My Content 
Concept of Research
Research Meaning
Research objectives / Purpose
Research characteristics
            Objectivity
            Reliability
            Accuracy
            Credibility
            Generalizability
            Empirical Research
            Systematic
            Controlled factors
            Validity
            Cyclical
            Logical
            Replicable


                                                                                                                                                                       

                      Concept of Research                           

* Research is a way of thinking.

* Examines critically the various aspects of any professional.

* It is structural inquiry that follows the scientific methodology to solve problem and create new knowledge that is generally applicable.

* Comprises of two words 'Re' and 'search'; 'Re' means again and 'Search' means to find out.

* According to the advanced learners Dictionary, research is a careful investigation or inquiry specially to search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.


 Research Meaning                                                                               

Advanced Learner's Dictionary has defined Research as 'a careful investigation or inquiry specially to search for new facts in any branch of Knowledge'.

Research is -

A process of enquiry and investigation, Methodical and systematic source to increase knowledge.

The term research includes two words, specifically 're' and 'search'. By and large 're' signifies again and 'search' signifies to discover or to find out. As indicated by creswell, research is a procedure of steps used to gather and analyse information to increase our understanding of a particular topic or issue.

The scientific method consists of systematic observation, classification and interpretation of data.

Research is fundamentally logical in nature to give a target, which is a fair-minded assessment of information. There is not at all like informal research approach, even in the event of sociologies.






Research objectives / Purpose                                                              

1. Investigate some existing situation or problem.

2. Build or make another method or framework.

3. Generate new knowledge.

4. Explore and analyse more general issues.

5. Offer a solution to a problem.

6. Review and synthesize the existing knowledge.









 Research characteristics                                                                      

Research Characteristic are fellow - 

                             i. Objectivity
                            ii. Reliability
                           iii. Accuracy
                           iv. Credibility
                           v. Generalizability
                          vi. Empirical Research
                         vii. Systematic
                        viii. Controlled factors
                         ix. Validity
                         x. Cyclical
                         xi. Logical
                        xii. Replicable

i. Objectivity

It means research with no inclination. Scientists, as a rule, avoid the potential risk that outcomes are not influenced by their very own quality, conduct and frame of mind. They critically examine the research method to avoid any bias.


ii. Reliability

Reliability with regards to research is consistency. It allows to the degree to which an examination produces predictable outcomes. It can also be termed as verifiability. If any research fields, similar results each time, then it is undertaken with a similar. Reliability type two internal and External.

Types of reliability

a. Test-retest reliability > measure across time.

b. Interrater reliability >measure across raters observers.

c. Internal consistency > measurements itself.


iii. Accuracy

It is firmly identified with legitimacy, it is like wise how much research procedures, instruments and devices are identified with one another. Precision additionally measures wheter the exploration apparatuses have been chosen in the most ideal way and Research methodology suit the examination issue or not.


iv. Credibility

It is the utilization of best well spring of data and the best techniques in the exploration. The utilization of optional information spares time and decreases cast. Be that as it may, the over the top dependence on auxiliary information when the alternative of essential information is accessible involves the danger of diminishing the validity of the exploration.


v. Generalizability

It is firmly identified with legitimacy. It alludes to how much research discoveries can be connected to a bigger population. The sample considered is the representative of the whole population so the findings should aslo be applicable to the whole population.


vi. Empirical Research

It is based on real-life experiences, direct experiences or observation by the researcher. It suggests that examination is connected essentially to at least one parts of genuine circumstance and manages solid information that gives a premise to outer legitimacy to the after effects of the exploration.


vii. Systematic

For an exploration to be powerful, it must be deliberate. It is the main way to deal with embrace any examination work and each progression must pursue the other. There are a set of procedures that have been tested over a period of time and are, thus, suitable to use in research. Therefore, each research should follow a definite procedure.


viii. Controlled factors

In real-life experiences, there is always more than one factor that effects the outcome of an event. Similarly, in research, various factors may affect the outcome and some are taken as controlled factors, where as the others are tested for the possible outcome.


ix. Validity

Here, validity in research mainly stands for accuracy of procedures, research instruments, tests etc. The concept of validity can also be understood by posing a question, are we measuring or able to measure what we originally intended to measure?

Validity means that research must be unbiased and free from any systematic error as these may impact the applicability of research. Without validity research goes in the wrong direction six types

validity.

