UNIT-II
Research Methodology
(24AM5AERMD)
Dr. MANJUNATHA S
Content
Literature Review Research Design
Overview
Research Design: Meaning
Importance
Need of Research Design
Sources Features of good research design
Guidelines for searching Types of Research Design
Step-by-step strategy
Types
Developing a Theoretical framework
Developing a Conceptual framework
Literature Review
Literature Review: Introduction
7
Brings out the Dialects Indicates the Current
Provides the Interpretation of Contradictions Between Research Place in th
of Existing Literature Various thoughts Schema of a Particular
Field
Helps in Calculating the Research Gaps Scrutinized Provides Information
Impact of the Latest Initially are Further Explored for Relevancy and
Information Coherency
Research: Literature Review
Literature Review A literature review is is a comprehensive survey of existing
research, publications, and scholarly works related to a specific topic or research
question.
Your literature review
has 5 objectives:
1. Motivate your work by explaining its
social value.
2. Provide background context for your
readers.
3. Compare your findings with other
research.
4. Justify your experimental method.
5. Communicate your project's scientific
novelty by framing a research gap.
Literature Review : Importance
S. No. Importance Description
Itprovides an overview of what is already known about a
1 Summarizes Existing Research
topic, highlighting key findings and theories.
2 Identifies Gaps Highlights unresolved issues or gaps in existing research.
Guides the selection of research methods based on past
3 Informs Methodology
studies.
4 Prevents Duplication Ensures the research adds new value and avoids redundancy.
5 Theoretical Framework Establishes a strong theoretical basis for the research.
6 Conceptual Framework Helps develop a clear framework for the study.
Demonstrates familiarity with the field, adding legitimacy to
7 Enhances Credibility
the study.
8 Supports Hypotheses Helps formulate research questions or hypotheses.
Aids in interpreting and comparing results with existing
9 Guides Data Interpretation
findings.
10 Critical Evaluation Assesses the strengths and weaknesses of past research.
Literature Review: Sources
SI. No. Source Description
Peer-reviewed articles from databases like Springer, Wiley,
1 Academic Journals
Elsevier, or JSTOR.
Scholarly books provide in-depth coverage on research
2 Books
topics.
3 Theses and Dissertations Explore university repositories for advanced research.
Cutting-edge research often presented before formal
4 Conference Papers
publication.
5 Government Reports Reliable data and research from official agencies.
Sector-specific insights from organizations like McKinsey or
6 Industry Reports Statista.
Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for
7 Reference Databases
comprehensive searches.
8 Review Articles
Summarize existing research, ideal for understanding
trends and debates.
Useful for technology-related topics, found in patent
9 Patents
databases.
Includes unpublished research, white papers, or reports
10 Grey Literature
from NGOs and research institutions.
Existing Literature : Guide for Searching
Define Your Research Question: Clearly Review Abstracts: Read summaries to
outline your topic or question. assess relevance.
Identify Keywords: Break down your Organize References: Use tools like Zotero
question into key terms and synonyms. or Mendeley for citation management.
Choose Databases: Use appropriate sources Focus on Reviews: Start with review articles
like Google Scholar or ScienceDirect. for a broad understanding.
Use Boolean Operators: Refine your search Identify Gaps: Look for under-researched
using AND, OR, NOT. areas or conflicting studies
Apply Filters: Narrow results by date, Set Alerts: Stay updated with new
language, or document type. publications in your field.
Guide for Searching Existing Literature
Literature Review: Step-by-step Guide to Search
1. Define Your Research Question or Topic: Before starting, clearly define your research
question or the topic you want to investigate. This helps you focus your search and
identify the most relevant resources.
2. Identify Keywords and Phrases: Break down your research question into key terms,
phrases, and concepts. These keywords are essential for finding relevant studies.
Example: Use synonyms related terms to covera broader
or scope (e.g., "biochar" could
be searched with "charcoal" or "biomass-derived carbon").
3- Select Search Databases:
Google Scholar: A general academic search engine.
