MCS10 301(B) / MCY10 301(B)

Research Methodology
Dr. N. K. Sakthivel, M.Tech., Ph.D.
Vice Principal, NCERC








Syllabus ( L : 3, T : 1)
September 12, 2014 2
Module 1 : Research Methodologies (12)
Introduction, Research and Scientific methods, Objectives and
Motivation of Research, Criteria of Good research, Research
approaches, Significance of research, Type of Researches, Research
methods VS Methodology, Research problems, Defining a research
problem, Research Design , Sampling Design.







Syllabus ( L : 3, T : 1)
September 12, 2014 3

Module 2 : Data Collection and Analysis (13)
Collection of Primary Data, Observation method, Interview Method,
Collection of data through Questionnaires and Schedules,
Secondary Data, Processing operations, Statistics in research,
Measures of central Tendency, Other methods of data collection,
Collection of secondary data, Processing operations, Types of
analysis, statistics in research, Dispersion, Asymmetry, relationship,
Simple regression analysis, Partial correlation





Syllabus ( L : 3, T : 1)
September 12, 2014 4
Module 3 Testing (14)
Hypothesis-I - Introduction, Testing of Hypothesis, Procedure for
hypothesis testing, Flow diagram for hypothesis testing, Measuring the
power of hypothesis test, Tests of Hypothesis, Hypothesis testing of
Means, Proportions, Correlation Coefficients, Chisquare test, Phi
Coefficient, Hypothesis-II - Introduction, Nonparametric, Distribution
free Tests, Sign tests, Fisher-Irwin test, Spearmans Rank Correlation,
Kendalls Coefficient of concordance
Module 4 Report (14)
Report Writing Introduction and Significant, Interpretation
Meaning, Techniques, and Precautions, Layout of research reports,
Types of report, Mechanics and precautions of writing a research report,
Computer role in research, computers and computer technology,
computer system, Characteristics





Syllabus ( L : 3, T : 1)
September 12, 2014 5
Text Books
1. CR Kothari, Research Methodologies Methods and Techniques,
Second Edition, New Age International
2. John W Best and James V Kahn, Research in Education, Fifth
Edition, PHI, New Delhi.
3. Pauline V Young, Scientific Social Surveys and Research, Third
Edition, PHI New York






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Introduction
Research and Scientific Methods
Objectives and Motivation of Research
Criteria of Good Research
Research Approaches
Significance of Research
Type of Researches
Research Methods VS Methodology
Defining a Research Problem, Research Design , Sampling Design





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Introduction
Objectives and Motivation of Research
Type of Researches
Research Approaches
Significance of Research
Research Methods VS Methodology
Research and Scientific Methods
Criteria of Good Research
Defining the Research Problem
Research Design
Sampling Design





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Desire to get a research degree along with its
consequential benefits;
Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved
problems
i.e., concern over practical problems initiates
research
Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative
work
Desire to be of service to society
Desire to get respectability





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Module 1 : Research
Methodologies
September 12, 2014 10





Research
Methodologies
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Introduction : i. Meaning of Research
It is called as Search of Knowledge
It can be defined as
o Scientific , Systematic and Organized Search
o Continuous Attention : Re-Returning to Study on
ongoing Products
o Establishing Facts : Systematic Description
o Establishing Relations : Relations between Variables
o Establishing Principles and Theories : Explanation and
Discovery
It facilitates to enter into Scholarly Community






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Introduction : ii. Objectives / Motivation of Research
Find out the Truth, which is hidden and which has not been
discovered yet
The main Objectives can be defined as
o To gain the familiarity with a Phenomenon
o To Portray Accurately the Characteristics of a Particular
Individual, Situation or Group
o To determine the Frequency with which something
Occurs or Associated
o To test a Hypothesis of a causal relationship between
variables






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Introduction : iii. Types of Research
Descriptive vs. Analytical
Applied vs. Fundamental
Quantitative vs. Qualitative
Conceptual vs. Empirical
It can be further Classified as
Pure Research
Applied Research
Practical Research








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Introduction : Types of Research
Descriptive Research
It includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of
different kinds
The researcher has no control over the variables
He/She can only report what has happened or what is
happening
Frequency of shopping, preferences of people, or similar
data








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Introduction : Types of Research
Analytical Research
The researcher has to use facts or information already
available and analyze these to make a critical evaluation
of the material





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Introduction : Types of Research
Applied Research
It aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem
facing a society or an industrial/business organisation
Fundamental Research
Generalizations with the formulation of theories
It is Pure or Basic Research






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Introduction : Types of Research
Quantitative Research
It aims at finding the measurement of Quantity
Qualitative Research
Specially important in the behavioural sciences
o Attitude or Opinion Research
o The aim is to discover the underlying motives of
human behaviour
o It is analyzing the various factors which motivate
people to behave in a particular manner or which make
people like or dislike





