Advance Research Methods

Lecture 1 9-10-2012 Q1 Knowledge and the sources of knowledge Facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject is called knowledge. Epistemology Epistemology is the study of knowing. It deals with the nature of knowledge, how do we know things, what do we know, why we know, is what we know true, and what are the limits of knowledge.Generally speaking, epistemology deals with the nature of knowledge and not the how-to of knowledge. In other words, what is the relationship between truth and reality versus how do I build a cabinet. Sources of knowledge 1. Experience We get knowledge through our experience. We observe, learn and do any work through our hands and learn new things. So, by doing some activity with our hands, we get experience, gives us direction to understand the way of doing such general or specific work. In other words, such types of experience increase our knowledge. 2. Sensory knowledge We get knowledge through use of our sensory organs. These are ears, eyes, nose, hands and tongue. These sensory organs gives us knowledge about something happening but not 100% perfect or complete knowledge that can be used for decision making. 3. Scientific knowledge Scientific method is a body of techniques used for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. Scientific method gives us the empirical and measurable results, which can be tested and verified again and again. Scientific method based on logic. Logic is the system of reasoning, which helps in choosing right one option from lots of option. In logic two

basic methods are used for reasoning or getting results. 1. Induction 2. Deduction Induction: Induction is the method of reasoning from particular to general; the mental process involved in creating generalization from observed phenomena or principle. Example: Today, I left for work at eights clock and arrived on time. Therefore, everyday that I leave the house at eight, I will arrive at work on time. Deduction: Deduction is the method of reasoning in which, we use top-to-bottom approach and use general to specific method. We observe a large amount of data and make a specific argument. Example: All oranges are fruit. All fruits grow on trees. Hence, all oranges grow on trees. Limitations of Scientific Method Clearly, the scientific method is a powerful tool but it does have its limitations. These limitations are based on the fact that a hypothesis must be testable, falsifiable, experiments and observations be repeatable. Scientific method is incapable of making value judgments. It cannot say anything about supernatural powers. What is Refutability? It means that the hypotheses must be questionable and be supported by some evidence. Types of Research Designs Quantitative Research Quantitative research refers to the systematic empirical investigation of social phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. The process of measurement is central to quantitative research because it provides the fundamental connection between empirical observation and mathematical expression of

quantitative relationships. Quantitative data is any data that is in numerical form such as statistics, percentages, etc. In layman's terms, this means that the quantitative researcher asks a specific, narrow question and collects numerical data from participants to answer the question. What is meant Phenomenon? 1. A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, esp. one whose cause or explanation is in question. 2. Within boundaries of time and space, anything which is happening or occurring is called phenomenon. Qualitative Research A set of research techniques in which data is obtained from a relatively small group of respondents and not analyzed with statistical techniques. Qualitative research is a method of inquiry employed in many different academic disciplines, traditionally in the social sciences, but also in market research. It is used to make sense of unstructured information. Analytical Research The distinction between descriptive and analytical research is based on the question it asks. Descriptive research attempts to determine, describe, or identify what is, while analytical research attempts to establish why it is that way or how it came to be. The descriptive research uses description, classification, measurement, and comparison to describe what phenomena are. The analytical research usually concerns itself with cause-effect relationships. For example Examining the fluctuations of U. S. international trade balance during 1974-1995 is an example of descriptive research; while explaining why and how U.S. trade balance move in a particular way over time is an example of analytical research. What is Variable? A characteristic, number, or quantity that increases or decreases over time, or takes different values in different situations. Two basic types are (1) Independent variable: that can take different values

and can cause corresponding changes in other variables, and (2) Dependent variable: that can take different values only in response to an independent variable. Functions of Research 1. It obtains the scientist knowledge about all educational problems. It also helps in obtaining specific knowledge about the subjects involved in the study. 2. In action research, the researchers are teachers, curriculum workers, principals, supervisors or others whose main task is to help, provide good learning experiences for pupils. 3. In it, a person tries to enable him to realize his purposes more effectively. For example: A teacher conducts his teaching more effectively. An administrator, in the education department performs his action to improve his administrative behavior. 4. Action research is a procedure which tries to keep problem solving in close contact with reality at every stage. 5. In educational system it conduits for the progress of the technique of teaching. 6. It strengthens and emphasizes the work of the teacher. 7. It has a great utility of creating new interest and new confidence in the ability of the individual teacher. 8. Action research provides practical utility. For class-room teacher, he applies his own observations into his class-room practices to make the observed problems solved. Minor problems in the class-room can be solved by applying the teachers' intelligence. 9. to explain existing observed phenomenon, to gather up to date, current information on a particular field, research is important and the foundation for sustainable development in any country because industries depend on existing research information to innovate. In science, research is a prerequisite to the approval of any postulated theory, and in politics generally research is mandatory to prove a political view or standpoint. Types of Research Basic Research Pure research, basic research, or fundamental research is research carried

out to increase understanding of fundamental principles. It is not intended to yield immediate commercial benefits; pure research can be thought of as arising out of curiosity. However, in the long term it is the basis for many commercial products and applied research. Pure research is mainly carried out by universities. Applied Research Applied research can be defined as the methodic search for solutions to practical problems of the modern world. The main motivation in applied research is to apply the knowledge and solve practical problems for companies and all kinds of institutions. Descriptive Research Descriptive research, also known as statistical research, describes data and characteristics about the population or phenomenon being studied. However, it does not answer questions about e.g.: how/when/why the characteristics occurred, which is done under analytic research. Although the data description is factual, accurate and systematic, the research cannot describe what caused a situation. Thus, Descriptive research cannot be used to create a causal relationship, where one variable affects another. In other words, descriptive research can be said to have a low requirement for internal validity. The description is used for frequencies, averages and other statistical calculations. Often the best approach, prior to writing descriptive research, is to conduct a survey investigation. Qualitative research often has the aim of description and researchers may follow-up with examinations of why the observations exist and what the implications of the findings are. Define Theory A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena. Behavioral Research Research that involves the application of the behavioral and social sciences to the study of the actions or reactions of persons or animals in response to external or internal stimuli.

Preposition A word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause, as in the man on the platform, she arrived after dinner, what did you do it for? Difference b/w Concept and Construct Concept: An abstract idea; a general notion Construct: Build or erect (something, typically a building, road, or machine) Concept Construct Already maintained Maintained and standards based on establish by own knowledge Based on practical Based on perception workings Examples : Theories, Job satisfaction, rules employee performance etc