An Introduction to Research Methodology

1. Research Methodology: An Introduction(Class-2)
By
Prof. (Dr.) Pravat Kumar Rout
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2. Emerging Research that changes the 21st Century
1/2
2
Communication
Technology/Internet/
Computer Architecture
Green Energy Biotechnology

3. Emerging Research that changes the 21st Century
2/2
3
Nanotechnology and its
application particularly to
Bio-remediation
Artificial Intelligence and
Machine Learning
Pharma Science

4. Meaning of Research 1/5
 noun
the systematic investigation into and study of materials
and sources in order to establish facts and reach new
conclusions.
"the group carries out research in geochemistry“
 verb
 investigate systematically.
"she has spent the last five years researching her people's
history"
4

5. Meaning of Research 2/5
 The word research is derived from the
Middle French "recherche", which
means "to go about seeking", the term
itself being derived from the Old
French term "recerchier" a compound
word from "re-" + "cerchier", or
"sercher", meaning 'search'. The
earliest recorded use of the term was
in 1577.
5
Seeking: to try to find or get something

6. Meaning of Research 3/5
 Research is creating new knowledge:
Neil Armstrong
 Research is what I am doing when I
don't know what I am doing: Wernher
Von Braun
 If we know what we are doing, it
would not be called research: Albert
Einstein
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7. Meaning of Research 4/5
 Research is a process of systematic
inquiry that entails collection of data;
documentation of critical information;
and analysis and interpretation of that
data/information, in accordance with
suitable methodologies set by specific
professional fields and academic
disciplines.
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8. Meaning of Research 5/5
 Research is defined as the creation of new
knowledge and/or the use of existing
knowledge in a new and creative way so as
to generate new concepts, methodologies
and understandings.
 This could include synthesis and analysis of
previous research to the extent that it leads
to new and creative outcomes.
8
Question: Define the meaning of
research

9. Methodology
 Method is a particular procedure for accomplishing or
approaching something, especially a systematic or established
one.
 Methodology is a system of methods used in a particular area of
study or activity
 Methodology involves studying the methods used in your field and
the theories or principles behind them, in order to develop an
approach that matches your objectives.
 Methods are the specific tools and procedures you use to collect and
analyse data (for example, experiments, surveys, and statistical tests).
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10. Research Methodology
 Research methodology is the specific procedures or techniques used
to identify, select, process, and analyse information about a topic.
 Research methodology by its definition means "the systematic way to
solve the research problems" this is defined by Kothari 2004.
 Research methodology is a way of explaining how a researcher intends to
carry out their research.
 It's a logical, systematic plan to resolve a research problem.
 A methodology details a researcher's approach to the research to ensure
reliable, valid results that address their aims and objectives. It encompasses
what data they're going to collect and where from, as well as how it's being
collected and analysed.
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11. Characteristics/Features of Research 1/1
Features of Research
 Empirical - based on observations and experimentation
 Systematic - follows orderly and sequential procedure
 Controlled - all variables except those that are tested/experimented upon are kept
constant.
 Employs hypothesis- guides the investigation process
 Analytical - There is critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error in their
interpretation
 Objective, Unbiased, & Logical - all findings are logically based on empirical.
 Employs quantitative or statistical methods - data are transformed into numerical
measures and are treated statistically.
11
Empirical: based on experiments and practical experience, not on
ideas
Hypothesis: an idea that is suggested as the possible explanation
for something but has not yet to be found to be true or correct
Analytical: using careful examination in order to understand or
explain something
Interpretation: an explanation or understanding
of something
Logical: seeming natural,
reasonable or sensible
Characteris
tic: a
quality that
is typical of
somebody/
something
and that
makes
him/her/it
different
from other
people and
things
Question:
What are
the major
characterist
ics of
research