PubMed: For medical and life sciences.
IEEE Xplore: For technology and engineering fields.
ScienceDirect: For scientific and technical research.
JSTOR: For multidisciplinary academic journals.
Scopus or Web of Science: For comprehensive research across disciplines.
11
Literature Review: Step-by-step Guide to Search
Use Boolean Operators:
Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) help refine your search.
AND narrows the search by combining terms (e.g., "biochar AND adsorption").
OR broadens the search by including either term (e.g., "biochar OR charcoal").
NOT excludes specific terms (e.g., "biochar NOT energy").
5. Apply Filters and Limits:
Use filters to narrow down the results by:
Publication date (e.g., recent publications from the last 5 years).
Language (e.g., English).
.
Document type (e.g., journal articles, review papers).
6. Review Abstracts and Summaries:
Once you have a list of articles, read their abstracts to quickly determine relevance.
Focus on articles that directly relate to your topic and research question.
12
Literature Review: Step-by-step Guide to Search
7. Organize and Cite Relevant Literature:
Use citation management tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote to organize and
store references.
.
Keep track of sources as you read and take notes to ensure proper citations.
8. Look for Review Articles:
.
Review articles summarize the current state of knowledge on a topic.
They can provide a broad overview and highlight key studies.
9. Identify Gaps in the Literature:
As you review the existing literature, look for areas that are under-researched or
have
conflicting results. These gaps can form the basis for your study.
10. Stay Updated:
Set alerts for new publications on your topic in databases like Google Scholar to stay
updated on the latest research.
15
Literature Review: Process of Reviewing
1. Summarize Key Findings: Extract the main findings, methods, and
conclusions from each source.
2. Evaluate Credibility: Assess the reliability and validity of the sources based
on the methodology, sample size, and publication quality.
3. Identify Gaps: Look for inconsistencies, gaps, or limitations in the existing
research that your study can address.
4. Synthesize Information: Integrate insights from multiple sources to build a
comprehensive understanding of the topic.
5. Compare and Contrast: Highlight similarities and differences between
studies to position your research in relation to existing knowledge.
6. Relate to Your Research: Explain how the selected literature informs your
research question, methodology, and theoretical framework.
Literature Review: Types
Narrative
rapid Systematic
State-of- Meta-
the Art Analysis
Literature
Review
Annotated Scoping
Integrative Theoretical
Critical
17
Literature Review: Types
Sl. No. Typе Description Examples
1 Narrative Provides a broad overview of a topic, Overview of pollutants in freshwater
(Traditional) summarizing existing research without systems.
Review a strict methodology.
2 Systematic Uses a structured methodology to Assessment of wastewater treatment
Review search, select, and analyze studies to technologies for specific
answer a specific research question. contaminants.
3 Meta-Analysis Combines results from multiple Statistical analysis of various studies
quantitative studies to generate an on the effects of microplastics on
overall conclusion. aquatic life.
4 Scoping Review Maps the key concepts and evidence Applications of nanotechnology to
in field, often in emerging research remove pesticides from wastewater.
areas.
5 Theoretical Examines theories or models related Exploring various adsorption models
Review to a particular topic, identifying their used to describe contaminant removal
evolution and current relevance. in water treatment using biochar.
Literature Review: Types
SI. No. Tyре Description Examples
6 Critical Review Critically evaluates and compares Evaluation of policies related to water
studies to identify strengths, quality management.
weaknesses, and gaps in literature.
7 Integrative Synthesizes past empirical and Synthesis of knowledge on the health
Review theoretical literature to provide new impacts of contaminated water supplies.
perspectives or frameworks.
8 Annotated A list of sources with brief summaries Various techniques for detecting and
Bibliography and evaluations, often used to quantifying microplastics in drinking
provide an overview of available water systems.
research.
9 State-of-the- Focuses on the most current research Comprehensive overview of recent
Art Review in a field, identifying cutting-edge advancements in desalination methods.
trends and innovations.
