RM-1 - Intro to RM research methodology module. pptx

research methodology module

1. Introduction Research Methodology

2. Inroduction Research is, in essence, a process of problem solving which culminates in one or more conclusions Obj of Research.Is a problem which interests a student Problem generated by a perception of inadequate investigation or interpretation of data in a particular field of study Conclusion may be absolute as a mathematical equation or as a inconclusive as decision that no definite answer is apparent

3. Introduction No research be compared to work that starts with conclusion and then proceeds to gather and select data to substantiate that concl Research process spans over several stages of problem solving Identification of a problem Concluding with optimal answer Communication through research Research is a systematic search for new knowledge

4. Introduction Three broad streams of activities occur throughout the research process Re-examination . Re-examine the existing data aval in his fd Discovery. Seek to uncover new evidences Reflection. Reflect on these to determine best solution to his problem Research must demonstrate these qualities Must be complete and anchored in a through examination of back ground and critical data Must display objectivity . Evaluate all perceived altn solutions and must not ignore adverse evidences Purpose of research is to reveal truth . Not to win argument Research should show originality

5. Introduction Research Process, a system for recording and processing data , can be divided into five specific steps Identify, sel , and define a research problem in clear , accurate and precise terms Conduct selective library research and collect info critical to determine the problem Analyze info objectively and creatively and identify possible solutions Select logically the optimal solution to the problem from several alternative solutions Communicate effectively the results of the problem solving process by producing a formal paper

6. Inroduction These steps are not isolated operations but rather overlapping activities which generate info outputs that modify the entire process It reflects creativity and judgment to remain original

7. Step One- Identify, Select and Define a Research Problem in Clear, Accurate and Precise Terms Most Imp Phase certainly involves more study and selection than is apparent at first glance Familiarity with subj would clearly define the problem for the research Problem statement should be clear, concise, and should provide foundation upon which research would be conducted Usually there are several inter related problems or issues to be examined by researcher Problem statement provides an overview of research project, stating hypothesis, research questions or research objectives The value of hypothesis lies in clarifying in detail the issue to be addressed

8. Step One- Identify, Select and Define a Research Problem in Clear, Accurate and Precise Terms What is hypothesis . A hypothesis is a concept or idea that you test through research and experiments. In other words, it is a prediction that is can be tested by research. Most researchers come up with a hypothesis statement at the beginning of the study. Thus basically, you make a prediction about the outcome at the start of the study and conduct experiments to test whether this predictipon is true and to what extent. For example, let's say you come up with the following hypothesis: Walking for 30 mins everyday reduces hypertension . Once you have come up with this hypothesis, you need to design an experiment to test it. Let's say you decide to walk for a month and record your blood pressure. Then, as a control, for the next one month stop walking and see what happens to the blood pressure .   “It takes time to find a good problem, and every week spent in choosing one can save months or years later on.”

9. Step Two- Conduct Selective Library Research and Collect Information Critical to the Determined Problem Evaluation of Source Materials embraces four criteria Distinction between Primary and Secondary sources Author's reputation The Publisher’s Reputation Source date of Publication In the beginning of research, students come in contact with primary and secondary source of data Primary Source . All first hand info collected as direct result of the research efforts of the investigator. These are:- Official govt docus , aide- memoirs, diplomatic exchanges ltrs etc Materials published without restrictive or interpretive editing such as lab reports and govt statistical data Eyewitness reports, interviews with govt officials, lectures and questionnaires Personal data based on one’s own experience

10. Step Two- Conduct Selective Library Research and Collect Information Critical to the Determined Problem Secondary Source. It represent the work of previous research and act as an intermediary between the scholar and the original source of the information. Hazards in using the secondary sources is the potential distortion of the truth caused by a student’s reliance on the accuracy of another investigator The research scholar cannot be satisfied with second- hand opinions and investigations He must formulate his own conclusions based on his personal investigation of the source materials. Examples of secondary soreces are:- Text books, encyclopedias, almanacs, digests Books, periodicals, newspaper and research papers Note . Students must be careful to distinguish between clear, reliable statement of fact and one of opinion

11. Step Three- Analyze Information Objectively and Creatively and Identify Possible Solutions to the Problems Before the collected data can be interpreted, it must first be organized This process begins with the formulation of first tentative hypothesis and continues through the compiling of a working bibliography and the accumulation of topically classified note cards At this point, students must turn his results into an acceptable form of solution if the research has been grounded in a thorough investigation and analysis of the sources available to the student

12. Characteristics of hypothesis in Research Methodology Hypothesis should be clear and precise . If the hypothesis is not clear and precise, the inferences drawn on its basis cannot be taken as reliable. Hypothesis should be capable of being tested . In a swamp of untestable hypotheses, many a time the research programmes have bogged down. Some prior study may be done by researcher in order to make hypothesis a testable one . A hypothesis “is testable if other deductions can be made from it which, in turn, can be confirmed or disproved by observation.” Hypothesis should state relationship between variables, if it happens to be a relational hypothesis. Hypothesis should be limited in scope and must be specific. A researcher must remember that narrower hypotheses are generally more testable and he should develop such hypotheses .

13. Hypothesis should be stated as far as possible in most simple terms so that the same is easily understandable by all concerned. But one must remember that simplicity of hypothesis has nothing to do with its significance. Hypothesis should be consistent with most known facts i.e., it must be consistent with a substantial body of established facts. In other words, it should be one which judges accept as being the most likely . Hypothesis should be amenable to testing within a reasonable time . One should not use even an excellent hypothesis, if the same cannot be tested in reasonable time for one cannot spend a life-time collecting data to test it. Hypothesis must explain the facts that gave rise to the need for explanation. This means that by using the hypothesis plus other known and accepted generalizations, one should be able to deduce the original problem condition. Thus hypothesis must actually explain what it claims to explain; it should have empirical reference. Characteristics of hypothesis in Research Methodology

14. Empirical evidence is the information received by means of the senses , particularly by observation and documentation of patterns and behavior through experimentation