Introduction to Research Methods

SONDARVA YAGNESH MMSc Agril.ExtensionBACA, AAU, Anand

Research:

■ It is a scientific and systematic investigation for some pertinent information on a specific topic.

■According to Webster’s dictionary, research is careful or diligent search, studious inquiry or examination; especially investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws.

■According to Best (1977), research is considered to be the more formal, systematic and intensive process of carrying on a scientific method of analysis. It is a more systematic activity directed toward discovery and the development of an organized body of knowledge.

Characteristics of research■ Research is directed towards the solution of a

problem.■ It emphasizes the development of generalizations,

principles or theories which will be helpful in predicting future occurrences.

■ It is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence.

■ It demands accurate observation and description.■ It involves gathering new data from primary or first

hand sources or using existing data for new purpose.

Contd…..

■ It requires expertise.■Research strives to be objective and logical,

applying every possible test to validate the procedure employed, the data collected, and the conclusion reached.

■ It is characterized by patient and unhurried activity.

■ It is carefully recorded and reported.■ It requires strong determination to know the

unknown.

Social Research■ According to Young (1996),social research may be defined

as a scientific undertaking, which by means of logical and systematized techniques, aims to:1. discover new facts or verify and test old facts;2. analyze their sequences, interrelationships, and

causal explanations which were derived within an appropriate theoretical frame of references; and

3. develop new scientific tools, concepts and theories which would facilitate reliable and valid study of human behavior.

Characteristics of the scientific method

■Objectivity■Generality■Verifiability■Predictability

Research Methodology

■ It is the description, explanation and justification of various methods of conducting research. It may be understood as a science of studying how research is done scientifically.

Steps in conducting research

■ Formulating the research problem.■ Survey and review of literature.■ Developing the hypotheses and clarifying the concepts.■ Deciding on the research design.■ Defining the population and selecting the sample.■ Collecting the data with the help of tools and techniques

already available and/or specially designed for the purpose.

■ Analysis and interpretation of data.■ Testing the hypothesis.■ Conclusion, implication, recommendations.■ Preparation and submission of report.

Types of research

■Fundamental or basic research■Applied or practical research■Adaptive research■Action research

Determination of the dose, time, method of application in different crops under varying situations.

Determination of the dose, time, method of application in different crops under varying situations.

Discovery of the process of manufacturing nitrogenous fertilizers

Discovery of nitrogen

Adaptive research

Applied research

Fundamental research

Action research

■ It is the method of trying consciously to find out whether or not certain activities actually lead to the results that were anticipated. The objective is to find out solutions to problems in a specific context.

■ Three basic steps:1. Analyzing the problem with the local people and deciding the objectives2. Inducing appropriate action in the situation and working on it with the local people, and3. Monitoring and evaluation of the results with the local people, identify the constraints, and suggest measures to improve the situation.