10 Rapid Review Conducted quickly to address an Quick assessment of emerging water
urgent need or policy question, often treatment technologies in response to
using streamlined methodologies. recent contamination events.
Conceptual Framework: Step-by-step Guide
Example
Conceptual Framework for Studying the
Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
Control
Variables
Media use: Proximal Intermediate
Age Outcome: Outcome:
Gender
Instagram
Use Social Self-esteem
Education
Comparison
Income
Health
Outcome:
Social
Anxicty
Pruned path: .
Conceptual Framework: Step-by-step Guide
Research Problem:
To investigate the relationship between social media usage and adolescent mental health.
Key Variables:
Independent Variable: Social media usage (frequency, duration, type of platforms)
Dependent Variable: Adolescent mental health (depression, anxiety, self-esteem)
Relationships:
Hypothesis: Increased social media usage is positively correlated with symptoms of
depression and anxiety in adolescents.
Hypothesis: Decreased social media usage is associated with higher self-esteem in
adolescents.
Justification:
The framework is based existing research that has linked excessive social media use to
on
negative mental health outcomes in adolescents.
The model highlights the potential causal relationships between these variables.
Conceptual Framework: Step-by-step Guide
A conceptual framework is a visual representation of the relationships between key
concepts and variables in a research study. It serves as a roadmap, guiding the research
design, data collection, and analysis.
1. Identify the Research Problem and Objectives:
•Clearly define the research problem and the specific questions you aim to answer.
•Outline the objectives of your study.
2. Conduct a Literature Review:
•Thoroughly review existing literature related to your research topic.
•Identify key concepts, theories, and models that are relevant to your study.
3. Identify Key Variables:
Determine the variables that are central to your research problem.
Consider both dependent and independent variables. 23
Conceptual Framework: Step-by-step Guide
4. Define the Relationships Between Variables:
• Based on your literature review, propose how the variables are related to each other.
•Consider causal relationships, correlations, or other types of associations.
5. Develop a Conceptual Model:
•Create a visual representation ofthe relationships between variables.
• Use diagrams, flowcharts, or other visual aids to illustrate the conceptual framework.
6. Justify the Conceptual Framework:
•Explain why you chose the specific variables and relationships in your framework.
•Support your choices with evidence from the literature.
7. Refine and Revise:
•Iterate on your conceptual framework based on feedback and further research.
•Ensure that the framework is clear, concise, and logically consistent.
Conceptual Framework vs Theoretical Framework
Aspects Theoretical Framework Conceptual Framework
Purpose A theoretical framework provides a A conceptual framework outlines the
structured explanation of relationships researcher's understanding of the topic and
among variables based on existing theories. the relationships between concepts. It
It aims to explain phenomena and predict serves asavisual representation of ideas and
outcomes. constructs.
Foundation Built upon established theories and models Based on researcher's insights and
in the literature. It incorporates various interpretations from literature. It is more
theories that support the research problem. flexible and can incorporate various
elements without strict adherence to
established theories.
Components Includes concepts, variables, and the Consists of key concepts, constructs, and
proposed relationships between them, their relationships, often visually
grounded in theoretical constructs. represented through diagrams or
flowcharts.
Function Guides the research design, methodology, Helps clarify the research questions and
and data interpretation. It offers a basis for objectives, guiding the direction of the
formulating hypotheses and justifying study. It is often more descriptive than
research. predictive.
Example In studying the impact of pollution on water In water resource management, conceptual
quality, theoretical framework might draw framework might illustrate how community
from environmental theories and health engagement, policy, and sustainability
impact theories. interact to affect water quality.
Theoretical Framework
Theoretical Framework: Example
Theoretical Framework for Studying the Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
Research Problem: Investigate the relationship between social media usage and
adolescent mental health.
Relevant Theories:
•Social Comparison Theory: Examines how individuals' comparisons to others affect self-
esteem.
•Cognitive Dissonance Theory: Describes how individuals seek consistency among beliefs,
attitudes, and behaviors.
