Research

Definition: The systematic, rigorous investigation of a situation or problem

in order to generate new knowledge or validate existing knowledge.
A systematic, scientific & unbiased inquiry whose objective is to provide
information to generate new principles & theories, validate existing
knowledge or solution to the problem

Characteristics of Good Research

1. Purpose clearly defined
2. Research process detailed
3. Research design thoroughly planned
4. High Ethical standards applied
5. Limitations frankly revealed
6. Adequate Analysis
7. Findings presented unambiguously
8. Conclusion justified
9. Unbiased
10.
Researcher experience reflected

Types of Research
1. Academic Research Establishing new theories & addition to the
body of knowledge
2. Applied Research - refers to scientific study and research that seeks
to solve practical problems. Applied research is used to find solutions
to everyday problems, cure illness, and develop innovative
technologies, rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge's sake.
3. Basic Research - research is driven by a scientist's curiosity or
interest in a scientific question. The main motivation is to expand
man's knowledge, not to create or invent something. There is no
obvious commercial value to the discoveries that result from basic
research.
4. Descriptive research refers to research that provides an accurate
portrayal of characteristics of a particular individual, situation, or
group. Descriptive research, also known as statistical research.

5. Experimental research is an objective, systematic, controlled

investigation for the purpose of predicting and controlling phenomena
and examining probability and causality among selected variables
6. Exploratory research is a type of research conducted for a problem
that has not been clearly defined. Exploratory research helps
determine the best research design, data collection method and
selection of subjects
7. Historical research is research involving analysis of events that
occurred in the remote or recent past
8. Qualitative research is research dealing with phenomena that are
difficult or impossible to quantify mathematically, such as beliefs,
meanings, attributes, and symbols
9. Quantitative research refers to the systematic empirical
investigation of any phenomena via statistical, mathematical or
computational techniques. The objective of quantitative research is to
develop and employ mathematical
models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena

Research Process
Step 1: Identifying & Defining Research Problem
Step 2: Extensive Review of Literature Conceptual Literature
Review,
Step 3: Developing Research Questions & Hypothesis
Step 4: Planning Research Design
Step 5: Selecting Research Method/s
Step 6: Sampling
Step 7: Data Collection
Step 8: Data Processing
Step 9: Data Analysis
Step 10: Hypothesis Testing
Step 11: Data Interpretation
Step 12: Preparing & Presenting Report

Research Methods
Secondary data studies
A secondary data is concerned with the analysis of already existing
data that is related to the research topic in question.
In secondary data studies, secondary data is studied in order to
analyze the future sales of a product.
For instance, for the cell phone wave protector research, secondary
data regarding the telecommunications setup, mobile networking, the
waves used for communication for communication in wireless
telephony and its effects, may be essential for assessing the future
sales trends of the cell phone wave protector.
Secondary data studies help in projecting future sales trends using
some mathematical models.
Surveys

Preparing the questionnaire.

Collecting the data through telephone.
Gathering the data from internet.
Collecting the data through the personal
Interview method.
Using the mailed questionnaire method
Advantages and disadvantages

Experiments
Experiments can be conducted for studying cause-and-effect
relationships. Analyzing the changes in one variable, by manipulating
another variable, helps one identify cause-and effect relationships
through experiments.
Observation
Observation technique is a process where the respondents are merely
observed without any interruption by the observers or counting the
number of vehicles passing through a junction can qualify as
observation research.

The advantage of this method is that the observers do not depend on

the respondents for their responses as they are only observed and are
not asked to participate in the research process.
Although the observation technique is useful, it cannot be used for
studying several other factors such as motivation, attitudes and so on.

Sampling Techniques
Probability Sampling Equal chance of for every element of
population to selected as sampling unit

Random Sampling
Stratified Sampling
Systematic Sampling
Cluster sampling/ Area Sampling
Multi stage Sampling

Non Probability Sampling Judgment or purposive

Judgmental or purposive sampling

Quota Sampling
Convenient Sampling
Snowball Sampling

Data Collection Methods

Primary Data Collection Methods
Primary Data Data that you collect for your specific research objective

Surveys

Questionnaires /Schedules, mail order

Personal interviews Structured/Unstructured, telephonic

Focus groups

Experiments

Observational study

Secondary Data Collection Methods

Data someone else has collected
Sources of Secondary data Internal & External

Research Ethics

Rights and obligations of Research Participants (Subjects)

