Hiranmayee Das Gogoi
0.0 INTRODUCTION
The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusion is called research. research is undertaken within most professions. it is a way of thinking; examining critically the various aspects of professional work. Research needs understanding and formulates guiding principles that govern a particular procedure. Through this seminar paper , the different methods which will help in understanding, formulating, developing and testing new theory and enhancement of research work of a particular topic will be highlighted. This paper also highlights the two major approaches to gather information about a situation, person, problem or phenomenon . Here , to major approaches of gathering information and data are categorized as "secondary data" and "primary data" will be discussed in details. The demographic picture for methods can be use in research work is also discussed here. This seminar paper will be able to open a definite direction for methods applied in research work for a particular topic.
0.1 OBJECTIVE
1) To know the importance of methods to solve a research questions.
2) To explore the methods that can be used for research work of a particular topic.
3) To understand the ways of applying methods in a particular research work.
0.3 LITERARY REVIEW
The study about the methods used in research work is taught as a supporting subject in several ways in academic disciplines at various levels by institution committed to a variety of research paradigms. So it is obvious that books , journals, magazines are available in every institution for study about research methods. Such ideas have also been expressed by some experts that the basic logic of scientific methods are the same in all fields, its specific techniques and approaches will vary, depending upon the subject matter.
But every new research topic brings new challenges, that is why the methods should be reviewed and applied skillfully date for research work for particular topic, the methods may not be applicable that are available in books. So the intelligence
of a particular person on how he/she faces the problem and achieve the particular goal.
0.4 HYPOTHESIS/RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Methods play a vital role in collecting data for research work of a particular topic.
0.5 WAYS OF METHODS USED IN RESEARCH TOPICS
In research work ,a topic can be viewed from different angles and direction. To resolve the hypothesis or research question scholars have to cross different levels of unsolved question. It is a duty of a researcher to analyze the problems or statements from different points of view by avoiding emotions. Research needs different ways to solve the queries. The ways of solving the question are called research methods. The collection of information or solved questions are called data
There are two major approaches to gather information about a situation, person, problem or phenomenon. Sometimes the information required is already available and need to be only extracted or expand (adoption and assimilation). However there are times when the information must be collected. Based upon these broad approaches to information gathering, data are categorized as:
·
primary data;
· secondary data
Information gathered by interview, observation and the use of questionnaires are the three main methods classified under primary sources. Where the information required is already available ,such as books, government publications, report and previous research are called secondary sources.
Here is a flow chart of different methods:
0.5 METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
Example of primary sources are the findings of first hand information ; the style of singing classical music of a GHARANA, about the guru and disciples, their attitude toward heritage of Indian Classical music, provided by members of particular gharana is the primary source.
On the other hand if someone collects these information by reading books, journal, etc are called secondary source.
”None of the methods of data collection provides 100 percent accurate and reliable information"
0.5.1 COLLECTING DATA USING PRIMARY SOURCES
Several methods can be used to collect primary data. In selecting a method of data collection, the socioeconomic- demographic characteristics of the study play an important role: one should know as much as possible about characteristics such as educational level, age structure socioeconomic status and ethnic background. If possible it is helpful to know the study population's interest in, and attitude towards, participation in study. Some population for a number of reasons, may not feel either at ease with a particular method of data collection (such as being interviewed) or comfortable to express opinions in a questionnaire. Furthermore people with less education may respond differently to certain methods of data collection compared to people with more education.
In following section each method of collection of data is discussed from the point of view of its applicability and suitability to a situation and the problems and limitations associated with it.
0.5.2 OBSERVATION
Observation is one way to collect primary data. Observation is purposeful, systematic and selective way of watching and listening to and interaction or phenomenon as it takes place. There are many situations in which observation is the most appropriate method of data collection; for example when one wants to learn about the interaction in a group, study the dietary pattern of a population, ascertain the function performed by a worker or study the behavior or personality traits of an individual.
Types of Observation
There are two types of observation:
·
participant observation
·
non-participant observation
Participant observation is when one, as a researcher, participate in the activities of the group being observed in the same manner as its members, with or without their knowing that they are being observed.
Non-participant observation on other hand, is when one as a researcher do not get involved in the activities of the group but remains a passive observer, watching and listening to its activity and drawing conclusion from this.
0.5.3 FORMS OF QUESION
·
open-ended; or
·
closed-end
In open-ended question the possible responses are not given.
e.g. What is your current age? ____________ years
In a closed-ended question the possible answer are set out in the questionnaire or schedule and the respondent or the investigator ticks the category that best describes the respondent's answer.
e.g. Please indicate your age by placing a tick in the appropriate category.
under 15
15-19 years
20-24 years
0.5.4 COLLECTING DATA USING SECONDARY SOURCES
This section lists some of the many secondary sources that can be grouped into the following categories:
Government or semi-government publications -- there are many government and semi-government organization that collect data on a regular basis in a variety of areas and publish it for use by members of the public and interest group. Some common examples are the census, vital statistical registration, labour force surveys, health report, economic forecast and demographic information.
Earlier research-- for some topics, an enormous number of research studies that have already been done by other can provide you with the required information.
Personal records -- some people write historical and personal records that may provide the information one needs.
Mass media -- report published in newspapers, magazines and so on may be another good source of data.
0.6 SUMMARY
In this project one learns about the various methods of data
collection. The methods used to collect information about a
situation, phenomenon, issue or group of people can be classified
as :
· primary source
· secondary source
Interviewing, observation and the use of questionnaires are the three main methods classified under primary sources . All other source, where the information required in already available, such as government publications, reports and previous research are called secondary sources.
The choice of a particular method of collecting data depends upon the purpose collecting information, the type of information being collected, the resources available to you, your skills in the use of a particular method of data collection and the socioeconomic-demographic characteristics of your study population. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and each is appropriate for certain situation. The choice of a particular method of collecting data is important in itself for enduring the quality of the information. No method of data collection will guarantee 100% accurate information. The quality of information is dependent upon several methodological, situational and respondent related factors and one's ability as researchers lies in either controlling or minimizing the effect of these factors in the process of data collection.
The use of open-ended and close ended questions is appropriate for different situations. Both of them have strengths and weaknesses. Researcher should be aware of these so that one can use them properly and appropriately.
The construction of a research instrument is the most important aspect of any research endeavor as it determines the nature and quality of the information. This is the input of the study and the output is entirely dependent upon it. The method suggested in this paper ensures that questions in an instrument have a direct link the objectives. The wording of questions can have several problems and one should keep them in mind while formulating the questions. This way the methods play a vital role in collection of data in research work of a particular topic.
0.7 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1) Festinger Leon and Katz Daniel - Research methods in behavioral
Science by (1966) Gravetter Publications 4th edition
2) Kumar Ranjit -- Research Methodology, Second edition
copyright 2005 by Pearson Education Australia
3) Saikia Nogen -- Gabexona Paddhati Parichay, Second Edition
copyright 2005 by Koustav Publications, Dibrugah
books - Research methods in behavioral Science by Leon Festinger and Daniel Katz (1966)