Hypotheses:
•Teens who frequently compare themselves to others on social media are more likely to
have low self-esteem.
• Excessive social media use and negative comparisons may lead to cognitive dissonance,
resulting in increased anxiety and depression.
Justification:
•These theories effectively explain the psychological processes involved in the
relationship between social media usage and mental health. Social Comparison Theory
illustrates negative self-evaluations, while Cognitive Dissonance Theory highlights the
psychological consequences of such comparisons.
37
Theoretical Framework: Step-by-Step Guide
A theoretical framework provides a structured explanation of relationships among
variables based on existing theories, aiming to explain phenomena and predict outcomes.
1. Identify the Research Problem and Objectives:
Clearly define the research problem and the specific questions you aim to answer.
• Outline the objectives of your study.
2. Conduct a Literature Review:
•Thoroughly review existing literature related to your research topic.
•Identify key theories, concepts, and models that are relevant to your study.
3. Select Relevant Theories:
Choose theories that provide a strong foundation for explaining your research problem.
•Consider the theoretical perspectives that align with your research objectives.
Theoretical Framework: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Analyze and Synthesize Theories:
• Examine the core assumptions, concepts, and propositions of the selected theories.
•Identify similarities and differences between the theories.
Synthesize the theories to create a coherent framework for your research.
5. Relate Theories to Your Research Problem:
• Explain how the selected theories are relevant to your research problem.
•Show how the theories can be applied to understand and explain the phenomena you
are studying.
6. Develop Hypotheses or Research Questions:
• Based on the theoretical framework, formulate hypotheses or research questions.
•These should be testable statements that address your research problem.
7. Justify the Theoretical Framework:
• Explain why you chose the specific theories and how they contribute to your research.
•Provide evidence from the literature to support your theoretical framework. 29
Research Design
Research Design : Meaning
Research design refers to the structured plan or framework that outlines how a
research study will be conducted.
It encompasses the methodology, data collection techniques, and analytical
strategies to be used in order to address specific research questions or
hypotheses.
A well-formulated research design ensures that the study is systematic, valid,
and reliable, allowing for the accurate interpretation of results.
Research Design : Need
1. Clarity and Focus: It helps researchers clearly define their research objectives and
questions.
2. Resource Allocation: A design provides a framework for resource allocation, including
time, budget, and personnel.
3. Systematic Approach: It ensures that the research is conducted in a systematic manner,
reducing biases and errors.
4. Validity and Reliability: A good design enhances the validity and reliability of the study
findings.
5- Framework for Analysis: It serves as a guideline for data collection and analysis,
ensuring consistency in methods.
6. Facilitates Replication: A well-documented design allows for the study to be replicated
in future research, contributing to the body of knowledge.
Research Design: Features of Good Design
1. Clear Objectives: The design should have well-defined research objectives.
2. Appropriate Methodology: It should employ suitable methods for data collection and
analysis.
3. Flexibility: A good design allows for adjustments based on findings and challenges
encountered during the research.
4. Cost-effectiveness: It should optimize the use of resources while achieving the research
objectives.
5. Time Management: The design must consider the time frame for each phase of the
research.
6.
Ethical Considerations: It should adhere to ethical standards in research involving
human or animal subjects.
7. Statistical Validity: The design must ensure that the statistical analysis can be
accurately performed and interpreted. 33
Research Design : Types
Descriptive
Case
Correlational
Study
Types
Cross-
sectional Experimental
Quasi-
Longitudinal
Experimental
34
Research Design : Types
Research Design Description Example
Descriptive Research Describes characteristics ofapopulation Surveys, observational studies
Design or phenomenon.
Correlational Examines relationships between two or Studying the relationship between
Research Design more variables without manipulating hours of study and academic
them. performanceе.
Experimental Involves manipulation of one variable to Clinical trials testing the efficacy of a
Research Design determine its effect on another. new drug.
Quasi-Experimental Similar to experimental design but lacks Evaluating educational programs in
Research Design random assignment to groups. different schools without random
selection
Longitudinal Research Studies the same subjects over an Tracking health outcomes of a cohort
Design extended period. over several years.
