RESEARCH

PROCESS
SARAN GODCIL.A
• What is research ?
• Once can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for
pertinent information on a specific topic.
• According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining and redefining
problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting,
organising and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching
conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine
whether they fit the formulating hypothesis
RESEARCH PROCESS

• Research process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to

effectively carry out research and the desired sequencing of these
steps
STEPS
• However, the following order concerning various steps provides a useful
procedural guideline regarding the research process:

• (1) formulating the research problem

• (2) extensive literature survey
• (3) developing the hypothesis
• (4) preparing the research design
• (5) determining sample design
• (6) collecting the data
• (7) execution of the project
• (8) analysis of data
• (9) hypothesis testing
• (10) generalizations and interpretation
• (11) preparation of the report or presentation of the results.
1. FORMULATING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM:

• The research problem begins with the recognition of a problem or

opportunity.
• There are two types of research problems, viz., those which relate to
states of nature and those which relate to relationships between
variables
• At the very outset the researcher must single out the problem he wants
to study, i.e., he must decide the general area of interest or aspect of a
subject-matter that he would like to inquire into.
• Essentially two steps are involved in formulating the research problem,
viz., understanding the problem thoroughly, and rephrasing the same
into meaningful terms from an analytical point of view.
• The best way of understanding the problem is to discuss it with one’s
own colleagues or with those having some expertise in the matter
 2. EXTENSIVE LITERATURE SURVEY:

• : Once the problem is formulated, a brief summary of it should be written

down.
• At this juncture the researcher should undertake extensive literature survey
connected with the problem.
• For this purpose,
• the abstracting and indexing journals
• published or unpublished bibliographies can be used.
• Academic journals, conference proceedings, government reports, books etc.,
must be tapped depending on the nature of the problem
3. DEVELOPMENT OF WORKING HYPOTHESES:

• After extensive literature survey, researcher should state in clear terms

the working hypothesis or hypotheses.
• Working hypothesis is tentative assumption made in order to draw out
and test its logical or empirical consequences
• How does one go about developing working hypotheses?
• (a) Discussions with colleagues and experts about the problem, its origin and
the objectives in seeking a solution;
• (b) Examination of data and records, if available, concerning the problem for
possible trends, peculiarities and other clues;
• (c) Review of similar studies in the area or of the studies on similar problems;
• (d) Exploratory personal investigation which involves original field interviews
on a limited scale with interested parties and individuals with a view to secure
greater insight into the practical aspects of the problem
4. PREPARING THE RESEARCH DESIGN:

• The research problem having been formulated in clear cut terms, the
researcher will be required to prepare a research design, i.e., he will have to
state the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted.
• In other words, the function of research design is to provide for the collection
of relevant evidence with minimal expenditure of effort, time and money.
• There are several research designs, such as, experimental and non-
experimental hypothesis testing.
• Experimental designs can be either informal designs (such as before-and-after
without control, after-only with control, before-and-after with control)
• Formal designs (such as completely randomized design, randomized block
design, Latin square design, simple and complex factorial designs), out of
which the researcher must select one for his own project.
5. DETERMINING SAMPLE DESIGN:

• The researcher must decide the way of selecting a sample or what is

popularly known as the sample design.
• In other words, a sample design is a definite plan determined before
any data are actually collected for obtaining a sample from a given
population.
• Samples can be either probability samples or non-probability samples.
With probability samples each element has a known probability of
being included in the sample but the non-probability samples do not
allow the researcher to determine this probability
6. COLLECTING THE DATA:

• There are several ways of collecting the appropriate data which differ
considerably in context of money costs, time and other resources at the
disposal of the researcher.
• Primary data can be collected either through experiment or through survey.
• If the researcher conducts an experiment, he observes some quantitative
measurements, or the data, with the help of which he examines the truth
contained in his hypothesis.
• But in the case of a survey, data can be collected by any one or more of the
following ways:
• (i) By observation: This method implies the collection of information by way of
investigator’s own observation, without interviewing the respondents. The
information obtained relates to what is currently happening and is not
complicated by either the past behaviour or future intentions or attitudes of
respondents. This method is no doubt an expensive method and the information
provided by this method is also very limited. As such this method is not suitable
in inquiries where large samples are concerned.
• (ii) Through personal interview: The investigator follows a rigid procedure and
seeks answers to a set of pre-conceived questions through personal interviews.
This method of collecting data is usually carried out in a structured way where
output depends upon the ability of the interviewer to a large extent.
• (iii) Through telephone interviews: This method of collecting information involves
contacting the respondents on telephone itself. This is not a very widely used
method but it plays an important role in industrial surveys in developed regions,
particularly, when the survey has to be accomplished in a very limited time.
• (iv) By mailing of questionnaires: The researcher and the respondents do come
in contact with each other if this method of survey is adopted. Questionnaires
are mailed to the respondents with a request to return after completing the
same. It is the most extensively used method in various economic and business
surveys. Before applying this method, usually a Pilot Study for testing the
questionnaire is conduced which reveals the weaknesses, if any, of the
questionnaire. Questionnaire to be used must be prepared very carefully so that
it may prove to be effective in collecting the relevant information.
• . (v) Through schedules: Under this method the enumerators are appointed and
given training. They are provided with schedules containing relevant questions.
These enumerators go to respondents with these schedules. Data are collected
by filling up the schedules by enumerators on the basis of replies given by
respondents. Much depends upon the capability of enumerators so far as this
method is concerned. Some occasional field checks on the work of the
enumerators may ensure sincere work
7. EXECUTION OF THE PROJECT:

• Execution of the project is a very important step in the research process.

• If the execution of the project proceeds on correct lines, the data to be collected would
be adequate and dependable.
• The researcher should see that the project is executed in a systematic manner and in
time.
• If the survey is to be conducted by means of structured questionnaires, data can be
readily machine-processed. In such a situation, questions as well as the possible answers
may be coded.
• If the data are to be collected through interviewers, arrangements should be made for
proper selection and training of the interviewers. The training may be given with the help
of instruction manuals which explain clearly the job of the interviewers at each step.
 8. ANALYSIS OF DATA:
• Data analysis is a crucial step in the research process, involving the
examination and interpretation of collected information. Common methods
include statistical analysis, thematic coding, and qualitative interpretation.
• The goal is to derive meaningful insights, identify patterns, and draw
conclusions to address research questions or hypotheses. Choosing the
appropriate analysis method depends on the type of data and research design.
Effective analysis enhances the validity and reliability of research findings,
providing a foundation for informed decision-making and further exploration.
9. HYPOTHESIS-TESTING:
• After analysing the data as stated above, the researcher is in a position to test
the hypotheses, if any, he had formulated earlier.
• Various tests, such as Chi square test, t-test, F-test, have been developed by
statisticians for the purpose.
• The hypotheses may be tested through the use of one or more of such tests,
depending upon the nature and object of research inquiry.
• Hypothesis-testing will result in either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting
it..
10. GENERALISATIONS AND INTERPRETATION:
• If a hypothesis is tested and upheld several times, it may be possible for the
researcher to arrive at generalization, i.e., to build a theory.
• As a matter of fact, the real value of research lies in its ability to arrive at
certain generalisations.
• If the researcher had no hypothesis to start with, he might seek to explain his
findings on the basis of some theory. It is known as interpretation.
• The process of interpretation may quite often trigger off new questions which in
turn may lead to further researches
11. PREPARATION OF THE REPORT OR THE THESIS:
• Finally, the researcher has to prepare the report of what has been done by him.
• Writing of report must be done with great care keeping in view the following:

1. The layout of the report should be as follows:

• (i) the preliminary pages;
• (ii) the main text,
• (iii) the end matter.
• In its preliminary pages the report should carry title and date followed by
acknowledgements and foreword. Then there should be a table of contents
followed by a list of tables and list of graphs and charts, if any, given in the report.
• The main text of the report should have the following parts:
• (a) Introduction: It should contain a clear statement of the objective of the research
and an explanation of the methodology adopted in accomplishing the research. The
scope of the study along with various limitations should as well be stated in this
part.
• (b) Summary of findings: After introduction there would appear a statement of
findings and recommendations in non-technical language. If the findings are
extensive, they should be summarised.
• (c) Main report: The main body of the report should be presented in logical
sequence and broken-down into readily identifiable sections.
• (d) Conclusion: Towards the end of the main text, researcher should again put down
the results of his research clearly and precisely. In fact, it is the final summing up
CRITERIA OF GOOD RESEARCH

• 1. The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common

concepts be used.
• 2. The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to
permit another researcher to repeat the research for further advancement,
keeping the continuity of what has already been attained.
• 3. The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield
results that are as objective as possible.
• 4. The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural
design and estimate their effects upon the findings
• 5. The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its
significance and the methods of analysis used should be appropriate. The
validity and reliability of the data should be checked carefully.
• 6. Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the
research and limited to those for which the data provide an adequate
basis.
• 7. Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is
experienced, has a good reputation in research and is a person of integrity
• Reference:
• Research methodology Methods and Technique – [Link]