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PCTI Limited - A Unique Name For Quality Education

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

BY: RAKHI GUPTA

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Research Methodology

It is defined as

"the analysis of the principles of

methods, rules, and postulates

employed by a discipline";

"the systematic study of methods

that are, can be, or have been

applied within a discipline"; or

"a particular procedure or set ofprocedures."

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Research Methodology refers to more

than a simple set of methods; rather itrefers to the rationale and thephilosophical assumptions that underliea particular study. This is why scholarly

literature often includes a section on themethodology of the researchers. Thissection does more than outline theresearchers methods (as in, Weconducted a survey of 50 people over atwo-week period and subjected theresults to statistical analysis, etc.); itmight explain what the researchersontological or epistemological views
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontology

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Research is defined as human activity based on intellectual

application in the investigation ofmatter. The primary aim

for applied research is discovering, interpreting, and thedevelopment of methods and systems for the advancement

of human knowledge on a wide variety of scientific mattersof our world and the universe. Research can use the

scientific method, but need not do so.

Scientific research relies on the application of thescientific method, a harnessing ofcuriosity. This research

provides scientific information and theories for the

explanation of the nature and the properties of the world

around us. It makes practical applications possible.

Scientific research is funded by public authorities, bycharitable organisations and by private groups, including

many companies. Scientific research can be subdivided

into different classifications according to their academic

and application disciplines.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectualhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_%28observation%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpretation_%28logic%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_methodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_methodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curiosityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propertyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propertyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curiosityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_methodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_methodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpretation_%28logic%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_%28observation%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectualhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human

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Research Problem

A research problem is the situation that causes theresearcher to feel apprehensive, confused and ill atease. It is the demarcation of a problem area withina certain context involving the WHO or WHAT, theWHERE, the WHEN and the WHY of the problemsituation.

There are many problem situations that may giverise to research. Three sources usually contributeto problem identification. Own experience or theexperience of others may be a source of problemsupply. A second source could be scientificliterature. You may read about certain findings and

notice that a certain field was not covered. Thiscould lead to a research problem. Theories could bea third source. Shortcomings in theories could beresearched.

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Research Problem

Research can thus be aimed at

clarifying or substantiating an existingtheory, at clarifying contradictoryfindings, at correcting a faultymethodology, at correcting the

inadequate or unsuitable use ofstatistical techniques, at reconcilingconflicting opinions, or at solvingexisting practical problems.

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IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM

The prospective researcher should think on what

caused the need to do the research (problemidentification). The question that he/she shouldask is: Are there questions about this problem towhich answers have not been found up to thepresent?

Research originates from a need that arises. Aclear distinction between the PROBLEM and thePURPOSE should be made. The problem is theaspect the researcher worries about, thinkabout, wants to find a solution for. The purposeis to solve the problem, i.e. find answers to the

question(s). If there is no clear problemformulation, the purpose and methods aremeaningless.

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Keep the following in mind:

Outline the general context of the problemarea.

Highlight key theories, concepts and ideascurrent in this area.

What appear to be some of the underlying

assumptions of this area? Why are these issues identified important?

What needs to be solved?

Read round the area (subject) to get toknow the background and to identify

unanswered questions or controversies,and/or to identify the most significantissues for further exploration.

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The research problem should be stated in such away that it would lead to analytical thinking on

the part of the researcher with the aim ofpossible concluding solutions to the statedproblem. Research problems can be stated inthe form of either questions or statements.

The research problem should always be

formulated grammatically correct and ascompletely as possible. You should bear in mindthe wording (expressions) you use. Avoidmeaningless words. There should be no doubt inthe mind of the reader what your intentions are.

Demarcating the research field into manageableparts by dividing the main problem into subproblems is of the utmost importance.

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Basic steps of a research project

Find a topicWhat, When

Formulate questionsWhat, Why

Define populationWho, When

Select design & measurementHow

Gather evidenceHow

Interpret evidenceWhy

Tell about what you did and found

out

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Types of methodologies

QuaLitative Measures Descriptive

Numbers not the primary focus

Interpretive, ethnographic,naturalistic

QuaNtitative Measures N for numbers

Statistical

Quantifiable

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH REPORT

WRITING

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Report

A report is a communication

of information or advice from

a person who has collected

and studied the facts, to aperson who has asked for the

report because they need it

for a specific purpose.

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Reports are the most usual way ofcommunicating the result of projects

or investigations-for employers,governments, political organizations.They should be concise and have aspecific structure.

Courses require report writing to giveyou practice at producinginformation in a relevant way for

employment.

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RESEARCH REPORT

A research report is:

a written document or oral presentationbased on a written document that

communicates the purpose, scope, objective(s),

hypotheses, methodology, findings,

limitations and finally, recommendations of

a research project to others.

The last stage of a marketing research process.;

It is more than a summary of findings; rather it is

a record of the research process.

The researcher has to convince the client[and others who may read the report] that

the research findings can be acted on for

their own benefit.

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Any research report contains:

descriptions on methodology, results obtained,

and recommendations made.

The basic orientation of a research report

depends on its audience. Before writingthe report

the researcher must know his or her

audience;

he/she may have to make assumptionsabout the composition, background and

interests of the target readers.

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REPORT PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION PROCESS

Pre-report Writing Activities

Report WritingActivities

Post

Report

Writing

Problem Definition,Research Designand Methodology

DataAnalysis

Interpretation ofResearch

findings

ReportPreparation

OralPresentattion

Reading of theReport by the

client

RESEARCHFOLLOW-UP

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Purpose of Report

It is important to make sure your report

fits the purpose and meets its aims. Your audience

(who is your report for? What are the readersneed and characteristics?

