Research methods

Experimental

Analytical Survey Historical

Experimental research Designed to access the effects of particular

variable on phenomenon by keeping the other variable constant or controlled.

Determines whether and in what manner variables are related to each other.

Variable

Dependent Independent

The factors which is influenced by other factors is dependent variable.

And other factors, which influence it are known as independent variable.

Daily wage workers’ salary-

Hours Rupees per hour Wages

9 200 1800

9 250 2250

Relationship between independent variable and dependent variable is perceived and stated in the form of casual hypothesis.

Rupees per hour Wages

Rupees per hour Wages

Conditions- Identical group Should be amendable for experimentation Dependent & independent variable should be

identifiable.

Types of experimental design, After only design One group before-after design

After only design - The effects on dependent variable is assessed by measuring it in both experimental and control group.

Movie budget, Dependent variable – Movie budget Independent variable- ticket value Experimental group – Multiplex & Single theater

Ticket value

Persons

Movie budget Total

Multiplex 500 10 5000

Single theater

100 10 1000

Difference : Rupees 4000 The difference is attributed to price of

ticket.

2. One group before-after design Researcher wants to evaluate the

effectiveness of a film in changing attitude towards drinking and driving.

Difference- Y2-Y1

Before After

Target group Y1 Y2

It applies to quantitative data It may consist of a system of mathematical

model or statistical techniques applicable to numerical data.

Aims at testing hypothesis and, specifying and interpreting relationships.

Used in business and other fields in which quantitative numerical data are generated.

Analytical study/ Statistical study

Data published by RBI, NABARD,UNCTAD,WB,IMF on economic development used by many researchers to find out relationship among PCI, GDP, Employment, FDI, Industrial growth & etc.

Example

Study of past records To reconstruct the origin and development

of an institution or movement or system and discovering trends in the past.

Draw explanation and generalization from the past trends in order to understand the present and to anticipate the future.

Historical research

It’s a fact finding study Collection of data directly It requires expert and imaginative planning,

careful analysis and rational interpretation of the findings.

Surveys

Selection of problem Research design Operationalisation of concept Sampling Construction of tools Field work and collection of data Processing of data Analysis of data Reporting

Steps

Social survey – Social environmental of people People’s opinion and attitudeEconomic survey – Economic condition of people

Example