MODULE - II - RESEARCH DESIGN
Defining the research problem: Components, Selection and formulation of research problem related to economics, Commerce and business; Meaning and need of literature review; Meaning of research design, Features of a good research design; Types of research design, Important concept relating to research design.
DEFINING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
Defining the research problem is an essential step in the research process. It involves identifying and clarifying the specific issue or question that the research aims to address. The research problem should be clearly defined and focused to guide the research process effectively. To define a research problem, you need to follow these steps:
Identify the general topic or area of interest: The first step is to identify a broad topic or area of interest that you want to research. This could be based on your personal interest, existing gaps in knowledge, or practical problems.
Conduct a preliminary review of literature: Once you have identified the general topic, you need to conduct a preliminary review of literature to identify existing research studies related to the topic. This will help you understand the current state of knowledge and identify any gaps or limitations in the existing research.
Refine the research question: Based on the literature review, you need to refine the research question and make it more specific and focused. The research question should be precise and clear, and it should address a specific gap or limitation in the existing research.
Determine the research objectives: Once you have defined the research question, you need to determine the research objectives. The research objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Define the research problem: Based on the research question and objectives, you can define the research problem. The research problem should be a clear statement that summarizes the specific issue or question that the research aims to address.
Overall, defining the research problem is a crucial step in the research process, and it requires careful consideration and attention to detail.
COMPONENTS, SELECTION AND FORMULATION OF RESEARCH PROBLEM RELATED TO ECONOMICS, COMMERCE AND BUSINESS
Components of a research problem related to economics, commerce, and business:
Topic: The first component of a research problem is the selection of a topic related to economics, commerce, and business.
Background: The background provides a brief overview of the research problem and the context in which it arises. This includes the current state of knowledge in the field and any relevant past research.
Research question: The research question is a focused inquiry that aims to answer the problem statement. It should be clear, concise, and specific.
Objectives: The research objectives are the goals that the research aims to achieve. They should be measurable, achievable, and relevant to the research question.
Hypothesis: A hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between two or more variables. It should be testable through empirical research.
Selection of a research problem related to economics, commerce, and business:
Identify a topic of interest: Start by identifying a topic that you are interested in researching. This could be anything related to economics, commerce, or business.
Literature review: Conduct a thorough literature review to identify existing research and knowledge gaps in the field. This will help you to narrow down your topic and identify research questions.
Consult with experts: Consult with experts in the field to get their input on potential research questions and methods.
Feasibility: Consider the feasibility of the research project, including the availability of data, resources, and time.
Formulation of a research problem related to economics, commerce, and business:
Define the problem: Start by defining the research problem in a clear and concise statement.
Contextualize the problem: Provide background information to contextualize the problem and highlight its significance.
Identify the research questions: Develop specific research questions that will guide the study.
Develop hypotheses: Based on the research questions, develop hypotheses that can be tested through empirical research.
Outline research objectives: Develop clear and measurable research objectives that align with the research questions and hypotheses.
Define the scope of the study: Clearly define the scope of the study, including the population or sample, data collection methods, and analysis techniques.
MEANING OF LITERATURE REVIEW
A literature review is a critical evaluation and analysis of the existing body of knowledge and research on a particular topic or subject.
It involves an exhaustive search for published and unpublished information, including books, scholarly articles, conference papers, dissertations, and other relevant sources that are related to the topic under investigation.
NEED OF LITERATURE REVIEW
A literature review is an essential component of any research project or academic paper. It involves an extensive and systematic examination of published works, such as books, journal articles, conference proceedings, and other relevant sources related to a specific research question or topic. Here are some reasons why a literature review is important:
Provides context and background: A literature review allows you to understand the current state of research in a particular area and provides context and background to your research question.
Identifies gaps in the literature: By reviewing the literature, you can identify gaps in the existing knowledge and understanding of the topic, which can inform your research and help you to formulate new research questions.
Evaluates the quality of existing research: You can evaluate the quality of existing research by critically analyzing the literature and identifying strengths and weaknesses in the methodology, findings, and conclusions.
Helps to develop a theoretical framework: A literature review can help to develop a theoretical framework that can guide your research methodology and analysis.
Supports the development of research hypotheses: By synthesizing and analyzing existing research, a literature review can help you to develop hypotheses and research questions for your own study.