1. Face validity

2. Internal validity

3. External validity

4. Constract validity

5. Content validity

6.Criterion validity


x. Cyclical

Research is a cyclical proces because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem.


xi. Logical

The statement, a good research is logical, implies that research is guided by the rules of logical reasoning. Induction and deduction are of gear value in research, which have been discussed under types of research.


xii. Replicable

This characteristic allows the results of the research to be verified by replicating the study and there by building a sound basis for decisions.


















Notes : 



























Question : 

1. Research is  
a. A purposeful, systematic activity.                                     b. Conducted for purely academic purposes. 
c. Conducted to answer questions about practical issues.     d. A random, unplanned process of discovery
Ans: 

2. All good research aims at 
a. Betterment of the society.               b. Developing generalizations, theories and principles, 
c. Solving routine problems.              d. None of the above
Ans: 

3. A grand theory 
a. Explains interrelationships among concepts.                        b. Is highly abstract. 
c. Broad explanation of phenomenon in a discipline.               d. All the above
Ans: 

4. The idea that knowledge comes from experience is 
a. Rationalism                                      b. Deductive reasoning 
c. Logic                                                d. Empiricism
Ans: 

5. A theory is defined as 
a. Set of systematically related statements                b. Law like generalizations 
c. Both (a) and (b)                                                      d. None of the above
Ans: 

6. Epistemology refers to 
a. A term specifically used in the social sciences.               b. A term used to study the types of diseases. 
c. Acceptable level of knowledge in a field of study.          d. A type of interviewing technique.
Ans: 

7. Which of the following is a function of theory? 
a. Integrating and summarizing current knowledge                 b. Making predictions 
c. Explaining phenomena                                                         d. All of the above
Ans: 

8. Which of the following term explains the idea that knowledge comes from experience? 
a. Rationalism                      b. Empiricism 
c. Logic                                d. Deduction
Ans: 

9. In every field, research pursuits promote systematic and gradual advancement of knowledge but discoveries are rare because [December 1997] 
a. Result is a continuous critical investigation. 
b. It is not common to be able to think beyond a grooved channel. 
c. Sustained experimental work needed for discovery is not easily forthcoming. 
d. Most people lack the depth of knowledge needed for it.
Ans: 

10. 'Metaphysics' means 
a. A branch of Physics                b. Exploring the nature of ultimate reality 
c. Physics of metals                     d. Physics of weather
Ans: 

11. Which of the following statements is not correct? [June 1997] 
a. A researcher is expected to be a well-read person. 
b. One research gives birth to another research. 
c. All researchers contribute to existing knowledge. 
d. A good researcher is a nice person.
Ans: 

12. Which of the following is defined as a systematic method of evaluating statistical data based on the results of several independent studies of the same problem? 
a. Factor analysis                                     b. Meta-analysis 
c. Systematic analysis                              d. None of the above
Ans: 

13. The quality of a research study is mainly evaluated on the basis of 
a. The place of publication. 
b. The manner in which the recommendations are implemented. 
c. The rigour with which it was conducted. 
d. None of the above
Ans: 

14. The quality of research is judged by the [December 1998] 
a. Relevance of research                    b. Methodology adopted in conducting the research 
c. Depth of research                           d. Experience of researcher
Ans: 

15. One of the following is not a quality of a researcher? [December 2005] 
a. Unison with that of which he is in search.                   b. He must be of alert mind. 
c. Keenness in enquiry.                                                    d. His assertion to outstrip the evidence.
Ans: 

16. Which of the following periodical is specifically meant for publishing research work? 
a. Magazine                        c. Journals 
b. Monographs                   d. Books
Ans: 

17. Which of the following options are the main tasks of research in modern society? [June 2006] 
I. To keep pace with the advancement in the knowledge. 
II. To discover new things. 
III. To write a critique on the earlier writings. 
IV. To systematically examine and critically analyse the investigations or sources with objectivity. 
a. IV, II, and I                      c. I and III 
b. I, II, and III                      d. II, III, and IV
Ans: 

18. Which of following description is true in context of defining 'theory'? 
a. An organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular phenomenon. 
b. Tentative explanations that new data either support or do not support. 
c. Apt to drive further research. 
d. None of the above
Ans: 

