Research can be
defined as the search for knowledge or as any systematic investigation to
establish facts. The primary purpose for applied research (as opposed to basic
research) is discovering, interpreting, and the development of methods and
systems for the advancement of human knowledge on a wide variety of scientific
matters of our world and the universe. It is defined as a highly intellectual human activity used in
the investigation of nature and matter and deals specifically with the manner
in which data is collected, analyzed and interpreted. Further it is a way to systematically solve the
research problem. It is necessary for the researcher to design his methodology
for his problem, as the same may differ from problem to problem i.e.
- Why a research study has been undertaken?
- How the research problem has been defined?
- In what way and why the hypothesis has been formed?
Defining the research problem-
A
research problem is defined as per the target and type of work, it includes
that there must be an individual or a group those have some difficulty or
problem.
•
There must be some
objectives to be attained at.
•
There must be
alternative means for obtaining the objectives one wishes to attain(At least
two)
•
There must be some
environment to which the difficulty pertains.
Therefore
a research problem is one which requires a researcher to find out the best
solution for the given problem.
NEED FOR RESEARCH DESIGN
Minimizes time and money
Advance planning
Avoid flaws
Selection of appropriate tools
Eliminate bias and marginal
error
Selecting the problem
It is
actually a tough situation. It should be selected very carefully and wisely.
Following points should be taken into account for selection
•
Subject which is
overdone should not be normally chosen.
•
Controversial subject
should not become the choice of an average researcher.
•
Too narrow or two
vague problems should be avoided.
•
The subject selected
for research should be familiar and feasible so that the related research
material is within one’s reach.
•
The importance of the
subject, cost and time factors etc.
Selection of an Appropriate Methodology
•
What is the nature of
the problem being investigated?
•
Is the problem being
investigated subjective or objective?
•
Types of research
methods
