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the research methods but also consider the logic behind the
methods we use in the context of our research study and explain
why we are using a particular method or technique and why we
are not using others so that research results are capable of being
evaluated either by the researcher himself or by others.
Why a research study has been undertaken, how the research
problem has been defined, in what way and why the hypothesis
has been formulated, what data have been collected and what
particular method has been adopted, why particular technique
of analyzing data has been used and a host of similar other
questions are usually answered when we talk of research
methodology concerning a research problem or study.
RESEARCH PROCESS
Research process consists of series of actions or steps necessary
to effectively carry out research and the desired sequencing of
these steps.
The research process consists of a number of closely related
activities, but such activities overlap continuously rather than
following a strictly prescribed sequence.
At times, the first step determines the nature of the last step to
be undertaken.
If subsequent procedures have not been taken into account in the
early stages, serious difficulties may arise which may even
prevent the completion of the study.
One should remember that the various steps involved in a
research process are not mutually exclusive; nor they are
separate and distinct. They do not necessarily follow each other
in any specific order and the researcher has to be constantly
anticipating at each step in the research process the
requirements of the subsequent steps.
Steps involved in a Research
Process
1) Formulating the research problem
2) Extensive literature survey
3) Developing the hypothesis
4) Preparing the research design
5) Determining sample design
6) Collecting the data
7) Execution of the project
8) Analysis of data
9) Hypothesis testing
10)Generalisations and interpretation
11)Preparation of the report or presentation of the
results
Formulating the Research
Problem
The research process begins with the
recognition of a problem or an opportunity.
Essentially two steps are involved in
Research Process:
formulating the research problem, viz.,
understanding the problem thoroughly,
rephrasing the same into meaningful terms
from an analytical point of view.
RESEARCH
PROBLEM
1. INTRODUCTION
4. SOURCE OF PROBLEM
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TECHNIQUES OF DEFINING
RESEARCH PROBLEM
Defining a research problem properly and clearly is
a crucial part of a research study and must in no
case be accomplished hurriedly. However, in
practice this is frequently overlooked which causes
a lot of problems later on. Hence, the research
problem should be defined in a systematic manner,
giving due weightage to all relating points.
The technique for Defining a research problem
involves the following steps generally one after the
other
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General
topic Selection of a research areas
Specific
Formulating final statement of research
topic problem
STEP 1 STATEMENT OF THE
PROBLEM IN A GENERAL WAY
Problem should be stated in a broad general way,
keeping in view either some practical concern or some
scientific or theoretical aspects.
For this purpose, the researcher must immerse himself
thoroughly in the subject matter concerning which he
wishes to pose a problem.
The researcher can himself state the problem or he
can seek the guidance of the guide or the subject
expert in accomplishing this task.
STEP 2 - UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE
OF PROBLEM
1) Understand its origin and nature clearly
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STEP 3- SURVEYING THE AVAILABLE
LITERATURE
All available literature concerning the problem must be surveyed and
examined.
The researcher must be well- conversant with relevant theories in
the field, reports and records as also all other relevant literature. He
must devote sufficient time in reviewing of research already
undertaken on related problems. This is done to :
I. know what data and other materials are available for operational
purposes.
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Extensive literature survey
Once the problem is defined, a brief
summary of it should be written down.
It involves:
critically
reading literature
Evaluating the literature
By Observation
Through personal interview
Through telephone interviews
By mailing of questionnaires
Through schedules
Step Five: Data Collection
Primary data can be collected through:
By Observation
Through personal interview
Through telephone interview
By mailing of questionnaires
Through Schedules
Analysis of Data
Analysis of data means studying the
material in order to determine inherent facts
or meanings
Step Six: Data Analysis
The analysis of data requires a number of
closely related operations such as
establishment of categories.
Anjali Saharan
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
M.D.U. Rohtak-124001
HYPOTHESIS
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SET UP A HYPOTHESIS
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SETTING A TEST CRITERION