DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & DATA SCIENCE

Subject: Research Methodology Code: 22ADRM57 Department: AI & DS

Semester: 5 th Faculty Name: Debarshi Mazumder Academic Year: 2025-2026

Introduction to Research

• Research is a systematic and organized effort to investigate a problem, find

solutions, and contribute to knowledge.

• It is not just information gathering but a scientific inquiry that uses methods,
tools, and techniques.

• Research is essential in academics, science, business, policy-making, and social

development.

Meaning of Research

The word "research" is derived from the French word "rechercher," meaning "to search
again" or "to investigate thoroughly."

Definition:
Research is a careful, systematic, and objective investigation conducted to gain new
knowledge, validate existing theories, or solve practical problems.

Key Features of Research:

• Systematic (follows organized steps)

• Logical (guided by reasoning)

• Empirical (based on observation and evidence)

• Replicable (can be verified by others)

• Creative (seeks innovation and new knowledge)

Objectives of Research

The objectives highlight the reasons why research is conducted. They can be grouped
as:

A. General Objectives

1. Exploration – To investigate unexplored areas and generate new ideas.

2. Description – To describe characteristics or functions of a phenomenon.

 DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & DATA SCIENCE
Subject: Research Methodology Code: 22ADRM57 Department: AI & DS
Semester: 5 th Faculty Name: Debarshi Mazumder Academic Year: 2025-2026

3. Explanation – To explain why and how something happens.

4. Prediction – To forecast future events or trends based on data.

5. Control / Application – To apply knowledge in solving practical problems.

B. Specific Objectives

1. To gain familiarity with a new phenomenon (exploratory studies).

2. To portray characteristics of a situation or group (descriptive research).

3. To determine cause-and-effect relationships (experimental/analytical research).

4. To test hypotheses and theories (validating or rejecting assumptions).

5. To contribute to knowledge base and help in decision-making.

Summary:

• Introduction: Research is a systematic process of inquiry.

• Meaning: It is a scientific investigation aimed at generating or validating

knowledge.

• Objectives: Exploration, description, explanation, prediction, and application to

solve real-world problems.

Motivation in Research

1. Meaning

Motivation in research refers to the driving force, internal or external, that encourages
a researcher to initiate, continue, and complete the process of inquiry and
investigation. It explains why a person chooses to undertake research and what keeps
them engaged in the process.

2. Importance of Motivation in Research

▪ Guides to the choice of topic: Motivation helps researchers decide what problems
to study.
▪ Sustains effort: Research is often long, uncertain, and difficult; motivation
sustains persistence.
▪ Shapes research goals: Motivated researchers set clearer objectives.
 DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & DATA SCIENCE
Subject: Research Methodology Code: 22ADRM57 Department: AI & DS
Semester: 5 th Faculty Name: Debarshi Mazumder Academic Year: 2025-2026

▪ Leads to quality outcomes: Motivated work usually results in meaningful

contributions.
▪ Contributes to knowledge: Motivation determines how much effort is invested in
advancing science or solving practical issues.

3. Types of Motivation in Research

a. Intrinsic Motivation (Internal Drive)

▪ Curiosity, love of knowledge, creativity, and the desire to solve unanswered
questions.
▪ Example: A scientist studying space because they are fascinated by the
universe.
b. Extrinsic Motivation (External Rewards)
▪ Career growth, recognition, funding, monetary rewards, promotions, and
academic degrees.
▪ Example: A student researching to earn a PhD.

4. Common Motivating Factors for Research

▪ Desire for Knowledge – Quest for truth, discovery, or innovation.

▪ Problem-Solving Need – Solving social, economic, technical, or scientific
problems.
▪ Career Advancement – Degrees, promotions, or professional recognition.
▪ Contribution to Society – Developing policies, technologies, or solutions for
the greater good.
▪ Personal Satisfaction – Intellectual joy and achievement in completing
research.
▪ Institutional / Organizational Needs – Sponsored research or industry-driven
studies.

