DEFINITION

Research process consists a series of actions or steps

necessary to effectively carry out research and the desired sequencing of these steps.

Define Research Problem

Review Concepts and theories Review Previous Research Findings

Formulate Hypothesis

Review of Literature

Design Research (including sample design)

Collect Data (Execution) Analyze Data (Test Hypotheses if any) Interpret and Report

Expert Opinion Initial Observation

Literature Review
Theoretical framework

Research Problem Identification

Research Problem Definition

Identification of Variables Research Problem formulation

Development of Hypotheses
Types of Research Measurement design Data Collection Method Analysis method Primary data collection

Research Proposal

Research Design Conducting Research Study Analysis of data

NO

Research Problem Solution ?

Hypothesis testing Model testing Derivation of relationship

Yes
Report of results & inferences

RESEARCH PROCESS

Contents

Research Problem Definition Kinds of Research Theoretical Framework Tentative Hypotheses/ Model Development Research Planning (Design)

Execution of Research Study

Data Preparation & Analysis Reporting Results

Research Problem Definition

The tentative and general statements of problems obtained in the identification phase are converted into researchable questions and propositions. Clear and unambiguous statements of the problem are made and the information required for research is stated.

Deductive and Inductive Theory

Many kinds of research

LOGICAL (mathematics, philosophy)
EVALUATION (judging, appraising) INVESTIGATIVE (law, government hearings, journalism) DEMOGRAPHIC (economics, census, polling) MODUS OPERANDI (forensics, medical diagnosis)

EMPIRICAL/SCIENTIFIC (social science, education, physical science)

Mixed Methods Quantitative

Empirical Research

Qualitative

Experimental Correlational

Quasiexperimental

Quantitative

Single subject
Descriptive Metaanalysis

Phenomenological

Interpretive
Understanding a situation from the participant perspective

Ethnographic

Grounded Theory

Qualitative
Action Research

Critical
Understanding and critiquing power within society

Dialectics

QUAL-quant

Mixed Methods

QUANT-qual

QUAL-QUANT

Mixed Methods
Quantitative

VALIDITY

Qualitative

Replicability Reliability Probabilistic Method & instruments

Credibility Verisimilitude Confirmability Researcher

Mixed Methods Quantitative

GENERALIZABILITY

Qualitative

Nomothetic statements Similarity Sample to population Justifiability through standard techniques Researcher makes explicit claim about generalizability

Idiographic statements Similarity & difference Thick description Researcher as instrument Readers judge the transferability

LITERATURE REVIEW Questions a Literature Review can answer

What are the major issues and debates about the topic? What are the key sources? Who are the key authors? Who influenced them? What are the key concepts, models, principles, theories and ideas? What are the main questions and problems that have been addressed to date?

Questions a Literature Review can answer

What are the origins of the topic? How has it been defined?
Official sources; academic definitions

What is the context to the topic? How is knowledge on the topic structured and organised?

The Critical Literature Review Its Central Importance

2. Informs

Research Problem

Literature Review

Research Design

Research Findings

1. Informs

3. Reforms 4. Contributes to

Literature sources available to you

PRIMARY e.g. reports, theses, emails, conference, Reports, company reports, some govt. publications, Unpublished manuscript sources SECONDARY e.g newspapers, books, journals, internet, Some govt. publications

TERTIARY e.g indexes, abstracts, catalogues, encyclopaedias, dictionaries, bibliographies, citation indexes.

Tentative hypotheses/models development

The problem definitions/propositions are converted into hypotheses or models, which are in testable form to ascertain whether they can be verified statistically or are feasible for solution procedures Hypotheses and theoretical frame work are termed research problem formulation.

The Critical Literature Review Outcomes of the Review

Skills Developed distinguishing what has been done from what needs to be done discovering important variables relevant to the topic synthesising and gaining a new perspective identifying relationships between ideas and practice establishing the context of the topic or problem rationalizing the significance of the problem

The Critical Literature Review Outcomes of the Review (Contd.)

Skills Developed (Contd.)

enhancing and acquiring the subject vocabulary understanding the structure of the subject relating ideas and theory to applications identifying the main methodologies and research techniques that have been used placing the research in a historical context to show familiarity with state-of-the art developments

Questions a literature review can answer

What are the major issues and debates about the topic?
What are the key sources? What are the key concepts theories and ideas? What are the epistemological and ontological grounds for the discipline? What are the main questions and problems that have been addressed to date?

Literature search and review on your topic

What are the political standpoints?

How is knowledge on the topic structured What are the origins and and organised? definitions of the topic?

Theoretical Framework

Variables required for solving the problem are identified, partly from literature and partly by the researcher for defining the problem. The problem is related to the existing research-theories, constructs, and hypotheses in a theoretical framework that will ensure step-by-

step progress of knowledge (as in pure research) or a strong basis

for the current problem solving (as in applied research).

