BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
BBA – 4th Semester
Chapter 1: Introduction to Research
INTRODUCTION:
Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. We all possess the vital instinct of
inquisitiveness for, when the unknown confronts us, we wonder and our inquisitiveness makes us probe and
attain full and fuller understanding of the unknown. This inquisitiveness is mother of all knowledge and the
method, which man employs for obtaining the knowledge of the unknown, can be termed as research.
MEANING OF RESEARCH:
The English word ‘research’ is derived from the French word ‘rachercher’ which means to seek again. The
Research is the process of collecting the information about the particular phenomena or topic or problem and
using that information for decision making process.
MEANING OF BUSINESS RESEARCH:
Business Research is a systematic inquiry aimed at providing information to solve managerial problems. It is
aimed at providing useful, relevant, timely information to solve managerial problems and to attain
organisational effectiveness in the present competitive era.
DEFINITION OF RESEARCH:
According to Kerlinger research as a “systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of
hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among the phenomena’’.
According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining and redefining problems formulating hypothesis
are suggested solutions; collecting, organising and evaluating data; making decisions and reaching
conclusions; and at the end carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating
hypothesis.
FEATURES OF RESEARCH:
1) Research is directed towards the solution of a problem.
2) Research is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence.
3) Research demands accurate observations and description.
4) Research involves gathering new data from primary or first-hand sources or using existing data for a
new purpose.
5) Research strives to be objective, and logical, applying every possible test to validate the procedures
employed, the data collected and the conclusions reached.
6) Research emphasis the development of generalisations principles of theories that will be helpful in
predicting future occurrences.
OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH:
1) To Extend knowledge: Research extends knowledge of human beings, social life and environment.
They answer to What, Where, When, How and Why of various phenomena.
2) To establish generalizations and general laws: Our knowledge of separately known events will be
connected together to draw generalizations and general laws. Example: Law of demand, Law of
gravitation and principles of organisations etc, are some examples of such theories and principles.
3) To verify and test existing facts and theory: Research verifies and tests existing facts and theories
and helps improving our knowledge and ability to handle the situations and events.
4) To develop new tools: Research aims at developing new tools, concepts, and theories for a better
study of unknown phenomena.
1
5) To promote better decision making.
TYPES OF RESEARCH
BASED ON PURPOSE:
1) Descriptive Research: Descriptive research is defined as a research method that describes the
characteristics of the population or phenomenon studied. This descriptive methodology focuses more
on the “what” of the research subject than the “why” of the research subject.
For example: For example, an apparel brand that wants to understand the fashion purchasing trends
among New York buyers will conduct a demographic survey of this region, gather population data and
then conduct descriptive research on this demographic segment.
2) Exploratory Research: Exploratory research is a preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem about
which the researcher has little or no knowledge. Exploratory research is a methodology approach that
investigates research questions that have not previously been studied in depth.
For example: Consider a scenario where a juice bar owner feels that increasing the variety of juices
will enable increase in customers, however he is not sure and needs more information. The owner
intends to carry out exploratory research to find out and hence decides to do exploratory research to
find out if expanding their juices selection will enable him to get more customers of if there is a better
idea.
3) Analytical Research: Analytical research is a specific type of research that involves critical thinking
skills and the evaluation of facts and information relative to the research being conducted.
For example: The factors related to the growth of GDP are: Capital mobilisation and Employment
generation. If we consider only what are the factors responsible for the growth of the GDP then it will
be considered as descriptive research and if we analyse how and to what extent it influences the growth
of GDP it is considered as analytical research.
4) Predictive Research: Predictive research is chiefly concerned with forecasting (predicting) outcomes,
consequences, costs, or effects. This type of research tries to extrapolate from the analysis of existing
phenomena, policies, or other entities in order to predict something that has not been tried, tested, or
proposed before.
BASED ON PROCESS:
1) Quantitative Research: Quantitative research is based on measurement of quantity or amount. It is
applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity.
