Necessity of defining the research problem.

1. The problem to be investigated must be defined unambiguously to discriminate relevant data from irrelevant ones.
2. Proper definition of the research problem will give a clear picture to the researcher as how to carry out the research work without failure.
3. It gives clarity to the readers.
4. Makes the study feasible.
5. The definition helps the researcher to control subjectivity or biases of the researcher.
6. It helps to select variables required for study.
7. It helps to derive objectives accurately.
8. It helps to arrive at proper methodology for the research work.

Selecting the research problem

The following are the various factors to be considered while selecting a research problem

1. Subjects/Topics which are overdone should not be chosen ,since it is difficult to arrive at new ideas in such case.
2. Controversial subject should not be the choice of average researcher.
3. Too narrow subject or too Vague problems should be avoided.
4. The researcher should have great interest and should be familiar with the selected research problem.
5. The research problem which is selected should be made sure that it has adequate amount of data available.
6. Importance of subject, qualification and training of researcher,cost and time involved should also be considered while selecting a problem.
7. The selection of problem must be preceded by a preliminary study.
8. The researcher should preliminary check the availability of the required resources before selecting a problem.
9. Identifying gaps through literature surveys throw up new problems.
10. Writing should be started at the very beginning in order to encourage critical thinking, to understand sources better and to draft more effectively.
11. Interactions should be made with experts and practitioners.

Characteristics /criteria of good research.

1. The purpose of research should be clearly defined.
2. The research  procedure should be described sufficiently in detail to permit another researcher to work for the further advancement,keeping continuity of what he has already 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. The
   methods of analysis used should be appropriate.
6. Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and
   limited to those for which the data.
7. Greater confidence in research is warranted if the researcher is experienced.
8. Good research should be always systematic ,empirical ,logical and replicable.

Types of Research

The basic types of research are as follows

1. Descriptive vs Analytical Research 
2. Fundamental vs Applied Research
3. Quantitative vs Qualitative Research
4. Conceptual vs Empirical Research

Types of Research(Fundamental vs Applied Research)

FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH	APPLIED RESEARCH
It is always theoretical and exploratory in nature.	It is practical and descriptive in nature.
Aims in generalization and formulation of theory.	Aims in finding solution for the practical problem.
It is less associated with technology	It is associated with advancement of technology.
It does not have direct commercial objectives	It have direct commercial objectives
Often several disciplines work together for solving the problem.	Problems are analyzed from the point of one discipline.
Less connected with economy	More connected with economy
It has wider scope	It has more specific scope
This research is always curiosity driven.	It is always client driven.
Less often appears in academic publications.	More often appears in academic publications.
Reports are compiled in a common language.	Reports are compiled in a language of technical language of discipline.

Types of Research(Qualitative vs Quantitative Research)

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH	QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
It is based quality or nature of the proposed work.	Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount.
Nature of this research is holistic.	Nature of this research is particularistic.
Approach is subjective.	Approach is objective.
Type of research is Exploratory.	Type of research is conclusive.
Sampling is purposive.	Sampling is Random.
Data here is verbal.	Data here is measurable.
Inquiry is process oriented.	Result oriented.
Hypothesis here is generated.	Hypothesis here is tested.
Elements of analysis are images and objects.	Elements of analysis are numerical data.
Methods of research are always non structured such as interviews, group discussions etc….	Methods of research are always structured such as questioners, observations etc….
Results develop initial understanding.	Results recommends final course of action.

Types of Research (Conceptual vs Empirical Research)

CONCEPTUAL RESEARCH	EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
Conceptual research focuses on the concept (abstract/ideas) or theory that explains the phenomenon being studied.	In empirical research, data collection is done through observation and experimentation.
This research is always conducted in an analytical way.	This research is always done through various observation and experiments.
It is theoretical approach of research.	It is practical approach of research.
Degree of accuracy is less.	Degree of accuracy is more.
Here the researcher may not be skilled and experienced.	Here the researcher should be skilled and experienced.
Uses the existing data to develop new ideas or concepts.	This type of research develops new concepts by observation and experimentation.
The ideas/concepts developed are not tested.	The developed ideas /hypothesis are tested and concluded.
It is not proof based.	It is always proof based.

Research Methodology

Meaning of research

   Research is derived from the french word Researche  means search,pursuit,quest or search of truth.The term research consists of two words Re means again and again, search means to find out.Therefore research is defined as scientific and systematic approach of search of information  on a specific topic .

 Generally research comprises of 

1. Defining and redefining problem
2. Formulating hypothesis
3. Collecting,organizing and evaluating the data
4. Arriving at conclusions
5. Conducting experiments to test whether the hypothesis fits to the research problem

Developing Research Process

The following are the various steps in developing research process

Step 1: Formulating the research problem/Identify the Problem

• Preliminary step in the research process is to identify the research problem. There are two types of research problems i.e., 

a) Those relates to the state of nature. 

b) Those having relationship between variables. 

• Generally, there are two steps in defining research problem they are:

a) Understanding the problem thoroughly.

b) Rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from a point of view.

Step2: Extensive literature survey/ Review the Literature

·       Once the problem has been identified, a summary (synopsis) of it should be prepared.

·       In concern to this, various bibliography, authorized journals etc.… must be collected and studied carefully to get through the ideas of the same topic from the earlier works.

Step 3: Formulate hypothesis:

·       It is the tentative assumption made to draw out and test logical and empirical consequences.

·       Hypothesis which is formulated should be very specific and limited.

·       The major role of hypothesis is to guide the researcher by delimiting the area of research and to keep him on right track.

Step 4: Preparing the research design:

·       The function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant evidence on par with the research problem with minimum expenditure of time, effort and money.

·       The purpose of the research is grouped into the following groups such as

a)    Exploration

b)    Description

c)    Diagnosis

d)    Experimentation

Step 5: Determining sample design:

·       The way of selecting a sample is popularly known as the sample design.

a)    Samples can be either probability samples or non-probability samples. The probability samples are those based on simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling, cluster/area sampling.

b)    The non-probability samples are those based on convenience sampling, judgement sampling and quota sampling techniques.

Step 6: Collection of data:

·       In dealing with any research problem, it is necessary to collect data for smooth conduction of research process.

·       There are several ways to collect primary data which are as follows

a)    By observation

b)    Through personal interviews

c)    Through telephonic interviews

d)     By mailing of questionnaires

e)    Through schedules

Step 7: Analysis of data:

·       After the data is collected, the researcher has to analyze them and the analysis of data requires number of closely related operations such as

a)    Establishment of categories.

b)    Application of these categories to raw data from the following process:

i)                Coding: In this stage raw data is transformed into symbols.

ii)              Editing: It is the procedure that improves the quality of data for coding.

iii)            Tabulation: It is the technical part wherein the classified data is put in the form of tables.

Step 8: Hypothesis-testing:

·       After analyzing the data, the next step is the hypotheses test. Various tests, such as Chi square test, t-test, F-test, have been developed by statisticians for the purpose. These tests depending upon the nature and object of research inquiry.

·        Hypothesis-testing will result in either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it.

Step 9: Interpretation and report writing:

·       Finally, the researcher must prepare the report of what has been done by him.

Writing the report includes

a)    Preliminary pages: Includes title, acknowledgement, foreword, contents, list of graphs, tables etc.

b)    Main text: Includes introduction, summary of findings, main report and conclusion.

      c)   End matter: Includes all technical data, bibliography, published journals etc.