic
principles
•Application of theories and
models to real-world situations.

28. Research Approaches
Qualitative Quantitative
28
methods used for data
collection, analysis, and
interpretation.
Characteristics:
•Subjective
•Exploratory in nature
•Non-numerical data (e.g., interviews,
observations)
•Characteristics:
•Objective
•Uses structured tools (e.g., surveys,
experiments)
•Numerical data
rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal
and rigid fashion.
concerned with subjective assessment of
attitudes, opinions and behaviour.

29. 29
Definition: Focuses on understanding meaning, experiences, and concepts
Qualitative Approach
Example:
1. Exploring Wave-Particle Duality (Quantum Mechanics)
•Description: In the early 20th century, scientists like Niels Bohr and
Louis de Broglie used qualitative reasoning to understand wave-
particle duality. They explored the dual nature of light (as both a
wave and a particle) without the need for immediate quantitative
analysis.
•Qualitative Focus: The thought experiments such as Schrödinger's
cat were based on conceptual reasoning about the behavior of
quantum particles without direct measurements.

30. 30
Definition: Focuses on quantifying data and generalizing results
Quantitative Approach
Double-Slit Experiment – Quantifying Interference Patterns
•Description: The double-slit experiment demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light and electrons.
Quantitative measurements are taken of the interference patterns formed when particles or light waves pass
through two slits.
•Quantitative Focus: The intensity of light or electron waves at different positions on the detection screen is
measured using detectors, resulting in data points that describe the interference pattern.
•Data Analysis: This data is quantitatively analyzed to understand how wavelength, slit width, and other
parameters affect the pattern. The mathematical model of wave interference is used to fit the data, leading to
precise verification of quantum mechanical predictions.
Simulation
Experimental
Inferential
survey research →population is
studied (questioned or
observed) to determine its
characteristics → come to a
conclusion
much greater control over the
research environment and in this
case some variables are
manipulated to observe their effect
on other variables.
involves the construction of an
artificial environment within which
relevant information and data can
be generated under controlled
condition.

31. 31

32. 32
Significance of Research
1.Foundation for Progress: Research fosters innovation and progress by promoting inquiry and problem-
solving, leading to new discoveries and advancements.
2.Economic Policy Support: It provides a basis for government decisions by analyzing economic
conditions, helping allocate resources and devise effective policies.
3.Business Decision-Making: Research aids businesses in market analysis, sales forecasting, operations
optimization, and strategic planning, replacing intuition with scientific decisions.
4.Problem Solving: In both government and industry, research helps solve operational challenges, from
resource allocation to optimizing business processes.
5.Social Science Contribution: It helps understand and address social issues, contributing to improved
human relations and practical societal solutions.
6.Intellectual Growth: Research develops logical and scientific thinking habits, and advances knowledge
for its own sake or for practical applications.
7.Career Development: For students and professionals, research can serve as a means of career
advancement, providing new opportunities and intellectual satisfaction.

33. 33
Research Method And Research Methodology
Research Method refers to the specific
techniques or procedures used to collect
and analyze data in a study. It includes the
tools and processes that researchers use to
gather information, such as experiments,
surveys, interviews, and case studies.
Research methods focus on how the
research will be conducted
Research Methodology, on the other hand,
refers to the theoretical framework that guides
the research process. It involves the underlying
principles, logic, and philosophical assumptions
that inform the choice of research methods.
Research methodology deals with why
particular methods are chosen and how they fit
into the larger structure of the research.
•Planning
•Experimentation
•Data collection
•Analysis
•Interpretation
Research Methodology
Experimental research
Descriptive researchExploratory researchCase study research
Research Method

34. 34

35. 35
The Scientific Method
Key Steps:
1.Observation: Identify a phenomenon or problem.
2.Hypothesis: Formulate a testable statement or prediction.
3.Experimentation: Design and conduct experiments to test the hypothesis.
4.Data Collection: Gather quantitative/qualitative data from experiments.
5.Analysis: Interpret data, look or patterns, relationships, or anomalies.
6.Conclusion: Accept or reject the hypothesis based on the data.
7.Replication: Repeat the process to verify results.
Research and Scientific Method
•Qualitative: Descriptive, focuses on understanding phenomena.
•Quantitative: Involves data collection and statistical analysis.
•Mixed-Methods: Combination of both approaches.

36. 36
1. Identify Research Problem - Define the problem or research question.
2. Review Literature - Conduct background research to understand existing knowledge.
3. Formulate Hypothesis/Objective - Develop a testable hypothesis or define clear
research objectives.
4. Research Design & Methodology - Choose methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed)
and plan your research process.
5. Data Collection - Gather data using experiments, surveys, observations, etc.
6. Data Analysis - Analyze collected data using appropriate tools and techniques.
7. Interpret Results - Interpret findings, validate or reject the hypothesis.
8. Report & Publishing Results - Present results in a structured report and provide
conclusions or recommendations.
Research Process

37. Schematic Ref: Adv. Mater.
Technol. 2017, 1700005
•Enhanced optoelectronic
performance
•Broadening of spectral range
Single nanowire / nanowire array
heterostructure
Photodetector
Application
37
Artificial Water
Splitting
Photodetectors
Photodetectors have
demanding applications
in various fields.
Renewable
Energy

38. 38
Research Process Flow Chart
Example:
High Efficiency Solar Cell
Highest Efficiency ~ 22 %