STEPS IN RESEARCH PROCESS
Dr. Vasudev P. Iyer
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DEFINE THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
FORMULATE THE HYPOTHESIS
RESEARCH DESIGN (INCLUDING SAMPLE DESIGN)
COLLECTION OF DATA
ANALYSE THE DATA (TESTING OF THE HYPOTHESIS)
INTERPRET AND REPORT
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The question to be answered or the problem to
be solved must first be clearly defined.
Specific question
Value v/s cost of research
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Extensive survey of the literature
There are no problems for which answers have
never been sought
Books, Journals, Government reports,
conference proceedings etc.
Use the resources of a good library
4
Working hypothesis in clear terms
How to formulate?
Discussions with colleagues and experts
Examination of existing data and records
Pilot surveys
5
Conceptual structure of the research
General forms of research design
Non-experimental
Experimental
In a non-experimental design, the researcher
does not control or alter any of the independent
variables.
The two major non-experimental designs are
field studies and surveys.
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In experimental design, the researcher may
alter the independent variables.
There are two broad categories of
experimental designs: field and laboratory.
Field experiments are done in a natural
setting, whereas laboratory experiments
are undertaken in a simulated setting
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Methods of selecting sample
1) Deliberate sampling
• Selection from a universe according
to convenience
• Based on judgment
2) Simple random sampling
• Every item has equal change of
inclusion
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Methods of selecting sample (contd)
3) Systematic sampling
• Select every 15th name on a list,
every 10th house so on.
4) Stratified sampling
• Population drawn from a number of
non-overlapping sub-populations.
5) Quota sampling
• To select a specified percentage of
sample from a sub-population.
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Methods of selecting sample (contd)
6) Cluster sampling
• Grouping of population and then selecting the
clusters.
7) Area sampling
• The area to be covered is divided into a number
of smaller sub-areas from which a sample is
selected at random within these areas.
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Methods of selecting sample (contd)
8) Multi-stage sampling
• Extension of cluster sampling
• Used when research covers large geographical
areas
9) Sequential sampling
• Sample size fixed according to the progress
achieved
• Complex
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Data can be primary or secondary OR BOTH
Primary data can be collected in the field or the
laboratory through communication and
observation
Secondary data refer to data gathered by others
or from other studies.
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Very important stage
Should be done in a systematic manner and in
time.
Careful checks should be made.
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• completeness—checking for any omissions
• legibility—making sure that handwriting is understandable so that
answers will be coded correctly
• comprehensibility—making sure the answer is understandable
• consistency—checking for consistent answers from the respondent
• uniformity—checking to see that responses are recorded in the same
manner
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• Data spreadsheet, statistical analyses can be
performed to create useful information for the
researchers.
• Use of various tests like Chi square test, t-test, F-test
etc.
• Generalizations and interpretation
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