HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

(MODULE1)

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Dr. A.H.SEQUEIRA
Professor , Dept of Humanities, Social Sciences & Management
NITK Surathkal
email: aloysiushs@gmail.com
NATURE OF SCIENCE
Science is a pyramid; the pyramid is built by research traditions; .take Copernicus out and
you have to rethink Einstein
Science attempts to be true to facts and has proved to be a reliable guide for action
Research tradition uses two methods of reasoning: inductive & deductive
Theories are produced by intuitive insight and constantly improved by iteration
Logic and experiment verify their validity
Theories can only be corroborated not proved
POPPER AND KUHN
Science is an evolutionary process: it evolves by deliberate idea mutation subject to
selection rules
ignore ideas that lack testable consequences
seek replacements for ideas that have failed tests
seek ideas that make the widest possible range of exact predictions
NATURE OF RESEARCH
Research is the search for truth whether mundane or profound! The process is a complex and
iterative; it is going up blind alleys to see of they are really blind
Two kinds: academic and developmental
*Academic research: curiosity driven, long-range; 99% is routine kind; 1% is inspired
*Developmental research: application driven, team effort; Needs leadership, a well-knit
team and considerable funding
CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESEARCHER
*A prepared and open mind
*Broad interests in several areas
*Capacity for hard work
*A desire to know the truth and an ability to challenge prevailing paradigms
*Discrimination and Aesthetics
*Ability to iterate while learning from mistakes of the past
*A positive attitude and faith in the scientific method

Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 1

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

Sound Reasoning Through Thought Process

(MODULE 2)

What is sound Reasoning ?

Finding out correct premises ( reasons )
Testing connections between facts and assumptions
Making claims on adequate evidence
What is needed for sound reasoning ?
(Scientific Method)
Direct observation of phenomena
Clearly defined variables, methods and procedures
Empirically testable hypothesis
Statistical justification of conclusion
Self correcting processes.
What is Empirical ?
It is attempted to describe, explain and make predictions by relying on information gained
through observation, experimental, experiential, practical, & pragmatic.
It is observations and propositions based on sensory experience and/or derived from such
experience by methods of deductive logic, including mathematics and statistics.
Purpose of Sound Reasoning
To communicate the true meaning.
Meanings conveyed through :
a) Exposition statements without explanation.
b) Arguments- meanings explained, interpreted, explored.
Two types of arguments used in research:
1. Deductive and 2. Inductive
Distinction Between Deductive and Inductive Arguments.
Examples for deductive and inductive arguments.
Deduction Argument : Example
Premise 1 : All passengers travelling by local train can be trusted to possess a valid ticket.
Premise 2 : Mr. Bharat is a regular local train passenger .
Conclusion : Mr. Bharat can be trusted to possess a valid ticket.

Analysis :
Premise 1 is a sweeping premise.
Premise 1 fails acceptance test.
Conclusion is based on confidence in Mr. Bharat , rather than the general premise.

Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 2

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

Induction Argument : Example
1 : Push the light switch on and find no light
(Fact 1)
2. You ask the question why no light (Induction)
3. You infer a conclusion to answer the question : The bulb is burned out ( Hypothesis )
4. You use the hypothesis to conclude that the light will not go on when you push the switch.
From past experience you know that a burned bulb will not light ( deduction )
5. Put a new bulb and push the switch. The light goes on. (Fact 2 )

RESEARCH PROCESS

(MODULE 3)

What is a research problem?

The term problem means a question or issue to be examined.

Research Problem refers to some difficulty /need which a researcher experiences in the context
of either theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.

Definition of the research problem involves two activities:

Identification / Selection of the Problem
Formulation of the Problem
IDENTIFICATION / SELECTION OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
This step involves identification of a few problems and selection of one out of them, after
evaluating the alternatives against certain selection criteria.
SOURCES OF PROBLEMS
Reading journals , papers published in conference proceedings, etc
Academic Experience
Work experience and exposure to Field situations
Consultations
Brainstorming
Research

Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 3

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

Intuition
CRITERIA OF SELECTION
The selection of one appropriate researchable problem requires evaluation of those alternatives against
certain criteria :

Internal / Personal criteria Researchers interest, Researchers competence, Researchers own

resource: finance and time.

External Criteria or Factors Research ability of the problem, Importance and urgency, Novelty
of the problem, Feasibility, Facilities, Usefulness and social relevance, Research personnel.

