8/3/2019 M.R. Steps of Research Process
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M.R.
RESEARCH PROCESSBefore embarking on the details of research
methodology and techniques, it seemsappropriate to present a brief
overview of the research process. The research p
rocess consists of a series of actions or steps necessary to
effectively carry out research and the desired sequencing of these
steps-
-Formulating The Research ProblemThere are 2 types of research
problems, those which relate to the state of nature and those thwat
realte to relationship between variables.At the very initial time,
the researcher must single out the problem he wants tostudy and he
must also study in a generalised way of the relating problems.
The
n the feasability of a particular solution has to be considered
before working on formulation of the problem.Essentially there are
2 steps involved in formulating the research problem
i.e.UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM THOROUGHLYAND REPHRASING THE SAME
INTO MEANINGFUL TERMS FROM AN ANALYTIC POINT OF VIEW.The best way
of understanding the problem is to discuss it with one's
colleague
or friends or even with those who are having some expertise in
this subject.
-Review Of LiteratureThe researcher must simuntaniously examine
all available literature to get himself familiarised with the
problem. He may review 2 types of literature
_Conceptual Literature (concerning concepts and
theories)_Imperical Literature (studies made earlier, similar to
the one proposed or similar research made earlier)The basic outcome
of this research review will be the knowledge as to what dataand
other materials are available for operational purposes which will
enable theresearcher to specify his own research problems in a
meaningful context. After
this the researcher rephrases the problems into analytic and
operational termsto put the problem in as specific terms as
possible.
-Development of Formulation of Working Hypothesis And
ObjectiveAfter extensive literature survey, researcher shuold state
in clear terms the working objectives, they are the aim or goals
for which researcher is working to find the approximate
result.After the point of objectives are designed, the researcher
works on formulationof the hypothesis.Working hypothesis is a
tentative assumption made in order to draw out and testits logical
consequences. They also effect the manner in which tests must be
conducted while analysing data and indirectly the quality of data
which is requiredfor the analysis.
In most types of research, the development of a working
hypothesis plays an impo
rtant role. The Hypothesis should be very specific and limited
to the piece of research in hand because it has to be tested.The
role of hypothesis is to guide the researcher by delimiting the
area of research and to keep him on the right track.
How does one go about to develop a workin
ghypothesis?-Discussions with friends, colleagues about the
problem, its origin and the objectives in seeking the
details.-Examination of data and records, if available concerning
the problem for possible trends and other clues.-Review of similar
studies in the area or of the studies on similar problems.-Personal
investigation which involves original field interview on the
limited scale with intrested parties and idividuals with the view
to secure greater insig
ht into the practical aspect of the problem.Thus a hypothesis
arises as a result of a prior thinking about the subject,
examination of the available data and material including related
studies ancd counce