For example: A study conducted to find out the proportion of school students using self-driven
vehicles for commuting to school for a given area.
2) Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomena generally
involving human behaviour. This type of research is used in situation where it is not possible to
quantify the phenomena and responses are going to be of subjective nature.
For example: Feedback surveys being carried out by a firm to find out the response of the customers
to its product and advertisement.
BASED ON OUTCOME:
1) Basic or Pure Research: Research for the sake of enhancing knowledge is termed as basic research.
It is done with the intention of overpowering the unknown. It is an intellectual exploration and the
outcome of such research may or may not have any practical relevance.
For example: A study of how stress affects labour productivity.
2) Applied Research: Applied research refers to the scientific study and research that seeks to solve
practical problems. The applied or practical research is also termed as need based research having high
practical relevance.
For example: What effect does fast food have on overall health?
2
How can social anxiety be overcome?
BASED ON ACTION:
1) Action Research: Action research is a philosophy and methodology of research generally applied in
the social sciences. It seeks transformative change through the simultaneous process of taking action
and doing research, which are linked together by critical reflection. Action Research is all about
solving problems in order to bring about social change.
BASED ON LOGIC:
1) Deductive Research: A deductive, or “top-down,” approach to research methodology begins with
hypotheses based on existing knowledge or literature. Deductive research is the process of drawing a
conclusion based on premises that are generally assumed to be true.
For example: For example, if a car’s trunk is large and a bike does not fit into the trunk, then you may
assume the bike must also be large. We know this because we were already provided with the
information, we assume to be true—the trunk is large. Based on our deductive reasoning skills, we
know if a bike does not fit in an already large trunk, then it must also be large. So long as the two
premises are based on accurate information, the outcome of this type of conclusion is often true.
2) Inductive Research: Inductive Research is the opposite of deductive research. In this process, you
would gather generalized information from specific scenarios to come to a conclusion, rather than
taking specific assumptions from generalized scenarios. Inductive Research is also termed as “bottom
up” approach. The researcher begins with specific observations and measures, begins to then detect
patterns and regularities, formulate some hypotheses to explore and finally ends up developing some
general conclusions or theories.
SCOPE OF RESEARCH:
1) Research enables one to develop theories and principles, on the one hand, and to arrive at
generalisations, on the other hand, and to arrive at generalisations, on the other hand.
2) As research is based on observation and empirical evidences, it improves knowledge and
understanding, as well as decision making ability.
3) Research helps in identifying the cause-effect relationship between different variables, leading to
valuable observations, generalisations and conclusions.
SCOPE OF RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND COMMERCE:
1) Finance and Accounts: Research in the field of finance and accounts is wide and exhaustive.
Example: The increasing trends of merges and acquisitions, issuing to IPO’s, developing different
accounting standards.
2) Marketing: The field of marketing is varied and includes inherently the traditional function of
determining the product, price, place and promotion.
Example: Advertising research, sales analysis and forecasting, market potential research are some
areas of research in the marketing field.
3) Human Resource: Human resource department is an important department in the organisation. It
includes research on people. Most of the research in the human resource area is behavioural and
psychological in nature.
Example: Techniques of motivation research, depth interview, focus group interview, etc.,
4) Production and operations: Research in this field is quantitative in nature. The basic objective of this
research is to develop new techniques of production and operations.
3
Example: Just-in-time inventory, economic order quantity, total quality management, change
management etc.,
5) Economies and trade: The research can be macro in nature where the environmental factors through
scanning in order to identify the threats and opportunities. Micro Research is confined to identifying
organisations strengths and weakness.
RESEARCH APPROACHES:
There are various approaches to research, they are:
1) Historical Approach: When Research is conducted on the basis of past data, the researcher said to
have followed historical approach. The main objective is to draw explanations and generalisation from
past trends in order to understand the present and to anticipate the future. The historical Research
helps in filling the gap of making the research possible and meaningful on the problems that would
otherwise have remained unexplored.
