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.

Types of research (Descriptive verses Analytical Research)

Descriptive verses Analytical Research.

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH	ANALYTICAL RESEARCH
It includes fact finding enquiries and surveys of different kinds.	In this research, collected data is analyzed and explained.
In this research there is no control over variables.	It works within the constraints variables.
Describes the state of affairs that exist at present.	Explains existing state of affairs from the available data.
Rely on preexisting data.	Rely on development of new data.
Methods used for this type of research are surveying, comparative and correlative methods.	Experimentation and observation are the methods used in this type of research.
It describes characteristics of groups.	It explains characteristics of groups.
Comparison of data is not required.	Comparison of data is required.
No hypothesis is required.	Required
Generally it involves primary data.	It involves secondary data.
Also known as Ex Post Research.	Also known as Ex Ante Research.

Research method verses Research Methodology

RESEARCH METHOD	RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
It implies the methods employed by the researcher to conduct research	It signifies the way to efficiently solve the research problems.
Carryout experiments, tests, surveys and so on.	Study different techniques which can be utilized in performance of various tests, experiments etc…
Comprises of different investigation techniques.	It comprises of entire strategy towards achievement of objective.
Major objective is to discover solution to the research problem.	Objective is to apply correct procedures to determine solutions.
Scope is comparatively less.	Scope is comparatively more.
Evaluation of the result must be done by the researcher only.	Can be evaluated by anyone.
It is the behavior and instrument used in selection and construction of research technique.	Science of understanding how research is performed methodically.

Characteristics of research

The following are  various characteristics of the research

1. Empirical: Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.
2. Logical:Research is based on valid principles and procedures.
3. Cyclical:Research always starts with the problem and ends with the problem.
4. Analytical:research utilizes proven analytical procedure in gathering data whether it is historical,descriptive ,experimental  or a case study.
5. Critical:Research exhibits careful and precise judgement.
6.  Methodical: Research is conducted in methodical way without bias using systematic method and procedures.
7. Replicability: research design and procedures are repeated to enable researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results
8. Research requires an inter-disciplinary approach
9. Research usually employs deductive reasoning process.
10. Research is perhaps incapable of being dealt through empirical method.