12. Objectives of Research
 To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it.
(explorative or formulative research)
 To explain the unknown/unexplained phenomenon. (descriptive research)
 To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or
a group. (diagnostic research)
 To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is
associated with something else. (hypothesis testing research)
 To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables.
 To study social life and understand social behavior.
 To draw new conclusion from old knowledge pool.
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Question: What are the major
objectives of research
Objective:
something
that you are
trying to
achieve; an
aim

13. Why do you do research?
13
Make life
worthy
and
happy
Expands
your
knowledge
base
Keeps you
up to date
Builds your
credibility
Sparks
connections
Encourages
curiosity
Give
strength to
mind and
thinking
Create
possibility to
survive

14. What Goes Into A Research Plan 1/6
 Once you’ve identified the objectives of research, it’s time to
organize your thoughts and streamline your research goals.
 Step-1: Set Smart Goals
Your research objectives should be SMART—Specific,
Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-constrained.
When you focus on utilizing available resources and setting
realistic timeframes and milestones, it’s easier to prioritize
objectives. Continuously track your progress and check
whether you need to revise your expectations or targets. This
way, you’re in greater control over the process.
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15. What Goes Into A Research Plan 2/6
 Step-2 Create A Plan
 Create a plan that’ll help you select appropriate methods
to collect accurate information. A well-structured plan
allows you to use logical and creative approaches towards
problem-solving. The complexity of information and your
skills are bound to influence your plan, which is why you
need to make room for flexibility. The availability of
resources will also play a big role in influencing your
decisions.
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A goal without a
plan is just a wish
A fool with a plan is
better off than the
genius without a
plan
Failing to plan is
failing to fail

16. What Goes Into A Research Plan 3/6
 Step-3 Collect And Collate
 After you’ve created a plan for the research process, make a list of the
data you’re going to collect and the methods you’ll use. Not only will it
help make sense of your insights but also keep track of your approach.
The information you collect should be:
 Valid: Logical, rigorous and objective
 Reliable: Can be reproduced by other people working on the same
subject
 Accurate: Free of errors and highlighting necessary details
 Timely: Current and updated
 Complete: Includes everything required to support your
argument/suggestions
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17. What Goes Into A Research Plan 4/5
 Step-4 Analyze And Keep Ready: Data analysis is the most
crucial part of the process and there are many ways in which the
information can be utilized. Four types of data analysis are often
seen in a professional environment. While they may be divided into
separate categories, they’re linked to each other.
 Descriptive Analysis: The most commonly used data analysis,
descriptive analysis simply summarizes past data. For example,
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) use descriptive analysis. It
establishes certain benchmarks after studying how someone has
been performing in the past.
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18. What Goes Into A Research Plan 5/6
 Diagnostic Analysis: The next step is to identify why something happened.
Diagnostic analysis uses the information gathered through descriptive analysis and
helps find the underlying causes of an outcome. For example, if a marketing
initiative was successful, you deep-dive into the strategies that worked.
 Predictive Analysis: It attempts to answer ‘what’s likely to happen’. Predictive
analysis makes use of past data to predict future outcomes. However, the accuracy
of predictions depends on the quality of the data provided. Risk assessment is an
ideal example of using predictive analysis.
 Prescriptive Analysis: The most sought-after type of data analysis, prescriptive
analysis combines the insights of all of the previous analyses. It’s a huge
organizational commitment as it requires plenty of effort and resources. A great
example of prescriptive analysis is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which consumes large
amounts of data. You need to be prepared to commit to this type of analysis.
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19. What Goes Into A Research Plan 6/6
 Step-5: Review And Interpret: Once you’ve collected and collated your
data, it’s time to review it and draw accurate conclusions. Here are a few
ways to improve the review process:
 Identify The Fundamental Issues, Opportunities And Problems And
Make Note Of Recurring Trends If Any
 Make A List Of Your Insights And Check Which Is The Most Or The Least
Common. In Short, Keep Track Of The Frequency Of Each Insight
 Conduct A SWOT Analysis And Identify The Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities And Threats
 Write Down Your Conclusions And Recommendations Of The Research
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Interpret: to explain
or understand the
meaning of
something
Question: Write down the basic steps of a research planning