For example: Ayodhya temple and other issues.
2) Case Study Approach: Case study is a comprehensive study of a person, a social group, a situation,
a programme, a community, etc., Its purpose is to understand the life cycle of the unit under study or
interaction between factors that explain the present status or the development over a period of time.
For example: a study of the financial health of the business undertaking, a study of life in slums.
3) Descriptive Approach: Descriptive approach describes a research problem by using questionnaires
and opinions. It aims at identifying the characteristics of a community, or institution or any problem
study.
4) Experimental Approach: Experimental approach is based on cause-and-effect relationship of
independent and dependent variables. Experimental research can be used in any industry to anticipate
responses, changes, causes and effects.
5) Survey Approach: Survey approach aims at fact finding based on samples on any topic of research.
It discovers the inter-relations of sociological and psychological variables. Survey Research studies
large and small populations by selecting a studying sample chosen from the populations to discover
the relative incidence, distribution and inter-relations of sociological and psychological variables.
For Example: Survey related to BPO’s and night shifts, poverty, women empowerment, etc.,
6) Field Experiment Approach: Field Experiment Research also called as natural experiment. Afield
experiment is a research study in a realistic situation in which one or more independent variables are
manipulated by the experimenter under as carefully controlled conditions as the situation will permit.
For Example: Field experiment Research is highly useful to study the effect of advertising on sales,
training methods, on productivity and on so on.
7) Scientific Approach: The scientific method is systematic procedure of formulating a problem,
measuring occurrences and the testing the hypotheses concerning those occurrences. The scientific
method is built on two principles: a theory and a hypothesis. A theory is an organized set of ideas that
serves as an explanation for a specific phenomenon. A theory is often used when making predictions
on observations. On the other hand, a hypothesis refers to predictions that can be tested and are arrived
at logically. A hypothesis is fundamental as it bridges the gap between ideas and the real world.
8) Analytical Approach: An analytical approach to research is primarily concerned with testing
hypotheses and interpreting the results. This study employs advanced statistical techniques like
correlation, ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) regression, multi-variate analysis and so on.
9) Library Approach: Library approach to research is based on the books, journals, periodicals,
documents. It is suitable for only limited segment of research.
10) Quantitative Approach: Quantitative approach to research involves collecting and converting data
into numerical form so that statistical calculations can be made and conclusions can be drawn.
For Example: Study conducted to find out the proportion of school students using self-driven
vehicles for commuting to school for a given area.
11) Qualitative Approach: Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomena generally
involving the study of human behaviour. It involves recording, analysing and attempting to uncover
the deeper meaning and significance of human behaviour and experience, including contradictory
4
beliefs, behaviours and emotions. Qualitative research is needed in situations where it is not possible
to quantify the phenomena and the responses are going to be subjective nature.
For Example: Opinions survey being conducted by the firm to find out the response of the customers
to its product and advertisement.
12) Pragmatic Approach (Mixed Methods): The pragmatic approach involves using the method which
appears best suited to the research problem. Pragmatic researchers grant themselves the freedom to
use any of the methods, techniques and procedures typically associated with qualitative or quantitative
research.
For Example: Researcher might start with face-to-face interviews with several people or have a focus
group and then use the findings to construct a questionnaire to measure attitudes in large scale sample
with the aim of carrying out statistical analysis.
RESEARCH METHODS Vs RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:
RESEARCH METHODS: Research methods include all those techniques/methods that are adopted for
conducting research. Techniques refers to all the instruments like questionnaire and behaviours like attitude
measurement that are used in research. Distinction between research techniques and methods is very thin. For
example: In a survey-research a researcher may use the method of interview to collect data and to collect data
and to conduct this interview the researcher will probably develop an interview schedule which could be called
as a research technique. Similarly, the method of data collection may be observation and the researcher may
use the technique of score cards or close circuit TV cameras as instruments to collect data.
