RESEARCH METHODS

Lecture 12

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Research Process
Research task is a sequential process involving

defined steps. Completion of each step before going to next is not required. Recycling, circumventing, and skipping occur. Idea of sequence is useful for developing a research project. Variation in the number of steps
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1. Broad Problem Area

Selecting a topic. Specific issues may not be defined in the broad

area. Such as Media: what are its effects on society? Research questions should be answered empirically.

2. Preliminary Data Collection

It is a part of exploratory research means

search for published data and studies, to use it as secondary data or background information. For identification of variables and clarification of the issue you can seek out relevant people. And group discussions.

3. Problem Definition
After having discussions and review of

literature, the researcher have to narrow down from its original broad base and define the issue clearly. The symptoms of a problem might help tracing the real problem.

4. Theoretical Framework
The

researcher has to make logical relationship among several factors identified earlier. Developing such a conceptual framework helps to hypothesize and test certain relationships.

5. Generation of Hypotheses
Test whether the relationships that have been

theorized do in fact hold true. By testing these relationships scientifically, we are in a position to obtain reliable information to determine the relationship among the variables.

6. Research Design
Master plan for collecting and analyzing the

required information. Specify the sources of information and the techniques to be used in the study. Six methods surveys, experiments, observations, communication analysis, case study, focus group discussions and Secondary data analysis.
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Surveys
Most common method. Sample of people using questionnaire. Contact the respondents in person, by

telephone, by mail, on the internet. Each of these techniques has advantages and disadvantages. Choose the most appropriate one.

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Experiments
Establish cause and effect relationship. Manipulating X affects on Y. Productivity affected by rewards. An experiment controls conditions so that

one or more variables can be manipulated in order to test a hypothesis.

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Observation techniques
It can be Non participant and participant. A study without a respondents direct

participation called non participant. In participant observation, the researcher takes part in the day to day activities, interviews them, and makes observations. This technique is more reliable and lasts for long time.

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Communication analysis
Gathering and analyzing the content of text. Content refers to words, meanings, pictures,

symbols, ideas, themes, messages. Text is anything written, visual, or spoken. It includes books, newspapers, advertisements, speeches, official documents, photographs, films, articles of clothing, works of art.

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Case study
It is an In-depth analysis of a unit: a

person, group or an organization. Researcher takes the history to identify the factors leading to current situation or problem.

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Focus group discussions

Discussion of an issue by 6-12 persons

assisted by a moderator. The issue can be a public concern, a product, a television program. Useful in exploratory research to generate new ideas for hypotheses
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7. Data collection, data processing and analysis

Integral part of research design. Variety of ways like interviews, questionnaires,

observation. Data processing editing, coding, computer entries, tabulation.

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8. Testing the Hypotheses

Testing the hypotheses. Finding solutions to the problems. Making recommendations

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9. Report Writing
The research report should communicate

the research findings effectively. Report is technical. Managers are selective readers. Interested only in recommendations. Historical document. Research should follow the format specified by professional journals.
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No

ONE method is best

Researchers try to evaluate different

research designs and select the most appropriate one that helps in getting the relevant information. There is no one best research design for all situations.

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ETHICAL ISSUES IN RESEARCH By Mehwish Malik

Outline
What is Ethics and its goal
Unethical activities Ethical Issues

Parties in Research

Rights of the participants

What is Ethics and its Goal

Ethics are norms or standards of behavior that

guide moral choices about our behavior and our relationships with others.
The goal of ethics in research is to ensure that

no one is harmed or suffers from research activities

Unethical activities
Violating nondisclosure agreements. Breaking respondent confidentiality.

Misrepresenting results.
Deceiving people.

Ethical Issues
Focus on issue Remain to be issues and on the research topic Fair-mined Must strive to be technically competent & fair-mined

Rights and privacy

Must protect the safety, rights, and privacy of subjects

Ethical Issues
Honesty
Honestly report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status

Integrity
Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity

Carefulness
Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your own work and the work of your peers.

Ethical Issues
Respect for Intellectual Property Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property. Do not use unpublished data, methods, or results without permission.
Animal Care Show proper respect and care for animals when using them in research. Do not conduct unnecessary or poorly designed animal experiments.

Parties in Research
Mostly three parties: The researcher The sponsoring client (user) The respondent (subject)

Rights of the participants

No physical harm, discomfort, pain,

embarrassment, or loss of privacy. Follow three guidelines: 1. Explain study benefits. 2. Explain respondent rights and protections. 3. Obtain informed consent.

Thank you

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