1. Informed Consent: research requires that a respondent voluntarily
answers questions in one or the other ways (personal, telephonic,
email, web based survey). In these cases, informed consent means
that the individual understands what the researcher wants him or her
to do and consents to the research study. In case of no consent it leads
to deception, an unethical behavior.
2. Debriefing: In some cases, research participants may not be aware
that they are being monitored in some way, especially in case of
observation studies, no consent is provided since the respondent is
participating passively, they should be debriefed once the research is
complete. Debriefing involves explanation of any deception, post study
sharing the results (unless it is confidential).
3. Right to Privacy: All the individuals have a right to privacy, and
researcher must respect the right. The privacy guarantee is important
not only to retain validity of the research but also to protect
respondent. The researcher protects the privacy of the subjects in
several ways restricting access to respondent identification,
revealing respondent information only with written consent, and
restricting access to data instruments where the respondent is
identified.
4. Protection from harm: The researcher should do everything to
make sure that research participants are not harmed physically or
psychologically by participating in research. Especially in case of
experimental research sue care should be taken by the researcher to
protect the subject. Three key questions that can determine whether a
research subject is being treated unethically
a. Has the research subject provided consent to participate in an
experiment?
b. Is the research subject to substantial physical or psychological
trauma?
c. Can the research subject be easily returned to his/her initial
state?

5. Obligation of research subject: When someone willingly consents

to participate actively, it is expected that he/she will provide truthful
answers. Honest cooperation is the main obligation of the research
subject. In certain cases, researcher and the client may also expect
the respondent to maintain the confidentiality about the research.
Rights and Obligations of the Researcher
1. Right to safety: It is the researchers responsibility to design a
project so that safety of all interviewers, surveyors, experimenters, or
observers is protected. Some places which are potentially unsafe for
the researcher to be avoided or proper protection measures to be
taken to safeguard the people.
2. Protection against improper solicitation of proposal: Research
proposals should be requested only as a means to decide the utility
and viability of a research project. Inviting proposals where there is
no intention of engaging external research firm is highly unethical.
3. Availability of funds: While requesting research proposal, clients
should provide approximately budget estimation so that researcher
can design their process within the resources available.
4. Obligation of Researchers: Obligations of researchers are follows
a. Misinterpretation of research finding
b. Honesty in presenting results avoid window dressing to please
other participants
c. Honesty in reporting errors and limitations
d. Confidentiality
e. Avoid conflict of interest
Rights and Obligations of the User (Client/ Sponsor)
1. Right to Confidentiality: The researcher or the subjects must
maintain the confidentiality of the research purpose, process and
findings. This right of the user.
2. Right to Quality Research: An important consideration for the
researcher and the sponsor is the sponsors right to quality. The right
entails:
a. Providing a research design appropriate for the research
question.

b. Maximizing the sponsors value for the resources expended.

c. Providing data handling and reporting techniques appropriate
for the data collected.
3. Obligations of the User: Obligations of Users are as follows
a. Not mixing sales and research Avoid use of research data for
sales pitch
b. Avoid Pseudo research Avoid conducting research not to gather
information but to bolster a point of view and satisfy other
needs.
c. Avoid Misinterpretation of results

Format of Thesis

Qualities of Good Thesis

1. It should be factual: Every report should be based on facts, verified
information and valid proofs.
2. Clear and Easily understandable: Explained below

3. Free from errors and duplication

4. Should facilitate the decision makers in making the right decision:
5. Result focused and result oriented
6. Well organized and structured
7. Ethical reporting style

Characteristics of Good Thesis

1. Reader Friendly
a. Write only what is necessary
b. Avoid repetition and redundancy
c. Give interesting and relevant information
d. Avoid preaching or lecturing
e. Compose short and correct sentences
2. Purposeful presentation Should meet the objectives
3. Organized & Well Structured
4. Timely Prepared
5. Free from Bias
Article An investigator studied the data for a given area and prepared a
write up based on the same is called as an article
Research Paper A research based on his/her research on a specific topic
or theme prepares a research paper to publish findings for publication in
National/International journals of repute
Conference An academic association assembled at one place to discuss
the progress of its work & future plans, such assembly is known as
conference
Workshop - Workshops tend to be smaller and more intense than seminars.
This format often involves students or participants practicing their new
skills during the event under the watchful eye of the instructor. Hands-on
Workshops typically involve participants doing work on a particular issue
during the program.

Seminar - Seminars are educational events that feature one or more

subject matter experts delivering information primarily via lecture and
discussion.
Symposium - A Symposium is typically a more formal or academic
gathering, featuring multiple experts delivering short presentations on a
particular topic. This closely relates to Seminar.