RESEARCH METHODOLGY: The science of methods is termed as methodology. It refers to the process
of conducting the research. Research methodology not only describes the steps involved in conducting the
research, but also justifies the choice of various methods, state the limitations of research and also brings out
the presuppositions and consequences and conducting the research. Research methodology answers questions
like the why, what, how was the problem formulated, what are the methods employed to collect data etc.,
BASIS
RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH
METHODS
RESEARCH
TECHNIQUES
They are the instruments
and behaviours used in
research.
Help in actually
conducting the research.
Definition
It is the science of
methods.
Techniques used for
conducting research.
Purpose
Explain the logic behind
the research.
Example
It is given in the
research proposal
prepared in response to
a problem.
Explain the modus
operandi of conducting
research.
Interview, content
analysis, observations.
5
Questionnaire, interview
schedules, score cards,
measurement scales.
RESEARCH PROCESS:
DEFINING OR FORMULATING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM:
To start a research, researcher should discover the problem which demands solution. The best way to identify
the problem would be to look for an unsolved query, a gap in the existing kowledge or an unfulfilled need
within the choosen subject. Researcher should take care that the problem should be one which can be clearly
identified and formulated. At the very outset the researcher must decide the area of interest or aspect of a
subject-matter that he would like to inquire into. Initially the problem may be stated in a broad general way
and then the ambiguties, if any, relating to the problem be resolved. Then, the feasibilty of a particular solution
has to be considered before a working formulation of the problem can be set up. Essentially two steps are
involved in formulating the research problem, understanding the problem thoroughly and rephrasing the same
into meaningful terms from an analytical point of view.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE:
Once the problem is formulated, a brief summary of it should be written down. It is compulsory for a research
worker writing a thesis fpr a Ph.D. degree to write a synopsis of the topic and submit it to the necessary
Committee or the research board for approval. At this juncture the researcher should undertake extensive
literature survey connected with the problem. Literature review or literature survey involves a comprehensive
review of published and unpublished work from the secondary sources of data available in the relevant area
of study. Literature review firstly helps reesracher to specify the problem in a meaningful context, secondly it
provide an insight into the methods and techniques adopted handling such problem.
FORMULATING THE HYPOTHESES:
After extensive literature survey, researcher should state in clear terms the working hypotheses. Working
hypotheses is tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences.
A hypotheses is a tentative assumption regarding the solution to the problem under the study. The role of
hypotheses is to guide the researcher by delimiting the area of research and to keep him on the right track. It
sharpens the thinking and focuses attention on the more important facets of the problem. It also indicates the
type of data required and the type of methods of data analysis to be used.
DEVELOPING A FESERACH DESIGN:
Research design is the blue print or framework or outline to carryout a research progranme. A research design
is the specification of methods and procedures for acquring the information needed to structure or to solve
problems. The what, when, where, how much and the method of data collection are detailed in the research
design. It involves dtails about: a) The sampling design b) Instrument Design and c) Data collection Design.
The sampling Design: While conducting the research all the items which are a part of the study constitute the
universe of research. If a research involves the study of each and every unit then it is considered as census
survey, but it is not feasible to conduct a complete enumeration survey, especially if the universe is vast. Hence
a part of universe is studied by drawing a sample and the plan devised to draw a sample is termed as sample
design.
6
Instrument Design: Instrument refers to the questionnaire or schedule that the researcher would use to collect
data.
Data Collection Design: The method of gathering the data is planned in data collection design. The data can
be collected through an experiment conducted in controlled settings or it can be conducted through field
survey.
