Q-1(a): Define Research? Discuss the various types of research.

Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) in order to increase
our understanding of the phenomenon with which we are concerned or interested.

The strict definition of scientific research is performing a methodical study in order to prove a hypothesis
or answer a specific question. Finding a definitive answer is the central goal of any experimental
process. Research must be systematic and follow a series of steps and a rigid standard protocol.
Scientific research must be organized and undergo planning, including performing literature reviews of
past research and evaluating what questions need to be answered.

Types of Research:
1) Descriptive research & Analytical Research
2) Applied Research & Fundamental Research
3) Quantitative Research & Qualitative Research
4) Conceptual Research & Empirical Research
5) Other research categories – Simulative Research, Laboratory Research, Historical research, One
Time Research, Longitudinal Research etc.

Example of each Research Type

1. Descriptive Research – It include survey & fact-finding enquiries of different kinds. Here
researcher has no control over variables. The researcher only reports that what has happened
& what are happening. Only method suitable for this research is Survey Method.

2. Analytical Research – Such type of research uses the available information as the base to
make the further critical evaluation.

3. Applied Research – Applied research implies for the action research. This research is intended
for finding some solution to the problem.

4. Fundamental Research – As its name indicate this type of research is made for performing
the basic or pure research. It is a theoretical research.

5. Quantitative Research is based on the measurement of some quantity or amount. This can
be done by i) Inferential Experimental approach or ii) Simulation Approach.

6. Qualitative Research is concerned with the quality phenomenon.

7. Conceptual Research is related to some idea or theory or concept.

8. Empirical Research is based on experience or observation. It is data base research also called
as Experimental Research. Here the researcher has full control over variables under study. A
best way is to test the given hypothesis.
Q-2(b): How a research gets the scientific merits?

What Principles make a research as scientific merit?

The following aspects make a research as more scientific; As:

1) Pose a significant, important question that can be investigated empirically and that contributes
to the knowledge base,

2) Test questions that are linked to relevant theory,

3) Apply methods that best address the research questions of interest,

4) Base research on clear chains of inferential reasoning supported and justified by a complete
coverage of the relevant literature,

5) Provide the necessary information to reproduce or replicate the study,

6) Ensure the study design, methods, and procedures are sufficiently transparent and ensure an
independent, balanced, and objective approach to the research,

7) Provide sufficient description of the sample, the intervention, and any comparison groups,

8) Use appropriate and reliable conceptualization and measurement of variables,

9) Evaluate alternative explanations for any findings,

10) Assess the possible impact of systematic bias,

11) Submit research to a peer-review process,

12) Adhere to quality standards for reporting (i.e., clear, cogent, complete

Question -2:

(a) Discuss the major eight-steps of research process and give some example.

Discuss the major eight-steps of research process and give some example.

1) Selection of topics

2) Reviewing the Literature

3) Development of Theoretical and conceptual framework

4) Clarification of research question/hypothesis

5) Research Design

6) Data Collection,

7) Data Analysis

8) Drawing Conclusion

(b) What is hypothesis in research? Differentiate between null and alternate hypothesis

What is Hypothesis in research?

Hypothesis can be defined by a supposition or explanation (theory) that is provisionally accepted in
order to interpret certain events or phenomena to provide guidance for further investigation. A
hypothesis may be proven correct or wrong, and must be capable of refutation, if it remains refuted by
facts, it is said to be verified and corroborated.

Differentiate between Null and Alternate Hypothesis

The term "null hypothesis" is a general statement or default position that there is no relationship
between two measured phenomena, or no association among groups. Rejecting or disproving the null
hypothesis—and thus concluding that there are grounds for believing that there is a relationship
between two phenomena.

If the null hypothesis is rejected, then we accept the alternative hypothesis. If the null hypothesis is not
rejected, then we do not accept the alternative hypothesis.

An example is where water quality in a stream has been observed over many years, and a test is
made of the null hypothesis that "there is no change in quality between the first and second halves of
the data", against the alternative hypothesis that "the quality is poorer in the second half of the
record".

The important points of differences between null and alternative hypothesis are explained as under:

1. A null hypothesis is a statement, in which there is no relationship between two variables. An

alternative hypothesis is a statement; that is simply the inverse of the null hypothesis, i.e.
there is some statistical significance between two measured phenomenon.

2. A null hypothesis is what, the researcher tries to disprove whereas an alternative hypothesis
is what the researcher wants to prove.

3. A null hypothesis represents, no observed effect whereas an alternative hypothesis reflects,

some observed effect.

4. If the null hypothesis is accepted, no changes will be made in the opinions or actions.
Conversely, if the alternative hypothesis is accepted, it will result in the changes in the
opinions or actions.

5. As null hypothesis refers to population parameter, the testing is indirect and implicit. On the
other hand, the alternative hypothesis indicates sample statistic, wherein, the testing is direct
and explicit.

6. A null hypothesis is labelled as H0 (H-zero) while an alternative hypothesis is represented by

H1 (H-one).

7. The mathematical formulation of a null hypothesis is an equal sign but for an alternative
hypothesis is not equal to sign.

8. In null hypothesis, the observations are the outcome of chance whereas, in the case of the
alternative hypothesis, the observations are an outcome of real effect.
Research Proposal

A research proposal is an overall plan, scheme, structure and strategy designed to obtain answers to
the research questions or problems that constitute a research project.

A researcher proposal should outline the various tasks that are planned to undertake to fulfill the
research objectives, test hypotheses (if any) or obtain answers to some research questions. Broadly,
a research proposal’s main function is to detail the operational plan for obtaining answers to the
research questions.

Issues for any research proposal make unsuccessful:

1. Poorly written proposals

Proposals that make the reviewers question the author’s credibility as a researcher are fatal. Poorly
written proposals, including mistakes such as poor grammar and misspellings, can detract from your
idea.

2. The scientific investigation is not methodical, repeatable and verifiable

The probability of reaching the objectives depends on the methodology. Researcher must be able to
clearly state how his project will unfold, must be verifiable and describe how he will conduct your
research. Failure to present these issues in the proposal could be unsuccessful

3. Not stating the research objectives appropriately

The statement of research objective should directly relate with methodology. If it does not have a
clear statement of research objective the research proposal will be unsuccessful.

4. Research issue not important enough

The problem to be researched is not important enough. Just because a group wants to research or
test a certain hypothesis does not mean that an organization will find it important enough to fund.

5. Inadequate evaluation plan

If an evaluation plan is not adequate, the methods of evaluation need to be clear and measure the
expected outcomes, unless there will be some possibility for unsuccessful the research proposal

6. Lack of research about the grant

The applicants did not take the time to do some research about the grant opportunity. Too often,
those writing a research proposal fail to look deeper into the grant maker’s background and determine
if there is a match.

7. No anticipated revenue

It the research project have no indication of revenue, or any tangible results that after implementing
the research project will achieve. If no indication of such results will be achieved, the research
proposal will be unsuccessful.
Dependent & Independent Variable:

-The independent variable is what the researcher studies to see its relationship or effects.

 Presumed or possible cause

The dependent variable is what is being influenced or affected by the independent variable

 Presumed results

Independent variables may be either manipulated or selected

A manipulated variable is a changed condition the researcher creates during a study, also
known as an experimental or treatment variable

A selected variable is an independent variable that already exists

The "literature" of a literature review refers to any collection of materials on a topic.

Literature review is a systematic

method for…

- Identifying,

- Evaluating and

- Interpreting

…the work produced by researchers, scholars and practitioners.

The review can be just a simple summary of the sources, but it usually has an organizational pattern
and combines both summary and synthesis.