DEFINITION / FORMULATION OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Formulation is the process of refining the research ideas into research questions and objectives.
Formulation means translating and transforming the selected research problem/ topic/ idea into
a scientifically researchable question.
It is concerned with specifying exactly what the research problem is.
Problem definition or Problem statement is a clear, precise and concise statement of the
question or issue that is to be investigated with the goal of finding an answer or solution.
There are two ways of stating a problem:
Posing question / questions
Making declarative statement / statements
PROCESS INVOLVED IN DEFINING THE PROBLEM

Statement of the problem in a general way.

Understanding the nature of problem

Surveying the available literature

Developing ideas through discussions

Rephrasing the research problem

CRITERIA OF A GOOD RESEARCH PROBLEM

Clear and Unambiguous

Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 4

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

Empirical

Verifiable

Interesting

Novel and Original

Availability of Guidance
Defining Problem clearly Results in Clear Research Objectives..
Symptom Detection
Analysis of the Situation
Problem Definition
Statement of Research Objectives

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

(MODULE 4)

Literature Review is the documentation of a comprehensive review of the published and

unpublished work from secondary sources of data in the areas of specific interest to the
researcher.
The main aim is to find out problems that are already investigated and those that need further
investigation.
It is an extensive survey of all available past studies relevant to the field of investigation.
It gives us knowledge about what others have found out in the related field of study and how they
have done so.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To gain a background knowledge of the research topic.
To identify the concepts relating to it, potential relationships between them and to formulate
researchable hypothesis.
To identify appropriate methodology, research design, methods of measuring concepts and
techniques of analysis.
To identify data sources used by other researchers.

Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 5

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

To learn how others structured their reports.

How to conduct the Literature Survey?

Identify the relevant sources.
Extract and Record relevant information.
Write-up the Literature Review.
SOURCES OF LITERATURE
Books and Journals
Electronic Databases
Bibliographic Databases
Abstract Databases
Full-Text Databases
Govt. and Industry Reports
Internet
Research Dissertations / Thesis- published and unpublished

REFERENCING ( CITATIONS )

(MODULE 5)

Referencing in writing the literature review consists of two stages :

1. Referencing in the text or main body .
2. Referencing in the references or bibliography (at the end of thesis /paper)
Major Referencing Styles:
_ ACS American Chemical Society
AGLC Australian Guide to Legal Citation
AGPS/AGIMO Australian Government Publishing Service / Australian Government
Information Management Office.
AMA American Medical Association
_ APA American Psychological Association
_Chicago Chicago Manual of Style /(footnote referencing)
CSE /CBE) Council of Science Editors / Council of Biology Editors
Harvard
Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 6

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
MLA Modern Language Association of America
Vancouver
ACS (American Chemical Society)The style manual of the American Chemical Society is now
in its third edition. It is widely used in chemistry and related disciplines. The ACS manual
gives instructions for numbered referencing and also for in-text (Harvard style) referencing.
AGLC (Australian Guide to Legal Citation)This is now the standard Australian guide for
referencing in Law. It is a footnote style and includes detailed provisions for referencing
statutes, case reports and other legal materials.

AGPS/AGIMOThis is the standard Australian style manual. It has been published in various
editions over many years. Originally it was published by the Australian Government
Publishing Service, and now it is published for the Australian Government Information
Management Office.

AMA (American Medical Association)This style is widely used in medicine, especially in

journals published by the American Medical Association.
Harvard Referencing
Harvard is a generic term for any style which contains author-date references in the text of
the document, such as (Smith 1999).
There will also be a list of references at the end of the document, arranged by authors'
names and year of publication.
There is no official manual of the Harvard style: it is just a generic term for the many styles
which follow that format.
Harvard example
Journal : Huffman, LM 1996, Processing whey protein for use as a food ingredient, Food
Technology, vol. 50, no. 2, pp. 49-52.
Book :Cengel, YA & Boles, MA 1994, Thermodynamics: an engineering approach, 2nd edn,
McGraw Hill, London.
http://www.library.uq.edu.au/training/citation/harvard_6.pdf

APA (American Psychological Association)

This is the standard style used in Psychology, but it is also widely used in other disciplines,
especially in the Social Sciences.
Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 7

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

It is one of the many variants of the Harvard style.