COLLECTION OF DATA:
Data is the facts presented to the researcher from the study enviornment. Data can be collected using any of
the following methods:
a) Observation: This method implies the collection of information by way of investigator’s own
observations, without intervieeing the respondents.
b) Questionnaire: A set of questions pertaining to the topic under the study are compiled and the
questionnaire is then mailed to the respondent through mail. This method of data collection is particularly
used in situations where a large number of respondents are to be covered and they are spread over a wide
area.
c) Interview: An interview method involves a direct interaction with the respondents and the researcher/
fileld workers. It can be a personal or telephonice interview.
d) Schedules: Under this method the enumerators are appointed and given training. They are provided with
schedules containg relevant questions.
ANALYSIS OF DATA:
Research is conducted for the purpose of obtaining information. Raw data does not provide information.
Further analysis needs to be done to obtain information out of data. Data analysis involves application of
statistical techniques for reducing accumulated data to a manageable size leading to summaries. Procedure for
analysing the data: a) Coding b) Editing c) Tabulation and Statistical Analysis.
Coding: Data is generally gathered using questionnaire or schedules. Under this process the various responses
of the respondents are coded using symbols e.g. respondents can be classified in terms of education using
symbol of L(literare) or IL(Iliterate). The purpose of coding is that it allows the rseracher to group the
responses in well defined categories which then become easy to tabulate.
Editing: The next step is the editing of response. Many times the response given by the respondent is either
incomplete, incomrehensible or is written in short hand. Editing removes ambiguties regarding the responses,
shunts out the invalid responses and thus improves the quality of the data for statistical analysis.
Tabulation: It is the process of putting the classified data in the form of tables.
Statistical Analysis: In the last stage, the tabulated data is analysed using various statistical techniques like
averages, percentages, trend analysis, co-relation and reggression techniques etc.
DATA INTERPRETATION AND REPORTING:
DATA INTERPRETATION: Post analysis of data, researcher will proceed with next step to test the
hyposthesis that he had formulated at the beginning. It wll help the researcher in establishing the validity of
his or her results. For studies in which no hypotheses has been tested, data interpretation is done with the
intention of seeking explanation for the research results on the basis of existing theories and there will be little
scope for newer expalnations and possibilty of further research. In case of hypothesis testing research studies,
after the data has been analysed and tested repeatedly for arriving at conclusive results, generalisations are
made to build new theory.
REPORTING: Through the reports the researcher will be able to communicates the research work, findings
and recommendations to the outside world. The report has to be prepared in the style that will be understood
by the target audience. Any research report whether it is presented in a detailed form or in the form of brief
note should essentially have the following contents: a) Preliminary section b) Main text and c) Conclusion.
Preliminary Section: It includes the title of the report, table of contents, list of tables, graphs, preface and
executive summary, which gives briefly the research objective and findings and importance of the study.
Main Text: It contains the problem background, research objectives, a note on research methodolgy used, the
importance of conducting the research and the conclusion arrived.
7
Conclusion: It includes qustionnaire and schedules used, glossory of terms and any other matter which
although not a part of the main research but required in order to support the main research can also be included.
RESEARCH DESIGN:
MEANING OF RESEARCH DESIGN:
Research design is the blue print for the collection measurement and analysis of data. A research design is
developed to guide the research. The research design is a plan of action indicating the specific steps that are
necessary to provide answers to those questions, test hypotheses, and thereby achieve the research purpose
that helps choose among the decision alternatives to solve the management problem.
DEFINITION OF RESEARCH DESIGN:
According to Kerlinger, “Research design is the plan, structure and strategy of investigation conceived so as
to obtain answers to research questions and control variance.”
FEATURES OF RESEARCH DESIGN:
1) Objectivity: The design shows no prolictivity towards any side and the resultant data collected under
this desugn would be free from bias.
2) Reliability: It refers to consistency throughout a series of measurements.
3) Validity: Any measuring device or instrument is said to be valid when it measures what it is expected
to measure.
4) Generalisation: It means how best the data collected from the samples can be utilized for drawing
certain generalisations applicable to a large group from which sample is drawn.
