Methods of research

1. Theory and its importance in research

Theory is a model or framework for observation and understanding, which

shapes both what we see and how we see it.
Theories are formulated to explain, predict and understand phenomena and in
many cases to challenge and extend existing knowledge within the limits of the
critical bounding assumptions.
Theory allows the researcher to make links between the abstract and the
concrete.
The theoretical and the empirical; thought and statements and observational
statements.
Theory is a generalized statement that asserts a connection between two or
more types of phenomena or any generalized explanatory principles.
Theory is a system of interconnected abstractions or ideas that condenses and
organizes knowledge about the world.
Theory explains and predicts the relationships between variables.
Theory guides research and organizes its ideas.
Theory has the capacity to generate new research.
Theory is empirical relevant and always tentative.
Theory frames what we look at, how we thinks and look at it.
It provides basic concepts and directs us to the important questions
It suggests ways for us to make sense of research data
The abstract or the world of concepts or ideas and the concrete or the empirical
or observable world is linked by scientific theories which provide descriptions,
summaries, integration and explanations about what is known from research and
practice that will increase further understanding.
Theory enables us to connect a single study to the immense base of knowledge
to which other researchers contribute.
It helps a researcher see the forest instead of just a single tree.
Theory increases a researchers awareness of interconnections and of the
broader significance of data.

Citations:
Any scientific finding is usually to be assessed in relation to the theoretical
perspective from which it derives and to which it may contribute (Silvermann,
2000)
 2. Review of related literature and its functions

The literature review is an integral part of the research process and makes
valuable contribution to almost every operational steps.
It provides a theoretical background to your study.
It helps you establish the links between what you are proposing to examines and
what has already been studied.
It enables you to show how your findings have contributed to the existing body of
knowledge in your profession.
It helps you to integrate your research findings into the existing body of
knowledge.
It can bring clarity and focus to your research problem
Improve your research methodology
Broaden your knowledge base in your research area
Contextualize your findings.
Four steps involved in conducting a literature review.
1. Searching for the existing literature in your area of study (books, journals,
the internet)
2. Reviewing the selected literature
3. Developing theoretical framework
4. Developing a conceptual framework.

3. Experimental research and Descriptive research and the difference

between them

a. Descriptive research
In descriptive research, the researcher makes an attempt to comprehend the
different characteristics of the study group or a phenomenon. For this, the
researcher can use many research methods such as surveys, interviews,
observational method, case studies, etc. Through each method, the researcher
can gather different types of data which will enhance his understanding of the
study group
Describes what is sometimes known as non-experimental research.
It deals with the relationship between variables.
The testing of hypotheses and the development of generalizations,
principles or theories that have universal validity.
Investigates phenomena in their natural setting and involve measurement,
classification, analysis, comparison and interpretation.
Classified into three categories survey studies, interrelationship studies
and developmental studies.
 This type of research describes what exists and may help to uncover new
facts and meaning.
Purpose is to observe, describe and document.
Collection of date that will provide an account or description of individuals,
groups or situations.
Instruments use to obtain data include questionnaires, interviews (closed
questions) observations (checklist)

Citations:
Purpose is to observe, describe and document aspects of a situation as it
naturally occurs (Polit &Hungler 1999)

b. experimental research
Experimental research is a research where the variables are manipulated by
the researcher to arrive at conclusions or come across findings. Unlike in the
case of descriptive research, in experimental research, the focus is not on
describing the population; testing the hypothesis is the main focus. There are
different types of experiments such as quasi-experiments, single subject
study, correlation study, etc.
Describes what will be when certain variables are carefully controlled or
manipulated.
The focus is on variable relationship whenever an independent variable
can be manipulated an experimental approach can be used.
Provides for much control and therefore establishes a systematic and
logical association between manipulated factors and observed effects.
Four essential characteristics of experimental research are control,
manipulation, observation and replication.
an attempt to maintain control over all factors that may affect the result of
an experiment. In doing so attempts to determine or predict what may
occur.
Enables the researcher to test his hypothesis by reaching valid
conclusions about relationships between independent and dependent
variables.
Steps involved in conducting an experimental study
1. Identify and define the problem
2. Formulate hypothesis and deduce their consequences
3. Construct an experimental design that represents all the elements, conditions,
and relations of the consequences
4. Conduct the experiment
5. Compile raw date and reduce to usable form
6. Apply an appropriate test of significance.
What is the difference between Descriptive and Experimental Research?

Descriptive Research: Descriptive research refers to research that describe a

phenomenon or else a group under study. The focus Descriptive research describes the
population through identifying the characteristics. Causation is Descriptive research
does not stress on causality. Outcome Descriptive research answers the question what.

Experimental Research: Experimental research refers to research where the

researcher manipulates the variable to arrive at conclusions or else to come across
findings. The focus is Testing the hypothesis is the main focus of experimental
research. Causation Experimental research allows the researcher to find causality.
Outcome Experimental research answers the question why.

4. Determining the independent variable, dependent variable and the methods of

analysis from given titles. Formulating possible titles.
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEFINITION

An independent variable is defines as the variable that is changed or controlled in a

scientific experiment. It represents the cause or reason for an outcome.

Independent variables are the variables that the experimenter changes to test
their dependent variable.

