1. What is research?
Based on Ranjit Kumar “Research methodology: a step-by-step guide for beginners”, 2005

2. Research is a structured inquiry that utilizes acceptable a scientific methodology to solve problems and creates new knowledge that is generally applicable (Grinnell, 1993)
A systematic investigation to find answer to a problem (Burns, 1994)
Scientific research is a systematic, controlled empirical and critical investigation of propositions about the presumed relationships about various phenomena (Kerlinger, 1986)

3. Characteristics of research
Controlled (separate causes-effects relationship of specific factors from others)
Rigorous (procedure is relevant, appropriate and justified)
Systematic (logical sequences)
Valid and verifiable (the conclusions)
Empirical (real-life experiences or observations)
Critical (the procedures used must be able to withstand critical scrutiny)

4. Type of research Three perspectives Application Objectives
Inquiry mode
Pure research
Applied research
Descriptive
Exploratory
Correlational
Explanatory
Quantitative
Qualitative

5. Pure vs Applied Research
FUNDAMENTAL (BASIC OR PURE)
Concerned with generalizations & formulation of theory
Knowledge for knowledge’s sake (I.e., pure or basic research)
APPLIED
Finding a solution for an immediate problem & not rigorous / flexible in application of the conditions

6. Descriptive, Exploratory, Correlational and Explanatory
DESCRIPTIVE/ SURVEY (EX-POST FACTO)
Surveys & fact-finding enquiries
State of affairs as it exists
No control over variables
Try to discover causes (I.e., ex- post facto)
Exploratory vs Formulated
(the degree of formulation of the problem) studies

7. Correlational Explanatory Relationship between two or more variables
Various forms of relationship (one-way, two-way or multi-dimensions)
Explanatory
Analytical based on available information or facts
Explain situations status

8. Quantitative vs Qualitative
Measured & expressed in terms of quantity
Expression of a property or quantity in numerical terms
Quantitative research helps:
Precise measurement
Knowing trends or changes overtime
Comparing trends or individual units
QUALITATIVE
Involves quality or kind
Helps in having insight into problems or cases

9. The research method/process
An eight-step model
1. formulating a research problem
2. conceptualizing a research design
3. Constructing an instrument for data collection
4. selecting a sample
5. writing a research proposal
6. collecting data
7. processing data
8. writing a research report
This is a logical step that should not over jump

10. The research method/process
4-stage/10-step model:
Preparation stage
1. define issues/problems, topics/ subjects
2. review literature, theories/concepts
3. Conceptualize the study
Design stage
4. modeling
5. develop hypotheses
6. define variables
Operation stage
7. data collection
8. process/analyse data
9. testing hypothesis
Report research results
10. report the results of the study
This is a logical step that should not over jump

11. Qualities of Good Research
1. Purpose/ objectives clearly defined in common concepts
2. Procedure enumerated to keep continuity
3. Carefully planned design leading to objective results
4. Complete frankness; flaws reported and their effect estimated
5. Adequate analysis of data with appropriate methods of analysis
6. Carefully checked data for validity & reliability
7. Conclusions confined to those justified by the data
8. Confidence, competence/ reputation, experience, honesty & integrity of researcher

12. Qualities of Good Research contd..
1. SYSTEMATIC - Reject the use of guessing &
intuition, but does not rule out creative thinking
2. CONTROLLED – Variables are identified &
controlled, wherever possible
3. LOGICAL - Guided by rules of logical reasoning &
logical process of induction & deduction
4. EMPIRICAL- Provides a basis for external validity to
results (validation)
5. REPLICABLE - Verified by replicating the study
6. SELF CORRECTING - Built in mechanism & open to
public scrutiny by fellow professionals

13. What do we need to do research
Understanding the basic concept
Interest, interest and interest
Curiosity, curiosity and curiosity
Enthusiastic, enthusiastic and enthusiastic
Practicing, practicing and practicing
Let’s see examples