CONCEPTS RELATED RESEARCH DESIGN:
1) VARIABLES: A variable that varies is known as variable. The concept may assume different
quantitative value like height, weight, income etc.
a) INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: These are the variables whicha are manipulated by the
researcher and resulting effects are measured. For example: A study on influence of price on
demand of TVs has price as the independent variable. The researcher would manipulate price
levels and measure the change in quantity demanded due to different price levels.
b) DEPENDENT VARIABLE: These are the variables that depend on or are a consequence of
other variables. For example: A study on influence of price on demand of TVs has price as
the independent variable and quantity demanded is considered as dependent variable.
c) DISCRETE VARIABLE: These variables can be expressed only in integer values. For
example:
d) EXTRANEOUS VARIABLE: The independent variables which are not related to the purpose
of the study but affect the dependent variable are known as extraneous variables. For example:
A study on influence of price on demand of TVs has price as the independent variable. The
researcher would manipulate price levels and measure the change in quantity demanded due to
different price levels. The quantity demanded may be responding not just to the changes in
price but also the time of purchase i.e if the study is being conducted during a festive season
then demand may respond to time of purcahse also.
2) CONFOUNDED RELATIONSHIP: When the extreneous variable influences the dependednt
variable because the latter is unable to free itself from the extraneous variable then the dependent and
independent variable are said ti have a confounded relationship.
3) EXPERIMENT: An experiment is conducted when the researcher manipulates one or more variables
and measures their effect on dependent variable. It is a process by which the truth of a statistical
hypothesis is examined.
4) TREATMENTS: The independent variables are also called as treatments. In other words, the different
conditions under which the experiment is conducted are termed as treatments.
8
5) CONTROL: The effect of extraneous variable can be minimised using control. The term ‘control’ is
used when a researcher designs the study in such a manner that minimises the effect of extraneous
variables.
6) TEST UNITS: It refers to the individuals, organisation, plots, etc. which are subjected to the
treatments.
7) EXPERIMENTAL GROUP: While conducting an experiment, those units which are subject to the
treatments under study form an experimental group.
8) CONTROL GROUP: In an experiment, the group of units which is exposed to usual conditions is
termed as control group.
TYPES OF RESEARCH DESIGN:
Research design can be broadly classified into three categories, they are:
a) Exploratory Research Design
b) Conclusive Research Design c) Experimental Research Design
EXPLORATORY RESEARCH DESIGN: Exploratory research is conducted when the reseracher
does not know how and why certain phenomenon occurs. Example: Evaluation of quality of service
of a bank/hotel/airline. Here, the quality cannot be accessed directly as tangiablle features are not
available. Its objective could be to:
a) Evaluate the feasibilty of a research project.
b) Identifying the problems or opportunities
c) Defining the problem more precisely
d) Gaining deeper insights into the variables operating in a situation.
e) Identifying relevant courses of action.
CONCLUSIVE RESEARCH DESIGN:
Conclusive Research Design is typically more formal and structured than exploratory research. It is
based on large representative samples, and the market information obtained is subjected to quantitative
analysis. Conclusive Research is designed to assist the decision maker in determining, evaluating and
selecting the best course of action to be taken. Conclusive research design is again calssiend into two:
a) Descriptive and b) Causal research
DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH DESIGN:
Descriptive research design is used when the purpose of study is to learn who, what, where and how
of the subject under study/investigation.While designing the descriptive research, the researcher should
also have sufficient knowledge on the nature and type of statistical techniques will be used in the study.
Mostly descriptive studies are conducted using questionnaire, structered interviews and observations.
It is conducted with the following intention:
1) To describe the characteristics of relevant group like a tribal community, consumers etc.
2) To study study or estimate the proportion of people in a particular population who hold certain
specific attitudes, opinions etc.
3) To make predictions related to a particular phenomena.
4) To collect demograhic information of consumers.
5) To discover the realtionship between certain variables.