5. Role of Motivation in the Research Process

▪ Beginning Stage: Helps in choosing the problem area and formulating

objectives.
▪ Middle Stage: Keeps the researcher persistent during data collection and
analysis.
▪ Final Stage: Pushes towards writing, publishing, and disseminating results.

Summary:
 DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & DATA SCIENCE
Subject: Research Methodology Code: 22ADRM57 Department: AI & DS
Semester: 5 th Faculty Name: Debarshi Mazumder Academic Year: 2025-2026

Motivation in research is the underlying force that initiates, directs, and sustains
research activity. Without motivation, research becomes mechanical and
unsustainable. A motivated researcher is more likely to contribute new knowledge,
solve real-world problems, and advance both personal and societal goals.

Types of Research

Research can be classified in several ways depending on purpose, method, nature of

data, and application.

1. Based on Purpose

a. Basic (Fundamental/Pure) Research

▪ Seeks to expand knowledge without immediate application.
▪ Focuses on principles, theories, and understanding phenomena.
▪ Example: Studying how memory works in the human brain.
b. Applied Research
▪ Conducted to solve specific, practical problems.
▪ Direct application in industry, medicine, business, etc.
▪ Example: Research on vaccines for a new disease.

2. Based on Research Approach

a. Qualitative Research
▪ Explores meanings, experiences, and concepts.
▪ Data: words, texts, observations, interviews.
▪ Example: Studying employee satisfaction through interviews.
b. Quantitative Research
▪ Focuses on measurement and numerical analysis.
▪ Data: statistics, surveys, experiments.
▪ Example: Measuring the effect of a new teaching method on test scores.

3. Based on the Nature of Data / Inquiry

a. Descriptive Research
▪ Describes current status, characteristics, or functions of a phenomenon.
▪ Example: Market surveys, population census.
b. Analytical Research
▪ Uses existing facts or information to analyse and make critical evaluations.
 DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & DATA SCIENCE
Subject: Research Methodology Code: 22ADRM57 Department: AI & DS
Semester: 5 th Faculty Name: Debarshi Mazumder Academic Year: 2025-2026

▪ Example: Analysing secondary data on climate change.

4. Based on Time Dimension

a. Cross-sectional Research

▪ Conducted at one point in time.

▪ Example: Survey on internet usage among college students today.

b. Longitudinal Research

▪ Conducted over a period of time to study changes/trends.

▪ Example: Tracking child development from birth to adolescence.

5. Based on the Method of Research

a. Experimental Research

▪ Researcher manipulates variables to observe cause-and-effect.

▪ Example: Testing the effectiveness of a new drug in controlled trials.

b. Non-experimental Research

▪ No manipulation, just observation and data collection.

▪ Example: Observing consumer buying behaviour.

6. Based on Logic of Reasoning

a. Deductive Research

▪ Tests existing theories/hypotheses through data.

▪ Moves from general → specific.
▪ Example: Testing a theory that "stress reduces productivity."
b. Inductive Research
▪ Builds new theories based on observed data.
▪ Moves from specific → general.
▪ Example: Observing classroom behaviour to develop a theory of student
motivation.

7. Based on Application

a. Action Research
▪ Aimed at solving an immediate problem in a specific context.
▪ Example: A teacher testing new teaching strategies in their own classroom.
 DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & DATA SCIENCE
Subject: Research Methodology Code: 22ADRM57 Department: AI & DS
Semester: 5 th Faculty Name: Debarshi Mazumder Academic Year: 2025-2026

b. Evaluation Research
▪ Assesses effectiveness of programs, policies, or interventions.
▪ Example: Evaluating the success of a government health campaign.
c. Exploratory Research
▪ Conducted when little information exists; aims to explore possibilities.
▪ Example: Investigating consumer preferences for a new product concept.
d. Explanatory Research
▪ Seeks to explain *why* a phenomenon occurs.
▪ Example: Explaining factors influencing dropout rates in schools.