Your aim(what end result do you want-to inform, persuade,recommend, will it lead to decision, or policies)

Your topic and focus(what is the main subject area and which

particular aspect/issue will you cover)

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Types of Research Reports

Technical Reports: Technical reports aretoday a major source of scientific andtechnical information. They are preparedfor internal or wider distribution by manyorganizations, most of which lack theextensive editing and printing facilities ofcommercial publishers.

Technical reports are often prepared forsponsors of research projects. Another casewhere a technical report may be producedis when more information is produced foran academic paper than is acceptable or

feasible to publish in a peer-reviewedpublication; examples of this include in-depth experimental details, additionalresults, or the architecture of a computermodel.

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Other Types of research reports

1. Popular Report

2. Interim Report

3. Summary Report

4. Research Abstract

5. Research Articles

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CONTENTS OF RESEARCH REPORT

I. Title page

II. Letter of transmittalIII. Table of contentsIV. List of tablesV. List of graphsVI. List of appendicesVII. List of exhibits

VIII. Executive summarya. Major findingsb. Conclusionsc. Recommendations

IX. Introductiona. Background to the

problem

b. Statement of theproblem

X. Approach to theproblem

XI. Research design

a. Type of research designb. Information needsc. Data collection from secondarysourcesd. Data collection from primarysourcese. Scaling techniquesf. Questionnaire development and

pretestingg. Sampling techniques

h. Field work

XII. Data analysisa. Methodologyb. Plan of data analysis

XIII. Results

XIV. Limitations and caveatsXV. Conclusions and

recommendations

XVI. Appendixa. Questionnaires and formsb. Statistical outputc. Lists

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The first step in the process involves..

the interpretation of the results of

data analysis in light of:

the marketing research problem

investigated,

and the research design and

methodology followed.

The research report is a means of

communication that can be

understood, believed, trusted byeveryone who are likely to be affected

by the research, and acted upon by

the decision maker.

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Before writing the report

the researcher should discuss: themajor findings, conclusions, andrecommendations with the keydecision makers. necessary to ensure that the report meets

the client's needs and is ultimatelyaccepted.

The entire marketing research project: should be summarized in a single written

report or in several reports addressed todifferent readers.

should present the findings in such a waythat they can be used directly as inputinto decision making.

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Report Format

No universally accepted standard

format or style for research writing.Different researchers may prepare

their reports differently.

The personality, background, expertise,

and responsibility of the researcher and

those of the decision maker for whom the

report is written interact to give each

report a unique character.

Report formats are likely to vary with thenature of the project itself. However, the

research report closely resembles the

steps of the marketing research process.

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Report Writing

Effective report writing is an art.

Some basic points to note in writing a report. Readers: The report should take into account the

level of readers' technical sophistication, their

interest in the project, ability to understand as

well as the circumstances under which they will

read the report and how they will use it.. Adherence to study objectives: A research report

must show that the research objectives have

been accomplished..

Easy to follow: The most basic characteristic of a

good report is that it is easy to follow. It should be well organized, logically

structured, and clearly and lucidly written.

Headings and sub-headings should be used for

different topics and subtopics respectively..

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Objective: Report writing should always be guided

by objectivity.

Should accurately present the methodology,

results, and conclusions of the project, without

slanting the findings to conform to the

expectations of management.

Selectivity: A researcher must use his or herdiscretion in deciding what should be included in

the report.

Concise:A report should be concise. Yet brevity

should not be achieved at the expense of

completeness.

Presentation:The report should be professionally

done with quality paper, good typing, and attractive

binding.

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Visual aids:Key information presented in the textof a research report should be reinforced with

tables, graphs, pictures, maps, and other visualdevices.

Guidelines for Tables: Statistical tables are a vitalpart of the report and deserve special attention.

Every table should have a number and brief but

clear title. Basis or unit of measurement should be clearly

stated to facilitate understanding.

The arrangement of the data item shouldemphasize the most important aspect of the data

being presented. If necessary, explanations, comments etc.

should be provided as footnotes.

If the table presents secondary data, thesource(s) must be cited clearly.

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Styles of Reporting

1. Appropriate language

Precise Concise

Explain words/terms your reader

may not understand Abbreviations should be written

in full first with the abbreviation

in brackets, after which theabbreviation can be used

Short sentences

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2. Layout of a report presentation

Overall image: word processing

Headings: use headings

Numbering: numbering your

sections and makes things clearer

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3. Use of images/visuals

To make something clearer rather

than to pretty things up

When something is difficult to

describe in words or visual in

natureTo show how something works

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4. Editing

Purpose

Have your clarified your

purpose?

Have you identified your

readers needs/characteristics?

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5. Information

Have you included the main

points?

Are points supported by evidence?

Is the information relevant to the

purpose?

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6. Accuracy

Are there any spelling mistakes

Is the grammar/punctuationcorrect?

Do figures add up?

Are the reference correct, in the

text and at the end?

Are the reference of information

listed in the reference sections?

Are abbreviations consistent?

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7. Format

Is there a balance between

sections? Do the most importantitems take up the most space?

Is the report easy to follow?

Is it easy to find information inthe report?

Are headings and numbering clear?

Are the arguments followed

through?

Is it logical/easy to follow?

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8.Language

Is it clear? Direct, easy to read?

Will the readers understand it?

Will its tone help you achieve the

purpose?

Can unnecessary words/phrases

be deleted?

Is there any repetitions?

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9.Presentation

Is the layout appealing?

Does it highlight important points?

Are images clear?

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10. evaluate and improve your report

Look at any assessment criteria to

see how far it meets them Look at your aim to see if you

have met them

Use feedback

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