Research Methods& Research MethodologyBy

Jayadeva de Silva.M.Sc.FIPM, FITD

Introduction

In the curricula of most of the higher learning institutes where I teach, there is a component of research. Many students do not enjoy doing this part and some drop out with out completing the research project.

What is research?

I recall my own research for my M.Sc which was conducted in tea plantations in Georgia in former Soviet Union. We all know that lot of nitrogen containing fertilizers are applied in tea plantations. Plants are thought to absorbing nitrogen through the root systems .Yet do we know if the nitrogen thus absorbed came from the soil or from the fertilizers that we applied. We

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need to know. We needed research. Research is Search for Knowledge. It is an Art of Scientific Investigation. According to Redman and Mory, Research is a “Systematized effort to gain new knowledge” Research is an original addition to the available knowledge, which contributes to its further advancement. In sum, Research is the search for knowledge, using objective and systematic methods to find solution to a problem

Research Methods vs. Research Methodology

Research Methods are the methods that the researcher adopts for conducting the research Studies. In the study that I undertook we used N15 nitrogen isotope in the fertilizers we added. When the tea leaves were analyzed later we could easily trace the nitrogen that we added by using radio isotope analytical method

Research Methodology is the way in which research problems are solved systematically. It is the Science of studying how research is conducted scientifically

Research Approaches

There are two approaches to research

1 Quantitative Approach 2 Qualitative approach

Quantitative approach uses experimental, inferential and simulation approaches to research)

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whilst Qualitative approach uses techniques like in-depth interview, focus group interviews. In my research as you can see I used quantities approach

Types of research

There are different types of research. They can be listed as follows

Descriptive Analytical Applied Fundamental Quantitative Qualitative Conceptual Empirical Other Types

Descriptive vs. Analytical

In Descriptive Research, the Researcher has to only report what is happening or what has happened. In Analytical Research, the Researcher has to use the already available facts or information, and analyze them to make a critical evaluation of the subject. We need both types of research

One of the research students whom I supervised described the practices in recruitment of persons for foreign employment in SriLanka. This report gave several insights to the reader about the areas to focus attention .It revealed many reasons

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why there are lots of issues pertaining to employment of SriLankan housemaids in Middle East countries. Another student of mine wrote a very descriptive report about the employment practices prevalent in the private security services

I also remember another student of mine did an analytical report to find the real reasons of motivation of the soldiers in the battle field. His findings were a real eye opener for us. and this was when the war against terrorism was at its peak

Applied vs. Fundamental

Research could be applied or fundamental. An attempt to find solution to an immediate problem encountered by a

firm, an Industry, a business organization, or the Society is

known as Applied Research. Gathering knowledge for

knowledge’s sake is‘Pure’ or ‘Basic’ or ‘Fundamental’ Research. I think

there is greater need experienced for applied research in SriLanka.The encouragement received from the public and

private sector organizations in my view is not adequate

Quantitative vs. QualitativeResearch could be either quantitative or qualitative. Quantitative Research involves the

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measurement of quantity or amount. An example would be Economic & Statistical methodsQualitative Research is concerned with the aspects related to or involving quality or Kind .An example would be Motivational Research involving behavioural Sciences

Conceptual vs Empirical

The Research related to some abstract idea or theory is known as Conceptual Research. Philosophers and Thinkers are using this to developing new conceptsI wrote the book titled “Humantalents Management” in year 2000

wherein I pointed out that the expression “Human Resources “is misleading and dangerous “People are not resources and resent being treated as such”. They are not pieces of equipment to move around according to needs. Contrary to what some managers claim, people are not “Human Capital” either. I then introduced the concept of “Humantalents”. This work would come under conceptual research.

Empirical Research on the other hand relies on the observation or experience and can be at times with hardly any regard for theory and system.

Following are some other types of research

One-time or Longitudinal Research (On the basis of time)

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Laboratory Research or Field-setting or Simulational Research (On the basis of environment)

Historical Research

Importance of knowing how to conduct research

Our young researchers should clearly understand the importance of knowing how to conduct research. This helps Researcher to develop disciplined thinking. The Researcher then will confidently evaluate and utilize the Research Findings. It helps the Research consumer to evaluate Research and make rational decisions. The Researcher should be equipped with knowledge of different tools to conduct scientific Research

What are Qualities of a Researcher ?

I would list the following: Desire for accuracy of observation & precision

of statement An alert mind. Must practice “The art of enduring intellectual

hardships” Making statements cautiously

Significance of Research

According to Hudson Maxim “All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry, and inquiry

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leads to invention”. New knowledge is added through research. That is why Ph Ds used to be conferred on such people and it is was not meant to be used as a method of honouring or decorating people

**Jayadeva de Silva obtained Master’s degree in Science from Russian Friendship University Moscow and Diploma in Personnel Management from National Institute of Business Management( SriLanka). He is a fellow of both the Institute of Personnel Management IPM) and Institute of Training & development.(SLITAD) He is also professionally qualified in training systems & curriculum design with an ILO fellowship .A strong advocate of Human Talents Development, Jayadeva is the Principal Consultant/Director of Humantalents Unlimited, a professional practice that provides training & consultancy in Management. Jayadeva has carried out several consultancy projects and conducted numerous management development programs/strategic planning workshops, and has been trained in many modern management and leadership concepts. He has contributed articles (over 50) and authored the trend setting book ‘Human Talents Management’.

He founded humantalents International and HRSriLanka virtual learning Groups. Jayadeva de Silva functioned as Group Manager (Human Resources Development) of Hayleys Group of Companies and Group Director–Human Resources of Brown & Co. He serves as a resource person for professional and post graduate courses primarily in the areas of HRM & HRD at Post graduate Institute- University of Peradeniya, University of Ruhuna, ICFAI University (India), University of Ballarat (Australia) SriLanka Foundation Institute IPM & SLITAD.

He is a past president of HRDGateway, an International organization of over 45,000 HR Professionals worldwide. He is featured in the millennium registry of SriLankan personalities

He can be contacted as follows

E mail djayadeva@gmail.com 011 2562449 077 7272295 Web humantalents@yahoogroups.com

Some of his publications are available for fee download from www.slideshare.net/Jayadeva

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