BBA V SEMESTER (BBA 502) DR. TABASSUM ALI RESEARCH METHODOLOGY BBA V SEMESTER (BBA 502) DR. TABASSUM ALI

Meaning and Definition of Research Meaning of Research: Research is the search for knowledge, using objective and systematic methods to find solution to a problem. It is an attempt to pursue truth through the methods of study, observation, comparison, and experiment. Thus, Research is an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions. It is SYSTEMATIC because there is a definite set of procedures and steps which are followed. It is ORGANIZED, because there is a structure or method of doing research. It is a planned and focused procedure, limited to a specific scope.

Meaning and Definition of Research According to Redman and Mory (1923), research is a “systematized effort to gain new knowledge” According to Clifford Woody, research comprises “defining and redefining problems, formulating hypotheses or suggested solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and finally, carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulated hypotheses”. D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson define research as “the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalising to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art.”

Objectives of Research To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it. To explain the unknown/unexplained phenomenon. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables. To study social life and understand social behaviour. To draw new conclusion from old knowledge pool.

Features of Good Research Should be systematic in nature such that specified steps are taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the defined set of rules. Should be logical, i.e. logical reasoning and the logical process of induction or deduction should be applied. Should be empirical, i.e. It should be based on observations and experimentation and on existing theories. Should be replicable in nature so that the research results can be verified. Should be unbiased and should not be based on judgments. Should employ quantitative or statistical methods by transforming the data into numerical measures and should be treated statistically.

Motivation in Research Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems. Desire to understand causal relationships. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work. Desire to be of service to the society. Desire to get respectability and public recognition.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Approach to Research Qualitative Approach Qualitative approach to research is concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions and behaviour, underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations of the respondents. Qualitative measurement focuses on collecting information that is not numerical. Some common methods include techniques of focus group interviews, projective techniques and depth interviews. The validity and reliability largely depends on the skill and rigor of the researcher. The research results are usually less generalizable.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Approach to Research Quantitative research is used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or data that can be transformed into useable statistics. The goal of quantitative measurement is to run statistical analysis, so data has to be in numerical form. Quantitative data collection methods are much more structured than Qualitative data collection methods. Surveys, structured interviews & observations, and reviews of records or documents for numeric information are some common methods used in quantitative research. Validity and reliability largely depends on the measurement device or instrument used. The research results are usually more generalizable.

Significance of Research Research assumes significant role in the formulation of almost all government policies of an economic system. Research is also necessary for collecting information on the social and economic structure of an economy. Research has significance in solving various operational and planning problems associated with business and industry. Research is equally important to social scientists for analyzing the social relationships and seeking explanations to various social problems. To professionals in research methodology, research is a source of livelihood. To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights. To analysts and intellectuals, research is a means for generalisations of new theories.

Reference: Kothari, C.R. (2013), Research Methodology Methods and Techniques, New Age International (P) Limited, New Delhi.