20. Types of Research: According to its Purpose 1/3
Theoretical research:
 also referred to as pure or basic research, focuses on generating
knowledge, formulation of a theory, regardless of its practical application.
 Theoretical research is a logical exploration of a system of beliefs and
assumptions.
 Basic research is an investigation of basic principles and reasons for the
occurrence of a particular event or process or phenomenon.
 Results of this kind are usually oriented towards the formulation of theories
and are usually based on documentary analysis, the development of
mathematical formulas.
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Type-1:
Theoretical
Research
For example, a
philosophical
dissertation,
since the aim is
to generate new
approaches from
existing data
without
considering how
its findings can
be applied or
implemented in
practice.

21. Types of Research: According to its Purpose 2/3
 Here, the goal is to find strategies that can be used to address a specific
research problem. Applied research draws on theory to generate
practical scientific knowledge, and its use is very common in STEM fields
such as engineering, computer science and medicine.
 This type of research is subdivided into two types:
 Technological applied research: looks towards improving efficiency in a
particular productive sector through the improvement of processes or
machinery related to said productive processes.
 Scientific applied research: has predictive purposes. Through this type of
research design, we can measure certain variables to predict behaviours
useful to the goods and services sector, such as consumption patterns and
viability of commercial projects.
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Type-2:
Applied
Research
For example,
market research,
because by
examining
consumption
patterns,
strategies can be
developed for
the development
of new products
and marketing
campaigns, etc.

22. Critical Analysis 3/3
 Applied research is usually based on knowledge or results obtained
through theoretical research.
 In fact, it is common for research projects to first establish the
theoretical framework both to define the field of study and to identify
possible theories that could be tested or applied to solve the specific
problem posed in the project.
 Pure research focuses on understanding basic properties and
processes. Applied research focuses on the use of information to create
useful materials.
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23. Types of Research: According to your Depth of Scope ¼
Exploratory research:
 Exploratory research is defined as a research used to investigate a
problem which is not clearly defined.
 It is conducted to have a better understanding of the existing problem,
but will not provide conclusive results.
 is used for the preliminary investigation of a subject that is not yet well
understood or sufficiently researched. It serves to establish a frame of
reference and a hypothesis from which an in-depth study can be
developed that will enable conclusive results to be generated.
 Because exploratory research is based on the study of little-studied
phenomena, it relies less on theory and more on the collection of data
to identify patterns that explain these phenomena.
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Type-1
Exploratory
Research
For example,
an
investigation
of the role
social media
in the
perception of
self-image.
Exploratory: done in order to find something out

24. Types of Research: According to your Depth of
Scope 2/4
 The primary objective of descriptive research is to define the
characteristics of a particular phenomenon without
necessarily investigating the causes that produce it.
 Includes survey and fact-finding inquiries of different kinds.
Describe the state of the affairs.
 Researcher has no control on variables. He can only report
what has happened or what is happing.
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Type-2
Descriptive
Research
For example,
investigating
how the public
census of
influential
government
officials differs
between urban
and non-urban
areas.
Descriptive: that describes somebody/something, especially in a skilful or
interesting way

25. Types of Research: According to your Depth
of Scope ¾
 Explanatory research is the most common type of
research method and is responsible for establishing
cause-and-effect relationship that allow generalizations
to be extended to similar realities.
 It is closely related to descriptive research, although it
provides additional information about the observed
object and its interactions with the environment.
25
Ty
p
e-
3
Type-3
Explanatory
Research
For example,
investigating the
brittle behavior of
a specific
material when
under
compressive load
Explanatory: giving an explanation

26. Types of Research: According to your Depth
of Scope 4/4
 The purpose of this type of scientific research is to identify
the relationship between two or more variables.
 A correlational study aims to determine whether a variable
changes, how much the other elements of the observed
system change.
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Type-4
Correlational
Research
Correlational : a connection or relationship between two or more facts,
numbers, etc.

