Research methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. It encompasses the concepts, theories, and principles guiding researchers’ work.
Research is the search for knowledge. It is an academic activity and the art of scientific investigation.
Therefore, it refers to the systematic method of enunciating the problem, formulating a hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analyzing the facts, and reaching certain conclusions either in the form of solutions to the concerned issues or certain generalizations for some theoretical formulation.
Engineers, as problem solvers in our societies, are responsible for fully understanding the best way to solve it. This post is essential for Engineers to get at least an overview of the research issue.
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Objectives of Research Methodology
The purpose of Reach is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures.
The main aim of the research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered as yet.
Though each research study has its specific purpose, we may think of the research objective as falling into many following groups:
- To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it.
- Portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation, or group.
- To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else.
- To test the hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables.
Motivation in Research
Possible motives for doing research may be either one or more of the following:
- To get a research degree along with its consequential benefits
- To face the challenge of solving unsolved problems
- Desire for the intellectual joy of doing some creative work
- Desire to be of service to society
- It desires to get respectability
- Directive of government
- Employment conditions
- Social thinking and awakening
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Types of Research
The basic types of research are as follows:
1. Descriptive research
In Research Methodology, descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding inquiries of different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is a description of the state of affairs as it exists at present.
The main characteristic of this method is that the researcher has no control over the variables, he can only report what has happened or what is happening.
The methods of research utilized in descriptive research are survey methods of all kinds, including comparative and correlational methods.
2. Analytical research
In analytical research, the researcher has to use facts or information already available and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material.
3. Applied research
Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/ business organization.
Thus, the central aim of applied research is to discover a solution for some pressing practical problem, whereas basic research is directed towards finding information that has a broad base of applications and thus adds to the already existing organized body of scientific knowledge.
4. Fundamental research
Mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. Research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics are examples of fundamental research.
5. Quantitative research
This is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It applies to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity.
6. Qualitative research
Is concerned with qualitative phenomenon, ie. Phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind.
7. Conceptual research
That is related to some abstract ideas or theories. It is used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.
Research Approaches
Research Methodology, there are two basic types of research approaches:
1. Quantitative approach
Involves the generation of data in quantitative form which can be subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis formally and rigidly.
2. Qualitative approach
The qualitative approach to research is concerned with the subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions, and behavior.
Research in such a situation is a function of the researcher’s insights and impressions.
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Significance of Research
The following are the significance of the research:
- Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and it promotes the development of logical habits of thinking and organization.
- Provides the basis of nearly all government policies in the economic system.
- Research has its special significance in solving various operational and planning problems of business and industry.
- Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social relationships and in seeking answers to various social problems.
In addition to what is stated above, the significance of research can also be understood keeping in view the following points:
- To those students who are to write a master’s or PhD. Thesis, research may mean a careerism or a way to attain a high position in the social structure.
- To professionals in research methodology, research may mean a source of livelihood.
- For philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights.
- Literary men and women, research may mean the development of new styles and creative work.
Thus, research is the fountain of knowledge for the sake of knowledge and an important source of providing guidelines for solving different business, governmental, and social problems.
Research Process
The following steps provide a useful procedural guideline regarding the research process:
1. Formulating the research problem:
At the very outset, the researcher must single out the problem he wants to study, i.e., he must decide the general area of aspect of a subject matter that he would like to inquire into.
2. Extensive literature review
Once the problem is formulated a summary of it should be written down.
3. Development of working hypotheses
After an extensive literature review, the researcher should state in clear terms the working hypotheses. The working hypothesis is a tentative assumption made to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences.
4. Preparing the research design
The research problem has been formulated in clear-cut terms, and the researcher will be required to prepare a research design.
He will have to state the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted.
5. Determining sample design
Sample design is a definite plan determined before any data are collected for obtaining a sample from a given population.
6. Collecting the data
Primary data can be collected either through experiments or through surveys.
If the researcher experiments, he observes some quantitative measurements, or the data, with the help of which he examines the truth contained in his hypotheses.
7. Execution of the project
Execution of a project is a very important step in the research process. If it proceed on the correct line, the data to be collected would be adequate and dependable.
8. Analysis of data
This requires several closely related operations such as the establishment of categories, the application of these categories to raw data through coding, tabulation and then drawing statistical inferences.
9. Hypothesis-testing
After analyzing the data as stated above, the researcher is in a position to test the hypotheses, if any, he had formulated earlier.
10. Generalization and interpretation
If a hypothesis is tested and upheld several times, it may be possible for the researcher to arrive at a generalization, i.e. to build a theory.
11. Preparation of the report or the thesis
Finally, the researcher has to prepare a report of what has been done by him.
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Research Methodology: Criteria of Good Research
The good research should satisfy the following criteria:
- The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts be used.
- The research procedural 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.
- The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results that are as objective as possible.
- The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design and estimate their effects upon the findings.
- The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and the method of analysis used should be appropriate.
What is Research Methodology?: Wrapping Up
As discussed above, Research methodology is the systematic plan for conducting research. It involves the techniques and procedures used to collect and analyze data.
Essentially, it’s the blueprint for your research project, guiding you on how to gather information, analyze it, and draw conclusions.
We hope this article helped you learn more about: What is Research Methodology? You may also want to learn Structural Design Basis | General Guidelines, Best CAD Software For Architects | All You Need to Know, and 16 Different Types of Concrete You Should Know Right Now
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