Research Methodology – Introduction
What is Research?
Research is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic.
It involves searching for knowledge through objective and systematic methods to find
solutions to problems.
Scientific Research
Scientific research is a systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of
hypothetical propositions about presumed relations among phenomena.
Business Research
Business research is a systematic inquiry aimed at providing information to solve managerial
problems.
It involves a systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of phenomena
relevant to managerial decision-makers.
Applied Research: Focuses on practical problem-solving.
Pure Research: Aims to solve theoretical questions with little direct impact on action or
policy decisions.
Characteristics of the Scientific Method
Systematic: Each step leads logically to the next.
Reliance on empirical evidence.
Objectivity: Independent of the researcher’s personal views.
Ethical Neutrality.
Reproducibility: If duplicated, similar results can be obtained.
Relevance: Use of relevant concepts and procedures.
Control: Controlling variables other than those under study.
Probabilistic Prediction: Results in predictions based on probability.
Characteristics of Scientific Business Research
1. Purpose clearly defined.
2. Detailed description of research procedures.
3. Thorough research design, including exploratory procedures, sample units, and data
collection methods.
4. High ethical standards to protect participants, organizations, clients, and researchers.
5. Limitations openly disclosed.
6. Adequate analysis of decision-makers' needs.
7. Clear presentation of findings.
8. Justified conclusions.
Business Decision Making
Involves the formulation, evaluation, and selection of alternatives to solve managerial
problems.
Quality of decisions is linked to the availability of usable information at the time of decision-
making.
Business research is a primary means of obtaining usable information for decision-making.
Decision-Making Process
1. Problem Recognition
2. Information Search
3. Problem Analysis
4. Alternatives Evaluation
5. Decision
Importance of Research in Management Decisions
Managers need more and better information.
Availability of improved techniques and tools to meet this need.
Helps reduce information overload.
Reduces the probability of making wrong choices.
Minimizes the degree of uncertainty.
Important Concepts Relating to Research
Concepts: Generally accepted meanings or characteristics associated with certain events,
objects, conditions, situations, and behaviors.
Constructs: Specific types of concepts, invented for research or theory-building purposes.
Example: The construct "language skill" comprises vocabulary, syntax, and spelling.
Variables: Concepts that can take different quantitative values.
Continuous Variable: Can assume any numerical value within a specific range.
Discrete Variable: Individual values fall on a scale with distinct gaps.
Independent Variable: Causes changes in the dependent variable; can be
manipulated.
Dependent Variable: Observed for variations resulting from changes in the
independent variable.
Extraneous Variable: Independent variables not related to the purpose of the study
but may affect the dependent variable.
Intervening Variables: Factors that affect the observed phenomenon but cannot be
seen, measured, or manipulated directly.
Moderating Variable: A second independent variable believed to significantly affect
the relationship between the primary independent variable and the dependent
variable.
Example:
In routine office work (extraneous variable controlled), introducing a four-day
workweek (independent variable) will lead to higher productivity (dependent
variable), especially among young workers (moderating variable).
Introducing a four-day workweek (independent variable) will lead to higher
productivity (dependent variable) by increasing job satisfaction (intervening
variable).
Definitions
Dictionary Definition: A concept defined with a synonym.
Operational Definition: Assigns meaning to a construct or variable by identifying the
necessary activities or operations to measure it.
Measured Operational Definition: Specifies how a variable will be measured.
Experimental Operational Definition: Details the investigator’s manipulation of a variable.
Propositions and Hypotheses
Proposition: A statement about concepts that can be judged true or false if it refers to
observable phenomena.
Hypothesis: A proposition formulated for empirical testing.
Example:
Case-specific: Student A at IISWBM has higher than average intelligence.
Generalized: Students at IISWBM have higher than average intelligence.
Types of Hypotheses
Descriptive Hypothesis: States the existence, size, form, or distribution of some variable.
Example: Executives in Company Z have higher than average achievement
motivation.
Relational Hypothesis: Describes a relationship between two variables for some case.
Example: Foreign cars are perceived by American consumers to be of better quality
than domestic cars.
Correlational Hypothesis: States that variables occur together in a specified manner without
implying causation.
Example: Young machinists (under 35 years of age) are less productive than those 35
years of age or older.
Types of Research
1. Descriptive vs. Analytical:
Descriptive: Answers questions like who, what, where, and when; describes the
present state of affairs.
Ex post facto Research: Investigators have no control over variables.
Analytical: Uses available facts or information to make a critical evaluation.
2. Applied vs. Fundamental:
Applied Research: Aims to find a solution for an immediate problem facing society or
an industrial/business organization.
Fundamental Research: Concerned with generalization and theory formulation.
3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative:
Quantitative Research: Based on the measurement of quantity or amount;
applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity.
Qualitative Research: Concerned with phenomena relating to or involving quality or
kind.
4. Conceptual vs. Empirical:
Conceptual Research: Related to abstract ideas or theories.
Empirical Research: Relies on experience or observation, often without systematic
theory.
5. Based on Time Dimension:
Cross-Sectional: Studies carried out once, representing a snapshot of one point in
time.
Longitudinal: Studies carried out over several time periods, tracking changes over
time.
Research Process
1. Formulating the research problem
2. Extensive literature survey
3. Development of working hypothesis
4. Preparing the research design
5. Determining the sampling design
6. Collection of data
7. Analysis of data