Research methodology
Vidya-mitra
Introduction to Scientific Research
Welcome to the paper on research methods and statistics. This
module is titled "Introduction to Scientific Research." The learning
objectives of this module are:
1. To understand the basic concept of scientific research
2. To learn about the different stages or steps involved in a
scientific research study
3. To develop an aptitude and appreciation for scientific
research
Basic Concepts of Research
Before we dive into the definitions of research, let's familiarize
ourselves with some basic concepts related to research.
Data: Data refers to the information collected as part of
research. It can be primary or secondary. Primary data is
firsthand information collected during the research study,
while secondary data is pre-existing information or data.
Respondents: Respondents are the people from whom
data is collected during a research study.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of giving meaning to the
collected data.
Definition of Research
Research is defined as a systematic activity aimed at discovery
and interpretation of facts, refinement of theories or laws, and
practical application of such new or revised theories or laws. It
involves three tasks: collection of data, analysis and
interpretation of the data, and comparison of the newly analyzed
data to what is already known. Research can be conducted on
any topic as long as certain conditions are met:
1. The process is planned and systematic.
2. Data collection is possible (primary or secondary).
, 3. The collected data can be analyzed and interpreted.
4. New knowledge is discovered or compared to existing
knowledge.
For example, if you want to find out what student social workers
think about their fieldwork placements, this topic meets the
conditions for research. You can collect data from student social
workers and analyze it to gain new insights. However, if you want
to study the concept of childhood and its evolution over the
years, it may not be a researchable topic as new data is not
possible.
Steps in Research
Research typically involves the following nine steps:
1. Problem identification or narrowing down the focus of the
research
2. Review of available literature on the selected subject
3. Problem formulation (research questions, objectives,
hypotheses)
4. Writing a research proposal
5. Selection of study population or sample
6. Preparation of data collection tools
7. Collecting data from respondents
8. Analysis and interpretation of the data
9. Writing the research report
Each of these stages will be discussed in detail.
Choosing a Research Topic
When deciding on a research topic, there are several points to
consider:
1. Interest: Choose a topic that you are genuinely interested in
and want to learn more about.
2. Available Literature: Ensure that there is enough existing
information on the topic to conduct a thorough research.
Vidya-mitra
Introduction to Scientific Research
Welcome to the paper on research methods and statistics. This
module is titled "Introduction to Scientific Research." The learning
objectives of this module are:
1. To understand the basic concept of scientific research
2. To learn about the different stages or steps involved in a
scientific research study
3. To develop an aptitude and appreciation for scientific
research
Basic Concepts of Research
Before we dive into the definitions of research, let's familiarize
ourselves with some basic concepts related to research.
Data: Data refers to the information collected as part of
research. It can be primary or secondary. Primary data is
firsthand information collected during the research study,
while secondary data is pre-existing information or data.
Respondents: Respondents are the people from whom
data is collected during a research study.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of giving meaning to the
collected data.
Definition of Research
Research is defined as a systematic activity aimed at discovery
and interpretation of facts, refinement of theories or laws, and
practical application of such new or revised theories or laws. It
involves three tasks: collection of data, analysis and
interpretation of the data, and comparison of the newly analyzed
data to what is already known. Research can be conducted on
any topic as long as certain conditions are met:
1. The process is planned and systematic.
2. Data collection is possible (primary or secondary).
, 3. The collected data can be analyzed and interpreted.
4. New knowledge is discovered or compared to existing
knowledge.
For example, if you want to find out what student social workers
think about their fieldwork placements, this topic meets the
conditions for research. You can collect data from student social
workers and analyze it to gain new insights. However, if you want
to study the concept of childhood and its evolution over the
years, it may not be a researchable topic as new data is not
possible.
Steps in Research
Research typically involves the following nine steps:
1. Problem identification or narrowing down the focus of the
research
2. Review of available literature on the selected subject
3. Problem formulation (research questions, objectives,
hypotheses)
4. Writing a research proposal
5. Selection of study population or sample
6. Preparation of data collection tools
7. Collecting data from respondents
8. Analysis and interpretation of the data
9. Writing the research report
Each of these stages will be discussed in detail.
Choosing a Research Topic
When deciding on a research topic, there are several points to
consider:
1. Interest: Choose a topic that you are genuinely interested in
and want to learn more about.
2. Available Literature: Ensure that there is enough existing
information on the topic to conduct a thorough research.
