This assignment is related with the introduction to research methods. it gives an over view and brief introduction of research, types of researches, methods to collect research data. useful for research students of business management, commerce studies, social work and for general over view to understand research.

1. Advance Research Methods basic methods are used for reasoning
Lecture – 1 9-10-2012 or getting results.
Q1 Knowledge and the sources of 1. Induction
knowledge 2. Deduction
Facts, information, and skills acquired Induction: Induction is the
by a person through experience or method of reasoning from particular to
education; the theoretical or practical general; the mental process involved
understanding of a subject is called in creating generalization from
knowledge. observed phenomena or principle.
Epistemology Example: Today, I left for work at
Epistemology is the study of knowing. eight’s clock and arrived on time.
It deals with the nature of knowledge, Therefore, everyday that I leave the
how do we know things, what do we house at eight, I will arrive at work on
know, why we know, is what we know time.
true, and what are the limits of Deduction: Deduction is the
knowledge.Generally speaking, method of reasoning in which, we use
epistemology deals with the nature of top-to-bottom approach and use
knowledge and not the how-to of general to specific method. We
knowledge. In other words, what is observe a large amount of data and
the relationship between truth and make a specific argument.
reality versus how do I build a cabinet. Example:
Sources of knowledge All oranges are fruit.
1. Experience All fruits grow on trees.
We get knowledge through our Hence, all oranges grow on trees.
experience. We observe, learn and do
any work through our hands and learn Limitations of Scientific Method
new things. So, by doing some activity Clearly, the scientific method is a
with our hands, we get experience, powerful tool but it does have its
gives us direction to understand the limitations. These limitations are based
way of doing such general or specific on the fact that a hypothesis must be
work. In other words, such types of testable, falsifiable, experiments and
experience increase our knowledge. observations be repeatable. Scientific
2. Sensory knowledge method is incapable of making value
We get knowledge through use of our judgments. It cannot say anything
sensory organs. These are ears, eyes, about supernatural powers.
nose, hands and tongue. These What is Refutability?
sensory organs gives us knowledge It means that the hypotheses must be
about something happening but not questionable and be supported by
100% perfect or complete knowledge some evidence.
that can be used for decision making. Types of Research Designs
3. Scientific knowledge Quantitative Research
Scientific method is a body of Quantitative research refers to the
techniques used for investigating systematic empirical investigation of social
phenomena, acquiring new knowledge phenomena via statistical, mathematical or
or correcting and integrating previous computational techniques. The objective of
knowledge. Scientific method gives us quantitative research is to develop and
the empirical and measurable results, employ mathematical models, theories and/or
which can be tested and verified again hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. The
and again. Scientific method based on process of measurement is central to
logic. Logic is the system of reasoning, quantitative research because it provides the
which helps in choosing right one fundamental connection between empirical
option from lots of option. In logic two observation and mathematical expression of

2. quantitative relationships. Quantitative data is and can cause corresponding changes
any data that is in numerical form such as in other variables, and (2) Dependent
statistics, percentages, etc. In layman's variable: that can take different values
terms, this means that the quantitative only in response to an independent
researcher asks a specific, narrow question variable.
and collects numerical data from participants Functions of Research
to answer the question.
What is meant Phenomenon? 1. It obtains the scientist knowledge about all
1. A fact or situation that is observed to educational problems. It also helps in obtaining
exist or happen, esp. one whose cause specific knowledge about the subjects involved
or explanation is in question. in the study.
2. Within boundaries of time and space, 2. In action research, the researchers are
anything which is happening or teachers, curriculum workers, principals,
occurring is called phenomenon. supervisors or others whose main task is to
Qualitative Research A set help, provide good learning experiences for
of research techniques in which data is pupils.
obtained from a relatively small group of 3. In it, a person tries to enable him to realize
respondents and not analyzed with his purposes more effectively. For example: A
statistical techniques. Qualitative teacher conducts his teaching more effectively.
research is a method of inquiry An administrator, in the education department
employed in many different academic performs his action to improve his
disciplines, traditionally in the social administrative behavior.
sciences, but also in market research. It 4. Action research is a procedure which tries to
is used to make sense of unstructured keep problem solving in close contact with
information. reality at every stage.
Analytical Research 5. In educational system it conduits for the
The distinction between descriptive and progress of the technique of teaching.
analytical research is based on the 6. It strengthens and emphasizes the work of
question it asks. Descriptive research the teacher.
attempts to determine, describe, or 7. It has a great utility of creating new interest
identify what is, while analytical research and new confidence in the ability of the
attempts to establish why it is that way individual teacher.
or how it came to be. The descriptive 8. Action research provides practical utility. For
research uses description, classification, class-room teacher, he applies his own
measurement, and comparison to observations into his class-room practices to
describe what phenomena are. The make the observed problems solved. Minor
analytical research usually concerns problems in the class-room can be solved by
itself with cause-effect relationships. For applying the teachers' intelligence.
example Examining the fluctuations of U. 9. to explain existing observed phenomenon,
S. international trade balance during to gather up to date, current information on a
1974-1995 is an example of descriptive particular field, research is important and the
research; while explaining why and how foundation for sustainable development in any
U.S. trade balance move in a particular country because industries depend on existing
way over time is an example of research information to innovate. In science,
analytical research. research is a prerequisite to the approval of
What is Variable? any postulated theory, and in politics generally
A characteristic, number, or quantity that research is mandatory to prove a political view
increases or decreases over time, or or standpoint.
takes different values in different Types of Research
situations. Basic Research
Two basic types are (1) Independent Pure research, basic research,
variable: that can take different values or fundamental research is research carried

3. out to increase understanding of fundamental Preposition
principles. It is not intended to yield immediate A word governing, and usually preceding, a
commercial benefits; pure research can be noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to
thought of as arising out of curiosity. However, another word or element in the clause, as in
in the long term it is the basis for many “the man on the platform,” “she
commercial products and applied research. arrived after dinner,” “what did you do it for?”
Pure research is mainly carried out by Difference b/w Concept and Construct
universities. Concept: An abstract idea; a general notion
Applied Research Construct: Build or erect (something, typically
Applied research can be defined as the a building, road, or machine)
methodic search for solutions to practical Concept Construct
problems of the modern world. The main Already maintained Maintained and
motivation in applied research is to apply the standards based on establish by own
knowledge and solve practical problems for knowledge
companies and all kinds of institutions. Based on practical Based on perception
Descriptive Research workings
Descriptive research, also known as statistical Examples : Theories, Job satisfaction,
research, describes data and characteristics rules employee
about the population or phenomenon being performance etc
studied. However, it does not answer
questions about e.g.: how/when/why the
characteristics occurred, which is done under
analytic research.
Although the data description is factual,
accurate and systematic, the research cannot
describe what caused a situation. Thus,
Descriptive research cannot be used to create
a causal relationship, where one variable
affects another. In other words, descriptive
research can be said to have a low
requirement for internal validity.
The description is used for frequencies,
averages and other statistical calculations.
Often the best approach, prior to writing
descriptive research, is to conduct a survey
investigation. Qualitative research often has
the aim of description and researchers may
follow-up with examinations of why the
observations exist and what the implications of
the findings are.
Define Theory
A set of statements or principles devised to
explain a group of facts or phenomena,
especially one that has been repeatedly tested
or is widely accepted and can be used to make
predictions about natural phenomena.
Behavioral Research
Research that involves the application of the
behavioral and social sciences to the study of
the actions or reactions of persons or animals
in response to external or internal stimuli.