27. Types of Research: According to the Type of Data
Used ½
 Qualitative methods are often used in the social sciences to collect,
compare and interpret information, has a linguistic-semiotic basis and is
used in techniques such as discourse analysis, interviews, surveys,
records and participant observations.
 In order to use statistical methods to validate their results, the
observations collected must be evaluated numerically. Qualitative
research, however, tends to be subjective, since not all data can be fully
controlled. Therefore, this type of research design is better suited to
extracting meaning from an event or phenomenon (the ‘why’) than its
cause (the ‘how’).
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Type-1
Qualitative
Research
For example,
examining the
effects of sleep
deprivation on
mood.
Qualitative: connected with how good something is,
rather than with how much of it there is

28. Types of Research: According to the Type of
Data Used 2/2
 Quantitative research study delves into a phenomena
through quantitative data collection and
using mathematical, statistical and computer-aided tools
to measure them.
 This allows generalized conclusions to be projected over
time.
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For example,
conducting a
computer
simulation on
vehicle strike
impacts to collect
quantitative data.
Type-2
Quantitative
Research
Delve: to search inside something
Quantitative: connected with the amount or number of something
rather than how good it is

29. Types of Research: According to the Degree of
Manipulation of Variables 1/3
 It is about designing or replicating a phenomenon whose
variables are manipulated under strictly controlled conditions in
order to identify or discover its effect on another independent
variable or object.
 The phenomenon to be studied is measured through study and
control groups, and according to the guidelines of the scientific
method.
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Type-1
Experimental
Research
For example, randomised
controlled trial studies for
measuring the
effectiveness of new
pharmaceutical drugs on
human subjects.
Experimental: connected with experiments or trying new ideas

30. Types of Research: According to the Degree of
Manipulation of Variables 2/3
 Also known as an observational study, it focuses
on the analysis of a phenomenon in its natural
context.
 As such, the researcher does not intervene
directly, but limits their involvement to measuring
the variables required for the study.
 Due to its observational nature, it is often used in
descriptive research.
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Type-2 Non-
Experimental
Research
For example, a study on
the effects of the use of
certain chemical
substances in a particular
population group can be
considered a non-
experimental study.

31. Types of Research: According to the Degree of
Manipulation of Variables 3/3
 It controls only some variables of the phenomenon under
investigation and is therefore not entirely experimental.
 In this case, the study and the focus group cannot be
randomly selected, but are chosen from existing groups or
populations.
 This is to ensure the collected data is relevant and that the
knowledge, perspectives and opinions of the population can
be incorporated into the study.
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Type-3
Quasi-
Experimental
Research
For example, assessing
the effectiveness of
an intervention
measure in reducing
the spread of
antibiotic-resistant
bacteria.
Quasi: that appears to be something but is not really so; partly,
almost

32. Types of Research: According to the Type of
Inference 1/3
 In this type of research, reality is explained by
general laws that point to certain conclusions;
conclusions are expected to be part of the premise
of the research problem and considered correct if
the premise is valid and the inductive method is
applied correctly.
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Type-1
Deductive
Investigation
Inference: a conclusion or opinion that is formed because of
known facts or evidence
Deductive: using knowledge about things that are generally
true in order to think about and understand particular situations
or problems

33. Types of Research: According to the Type of
Inference 2/3
 In this type of research, knowledge is generated
from an observation to achieve a generalization. It
is based on the collection of specific data to
develop new theories.
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Type-2
Inductive Research
Inductive: using particular facts and examples to form general
rules and principles

34. Types of Research: According to the Type of
Inference 3/3
 It is based on observing reality to make a
hypothesis, then use deduction to obtain a
conclusion
 and finally verify or reject it through experience.
34
Type-3
Hypothetical-
Deductive
Investigation
Hypothetical: based on situations that have not yet happened, not on facts
Deductive: using knowledge about things that are generally true in order to
think about and understand particular situations or problems

35. Types of Research: According to the Time in Which
it is Carried Out ½
 It is the monitoring of the same event, individual or
group over a defined period of time.
 It aims to track changes in a number of variables
and see how they evolve over time.
 It is often used in medical, psychological and
social area.
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Type-1
Longitudinal Study
(also referred to as
Diachronic
Research)
For example, a cohort
study that analyses
changes in a particular
indigenous population
over a period of 15 years.