APA (American Psychological Association)-Example

Journal: Lowrie, T., & Diezmann, C. M. (2009). National numeracy tests: A graphic tells a
thousand words. Australian Journal of Education, 53, 141-158.
Book : Baker, F. M., & Lightfoot, O. B. (1993). Psychiatric care of ethnic elders. (pp. 517552). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press.
http://www.library.uq.edu.au/training/citation/apa_6.pdf

Harvard and APA differences

Harvard
Referencing in text

APA

( Sunder 2001)
( Sunder et al. 2001)

(Fisher,2002 )
(Fisher et al. ,2002 )

Vancouver Referencing
Vancouver is a generic term for a style of referencing widely used in the health sciences,
using a numbered reference list.
There is no official manual of the Vancouver style, but the US National Library of Medicine's
style guide is now considered the most authoritative manual on this type of referencing.

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

The IEEE is the major professional body and publisher in the fields of electrical engineering
and computer science.
Their style manual is widely used in those disciplines.
It uses a numbered reference list.
The IEEE Computer Society has its own style manual, which is based on the IEEE manual but
differs in some respects.
IEEE-Article in a journal or magazine
Use lowercase for vol. and no. Page numbers through 9999 do not require a comma.
I.E. Sutherland, R.F. Sproull, and R.A. Schumaker, A Characterization of 10 Hidden-Surface
Algorithms, ACM Computing Surveys,Mar. 1974, pp. 1-55.
Preparation of Papers for IEEE TRANSACTIONS and JOURNALS (May 2007)
http://www.ieee.org/web/publications/authors/transjnl/index.html
Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 8

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

If you would prefer to use LATEX, download IEEEs LATEX style and sample files from the
same Web page. U
http://www.latex-project.org/ftp.html

Basic Format: IEEE Referencing

Number citations consecutively in square brackets [1]. The sentence punctuation follows the
brackets [2]. Multiple references [2], [3] are each numbered with separate brackets [1][3].
[1] J. K. Author, Name of paper, Abbrev. Title of Periodical, vol. x, no. x, pp. xxx-xxx, Abbrev.
Month, year.
Examples:
[1] R. E. K alman, New results in linear filtering and predi ction theory, J. Basic Eng., ser. D,
vol. 83, pp. 95-108, Mar. 1961
Chicago Manual of Style
The Chicago Manual of Style is the most widely consulted of all style manuals.
It includes provisions for footnote referencing and author-date referencing.
The Chicago Manual's footnote referencing system is widely used in the arts and humanities.
CSE (Council of Science Editors)
The manual of the Council of Science Editors (CSE) is now in its seventh edition. It was first
issued in 1960 by the Council of Biology Editors and is still sometimes referred to as the CBE
manual. It is widely used in the life sciences, and its provisions are applicable to other
scientific disciplines also.
The CSE manual recommends a numbered referencing system, where the reference list is
arranged alphabetically by author and numbered accordingly.

MLA (Modern Language Association of America)

The MLA style is widely used in the fields of modern literature and linguistics.
MLA referencing uses Harvard-style references in the text of the document, but without the
year of publication.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC ABBREVIATIONS
Op. cit. Meaning in the work cited
Sunder (2008) op. cit. pp 32-6
loc.cit.

Meaning in the place cited

Sunder (2008) loc. cit.

Ibid.

Meaning the same work given immediately

Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 9

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

ibid
NITK PhD Referencing Format
Within the text , citation will appear within bracket, author name and year without a comma
in between. Eg. (Raman 2009 )
References will follow the last chapter or appendixes , if any and all type of references shall
be listed in the alphabetical order.

Journal :
Lowrie, T., (2009)., National numeracy tests: A graphic tells a thousand words,
Australian Journal of Education, 53, 141-158.
Book :
Baker, F. M., (1993)., Psychiatric care of ethnic elders. Psychiatric frontier of social
sciences, Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press., 517-552.

Research Questions & Objectives

(MODULE 6)

STEPS IN WRITING RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND OBJECTIVES

Before starting the Literature Review Process
the researcher should write the research questions and research objectives.
The research problem / research idea facilitates generation of the research questions and
research objectives.
The initial research questions and research objectives thus written could be modified/ refined
after the related literature review process.
GENERATING AND REFINING RESEARCH IDEAS
RATIONAL THINKING
CREATIVE THINKING
Examine your strengths and interests
Look at past projects/research
Discussion
Search literature

Document ideas
Explore past projects
Draw literature maps/trees
Brain storming

Questions Types
Research questions ( broad/ general )
Investigative questions(specific/sub question)
Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 10

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

(required for measurements)
Research objectives ( statements of intention )
(descriptive, exploratory , or experimental )