A change in the independent variable directly causes a change in the dependent

variable. The effect on the dependent variable is measured and recorded.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE EXAMPLES

A scientist is testing the effect of light and dark on the behavior of moths by
turning a light on and off. The independent variable is the amount of light and the
moth's reaction is the dependent variable.
In a study to determine the effect of temperature on plant pigmentation, the
independent variable (cause) is the temperature, while the amount of pigment or
color is the dependent variable (the effect).
DEPENDENT VARIABLE

A dependent variable is the variable being tested in a scientific experiment.

The dependent variable is 'dependent' on the independent variable. As the

experimenter changes the independent variable, the change in the dependent variable
is observed and recorded. When you take data in an experiment, the dependent
variable is the one being measured.

DEPENDENT VARIABLE EXAMPLES

A scientist is testing the effect of light and dark on the behavior of moths by
turning a light on and off. The independent variable is the amount of light and the
moth's reaction is the dependent variable. A change in the independent variable
(amount of light) directly causes a change in the dependent variable (moth
behavior).

You are interested in learning which kind of chicken produces the largest eggs.
The size of the eggs depends on the breed of chicken, so breed is the
independent variable and egg size is the dependent variable.

5. Formulating from given titles

a. Statement of the problem

A problem statement is a brief overview of the issues or problems existing in the

concerned area selected for the research. It is an explanation of the issues prevalent in
a particular sector which drives the researcher to take interest in that sector for in-depth
study and analysis, so as to understand and solve them (Saunders et al. 2009).

Purpose behind writing problem statement in any research study is to:

 Problem Statement

Components of problem statement

The word count of problem statement for a thesis or dissertation should be in range of
150-300 words. The problem statement in any research therefore includes four
important segments i.e.

1. Background of the Problem: Here you can reflect on facts related to the problem
to make the reader understand about the gravity of the problem.
2. Anchor: How one needs to resolve this problem in the research paper.
3. General problem: How is impacts a larger population.
4. Specific problem: How it impacts your sample population.

Example 1 (Quantitative Study)

1. Background of the problem: The high attrition rate in manufacturing organization

is creating anxiety and fear among the employees and thus affecting the
productivity of the organization as a whole.
Here you need to refer to previous research done in the past in the manufacturing
sector to determine the key reasons for high attrition rate. It should stimulate the
reader to read further.
2. Anchor: This must include a statistical value to magnify and elucidates the
problem.
Here you can present the attrition percentage within the manufacturing industry and
compare it with the case company.
3. General Problem: The general business problem is to determine the financial lost
to the organisation.
The general business problem needs to just outline the problem.
4. Specific Problem: Since high attrition rate is affecting the overall productivity of the
employees it is in turn affecting the performance of the organization. In order to do
 so one needs to determine the relationship between employee productivity and
organisational performance.
This is narrower in scope than the general business problem and focused around
need of the study which allows easy transition to Need of the Study.

Example 2 (Qualitative Study)

1. Background of the problem: There has been increase in workplace deaths of

miners from 2010 to 2011 (Cite here).
2. Anchor: Study conducted by XYZ (Year) indicates that 7 out of 10 deaths in mining
industry are due to abc reasons (Cite here).
3. General Problem: The cost of workplace deaths negatively influences profitability
to the business workers.
4. Specific Problem: There is little information on what measures can be undertaken
to reduce the workplace death toll.

General problems with problem statement

Quite often students are not able to frame their problem statement properly as they miss
out on one or the other component or get confused on what to include or not. Most
common problems which are observed have been highlighted below which will improve
your ability to write problem statement:

1. Unable to clearly identify the research problem.

2. Often confused with research questions of the study.
3. The problem is not encouraging enough for the researcher to read further.
4. Not data driven i.e. NO citations.
5. More than 300 words.
6. Not focused with the research subject.

b. Conceptual framework

How to define conceptual framework

Conceptual Framework is like pre-planning wherein we define what the
research will include. However, the position of conceptual framework within
Qualitative and Quantitative Research varies. The table below explains the
difference in position.

In case of quantitative research, the researcher defines the research problem and
key variables which will be used to resolve the problem. However, in case of
qualitative research inductive position is applicable wherein the researcher
 seeks to build up theory. In such a situation, existing theories can be misleading
and therefore the conceptual framework emerges after the research is complete.

However, here I should point out that researchers generally have an idea of
what will feature in the study which could be treated as a tentative framework
which would give an idea, however can be changed over the period of time.

How to develop conceptual framework?

There are several inputs which are essential when working on a conceptual
framework. The two main elements are;

1. Experiential Knowledge: technical knowledge, research background and

personal experience.
2. Literature Review: related theory, related research and other theories and
research related to the topic.

The key steps for development of conceptual framework are:

1. Identify the key variables used in the subject area of your study.
2. Draw out key variables within something you have already written about the
subject area i.e. literature review.
3. Take one key variable and then brainstorm all the possible things related to the
key variable.
4. After all the variables have been defined, focus on number of relationships they
can form with each other to determine the inter-relationships between all.

It can be presented in the form of; flow diagrams, tree diagrams, mind maps or even
shape based diagrams. Below are some examples for better understanding:

Flow chart
Tree diagram

Conceptual framework is essential to bring focus within the content and also acts as a
link between literature, methodology and results.

Research Design
What is research design? How is the term `research design' to be used in this book? An
analogy might help. When constructing a building there is no point ordering materials or
setting critical dates for completion of project stages until we know what sort of building
is being constructed. The rst decision is whether we need a high rise ofce building, a
factory for manufacturing machinery, a school, a residential home or an apartment
block. Until this is done we cannot sketch a plan, obtain permits, work out a work
schedule or order materials.