UGC NET Research Methodology Notes 1

Introduction: 

    Research Methodology means an art of scientific investigation. The definition of research varies according to different researchers. One such definition of research, according to Redman and Mory is " Research is a systematized effort to gain new knowledge". This basically means Research is a walking from known things towards unknown things. It is basicallt a systematized process of discovery. 

Detention of research 

1. Research is an attitude of new discovery.
2. Research is an attempt to refine the facts.
3. Research is a scientific method.
4. Research is friendly, welcoming attitude towards a change.
5. Research is investigating something from known to unknown.
6.  Research means establishing new facts from known facts.

Meaning and characteristics of research

    Research is defined as the scientific investigation of phenomena which includes collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of facts. 

The characteristics of research according to Jhon W.best anf James V.Kahn are:

1. Research is directed toward the solution of a problem
2. Research emphasizes the development of generalizations, principles, or theories that will be helpful in predicating future occurrences. Research goes beyond the specific objects, groups, or situations investigated and infer characteristics of a target population from the sample observed. Research is more than information retrieval, the simple gathering of information.
3. Research is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence. Certain interesting questions don not lend themselves to research procedures because they cannot be observed.
4. Research demands accurate observation and description. Researchers may choose to use quantitative measuring devices when possible. when this is not possible or appropriate to answer the researchers question, they choose from a variety of quantitative, or non quantitative, descriptions of their observations. 
5. Research involves gathering new data from primary or first-hand sources or using existing data for a new purpose. the students are expected to read a number of encyclopedias, or periodic references and to synthesize the information in a written report. 
6. Although research activity may at times be somewhat random and unsystematic. it is more often characterized by carefully designed procedures that apply rigorous analysis.

Characteristics of research:

following are few important characteristics of any research:

• Empirical: Research is based on direct experience or observation by researcher.
• Logical: Research must be based on valid procedures and principles.
• Cyclical: Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with  a problem.
• Analytical: research utilized proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical, descriptive, and experimental and case study.
• Critical: Research exhibits careful and precise judgement. 
• Methodical: Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method and procedures.
• Reliability: The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to anable the researcher to arrive at valid and occlusive results.