Research: Concept & Types | UGC NET Commerce Preparation Course PDF Download

Research Meaning 

Research involves exploring subjects that are already known to us in order to uncover new information or insights. It is the process of seeking knowledge, which itself comprises information gathered from a variety of sources like personal experience, literature, and observations. Through research, we contribute new ideas and findings to the existing pool of knowledge. Understanding research ethics is crucial for grasping the significance of research.

Objectives of Research 

The goals of research can be comprehended by delving into the following research aims:

• The primary aim of research is to unearth fresh information and insights.
• Research is also conducted to validate and examine established facts.
• It can involve scrutinizing specific events, processes, or phenomena to determine cause-and-effect relationships.
• Research leads to the development of new scientific tools, ideas, and theories to address both scientific and non-scientific issues.
• Furthermore, research is aimed at finding solutions to everyday problems.
• Research also focuses on reviewing and synthesizing existing knowledge.

Characteristics of Research 

Understanding the characteristics of research is essential for grasping its meaning and associated concepts. Below is an explanation of key features that enhance this understanding:

1. Objectivity: Research is deemed authentic only when it is free from bias. It should not be influenced by the personal preferences or conduct of the researcher.
2. Reliability: Also referred to as verifiability, reliability indicates the consistency of research outcomes. Research is considered reliable if it consistently produces the same results when conducted with a similar population under the same context and procedures.
3. Validity: Validity ensures the accuracy of the research in terms of its procedures, instruments, and tests, measuring exactly what it is intended to measure. Validity can be classified into various types:
   • Internal Validity: Reflects the strength of the causal relationship between two or more variables.
   • External Validity: Ensures that external factors do not influence the research. These factors should be controlled.
   • Face Validity: Ensures the research measures what it is supposed to measure.
   • Content Validity: Confirms that all aspects of the constructs are measured, not just a part of them.
   • Criterion Validity: Assesses the accuracy of test outcomes and whether the research is capable of measuring the intended variables.
   • Construct Validity: Verifies that the research is able to measure what it aims to measure.
4. Accuracy: This relates to selecting the best research tools and methods that are appropriate for addressing the research problem.
5. Credibility: The data and methods used in the research must be reliable and efficient in terms of time and resources.
6. Generalizability: Research findings should be applicable to a wider population, not just a limited group. The chosen sample must represent the larger population so that the results can be generalized.
7. Empirical Research: Research must be empirical, meaning it is based on real-world experiences and observations.
8. Systematic Approach: Authentic research requires following a systematic process. There are established procedures that must be adhered to step by step.
9. Controlled Factors: These are variables that influence the research but have been managed or controlled by the researcher.
10. Cyclical Nature: Research is a continuous process that begins with a problem and ends with a resolution, often leading to new inquiries.
11. Logical Foundation: Every research decision, from sample selection to controlling factors, must be based on a logical rationale.
12. Replicability: The research results should be reproducible, meaning similar studies should yield the same outcomes when repeated.

Types of Research 

Exploratory Research:

• Exploratory research, also known as formative research, involves a detailed investigation to discover new ideas or thoughts. It is flexible and aims to explore various aspects of a research problem.
• Methods for conducting exploratory research include surveying existing literature, insightful stimulation, and experience surveys.

Descriptive Research:

• Descriptive research is used to define the characteristics of an individual or group. It focuses on making specific predictions or explaining facts related to a particular subject.

Diagnostic Research:

• Diagnostic research aims to determine how often a variable occurs or its relationship with another variable. It seeks to understand why and to what extent a phenomenon is happening and the underlying reasons.

Deductive Research:

• Deductive research, also known as the top-down approach, begins with a hypothesis that is tested using available information. It involves drawing specific conclusions based on the hypothesis.

Inductive Research:

• Inductive research, also called the bottom-up approach, involves developing new theories and forming new ideas. It moves from specific observations to broader generalizations.

Structured Research:

• Everything in structured research is meticulously planned and decided beforehand. This type of research involves predetermined objectives, designs, samples, and questions. It is mainly utilized in quantitative research.

Unstructured Research:

• Unstructured research is a highly flexible approach where there is no set structure to follow. It is particularly suitable for exploring the nature of a problem and is commonly used in qualitative research.

Qualitative Research:

• Qualitative research focuses on understanding why a particular phenomenon occurs. It typically involves smaller sample sizes and aims to describe the nature of the phenomenon. This type of research is inductive, moving from specific observations to general conclusions.

Quantitative Research:

• Quantitative research is deductive in nature and involves working with larger sample sizes. It deals with numerical data, presenting the phenomenon in quantifiable terms. Quantitative research provides answers to questions like "how many" or "how much".

Conceptual Research:

• Conceptual research is rooted in theoretical approaches and revolves around abstract ideas or theories. It is often employed by thinkers and philosophers to develop new concepts or reinterpret existing ones.

Empirical Research:

• Empirical research is derived from experience and observations. It involves an experimental approach where researchers formulate working hypotheses based on empirical evidence.

Innovative Research:

• Innovative research involves exploring new ideas, technologies, or methods to address novel problems.

Incremental Research:

• Incremental research aims to enhance or build upon existing knowledge or products. For example, a company conducting research to improve a product.

Ex-Post Facto Research:

• Ex-Post Facto Research occurs after an event has taken place without any intervention from the researcher. It focuses on studying phenomena that have already occurred.

Action Research Meaning:

• Action research is a systematic and reflective inquiry carried out by practitioners within their own work environment or community. The main aim is to enhance practices, address specific issues, and instigate positive changes. This research involves a cyclical process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.

Meaning of Research Methodology

Research methodology is the systematic and logical approach that a researcher plans to use when conducting research. It outlines how a problem will be addressed, including what data will be collected, where it will come from, and how it will be analyzed.

The research methodology helps answer key questions such as:

• What data needs to be collected?
• From whom should the data be collected?
• How will the data be collected?
• How should the data be analyzed?

Research Gap Meaning

The concept of a "research gap" refers to an area within a specific field of study that has not been adequately explored or studied. Identifying a research gap is essential in academic research as it points to areas where existing knowledge is lacking or incomplete, highlighting the need for further investigation, analysis, or exploration.