Research methodology: AN ENTRY TO SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH

1. Research methodology: AN ENTRY TO SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH Megh R. Dangal Kathmandu University

2. introduction • Research is a systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena (Kerlinger, 1986) • Research is a procedure by which we attempt to find systematically, and with the support of demonstrable facts, the answer to a question of the resolution of a problem (Leedy, 1989) • Research is a systematic and objective analysis and recording of observations that may lead to the development of a theory (Best, 1992)

3. introduction • Research is a systematic and critical enquiry which aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and wisdom (Bassey, 1999) • Research is an organized, systematic, data-based and critical, scientific enquiry of investigation into a specific problem, undertaken with the objective of finding answers or solutions to it (Sekaran, 2000) (Pant, 2009, p. 5)

4. What do these definitions have in common? • What is research? “planned enquiry that utilizes suitable scientific tools to solve problems and create new knowledge that is generally applicable and acceptable by people”

5. research methodology • Research process involves a series of well-thought-out activities of gathering, recording, analyzing and interpreting the data • The purpose of finding answers to the problem The entire processes based on the philosophies, principles and mechanisms of research by which we attempt to solve problems or search the answers to questions are collectively known as the research methodology

6. Research methodology • The broader principles of research underscored by philosophical rationales • Positivism • Studies the world and people in it as objective things by direct observation according to strict rules • “Is about the scientific rules that researchers follow” • Post-positivism • Views knowledge as subjective, value laden and not based on cause-and-effect • “Is what researchers do” Research methodology means that: “complexity within activity arenas, minimizes difficulties by using simpler scientific tools”

7. Research methods • Involve the forms of data collection, analysis and interpretation that researchers propose for their studies • Key principles of research design, such as the case study method • Particular approaches for collecting and analyzing data, such as observation

8. Applied research and fundamental research • Applied research • Is conducted in response to a specific problem, which requires a solution • Fundamental research • Is undertaken to improve our understanding of certain problems that commonly occur in organizational setting, and how to solve them

9. Fundamental research vs. applied research

10. Nature and purpose of research • Exploration • Description • Explanation • Generalization and prediction

11. Simple research model 1. Problem 4. Action 2. Data Collection 3. Data Analysis

12. Qualitative research • Usually emphasizes words rather than quantification in the collection and analysis of data • For exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem • The process of research involves emerging questions and procedures; collecting data in the participants’ setting; analyzing the data inductively, building from particulars to general themes; and making interpretations of the meaning of the data • The final written report has a flexible writing structure

13. Quantitative research • Usually emphases quantification in the collection and analysis of data • For testing objective theories by examining the relationship among variables • Variables can be measured, typically on instruments, so that numbered data can be analyzed using statistical procedures • The final written report has a set structure consisting of introduction, literature and theory, methods, results, and discussion

14. Mixed research • Describes research that combines the use of both qualitative and quantitative research • Involves philosophical assumptions, the use of both approaches, and the mixing of both in a study • Both data are actually merged, one end of the continuum, or kept separate, the other end of the continuum, or combined in some way on the continuum • The convergent parallel design: compare or relate • The explanatory sequential design: follow up • The exploratory sequential design: build to • The embedded design: before, during, after

17. (Johnson & Christensen, 2004)

18. Textbooks • Bryman, A. (2008). Social research methods (3 rd ed.). India: Oxford. • Creswell, J. W. (2011). Research designs (3rd ed.). New Delhi: Sage. • References: • American Psychological Association [APA]. (2010). Publication manual (6th ed.). Washington, D. C.: Author. • Neuman, W. L. (2006). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (6 th ed.). India: PEARSON. • Pant, P. R. (2010). Social science research and thesis writing (5th ed.). Kathmandu: Buddha.