36. Types of Research: According to the Time in Which
it is Carried Out 2/2
 Cross-sectional research design is used to observe
phenomena, an individual or a group of research
subjects at a given time.
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Type-2
Cross-Sectional
Study (also referred
to as Synchronous
Research)

37. Types of Research: According to The Sources of
Information 1/2
 This fundamental research type is defined by the fact
that the data is collected directly from the source, that
is, it consists of primary, first-hand information.
 Primary research is data which is obtained first-hand.
 This means that the researcher conducts the research
themselves or commissions the data to be collected on
their behalf.
 Primary research means going directly to the source,
rather than relying on pre-existing data samples.
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Type-1
Primary Research

38. Types of Research: According to The Sources of
Information 2/2
 Unlike primary research, secondary research is developed
with information from secondary sources, which are generally
based on scientific literature and other documents compiled
by another researcher.
 Secondary research involves the summary, collation and/or
synthesis of existing research.
 Secondary research is contrasted with primary research in that
primary research involves the generation of data, whereas
secondary research uses primary research sources as a
source of data for analysis.
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Type-2
Secondary
research

39. Types of Research: According to How the Data is
Obtained 1/4
 Documentary research, or secondary sources, is
based on a systematic review of existing sources of
information on a particular subject. This type of
scientific research is commonly used when
undertaking literature reviews or producing a case
study.
 Documentary research is the research conducted
through the use of official documents or personal
documents as the source of information.
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Type-1
Documentary
(cabinet)

40. Types of Research: According to How the Data is
Obtained 2/4
 Field research study involves the direct collection of
information at the location where the observed
phenomenon occurs.
 Field research is a qualitative method of research
concerned with understanding and interpreting the
social interactions of groups of people, communities,
and society by observing and interacting with people in
their natural settings.
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Type-2
Field

41. Types of Research: According to How the Data is
Obtained 3/4
 Laboratory research is carried out in a controlled
environment in order to isolate a dependent variable
and establish its relationship with other variables
through scientific methods.
 Scientific study conducted in a laboratory or other such
workplace, where the investigator has some degree of
direct control over the environment and can
manipulate the independent variables.
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Type-3
From
Laboratory

42. Types of Research: According to How the Data is
Obtained 4/4
 Mixed research methodologies combine results
from both secondary (documentary) sources and
primary sources through field or laboratory
research.
42
Type-4
Mixed-Method:
Documentary, Field
and/or Laboratory
Question: Write various types of research
methodologies based on specific
objective

43. Critical Factors 1/1
43
 It is important to understand that research itself is a process that is
defined by the approach taken to it in the first place.
 While research uncovers some aspect of how the world is, it also reflects
in large part how, where, and when we have asked the questions.
 The process of research is cyclic in nature and is interlinked at every
stage
 The Research Process is a step-by-step information skills
framework that improves student metacognition by making the
learning process explicit.
 The steps of the process are not necessarily linear and can often overlap.

44. 44
Locate: How
do I find the
Information?
Select: What
Information is
relevant and
reliable?
Organise:
How can I use
these
information?
Present: How
can I
communicate
my research?
Assess: What
did I learn
from this
process?
Initiate: What
do I really
need to find
out?
The steps of the
Research
Process

45. Step-1: Initiate 2/7
 Brainstorm and define the research topic Steps in the process
 What is my purpose?
 How can I deconstruct the research topic?
 What are the key words and ideas of the task?
 What is my inquiry Question Focus or Thesis?
45

46. Step-2: Locate 3/7
 Steps in the process:
What do I already know?
What do I still need to find out?
What sources do should I use?
 How do I find the information?
46

