Introduction to Research Methodology By Dr Zaryab Khalid

Introduction to Research Methodology By Dr. Zaryab Khalid Class: BS Botany Semester: 7 th Subject: Research Methodology

Meaning of Research The systematic method consisting of enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analysing the facts and reaching certain conclusion either in the form of solutions towards the concerned problem or in certain generalisations for some theoretical formulation. 2

Objectives of research • Find out truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered yet • Gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it • Portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group 3

Objectives of research • Determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else • Test a hypothesis of a casual relationship between variables 4

Motivation in research • Research degree along with its consequential benefits • Face the challenge in solving the unsolved problem • Get intellectual joy of doing some creative work • Service to society • Get respectability 5

Research approaches • - Quantitative approach Inferential Experimental Simulation • Qualitative approach 6

Inferential approach • To form a data base from which to infer characteristics or relationships of population • Usually means survey research where a sample of population is studied to determine its characteristics 7

Experimental research • Some variables are manipulated to observe their effect on other variables • Much greater control over the research environment 8

Simulation approach • Involves construction of an artificial environment within which relevant information and data can be generated 9

Qualitative approach • • Subjective assessment of, Attitudes Opinions Behaviour Not subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis 10

Criteria of good research • • • - Purpose should be clearly defined Common concepts to be used Explain procedure clearly - for continuity Results should be as objective as possible Report with frankness Acknowledge, procedural flaws Limitations of the study 11

Criteria of good research • • Appropriate statistical test of significance Reliable outcome measures Justify conclusions with data Limitation of data Experienced researcher Systematic Logical 12

Problem encountered by researches • Lack of scientific training in methodology of research • Insufficient interaction • Need for generating the confidence that the information/data obtained from a patient will not be misused 13

Problem encountered by researches • Research studies overlapping one another are undertaken quite often for want of adequate information • Timely and adequate secretarial assistance, including computerial assistance • Library management & functioning is not satisfactory at manyplaces Dr. sir A Jo hnam Suel (P T), Lctu e rer, APC 14

Problem encountered by researches • Difficulty of timely published data availability of • Problem of conceptualization 15

Types of research • • Descriptive Analytical Applied Fundamental Quantitative Qualitative Conceptual 16

Types of research • • Empirical One-time research / longitudinal Field-setting research/laboratory/simulation Clinical / laboratory Historical Conclusion oriented Decision oriented 17

Descriptive research • Surveys & fact-finding enquiries • Description of state of affairs as it exists at present • Ex post facto research – social science & business research • Has no control over variables • Can only report what has happened or what is happening 18

Analytical research • Has to use facts / information already available • Analyse these to make critical evaluation of material 19

Fundamental research • Generalisation • Formulation of a theory • Gaining knowledge for knowledge’s sake is ‘pure’ or ‘basic' research • Finding information • E. g. with view to make generalisation about human behaviour 20

Applied research • Finding a solution for an immediate problem / for pressing practical problem • Society / industrial / business organisation • Aimed at certain conclusions • Marketing research / evaluation research 21

Quantitative research • Based on measurement of quantity or amount • Expressed in terms of quantity 22

Qualitative research • Concerned with qualitative phenomenon • Motivation research – an important type • E. g. how people feel or what they think about a particular subject or institution • To discover underlying motives • Seek guidance 23

Conceptual research • Related to abstract ideas / theory • To develop new concepts / reinterpret existing ones • That is verified by empirical research 24

Empirical research Data-based research Relies on experience / observation alone Verified by observation / experiment Works to get enough facts to prove / disprove hypothesis • Evidence gathered by this is most powerful support possible for a given hypothesis • • 25

Some other types of research • • • - Cross-sectional research/1 time Research is confined to a single time-period Longitudinal research Carried over several-time periods Field-setting/laboratory/simulation Depends upon the environment 26

Some other types of research Clinical research case-study method Diagnostic research In depth approaches to reach basic casual relations • Historical research - Utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc • • - Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 27

Research methods • All those methods/techniques that are used for conduction of research • Refer to the methods the researchers use in performing research operations • Method used by the researcher 28

Research methods • Put into 3 groups, 1. Methods which are concerned with data collection 2. Statistical techniques for establishment of relationship b/w data & unknown 3. Evaluating the accuracy of results obtained 29

Research methodology • A systematic way to solve the research problem • Science of understanding how research is done • Study varies steps adopted by a researcher • Researchers should know the relevant method and which are not Dr. Asir John Samuel (PT), Lecturer, ACP 30

Research methodology When we talk of RM we not only talk of the research methods but also consider the logic behind the methods we use in the context of our research study and explain why we are using a particular method and why we are not using others, so that research results are capable of being evaluated by the researcher himself or by others 31