Research Methodology Introduction and Definition

 

Introduction to Research Methods:

Definition of research, role and objectives of research, applications and types of research, research process and steps in it. Collecting and reviewing the literature, conceptualization and Formulation of a research problem, Identifying variables, constructing hypothesis, Synopsis.

Introduction

Research is a scientific investigation. Investigation means a search for new facts and ideas in any branch of knowledge. Thus, we can say that research is a search for knowledge. Research may be considered as a movement, a movement from the unknown to the known. It is actually a voyage of discovery.

Research is carried out for two purposes; one is the discovery of new facts and the second, verification of the old ones. The object of every business organization, of course, is the discovery of new facts, new relationship, and new laws governing the business phenomena. But constant verification of the old concepts is also needed especially in dynamic business environment.

Common sense knowledge, based on the accumulated experiences, prejudices and beliefs of the people is often contradictory and inconsistent. On the other hand, scientific observations are based on verifiable evidence or systematic body of proof that can be cited. For example, some common sense statements are: man is more intelligent than woman; married men remain happier than single people; rural people are more hardworking than urban people etc. Contrary to this, the scientific research or scientific inquiry finds that woman is as intelligent as man; there is no association in happiness and marriage; hard work is not related to environment alone. Thus, a statement based on common sense is just a guess or prejudice or mistaken interpretation, though at times it may be true, wise and a useful bit of knowledge. But it is not based on any scientific evidence. A scientific statement is based on accumulated systematic knowledge through research.

Meaning and Definition of Research In order to plan and carry out research, it is necessary to know what we mean by research-in general, as well as in the specialized fields of business management.

“Research is an Organized and Systematic way of Finding answers to Questions.”

Systematic because there is a definite set of procedures and steps which you will follow. There are certain things in the research process that are always done in order to get the most accurate results.

Organized in that there is a structure or method in going about doing research. It is a planned procedure, not a spontaneous one. It is focused and limited to a specific scope.

Finding answers is the end of all research. Whether it is the answer to a hypothesis or even a simple question, research is successful when we find answers. Sometimes the answer is no, but it is still an answer.

Questions are central to research. If there is no question, then the answer is of no use. Research is focused on relevant, useful, and important questions. Without a question, research has no focus, drive, or purpose.

The word research is derived from the Latin word meaning to know. It is a systematic and a replicable process, which identifies and defines problems, within specified boundaries. It employs well-designed method to collect the data and analyses the results. It disseminates the findings to contribute to generalizable knowledge.

Definitions: Various social and behavioural scientists have defined the word research in different ways. Some of the most popular definitions are:

1.     “Endeavour to discover facts by scientific study, course of critical investigation”, by Pocket Oxford Dictionary.

2.     “Systematic investigation to establish facts or collect information on the subject”, by Collins Concise Dictionary.

3.     “Research is systematized effort to gain new knowledge”, by Redman and Mory.

4.     “Research is the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art”, by Encyclopedia of Social Sciences.

Thus, we can say that research is a systematic and objective attempt to study a business problem for the purpose of deriving general principles.

In other words, research is a systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among phenomena.

Pankaj Mandape