47. Step-3: Select 4/7
 Steps in the process:
What information can I leave out?
 How do I know if the information I found is
credible, reliable and relevant?
How will I record the information I need?
 How do I read for understanding?
47

48. Step-4: Organise 5/7
Steps in the process:
Have I enough information for my purpose?
How can I best summarise and paraphrase the information.
How can I use this information?
How do I reference my information sources
48

49. Step-5: Present 6/7
 Steps in the process:
What will I do with this information?
With whom will I share this information?
How will I communicate or share this information?
 How can I compose more sophisticated written responses?
49

50. Step-6: Assess 7/7
 Steps in the process
Did I fulfil my purpose?
How did I go with each step of the information process?
How did I go - presenting the information?
Where do I go from here?
What did I learn from this process?
For collaborative group work: did each member fulfil their role?
50

51. The process of Research/The research Approaches
51
Chose a topic
Review the
literature
Formulate the
problem
Develop the
research
questions
Chose and
organise the
research design
Gather the
data
Analyse the
data
Interpret the
data
Communicate
the findings

52. Criteria for the Good Research/Attributes of Good
Research Study
52
Criteria for
Good
Research
Systematic
Empirical
Replicable
or
Sustainable
Logical
Ethical
Significant
Contribution

53. Reason why research is important? For self
 Research expands your knowledge base
 Research gives you the latest information
 Research helps you know what you’re
up against
 Research builds your credibility
 Research helps you narrow your scope
 Research teaches you better
discernment
 Research introduces you to new ideas
 Research helps with problem-solving
 Research helps you reach people
 Research encourages curiosity
53
No matter what career field you’re in or
how high up you are, there’s always
more to learn. The same applies to your
personal life. No matter how many
experiences you have or how diverse
your social circle, there are things you
don’t know. Research unlocks the
unknowns, lets you explore the world
from different perspectives, and fuels a
deeper understanding. In some areas,
research is an essential part of
success.

54. Reason why research is important? Other
 Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and it promotes the
development of logical habits of thinking and organization.
 Research provides the basis for nearly all Govt. policies in our 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.
 For philosophers and thinkers, research may be mean the development for new
ideas and insights and new theories.
54

55. The problems encountered by researchers in India 1/3
55
The lack of scientific
training in the
methodology of
research
Insufficient Interaction
to Institute-Institute,
Institute-Industry,
Institute-Scientific
organization etc.
Misuse/mis-
handling/leaking-of-
information of the
research due to lack of
adequate rules and
regulations
Overlapping of
research studies due
to lack of information
and direction and
according to the need
of nation
Does not exist any
code of conduct for
the researchers
Lack of getting sufficient
assistance/funding/other
beneficiary to research

56. The problems encountered by researchers in India 2/3
56
Library management
and functioning is not
satisfactory at many
place
National or Societal
benefit research
direction is not well
defined
Industries In India are not
well equipped with
research and
development
Job prospective and
specifying the nature
of job confined to
Ph.D. degree holders
Too much effort to add
and search for
previous work
Copying of
data (Plagiarism), Paper
Oriented Research,
Citation, H-index, H10-
Index, Biasing with IF,
Business on Publication

57. The problems encountered by researchers in India 3/3
57
The outlook of
researcher and
research students
Lack of confident to take
up a new study specially
explorative study
Research: a mere
formality to fulfil
course requirement

58. 58
Wishing to do better research with your supervisor
Next Class: Interpretation and Report Writing

59. Question
 Q-1: “It is often said that there is not a proper link between some
of the activities under way in the world of academics and in
most business/ Industries in our country”. Account for this state of
affairs and give suggestions for improvement.
 Q-2: “Research is much concerned with proper fact finding,
analysis, and evaluation. “ Do you agree with this statement?
Give reasons in the support of your answer.
 Q-3: Why you feel the research is beneficial to you in future
looking to your aim, limitations, and passion.
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