Descriptive research is further classified into two:
a) Longitudinal Research: Relies on panel data and panel methods. It involves fixing a panel
consisting of fixed sample of subjects that are measured repeatedly.
b) Cross-sectional Research: is a study involving a sample of elements from the population of
interest at a single point of time.
CAUSAL RESEARCH:
Causal designs investigates the cause and effect relationship between two or more variables. This is
an important type of research useful for marketers as this allows marketers to base their decisions on
assumed causal relationship. Causal research is done in the following situations:
a) To identify which variables are the cause and which are the effect. In statistical terms causal
variables are called independent variable and effectual variables are called dependent variables.
9
b) To determine the nature of the relationship between the causal variables and the effect to be
predicted.
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH DESIGN:
Experimental research is conducted to study the cause and effect relationship between the variables
under study. An attempt is made by the researcher to maintain, control and manipulate the variables
that affect his study. Experimental Research design is used to the goal of process optimization, to
prevent, or to minimise the occurance of defetective product, a thorough understanding of the process
behavior under different sets of process conditions is needed.
Principles of experimental design:
a) Principle of replication: According to this principle, the experiments should be conducted
more than once. The principle of replication increase the accuracy of the study.
b) Principle of Randomization: The principle of randomization provides researcher
protection against the effect of extraneous factor. The units and treatments randomly
assigned so that variations caused by extraneous variable can be controlled.
c) Principle of Local Control: Using this principle, it becomes possible for the researcher to
measure and eliminate the effect of extraneous variable.
Types of experimental design:
 PRE-EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The Pre-experimental design uses the simplest
method for research design in statistics. This method involves single or multiple groups that
are put under observation after some specific factors are identified as cause and effect. This
method is primarily used for understanding if further investigations are needed for a
targeted group.
 TRUE EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The true-experimental research design is the ideal
form for experimental research design since it is based on statistical hypotheses for proving
or disproving the hypothesis. This method is mainly used in physical science. Some of the
vital factors that need to be satisfied in this method include random variables, easily
managed variables by researchers, control groups, and experimental groups.
 QUASI- EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The Quasi-experimental design refers to the
partial design and it is similar to true experimental design with few differences. The quasiexperimental design is commonly used in education research where administrators have to
permit random selection of the students for the purpose of experimental samples. Some of
this experimental design includes time series, counterbalanced design, and no equivalent
control group design.
STEPS IN RESEARCH DESIGN:
 STEP1: SELECTION AND DEFINITION OF A PROBLEM: The problem selected for study
should be defined clearly in operational terms so that reseracher knows positively what facts he/she
is looking for that is relevant to the study.
 STEP2: SOURCES OF DATA: Once the problem is selected, the next step is to state clearly the
various sources of information such as library, personal documents, field work, etc.
 STEP3: NATURE OF STUDY: The research design should be expressed in relation to the nature of
study to be undertaken. The choice of statistical, experimental or comparative type of study should be
made at this stage so that the following steps in planning may have relevance to the proposed problem.
 STEP4: OBJECT OF STUDY: The next step is to define the objective of the study. Stating the
objective gives clarity of the design and also helps in getting the sincere responses from the
respondents.
 STEP5: SOCIO-CULTURAL CONTEXT
 STEP 6: TEMPORAL CONTEXT: The geographical limit of the design should also be referred to
at this stage as research related to the hypothesis is applicable to particular social group only.
 STEP 7: DIMENSION: It is physically impossible to analyze the data collected from a large
universe. Hence, the selection of an adequate and representative sample is by-word in any research.
10


STEP 8: BASIS OF SELECTION: The mechanics of drawing a random, stratified, and purposive
etc. should be defined properly.
STEP 9: TECHNIQUE OF DATA COLLECTION: Relevant to the study design a suitable
technique has to be adopted for the collection of data. Once the collection of data is complete, analysis,
coding and presentation of the report naturally follow.
11