Example of framing questions

EXAMPLE 1 : MCP oldest of 3 banks in Mangalore.
It is the largest of 3 banks in town. It is observed that profits are declining for last 5 years.
What research approach to adopt?
Frame the research questions
Frame the investigative questions?
Write the research objectives?
Solution to MCP Bank
Approach- exploratory
RQ 1: ( Main focus is to find out lack of deposit growth )
What is the public position regarding financial services of the bank?
Investigative questions
IQ 1: What specific financial services are used?
IQ 2 : How attractive are the various schemes
IQ 3 : What bank specific and environmental factors influence a person use specific service?
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES- MNC BANK
RO 1 : To study the public position of the bank regarding financial services and use?
RO2 : To determine the banks competitive position in the region?
RO3 : To suggest ways and means to improve the performance of the bank?
RO4 : To develop a strategy to maintain and enhance the image of the bank in the region ?

LITERATURE REVIEW PROCESS

7. Written critical review of literature
6. Redefine RQ & ROs
5. Start drafting the review
4. Obtain literature
3. Define the parameters
2 obtain literature
Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 11

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

Research Questions and research objectives

CREATIVE THINKING ??
WHAT IS CREATIVITY , INVENTION,

INNOVATION??

Why is creativity needed in research ??

Which leads to which ??
Creativity leads to innovation leads to invention
CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION EXAMPLES

THESIS WRITING -SKILL AND ART

(MODULE 7 )

WHAT IS A THESIS?
A thesis for the Ph.D. (dissertation) must provide a distinctive contribution to the body of
knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality shown by the discovery of new facts
and/or by the exercise of independent critical power.
GENERAL FORMAT OF THESIS
1.The preliminaries
Title page
Preface including acknowledgements
Table of contents
List of tables
List of figures or illustrations
Abstract
2. The text
Introduction ( Introductory Chapter )
Main Body Of The Report ( Usually Divided Into Chapters And Sections )
Conclusion ( Summary Of Chapter )
3. The Reference Material
Bibliography
Appendixes

Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 12

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

ABSTRACT
Brief summary- context , process , results in a nutshell.
Short statement of the problem
Brief description of methods and procedures used in collecting data
A condensed summary of the findings of the study

1. INTRODUCTION
First important chapter-leads to the study- sets tone
Indicate : need and scope , methods and procedures adopted , assumptions and hypotheses ,
limitations of investigations , etc.
2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Demonstrate the originality of the research scholar
Up-to-date review
Relevant variables and review
Summary of trends in review
Irrelevant information and details in the review
3. METHODOLGY OF RESEARCH
Methods of research- historical, descriptive / survey , experimental .
Sampling
Research instruments- types- validity / reliability
Sources and Collection of data

4. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Presentation of data- tables , Figures
Analysis of data- discussion of results
Reasoning and logic in research
5. CONCLUSIONS
Spotlight of salient features of each chapter with logical link
Important findings &Implications of findings
Give suggestions for new study- unanswered questions.
Findings and conclusions difference:
Findings- based on specific data observed
Conclusions generalizations based directly on data
NITK : RULES AND REGULATIONS PhD
Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 13

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

Rules and regulations are binding on all research students.
Keep updated with the amendments approved by the Senate-Refer Intranet .
Thesis Evaluation
Whats this one about?
Examiners have little time -so they want to extract the
most in the shortest period of time
Abstract Bibliography Conclusions Contents listing
This may be enough to decide if its worth a Ph.D.
Then:
1. What questions now come to mind?
2. Read more carefully
3. Were the questions answered?
What the Committee is looking for
Research problem-challenge and relevance
Review of related literature
Methodology used in research
Analysis of data
Presentation of results ,Discussion and findings
Conclusions

Review of Literature
To what extent is the review relevant to the research study?
Is there evidence of critical appraisal of other work, or is
the review just descriptive?
How well has the candidate mastered the technical or
theoretical literature?
Does the candidate make the links between the review
and his or her methodology explicit?
Is there a summary of the essential features of other
work as it relates to this study?
Presentation of Results
Have the hypotheses in fact been tested?
Do the solutions obtained relate to the questions
posed?
Is the level and form of analysis appropriate for
the data?
Could the presentation of the results been made
clearer?
Are patterns and trends in the results accurately
Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 14