In summary, a literature review is essential for any research project as it provides the foundation for understanding and contextualizing the research question and helps to identify gaps and opportunities for new research.
MEANING OF RESEARCH DESIGN
Research design refers to the plan, strategy, and framework that is developed by researchers to guide them in conducting a study or investigation. It is a blueprint that outlines the overall approach and methodology that will be used to address the research questions or objectives.
FEATURES OF GOOD RESEARCH DESIGN
A good research design is crucial for the success of any research project. Here are some features of a good research design:
Clear and well-defined research question: A good research design starts with a clear and well-defined research question. The research question should be specific, measurable, and relevant to the field of study.
Appropriate research method: The research design should include an appropriate research method that aligns with the research question. The chosen method should be able to generate reliable and valid data.
Proper sampling technique: The research design should have an appropriate sampling technique that ensures the selection of a representative sample of the population under study. The sample size should be large enough to ensure the validity of the results.
Data collection procedures: The research design should have clear procedures for data collection that are systematic and consistent. This includes the selection of appropriate instruments for data collection, the training of research assistants, and the development of protocols for data collection.
Data analysis methods: The research design should include appropriate methods for data analysis that are aligned with the research question and the data collected. The data analysis should be systematic, rigorous, and transparent.
Ethical considerations: The research design should consider ethical issues such as informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, and potential harm to participants. These ethical considerations should be taken into account throughout the research process.
Timelines and resources: The research design should have clear timelines and resources that are feasible and realistic. This includes the allocation of time and resources for each stage of the research process, such as data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Overall, a good research design is a systematic and rigorous approach to answering a research question. It involves careful consideration of the research question, appropriate research methods, proper sampling techniques, systematic data collection procedures, appropriate data analysis methods, ethical considerations, and adequate timelines and resources.
TYPES OF RESEARCH DESIGN
There are several types of research designs that are commonly used in various fields of study. Here are some of the most common types:
Experimental design: In an experimental design, the researcher manipulates an independent variable to see its effect on a dependent variable while controlling for extraneous variables.
Quasi-experimental design: Similar to experimental design, but the researcher has less control over the independent variable due to ethical, practical or other reasons.
Observational design: In an observational design, the researcher observes and records behavior without manipulating any variables.
Cross-sectional design: In a cross-sectional design, the researcher collects data at a single point in time to compare different groups or individuals.
Longitudinal design: In a longitudinal design, the researcher collects data over an extended period to track changes over time.
Case study design: In a case study design, the researcher examines a particular individual, group, or organization in-depth to gain a detailed understanding of a particular phenomenon.
Correlational design: In a correlational design, the researcher measures the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating any of them.
Mixed-methods design: In a mixed-methods design, the researcher combines both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques.
These are some of the most common research designs, and researchers often use a combination of these designs depending on their research questions and goals.
IMPORTANT CONCEPT RELATING TO RESEARCH DESIGN
1. Dependent And Independent Variables: A magnitude that varies is known as a variable. When changes in one variable depend upon the changes in other variables or variables, it is known as a dependent or endogenous variable. When the variables that cause the changes in the dependent variable are known as the independent or explanatory or exogenous variables. For example, if demand depends upon price, then demand is a dependent variable, while price is the independent variable.
2. Extraneous Variables: The independent variables which are not directly related to the purpose of the study but affect the dependent variables, are known as extraneous variables.
3. Confounded Relationship: The relationship between the dependent and independent variables is said to be confounded by an extraneous variable, when the dependent variable is not free from its effects.
4. Research Hypothesis: When a prediction or a hypothesized relationship is tested by adopting scientific methods, it is known as a research hypothesis. The research hypothesis is a predictive statement which relates to a dependent variable and an independent variable.
5. Experimental and Non-experimental Hypothesis Testing Research: When the objective of a research is to test a research hypothesis, it is known as hypothesis-testing research. Such research may be in the nature of experimental design or non-experimental design. The research in which the independent variable is manipulated is known as ‘experimental hypothesis-testing research’, whereas the research in which the independent variable is not manipulated is termed as ‘non-experimental hypothesis-testing research’.
6. Experiment: Experiment refers to the process of verifying the truth of a statistical hypothesis relating to a given research problem. For instance, an experiment may be conducted to examine the yield of a certain new variety of rice crop developed.
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