et 01 definition and types of research

8/6/2019 ET 01 Definition and Types of Research

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

IN ENGINEERING AND

TECHNOLOGY

ET01 DEFINITIONS

AND TYPES OF RESEARCH


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ET01 - DEFINITIONS AND TYPES OF

RESEARCH

CONTENTS

1. Definitions of Research Methodology and Research

2. Objectives of Research

3. Characteristics of Research

4. Criteria of a Good Research

5. Qualities of a Good Research

6. Need for Research7. Scope/Significance of Research

8. Types of Research

9. Overview of the Research Process


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1. DEFINITIONS OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND

RESEARCH

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Methodology is defined as a highly intellectual human

activity used in the investigation of nature and matter, and deals

specifically with the manner in which data is collected, analyzed and

interpreted.

RESEARCH

Research is an endeavor to discover answers to intellectual and

practical problems through the application of scientific methods

Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzinginformation (data) in order to increase our understanding of the

phenomenon about which we are concerned or interested.

The purpose of research is to discover answers through the application

of scientific procedures.


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2. OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

The objectives of research are:

To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into

it Exploratory or Formulative Research.

To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual,

situation or a group Descriptive Research.

To determine the frequency of occurrence of an event or its association

with other events Diagnostic Research.

To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables

Hypothesis-Testing Research.


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3. CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

Research is directed towards the solution of a problem.

Research is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence.

Research demands accurate observation and description.

Research involves gathering new data from primary sources or using

existing data for a new purpose.

Research activities are characterized by carefully designed procedures.

Research requires expertise i.e., skill necessary to carryout

investigation, search the related literature and to understand and

analyze the data gathered.

Research is objective and logical applying every possible test to

validate the data collected and conclusions reached. Research involves the quest for answers to unsolved problems.

Research requires courage.

Research is characterized by patient and unhurried activity.

Research is carefully recorded and reported.


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4. CRITERIA OF A GOOD RESEARCH

Purpose clearly defined.Research process detailed.

Research design thoroughly planned.

High ethical standards applied.

Limitations frankly revealed.

Adequate analysis for decision makers needs.

Findings presented unambiguously.

Conclusions justified.

Researchers experience reflected.


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5. QUALITIES OF A GOOD RESEARCH

Systematic

Logical

Empirical

Replicable

Creative

Use of multiple methods


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6. NEED FOR RESEARCH

EXPLORATION

DESCRIBE

DIAGNOSE

HYPOTHESIS

INDUCTIONS AND DEDUCTIONS


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7. SCOPE/SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH

Research for decision making

Throws light on risks and uncertainty

Identifies alternative courses of action

Helps in economic use of resources

Helps in project identification


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Solves investment problems

Solves pricing problems

Solves allocation problems

Solves decision making issues in Human

Resources (HR)

Solves various operational and planning

problems of business and industry


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Provides the basis for all government policiesin our economic system.

Helps social scientists in studying socialrelationships and in seeking answers tovarious social problems.

For students, research means or a way toattain a higher position in the social structure.

For professionals in research, it may mean asource of livelihood.


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For philosophers and thinkers, research means

the outlet for new ideas and insights.

For literary men and women, research means

development of new styles and creative work.

For analysts and intellectuals, research means

generalizations of new theories.


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8. TYPES OF RESEARCH

Descriptive Research - Fact finding investigationwhich is aimed at describing the characteristics ofindividual, situation or a group (or) describing thestate of affairs as it exists at present.

Analytical Research - Primarily concerned withtesting hypothesis and specifying and interpretingrelationships, by analyzing the facts or informationalready available.

Applied Research - Carried out to find solution to areal life problem requiring an action or policy decision.


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Fundamental Research (basic or pure research) -Undertaken for the sake of knowledge without anyintention to apply it in practice. It is undertaken out of

intellectual curiosity and is not necessarily problem-oriented.

Quantitative Research - Employed for measuring the

quantity or amount of a particular phenomenon by theuse of statistical analysis.

Qualitative Research - Non-quantitative type ofanalysis which is aimed at finding out the quality of a

particular phenomenon.


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Survey Research The process of conducting a study of

specific groups or populations using questionnaires,

structured interviews and observation with data recordingsheets.

Correlational Research Determines whether, and to what

degree a relationship exists between two or morequantifiable variables.

Causal Comparative Research Used when a hypothesis

cannot be tested by manipulating a variable.


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Adaptational Research/Implementation Research The

stepping up of research results to the level of immediate

application for achieving specific practical goals.

Action Research The joining of the researcher in the

activities of the group being studied in an informal,

qualitative, interpretive and experimental manner(participant-as-observer).

Intervention Studies Conducted to evaluate the impact of

specific interventions on the prevention of disease, often in

the context of community-based intervention trials or

modifying the clinical course of disease.


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Formative Research Conducted to understand behavioral,

structural or systematic factors that influence decisions and

actions.

Social Marketing and Communications Research

Undertaken to ensure that marketing decisions are

empirically based.

Operations Research A technique that seeks the

determination of the best (optimum) of action of a decision

problem under the restriction of limited resources.


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Conceptual Research - Used by philosophers andthinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpretexisting ones.

Empirical Research - Data based research whichdepends on experience or observation alone. It is aimedat coming up with conclusions without due regard for

system and theory.

One-time Research Research confined to a singletime period.

Longitudinal Research Research carried on overseveral time periods.


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Diagnostic Research (also clinical research) - Aims atidentifying the causes of a problem, frequency ofoccurence and the possible solutions for it.

Exploratory Research Preliminary study of anunfamiliar problem, about which the researcher haslittle or no knowledge. It is aimed to gain familiarity

with the problem, to generate new ideas or to make aprecise formulation of the problem. Hence it is alsoknown as formulative research.

Experimental Research Designed to assess the effect

of one particular variable on a phenomenon bykeeping the other variables constant or controlled.


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Historical Research The study of past records and other

information sources, with a view to finding the origin and

development of a phenomenon and to discover the trendsin the past, in order to understand the present and to

predict the future.


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9. OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Define Research Problem

Review Concept and Theories

Review Previous Research Findings

Formulate Hypothesis

Design Research

Collect Data

Analyze Data (Test Hypothesis )

Interpret and Report.


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THANK YOU

et 01 definition and types of research

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