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

identified and summarized?
Does the software appear to work satisfactorily?
Methodology
What precautions were taken against likely sources of
bias?
What are the limitations in the methodology? Is the
candidate aware of them?
Is the methodology for data collection appropriate?
Are the techniques used for analysis appropriate?
In the circumstances, has the best methodology been chosen?
Has the candidate given an adequate justification to the
methodology?
Conclusions
Is the candidate aware of possible limits to
confidence/reliability/validity of the work?
Have the main points to emerge from the results
been picked up for discussion?
Are there links made to the literature?
Is there evidence of attempts at theory building
or re-conceptualization of problems?
Are there speculations? Are they well grounded
in the results?
Has it Been Published?
Peer-review publications are crucial
The research communitys most important validation
criteria
Sure-fire recipe for success
Identify the top peer-reviewed journals in your research area
Publish your research in them
Always take the reviewers comments seriously
If youve published in the right places
You have nothing more to worry about
Your committee cannot ignore the outcome of the peer-review process
Nature Of Thesis Evaluation Reports
Four types of evaluation reports:
a) Accept the thesis as it is in the present form .
b) The thesis needs minor changes/ modifications and after incorporating the changes the
same may be accepted , without sending back the referee .
c) The thesis needs major changes/ modifications and after incorporating the changes the
same be accepted , after approval of the referee .
Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 15

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

d) Reject the thesis for acceptance.

Defense
What can they ask the candidate?
They may have decided before the exam
whether to pass you
Defense/Exam lively discussion
The exam is to check its your work
Talk fluently about the work
And a chance to clarify issues that are not
clear in the thesis
A good ppt presentation is essential
In Summary
Know your audience .
Help them understand
Keep it short
Use signposts- make something very clear or noticeable
Get the contents right .
Make sure youve covered the topic of research and highlight your contributions.

ETHICS IN ACADEMIC RESEARCH

(MODULE8)

What is research integrity?

Individual researcher
A US National Academies report1 observed that, for the individual researcher, integrity
embodies a range of good research practice and conduct. This includes:
Intellectual honesty in proposing, performing, and reporting research.
Accuracy in representing contributions to research proposals and reports.
Fairness in peer review.
Collegiality in scientific interactions, including communications and sharing of resources.
Transparency in conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest.
Protection of human subjects in the conduct of research.
Humane care of animals in the conduct of research.
Adherence to the mutual responsibilities between investigators and their research participants.
Areas of conduct

Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 16

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

Data and records

Research ethics
Publications and authorship
Conflict of interest
Peer review
Gene technology and bio- safety
Environmental health and safety

1. Data and records

Accurate, complete, authentic and reliable and in sufficient detail to enable verification of
research results
Identifiable, retrievable and available when needed
Kept in the department or unit where the research was conducted
Stored securely
Maintained for as long as they are of continuing value to the researcher and in compliance with
record keeping requirements
2. Research ethics
Animal ethics
Human research ethics
Health Sciences
Behavioural and Social Sciences
Humanities and Applied Sciences
Authorship and publication practices
Authorship
Recognition of other contributions
Acknowledgement of sponsors
Declaration of any conflicts of interest
3. Conflict of interest
What is conflict of interest?
Conflicts of interest include any circumstances where a researcher has a real, perceived or
potential opportunity to prefer their own interests, or those of any other person or
organisation, to the interests of the University.

Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 17

HU800 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2012

The conflict may compromise, or have the appearance of compromising, an employee's
professional judgment in conducting, evaluating, or reporting on research.
It may affect, or be seen to affect, not only the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data,
but also the hiring of staff, procurement of materials, sharing of results, choice of licensees,
choice of protocol, involvement of human subjects, and the use of statistical methods.
4. Peer review
Researchers have a responsibility to take part in peer review - including peer review of grant
proposals, publications, and applications for ethical clearance
Academic integrity depends on peer review.
Effective peer review depends on academic integrity.
Responsible peer review is a researcher's responsibility.

Misconduct in research
a )dishonest, reckless or negligent and (b) seriously deviates from accepted standards within the
scientific and scholarly community for proposing, conducting or reporting research.
This include :
The fabrication or falsification of data or results,
The use of another person's ideas, work or data without appropriate acknowledgement
(plagiarism),
Misleading ascription of authorship to a publication
Failure to disclose conflicts of interest or cases where a conflict of interest might
reasonably be perceived to exist,
Failure to obtain the required prior ethical or regulatory approval for the research
project to proceed; or failure to conduct the research project in accord with the
approved ethical or regulatory protocol.

Dr. A . H . SEQUEIRA

NITK , SURATHKAL

Page 18