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Introduction : Types of Research
Conceptual Research
It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to
develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing one
Empirical Research
Experimental
Other Type of Research
Laboratory Research
Simulation Result
Historical Research





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Introduction : iv. Research Approaches
Quantitative Research Approaches
Experimental (Analytical Survey, Relational, Association, Correlation, Prediction)
Simulation
Qualitative Research
Inferential / Survey ( For Soft Science : Human and Social Science)
o Models may be based on Opinions, Values, Traditions, Cultures
o Rules cannot be pinned down
Group Interview Attitude and Opinion Based
Historical, Comparative, Descriptive, Evaluation, Action





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Introduction : v. Significance of Research
Hudson Maxim says All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is
often better than overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry,
and inquiry leads to invention
o To those PG / Research Students : Research may mean a
careerism or a way to attain a high position in the social
structure
o To Professionals : Research may mean a source of livelihood
o To philosophers and thinkers : Research may mean the outlet
for new ideas and insights;
o To literary men and women : Research may mean the
development of new styles and creative work;
o To analysts and intellectuals : Research may mean the
generalisations of new theories.






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Introduction :vi. Research Methods vs Methodology
Method : It is concerned with the collection of data. These
methods will be used where the data already available are not
sufficient to arrive at the required solution
Techniques, which are statistical techniques that are used
for establishing relationships between the data and the
unknowns
Methodology
o It is a way to systematically solve the research problem
o Study the various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher
in studying his research problem
o For example, an architect, who designs a building, has to consciously
evaluate the basis of his decisions, i.e., he has to evaluate why and
on what basis he selects particular size, number and location of
doors, windows and ventilators, uses particular materials





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Introduction : Research Methods vs Methodology





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Introduction : Research Methods vs Methodology





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Introduction : vii. Research and Scientific Methods
It depends and relies on Empirical Evidence
It utilizes relevant concepts
It results into probabilistic predictions
It aims at formulating most general axioms or what can be
termed as scientific theories






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Introduction : viii. Criteria for Good Research
The purpose of the research should be clearly defined
and common concepts be used
The research procedure used should be described in
sufficient detail to permit another researcher to repeat the
research for further advancement
The procedural design of the research should be
carefully planned
The researcher should report with complete frankness,
flaws in procedural design and estimate their effects upon
the findings






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Introduction : Criteria for Good Research

The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to
reveal its significance
Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the
data of the research





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ix. Defining the Research Problem :
What is Research Problem?

A researcher must find the problem and formulate it so
that it becomes susceptible and liable to research
Criticizing the existing model to improve or propose
new efficient model





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Defining the Research Problem :
Selecting the Research Problem
The research problem undertaken for study must be
carefully selected
The following points need to focus by a researcher in
selecting a research problem
o Subject which is overdone should not be normally
chosen
o Controversial subject should not become the choice
of an average researcher





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Defining the Research Problem :
Selecting the Research Problem

o Too narrow or too vague problems should be
avoided
o The subject selected for research should be familiar
and feasible so that the related research material or
sources of research are within ones reach
o The importance of the subject, the qualifications
and the training of a researcher, the costs involved,
the time factor are few other criteria that must also be
considered in selecting a problem






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Defining the Research Problem :
Necessity of Defining the Research Problem (Predicting
Heart Complications / Cancer Pattern Prediction Considered
Research Problem for justifying the following Points)
What data are to be collected?
What characteristics of data are relevant and need to be
studied?
What relations are to be explored?
What techniques are to be used for the purpose?
Formulation of a problem is often more essential
than its solution








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Defining the Research Problem :

Techniques Involved in defining the Research 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 into a working
proposition





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Defining the Research Problem :

Conclusion

We conclude by saying that the task of
defining a research problem
Very often, We follow a sequential pattern
The Ambiguities are resolved






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Defining the Research Problem :

Conclusion

Thinking and Rethinking Process
Results in a more specific formulation of the
problem so that it may be a realistic






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x. Research Design :
Meaning of Research Design
What are the Design Decisions?
What is the study about?
Why is the study being made?
Where will the study be carried out?
What type of data is required and Where can found?
What periods of time will the study include?
What will be the sample design?
What techniques of data collection will be used?
How will the data be analysed?
In what style will the report be prepared?





