Research Methodology

By: Jitendra Kumar

Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra

Research Problem

A research problem refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.

Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra

Defining a Problem
Defining a problem involves the task of laying down

boundaries within which a researcher shall study the problem with a pre determined objective in view.
Statement of the problem in a general way Understanding the nature of the problem

Surveying the available literature

Developing the ideas through discussions Rephrasing the research problem

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Characteristics of Research Problem

Interesting

Innovative
Cost effective Relevant to needs and problems of the people Measurable and Time bound

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Sampling Error

Sampling errors are the random variations in the sample.

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Sampling
Sampling is concerned with the selection of a subset of

individuals from within a population to estimate characteristics of the whole population.

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Characteristics of a Good Sample Design

Sample design must result in a truly representative

sample. Sample design must be such which results in a small sampling error. Sample design must be viable in the context of funds available for the research study. Sample design must be such so that systematic bias can be controlled in a better way. Sample should be such that the results of the sample study can be applied, in general, for the universe with a reasonable level of confidence.

Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra

Sampling Error
Sampling errors are the random variations in the sample

estimates around the true population parameters. Since they occur randomly and are equally likely to be either direction, their nature happens to be of compensatory type and the expected value of such errors happens to be equal to zero. Sampling error decreases with the increase in the size of the sample.

Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra

Construction of Questionnaire

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Questionnaire is a popular method for data collection.

A questionnaire consists of a number of a questions

printed or typed in a definite order on a form or set of forms. If it is not properly set up, then the survey is bound to fail.

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Main Aspects of Questionnaire

General form

Questions Sequence
Question formulation and wording

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General Form
Can be structured or unstructured.

Structure questionnaire are those questionnaires in which

there are definite, concrete and pre-determined questions. Questions are presented with exactly same wording and in the same order to all respondents. A highly structured questionnaire is one in which all questions and answers are specified and comments in the respondents own words are held to be minimum. Unstructured questionnaire is one in which all these properties are not present.

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Question Sequence
Questions must be in a proper sequence, which reduces

the chances of individual question being misunderstood. Questions that are easiest to answer should be in the beginning. Questions should be avoided
Questions that put too great strain on the memory or intellect of the

respondent. Questions if a personal character. Questions related to personal wealth, etc.

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Question Formulation and Wording

In general, all questions should meet the standards: Should be easily understood Should be simple (convey only one thought) Should be concrete Should conform as much as possible to the respondents way of thinking. (e.g. instead of asking, How many razor blades do you use annually? The more realistic question would be to ask, How many razor blades did you use last week?)

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Pros
There is low cost even when the universe is large and is

widely spread geographically. It is free from the bias of the interviewer; answers are in respondents own words. Respondents have adequate time to give well thought out answers. Respondents, who are not easily approachable, can also be reached conveniently. Large samples can be made use of and thus the results can be made more dependable and reliable.

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Cons
Low rate of return of the duly filled din questionnaires;

bias due to no response is often indeterminate. It can be used only when respondents are educated and cooperating. The control over questionnaire may be lost once it is sent. There is inbuilt inflexibility because of the difficulty of amending the approach once questionnaires have been dispatched. There is also the possibility of ambiguous replies or omission of replies altogether to certain questions; interpretation of omissions is difficult. It is difficult to know whether willing respondents are truly representative.

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Interpretation

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Interpretation
Interpretation refers to the task of drawing inferences from

the collected facts after an analytical and/or experimental study. The task of interpretation has two major aspects:
The effort to establish continuity in research through linking the

results of a given study with those of another Leads to the establishment of some explanatory concepts that can serve as a guide for future research studies Researcher can better appreciate only through interpretation (why his findings are, what they are etc.)

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Why?
It is being considered a basic component of research

process because of the following reasons:

The researcher can well understand the abstract principle that

works beneath his findings.