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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: AN

ENTRY TO SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH

Megh R. Dangal
Kathmandu University

INTRODUCTION
Research is a systematic, controlled, empirical
and critical investigation of hypothetical
propositions about the presumed relations among
natural phenomena (Kerlinger, 1986)
Research is a procedure by which we attempt to
find systematically, and with the support of
demonstrable facts, the answer to a question of
the resolution of a problem (Leedy, 1989)
Research is a systematic and objective analysis
and recording of observations that may lead to
the development of a theory (Best, 1992)

INTRODUCTION
Research is a systematic and critical enquiry
which aims to contribute to the advancement of
knowledge and wisdom (Bassey, 1999)
Research is an organized, systematic, data-based
and critical, scientific enquiry of investigation
into a specific problem, undertaken with the
objective of finding answers or solutions to it
(Sekaran, 2000)

(Pant, 2009, p. 5)

What do these definitions have in common?


What is research?

planned enquiry that utilizes suitable scientific tools


to solve problems and create new knowledge that is
generally applicable and acceptable by people

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research

process involves a series of well-thought-out


activities of gathering, recording, analyzing and
interpreting the data
The purpose of finding answers to the problem

The entire processes based on the philosophies,


principles and mechanisms of research by which we
attempt to solve problems or search the answers to
questions are collectively known as the research
methodology

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The broader principles of research underscored by
philosophical rationales
Positivism

Studies

the world and people in it as objective things by


direct observation according to strict rules
Is about the scientific rules that researchers follow

Post-positivism
Views

knowledge as subjective, value laden and not based


on cause-and-effect
Is what researchers do
Research methodology means that:
complexity within activity arenas, minimizes difficulties by
using simpler scientific tools

RESEARCH METHODS
Involve the forms of data collection, analysis and
interpretation that researchers propose for their
studies
Key principles of research design, such as the
case study method
Particular approaches for collecting and
analyzing data, such as observation

APPLIED RESEARCH AND FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH

Applied research
Is

conducted in response to a specific problem, which


requires a solution

Fundamental research
Is

undertaken to improve our understanding of certain


problems that commonly occur in organizational setting,
and how to solve them

FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH VS. APPLIED RESEARCH


Fundamental research

Applied research

Purpose
Expand knowledge processes of
business and management
Result in universal principles
relating to the process and its
relationship to outcomes
Finding of significance and value
to society in general
Context:
Undertaken by people based in
universities
Choice of topic and objectives
determined by the researcher
Flexible time scales

Purpose:
Improve understanding of
particular business or management
problem
Results in solution to problem
New knowledge limited to problem
Finding of practical relevance and
value to managers in organization
Context:
Undertaken by people based in a
variety of settings including
organizations
Objectives negotiated with
originator

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF


RESEARCH
Exploration
Description
Explanation
Generalization and prediction

SIMPLE RESEARCH MODEL


1. Problem

4. Action

2. Data Collection

3. Data Analysis

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Usually emphasizes words rather than
quantification in the collection and analysis of data
For exploring and understanding the meaning
individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human
problem
The process of research involves emerging questions
and procedures; collecting data in the participants
setting; analyzing the data inductively, building
from particulars to general themes; and making
interpretations of the meaning of the data
The final written report has a flexible writing
structure

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
Usually emphases quantification in the collection
and analysis of data
For testing objective theories by examining the
relationship among variables
Variables can be measured, typically on
instruments, so that numbered data can be
analyzed using statistical procedures
The final written report has a set structure
consisting of introduction, literature and theory,
methods, results, and discussion

MIXED RESEARCH
Describes research that combines the use of both
qualitative and quantitative research
Involves philosophical assumptions, the use of both
approaches, and the mixing of both in a study
Both data are actually merged, one end of the
continuum, or kept separate, the other end of the
continuum, or combined in some way on the
continuum

The

convergent parallel design: compare or relate


The explanatory sequential design: follow up
The exploratory sequential design: build to
The embedded design: before, during, after

Quantitative
Approach

Mixed
Approach

Qualitative
Approach

Scientific

Deductive or
top-down
Test hypothesis
and theory with
data.

Deductive
and
Inductive

Inductive or bottom-up
Generate new hypotheses
and theory from data
collected.

Most common

Description
Explanation
Prediction

Multiple
objectives

Description
Exploration
Discovery

Narrow-angle
lens
Testing specific
hypotheses

Multi-lens Wide and Deep-angle


lenses
Examine the breadth and
depth of phenomenon to
learn more about them.

Method

research

objectives
Focus

Nature of
study

Form of
data
collected

Nature of

Study behavior under


artificial, controlled
conditions.

Study behavior
in more than
one context or
condition

Study behavior in its


natural environment or
context.

Collect numeric data using


structured and validated
instruments (closed-ended
survey items, rating scales,
measurable behavioral
responses)

Multiple forms

Collect narrative data


using semi- or
unstructured instruments
(open-ended survey items,
interviews, observation,
focus groups, documents)

Numeric variables.

Mixture of
numeric
variables,
words, and
images.

Words, images, themes,


and categories

Identify statistical
relationships.

Statistical and
holistic

Holistically identify
patterns, categories, and

data

Data
analysis

Results

Generalizable
findings.
General
understanding of
respondents
viewpoint.
Researcher framed
results.

corroborated
findings that
may be
generalizable.

Particularistic
findings.
In-depth
understanding of
respondents
viewpoint.
Respondent framed
results.

Form of

Statistical report
including
correlations,
comparisons of
means, and
statistically
significant findings.

Statistical
findings with
in-depth
narrative
description
and
identification
of overall
themes.

Narrative report
including
contextual
description,
categories, themes,
and
supporting
respondent quotes.

final

report

(Johnson & Christensen, 2004)

Textbooks
Bryman, A. (2008). Social research methods (3 rd
ed.). India: Oxford.
Creswell, J. W. (2011). Research designs (3rd
ed.). New Delhi: Sage.
References:
American Psychological Association [APA].
(2010). Publication manual (6th ed.).
Washington, D. C.: Author.
Neuman, W. L. (2006). Social research methods:
Qualitative and quantitative approaches (6 th
ed.). India: PEARSON.
Pant, P. R. (2010). Social science research and
thesis writing (5th ed.). Kathmandu: Buddha.

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