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Research Design : Features of Good Design
The design which Minimizes Bias and Maximizes
the Reliability

The means of obtaining information
The availability and skills of the researcher and his
staff
The objective of the problem to be studied
The Nature of the problem to be studied and
The availability of time and money for the research
work






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Research Design : Important Concepts Relating to Research Design

Dependent and Independent Variables
Represent Output vs Represent Input
Experimental Variable vs Predictor / Regress or / Controlled
Variables
Extraneous Variable
Influence the output and considered as Independent
Control






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Research Design : Important Concepts Relating to Research Design

Confounded Relationship
Correlates with Dependent / Independent
Research Hypothesis
Experimental and Non-Experimental Hypothesis-
Testing Research






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Research Design : Different Research Designs

Research design in case of exploratory research
studies
Research design in case of descriptive and diagnostic
research studies
Research design in case of hypothesis-testing
research studies








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Research Process Flowchart





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Principles of Experimental Designs

Principle of Replication
Repeating the Experiment for higher prediction / accuracy
Principle of Randomization
Randomizations purpose is to remove bias and other
sources of extraneous variation, which are uncontrollable
Principle of Local Control
Sampling for Treatment






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X1. Sampling Design
Sampling : Selection of Few Items / Particular
Portion
Process used for this Sampling called Sampling
Technique







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Steps in Sampling Design

Type of Universe
Sampling Unit
Source List
Size of Sample
Parameters of Interests
Budgetary Constraints
Sampling Procedure / Technique






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Types of Sampling Designs







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Non-Probability Sampling

Deliberate Sampling, Purposive Sampling And
Judgement Sampling
The samples are selected deliberately by the
researcher
For instance, if economic conditions of people
living in a state are to be studied, a few
towns and villages may be purposively
selected for intensive study of the State





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Probability Sampling

Random Sampling
Equal Chance
Lottery Method
How to Select a Random Sample ?
Various statisticians like Tippett, Yates, Fisher have
prepared tables of random numbers which can be
used for selecting a random sample





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Probability Sampling







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Complex Random Sampling Designs
Complex Random Sampling Designs are
probability sampling done with restricted
sampling techniques
They are also called Mixed Sampling Designs
as they tend to combine Probability and Non-
probability sampling procedures during
sample selection





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Some of the Popular Complex Random Sampling
Designs are
Systematic sampling: The researchers sometimes select every ith
item from a list, this is known as systematic sampling. The first unit is
a random number and the next unit onwards they are selected at the
same fixed intervals
Stratified sampling: Homogeneous Sub-Group Based (Strata),
Sub - Cluster Based Selection
Cluster sampling: Similar Groups are divided into a number of small
homogeneous subdivisions and selecting Random Sample. Cluster
sampling is highly economic. The difference between stratified sampling
and cluster sampling is that in stratified sampling a random sample is
drawn from each of the strata, whereas in cluster sampling only the
selected clusters are studied





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Some of the Popular Complex Random Sampling
Designs are
Area sampling: In area sampling a large area is divided into smaller
parts and then samples are selected randomly
Multi-stage sampling : It is cost effective and easy to administer
Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling: Sometimes
cluster sampling units lack equal number of elements; in such cases the
researcher uses a random selection process where the probability of
selection of each sub group is proportional to the size of the cluster.
PPS avoids under representation of any one group.
Sequential sampling: Not good Approach





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Stratified sampling:






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Review Questions

1. Research is much concerned with proper fact finding, analysis
and evaluation. Do you agree with this statement? Give
reasons in support of your answer.
2. Do you think that Information System is a Science? If so why?
If not why? How about Computing Science?
3. How do you define a research problem? Give Any Two Examples
to illustrate your view and answer.





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Chapter : 1
1. Briefly describe the different steps involved in a research
process.
2. What do you mean by research? Explain its significance in
modern times.
3. Distinguish between Research Methods and Research
Methodology.
4. Empirical research in India in particular creates so many
problems for the researchers. State the problems that are
usually faced by such researchers.
5. Research is much concerned with proper fact finding, analysis
and evaluation. Do you agree with this statement? Give
reasons in support of your answer.





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Chapter : 2

1. What is research problem? Define the main issues which should
receive the attention of the researcher in formulating the
research problem. Give suitable examples to elucidate your
points.
2. How do you define a research problem? Give three examples to
illustrate your answer
3. What is the necessity of defining a research problem? Explain.






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Chapter : 3

1. Explain the meaning and significance of a Research design.
2. Explain the meaning of the following in context of Research
design. (a) Extraneous variables; (b) Confounded relationship; (c)
Research hypothesis
3. Give your understanding of a good research design. Is single
research design suitable in all research studies? If not, why?
4. How would you differentiate between simple random sampling
and complex random sampling designs? Explain clearly giving
examples.
5. Why probability sampling is generally preferred in comparison to
non-probability sampling? Explain the procedure of selecting a
simple random sample





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Chapter : 3

6. (a) The following are the number of departmental stores in 10
cities: 35, 27, 24, 32, 42, 30, 34, 40, 29 and 38. If we want to
select a sample of 15 stores using cities as clusters and selecting
within clusters proportional to size, how many stores from each
city should be chosen? (Use a starting point of 4). (b)What
sampling design might be used to estimate the weight of a group
of men and women?