2.

RESEARCH PROCESS/RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Steps/stages in the process of research
1. To select the research topic
2. To define research problem
3. To decide research objective
4. To review useful literature
5. To develop hypothesis
6. To decide research design
7. To decide sample design
8. Data collection
9. To execute research project
10. To analyse data
11. To test hypotheses
12. To generalize and interpret
13. To prepare research report

Features of Good Research1.

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Systematic
Logical
Empirical /related/valid
Replicable/subject to verification
Free from personal bias
Objective oriented
Based on modern technology

Research Design

Definitions1. David J. Luck and Ronald S. RubinIt is the determination and statement of general research approach or strategy adopted for the
particular project. It is the heart of planning. If the design adheres to the research objectives, it
will ensure that the clients needs will be served. [Marketing Research- p. 42, 7th Ed.
-1996)
2. Kerlinger Fred N. Research design in the plan, structure and strategy to investigation conceived so as to obtain
answers to research questions and to control variance. [Foundations of Behavioural Research]
3. Green and TullIt is the specification of methods and procedures for acquiring the information needed. It is the
over-all operational pattern or framework of the project that stipulates what information is to be
collected from which sources by what procedure.

Need and Importance of Research Design1.

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9.

It provides appropriate guidelines to the researchers

It facilitates organizing of resources for data collection
Ti gives suitable directions to the research staff
It facilitates section of appropriate techniques for data collecting and data analysis
It facilitates collection of relevant data for research project
It facilitates the achievement of research objectives in an appropriate manner
It facilitates monitoring of research expenditure
It facilitates execution of research project in an orderly manner
It motivates to the research staff to complete the entire research project in time

Steps/stages in the process of research Design1. To determine work involved in the project
2. To determine cost involved
3. To prepare time schedule
4. To verify the results

Features of Good Research Design1. Objective oriented

2. Flexible
3. Reliability
4. Pilot study/small segment study simplicity
5. Cost-effective
6. Easy execution
7. Selection of appropriate techniques and methods
8. Generalisationof findings
9. Objectivity
10. Suitability

Types /Kinds of Research Design

1. Exploratory Research2. Descriptive- It discovers the relationship between certain variables.
a) Cross-sectional studies-It is a study involving a sample of elements form the
population of elements from the population of interest at a single point of time.
e.g. filed studies.
b) Longitudinal- It is based on panel methods and panel data
3. Casual e.g.- historical, survey, experimental