RESEARCH APTITUDE NET PAPER I

RESEARCH

´ The term “Research” is derived from a French language word “recherche,” which means “to go about seeking.” ´ Research can be defined as a systematic inquiry in the form of Investigation or Experimentation, to gain new knowledge in an objective manner.

Definition of Research Meaning of Research ´ Steps that are used to enhance our understanding on a particular topic. ´ Can be used to find and add something new on a particular issue.

 ´ E.g.- Research on harmful effects of Legalization Of abortion, effects of smoking.

 

 RESEARCH PHILOSOPHIES is generally comprised of three types POSITVISM, INTERPRETIVISM, REALISM

POSITIVISM

Ø  The positivism theories are meant to be universal throughout.

Ø  The Nature of Positivism is such that everyone observing it will be able to arrive at a common conclusion.

Ø  The scientific methods of research can be applied for studying these social elements.

Ø  Eg: Law of Demand, Law of Gravity, Law of Motion.

INTERPRETIVISM

It is also called as ‘Phenomenology’. According to this philosophy, the social world is constructed subjectively by the people that belong to that world.  The social world is complex and hence cannot be studied using scientific methods or methods used for studying natural sciences.  The observation of such social world requires humanistic approach.

E.g. Interviews to gather opinions

REALISM

It  Includes some Features of both Positivism and Interpretivism. At the micro level, people may have subjective opinion, but at the group/macro level we can have an objective observable reality.  E.g.: Case of Contraceptives – Individual Opinion (Micro Level) Economic Opinion (Macro Level) Research Classification

 1. TIME 2. USES 3. PURPOSE 

TIME

 Cross Sectional – At a particular point of time. Does not help in measuring changes over a period of time. E.g. Stock valuation on a particular date.

 Longitudinal – Measures changes over a period of time (over years or months) • e.g.: Trend Analysis of firms.

Fundamental/ Basic/Pure: It is to discover new things OR to build a new theory OR to generate principles OR to add to a pool of knowledge OR to challenge existing theories. • Not used for immediate application. E.g.: the Law of Demand.

Applied: It is used for applying the fundamental research in real life situation. • E.g.: The problem of traffic, problem of declining market share.

USES

Data Collection Quantitative Qualitative

Qualitative: To measure attitude, motivation, behavior through techniques such as – • Observations • In depth interviews • Group discussions • E.g. – Measuring sincerity of Individuals

 Quantitative: Measurement of attributes using Quantitative techniques such as Questionnaires. • Eg – Intelligence of an Individual – Using statistical tests, scales, etc.

PURPOSE ´

 Descriptive/ ex post facto – Explaining the state of affairs or characteristics to answer “What the Issue Is”. • E.g. – Describing a Banking Scenario ´ 

Analytical – Evaluation and analysis of the data to answer “How And Why Is It”. • Focuses on cause and effect relationships. • E.g. Analyzing the Impact of Diversity on Economy.