Research Planning (design)

This involves the following steps: (i) Determining the type of research to be carried out for data

collection- secondary data, experiment, ex post facto, or

model building; (ii) Selection of the measurement and scaling of the variables that is, whether questionnaires, or observations or interview techniques are used;

Research Planning (design)

(iii) Selection of the representative sample: specification of how many respondents, and what kind of respondent or objects to measure; (iv) Selection of the appropriate method/techniques of analysis of data; (v) Preparation of a research proposal. In addition to the above steps in research design specification of the time schedule of research,

Research Planning (design)

cost estimates and usefulness of the research are summarized in a research project proposal. This serves as a means of

communication to the sponsorer or the administration of a

university for obtaining funds or approval.

Execution of research study

Data is collected as per the sampling plan using the instrument developed as per the specification in the design phase. Data Preparation and Analysis: The raw data collected in the earlier step is converted into data usable for research by carrying out coding, transformation, and performing descriptive analysis, as required.


This converted data is used for verifying hypothesis, deriving significant relationships, or testing models, as required, and inferences are drawn from the study and result are analyzed.

Reporting Results
The results obtained in the research are presented in the form of a written report, thesis, or in an oral presentation.

 Decide on the general area of study or investigation

Generally influenced by your own experiences

Research Problem

Area

The Problem Definition Process

Tasks Involved
Discussion with Decision Maker(s) Interviews with Experts Secondary Data Analysis Qualitative Research

Environmental Context of the Problem

Step I: Problem Definition

Management Decision Problem Marketing Research Problem

Step II: Approach to the Problem

Objective/ Theoretical/ Foundations

Analytical Model: Verbal, Graphical, Mathematical

Research Questions

Hypotheses

Specification of Information Needed

Step III: Research Design

Steps in Defining the problem

General area of investigation --Madsens criteria:
Sustain your interest & stimulate your imagination Within your range of competencies Manageable in size Potential to make a contribution to body of knowledge Based on obtainable data Demonstrate your independent mastery of both the subject and method

The Problem Audit

of a marketing problem with A comprehensive examination

the purpose of understanding its origin and nature
The events that led to the decision that action is needed or the history of the problem The alternative courses of action available to the DM The criteria that will be used to evaluate the alternative courses of action The potential actions that are likely to be suggested based on the research findings The information that is needed to answer the DM's questions The manner in which the DM will use each item of information in making the decision The corporate culture as it relates to decision making

Factors to be Considered in the Environmental Context of the Problem

PAST INFORMATION AND FORECASTS

RESOURCES AND CONSTRAINTS OBJECTIVES BUYER BEHAVIOR LEGAL ENVIRONMENT ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

MARKETING AND TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS

Management Decision Research Problem

Management Decision Problem

Problem

Vs.

Marketing

Business Research Problem

To determine consumer preferences and purchase intentions for the proposed new product

Should a new introduced?

product

be

Should the advertising campaign be changed?

To determine the effectiveness of the current advertising campaign

Should the price of the brand be increased?

To determine the price elasticity of demand and the impact on sales and profits of various levels of price changes

Proper Definition Research Problem

Business Research Problem

of

the

Broad Statement

Specific Components

Steps in defining the problem

General area of investigation, continued

My study is about. or the purpose of . Make it twelve words or less if possible Becomes a working title for your research. Is it researchable? Example My study is about the effect of size and color of screen icons on user perceptions

Steps in Defining the problem

Narrow the general topic down To a specific statement of the research problem Use a single paradigm if possible Difficulty --the topic & research question must be formulated before you have a thorough understanding of research NARROW

Narrow

Technique in defining a problem

Statement of the problem in a general way Understanding the nature of the problem Surveying the available literature Developing the ideas through discussions Rephrasing the research problem

General statement

Steps Search Different Reasons

Pilot Study

Formulate Objective

Develop Sub objectives

Problem Definition
In the department store project, the marketing research problem is to determine the relative strengths and weaknesses of Reliance Mart, vis--vis other major competitors, with respect to factors that influence store patronage. Specifically, research should provide information on the following questions

What criteria do households use when selecting department stores?

How do households evaluate Reliance Mart and competing stores in terms of the choice criteria identified in question 1?
Which stores are patronized when shopping for specific product categories? What is the market share of Reliance Mart and its competitors for specific product categories? What is the demographic and psychological profile of the customers of Reliance Mart? Does it differ from the profile of customers of competing stores?

Development of Research Questions and Hypotheses

Components of the Marketing Research Problem Objective/ Theoretical Framework Analytical Model Hypotheses

Research Questions

Research Questions and Hypotheses

Research questions (RQs) are refined statements of the specific components of the problem. Hypothesis (H) An unproven statement or proposition about a factor or phenomenon that is of interest to the researcher. Often, a hypothesis is a possible answer to the research question.

Department Store Project

RQ: Do the customers of Reliance Mart exhibit store loyalty?

H1: Customers who are store-loyal are knowledgeable about the shopping environment.

less

H2: Store-loyal customers are more risk-averse than are non-loyal customers.