Research Methodology Research Process Steps

1. Research Process Steps
ASSIGNMENT 8:
Research Process Steps
Research Methodology
Dr. Sridhar
TITLE: A Study on Pragmatic Approaches and
Quality Initiatives for Enhancing Teachers’ Caliber
in
Post Graduate Institutes offering MBA Programme
under Bangalore University
Under the Guidance of
Dr. T.V. Raju
Director, RV Institute of Management, Bangalore
CANARA BANK SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES
BANGALORE UNIVERSITY
SUBMITTED BY
Shivananda R Koteshwar
PhD Research Scholar, 2013, REG# 350051
Shivananda
R
Koteshwar,
PhD
Research
Scholar,
Bangalore
University

2. Research Process Steps
Research Procedure and Research Process
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Before we define the steps in Research Procedure and Research Process, lets
look at the definition of a “Procedure” and a “Process”
Procedure is a sequence of steps that include preparation, conduct and
completion of a task and each step can be a sequence of activities and each
activity a sequence of actions.
Process produce results by converting, transforming or simply using inputs to
create outputs.
The difference between procedures and processes is tabled below:
Procedures
Processes
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Procedures
are
driven
by
completion
of
the
task
•
•
Procedures
are
implemented
Procedures
steps
are
completed
by
difference
people
in
different
departments
with
different
objectives
Procedures
are
discontinuous
Procedures
focus
on
satisfying
the
rules
Procedures
define
the
sequence
of
steps
to
execute
a
task
•
•
Procedures
are
driven
by
humans
•
•
Procedures
may
be
used
to
process
information
Procedures
exist
they
are
static
•
Procedures
cause
people
to
take
actions
and
decisions
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Processes
are
driven
by
achievement
of
a
desired
outcome
Processes
are
operated
Process
stages
are
completed
by
different
people
with
the
same
objectives
-­‐
departments
do
not
matter
Processes
flow
to
conclusion
Processes
focus
on
satisfying
the
customer
Processes
transform
inputs
into
outputs
through
use
of
resources
Processes
are
driven
by
physical
forces
some
of
which
may
be
activated
by
humans
Information
is
processed
by
use
of
a
procedure
Processes
behave
they
are
dynamic
Processes
cause
things
to
happen
Research Procedure Steps (An Example)
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Entrance Exam
Counseling
Selection of Guide
Selection of Topic
Synopsis Submission
Synopsis Presentation
Approval of Topic
Coursework
Coursework Exams
Thesis ….
Shivananda
R
Koteshwar,
PhD
Research
Scholar,
Bangalore
University

3. Research Process Steps
Research Process
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Research task is a sequential process involving several clearly defined steps.
No one claims that research requires completion of each step before going to
the next. Recycling, circumventing and skipping occur. Some steps are begun
out of sequence, some are carried out simultaneously and some may be
omitted. Despite these variations, the idea of sequence is useful for developing
a project and for keeping the project orderly as it unfolds.
Research Process Steps (An Example)
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Research Area/Theme/Problem/Idea
Tentative hypothesis
Literature Review
Research Title/Topic
Research Questions
Research Proposal
Objectives
Hypothesis
Operational definition
Research Method/ Research Design (Type, Purpose, Timeframe, Scope and
environment)
Data collection and preparation
Data Analysis
Report writing / Research Reporting
Research Design
• Research design
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•
•
or method specifies Type, purpose, timeframe, scope and
environment.
Different research methodologies exist. The methodology “I” select would be
defined as Research Design
Some books/literature define Research Process steps as Research Design steps
but in reality, research methodology or research design is a step in research
process
There are two major types of research design: qualitative research and
quantitative research. Researchers choose qualitative or quantitative methods
according to the nature of the research topic they want to investigate and the
research questions they aim to answer
o Quantitative methods are useful when a researcher seeks to study
large-scale patterns of behavior, while qualitative methods are more
effective when dealing with interactions and relationships in detail.
Qualitative method investigates the why and how of decision making,
not just what, where, and when. Hence, smaller but focused samples
are more often needed than large samples.
o Quantitative methods include experiments, surveys, and statistical
analysis, among others. Qualitative methods include participant
observation, interviews, and content analysis
Shivananda
R
Koteshwar,
PhD
Research
Scholar,
Bangalore
University

4. Research Process Steps
Research Design/Method Steps (An Example)
o Research Type (Exploratory, Formal, Experimental, Ex post
facto…etc)
o Research question or purpose
o Research timeframe
o Data Collection Design
 Variables
 Data collection methods
o Sampling Design
 Sample Population and Sampling Size
 Sample Distribution Decision
 Sampling Method/Technique
 Sampling Unit/Frame
o Instrument Development
 Introduction and Instructions for participants
 Target Questions
• Administrative Questions
• Investigative questions
• Measurement Questions
 Preliminary Analysis plan
o Pilot testing
Research Type Summary
Category
The degree to which the research question has been
crystallized
The method of data collection
The power of the researcher to produce effects in the
variables under study
The purpose of the study
The time dimension
The topical scope-breadth and depth of the study
The research environment
The participants perception of research activity
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Options
Exploratory Study
Formal Study
Monitoring
Communciation Study
Experimental
Ex post facto
Descriptive
Casual
Cross sectional
Longitudinal
Case
Statistical Study
Field Setting
Laboratory research
Simulation
Actual routine
Modified routine
Research Proposal
A research proposal is a document written by a researcher that provides a detailed
description of the proposed program. It is like an outline of the entire research process
that gives a reader a summary of the information discussed in a project. Research
proposals are written in future tense and have different points of emphasis. Instead of
Shivananda
R
Koteshwar,
PhD
Research
Scholar,
Bangalore
University

5. Research Process Steps
a section describing the results, research proposals have a section describing the
hypotheses or the expected results.
Research proposal is an activity that incorporates decisions made during early project
planning phases of the study. A written proposal is often required when a study is
being suggested. It ensures that the parties concur on the project’s purse and on the
proposed methods of investigation. Time and budget are often spelled out as are other
responsibilities and obligations.
Additional items a research proposal include are:
• Need for study
• Limitation of Research
• Scope of Research
• Time of Place and Period of study
• Budget
• Responsibilities and Obligations of stake holders
Shivananda
R
Koteshwar,
PhD
Research
Scholar,
Bangalore
University

6. Research Process Steps
Research Process Detail Steps
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Research Area/Theme/Problem/Idea
Tentative hypothesis
Literature Review
Research Title/Topic
Research Questions
Research Proposal
o Need for study
o Limitation of Research
o Scope of Research
o Budget
o Responsibilities and Obligations of stake holders
o Place and Period of study
Research Proposal Approval
Objectives
Hypothesis
Operational definition
Research Method/ Research Design (Type, Purpose, Timeframe, Scope and
environment)
o Research Type (Exploratory, Formal, Experimental, Ex post
facto…etc)
o Research question or purpose
o Research timeframe
o Data Collection Design
 Variables
 Data collection methods
o Sampling Design
 Sample Population and Sampling Size
 Sample Distribution Decision
 Sampling Method/Technique
 Sampling Unit/Frame
o Instrument Development
 Introduction and Instructions for participants
 Target Questions
• Administrative Questions
• Investigative questions
• Measurement Questions
 Preliminary Analysis plan
o Pilot testing
Data collection and preparation
Data Analysis
o Findings (Testing of hypothesis)
o Interpretation and Conclusions
Report writing / Research Reporting
Shivananda
R
Koteshwar,
PhD
Research
Scholar,
Bangalore
University