Cross-Sectional Analyzes data from a population at a A survey measuring public opinion on a
Research Design single point in time. current issue.
Case Study Research In-depth exploration of a particular case Analyzing a specific organization's
Design or cases within a real-life context. response to a crisis.
Research Design : Types
Research Design Type Figures
Descriptive Research -Frequency Distribution: Displays the number of occurrences for each value in a
Design dataset
-Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, median, and mode represent the
average, middle, and most frequent values, respectively.
-Measures of Dispersion: Range, variance, and standard deviation assess data
spread.
Correlational Research -Scatter Plot Illustrates the relationship between two variables and their cо
Design variation
Correlation Coefficient: A numerical value between -1 and 1 indicating the
strength and direction of the relationship.
Experimental Research -Mean Comparisons: Evaluates the means of dependent variables between
Design experimental and control groups.
-t-test: A statistical test to determine significant differences between the means
of two groups
ANOVA: Analysis of Variance, used for comparing the means of multiple
groups
Research Design: Types
Quasi-Experimental -Similar to Experimental Design: Utilizes many of the same statistical analyses
Research Design but has limitations due to the lack of random assignment.
Longitudinal Research -Repeated Measures Analysis: Analyzes the same subjects over time to monitor
Design variable changes.
- Growth Curve Modeling: Techniques to model individual growth trajectories.
Cross-Sectional Research -Descriptive Statistics: Analyres the characteristics of a population at a single
Design point in timе.
-Chi-Square Test: Tests for independence between categorical variables.
Case Study Research -Detailed Narratives: In-depth descriptions of individual cases or groups.
Design -Thematic Analysis: Identifies and analyzes recurring themes or patterns within
the data.
Research Design: Features of Good Design
1. Clear Objectives: The design should have well-defined research objectives.
2. Appropriate Methodology: It should employ suitable methods for data collection and
analysis.
3. Flexibility: A good design allows for adjustments based on findings and challenges
encountered during the research.
4. Cost-effectiveness: It should optimize the use of resources while achieving the research
objectives.
5. Time Management: The design must consider the time frame for each phase of the
research.
6. Ethical Considerations: It should adhere to ethical standards in research involving
human or animal subjects.
7. Statistical Validity: The design must ensure that the statistical analysis can be
accurately performed and interpreted. 18
Research Design : Example
S. No. Component Details
1 Research Investigate the relationship between social media usage and mental health
Problem outcomes among adolescents.
2 Research 1. Assess frequency and duration of social media use among teenagers.
Objectives 2. Evaluate the mental health status related to social media usage.
3. Identify psychological effects of social media interactions (e.g., anxiety,
depression, self-esteem).
Research
3
Design Typе Descriptive Correlational Research Design
4 Methodology Population: Adolescents aged 13-18 years.
Sample Size: 300 participants from local high schools.
Sampling Method: Stratified random sampling for diversity in age, gender,
and socio-economic background.
5 Data Collection Surveys: Structured questionnaire covering demographic info, social media
Methods usage patterns, and standardized mental health assessments.
Interviews: Semi-structured interviews with a subset for qualitative insights.
Research Design : Example
S. No. Component Details
6 Variables Independent Variable: Social media usage (hours/day, platform type,
interaction nature).
Dependent Variables: Mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, self-
esteem levels).
7 Data Analysis Quantitative: Use software (SPSS/R) for correlation and regression
analyses; analyze relationships using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Qualitative: Thematic analysis of interview transcripts for recurring themes.
8 Ethical Obtain informed consent from participants and guardians.
Considerations Ensure confidentiality and anonymity.
Provide mental health support resources if needed.
9 Expected Significant correlations between social media usage & mental health.
Outcomes Insights into influence of social media on self-esteem and depression.
10 Conclusion This research design aims to comprehensively understand the impact of
social media on teen mental health, providing valuable insights for
psychology and future interventions.
THANKING YOU