19. Research can be conducted by a person who [December 2006] 
a. Has studied research methodology.                          b. Holds a postgraduate degree. 
c. Possesses thinking and reasoning ability.                 d. Is a hard worker
Ans: 

20. The best quality of a researcher is 
a. Curiosity                                   c. Ability 
b. Active imagination                   d. All the above
Ans: 

21. The result of building up information from pieces of information is known as 
a. An analysis                         c. A synopsis 
b. A synthesis                         d. None of the above
Ans: 

22. The result of setting out a reasoned argument in steps is known as 
a. A comparison                                   c. An evaluation 
b. A debate                                           d. An analysi
Ans: 

23. A researcher is generally expected to 
a. Study the existing literature in a field.                       b. Generate new principles and theories. 
c. Synthezise different ideas                                          d. None of the above
Ans: 

24. What do you consider as the main aim of interdisciplinary research? [June 2006] 
a. To bring out holistic approach to research. 
b. To reduce the emphasis of single subject in research domain. 
c. To oversimplify the problem of research. 
d. To create a new trend in research methodology.
Ans: 

25. One of the essential characteristics of research is 
a. Replicability                              b. Generalizability 
c. Usability                                   d. None of the above
Ans: 

26. The depth of any research can be judged by [June 2006] 
a. Title of the research.                                                   b. Objectives of the research. 
c. Total expenditure on the research.                              d. Duration of the research.
Ans: 

27. Which of the following statements is true about the theory? 
a. It explains phenomenon in simple manner.                      b. It explains the 'how' and 'why' questions. 
c. It can be a well-developed explanatory system.               d. All the above
Ans: 

28. The research is always [December 2008] 
a. Verifying the old knowledge.                                        b. Exploring new knowledge. 
c. Filling the gaps between the knowledge.                      d. All the above
Ans: 

29. Which of the following is a function of theory? 
a. Summarizing the current knowledge                      b. Making predictions 
c. Explaining phenomena                                           d. All the above
Ans: 

30. The feasibility of a research study generally depends upon 
a. Cost factor                                                  b. Time required to conduct research 
c. Skills set of the researcher                          d. All the above
Ans: 

31. An empiricist believes that 
a. Natural science methods should not be applied to social science research. 
b. Social science methods cannot be applied in natural sciences. 
c. Knowledge is acquired through our sensory perceptions. 
d. None of the above
Ans: 

32. The experimental study is based on 
a. Law of single variable                              c. Both (a) and (b) 
b. Manipulation                                            d. None of the above
Ans: 

33. What is the position held by a positivist as far as acquiring knowledge is concerned? 
a. A general positive attitude towards research. 
b. Scientific research should be based on value-free, empirical observations. 
c. Exact knowledge can be acquired from the society. 
d. None of the above
Ans: 

34. The approach which is based on the assumption that social phenomena can be explained by observing cause and effect is 
a. Positivism                                              c. Qualitative  
b. Interpretivism                                        d. None of the above
Ans: 

35. An ontological question is usually about 
a. Diagnose of a medical problem. 
b. Study of things outside ourselves, an external reality. 
c. Use of questionnaires or interviews in project. 
d. Acceptable level of knowledge.
Ans: 

36. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a researcher? 
a. Industrious and persistent.              b. Specialist rather than a generalist. 
c. Objective                                         d. Not versatile in his interest and even in his native abilities.
Ans: 

37. An important practical issue to consider while designing a research project is 
a. An interesting theoretical perspective.                       b. Add to knowledge of researcher only. 
c. Availability of time and other resources.                    d. None of the above
Ans: 

38. Objectivity in research implies [June 2000] 
a. Exact judgement of truth                            b. Findings consistent with reality 
c. Inter-researcher agreement                         d. Methodological sophistication
Ans: 

39. The extent to which an instrument measures a characteristic that cannot be directly observed but is assumed to exist is 
a. Face validity                            b. Construct validity 
c. Criterion validity                     d. Content validity
Ans: 

40. Field study is related to 
a. Real-life situations                      b. Experimental situations 
c. Laboratory situations                  d. None of the above
Ans: 

41. The verification that the method of measurement actually measures what it is expected to measure is known as 
a. Content validity                    c. Construct validity 
b. Face validity                        d. Criterion validity
Ans: 

42. The extent to which the results of a research study apply to situations beyond the study itself and the extent to which conclusions can be generalized is 
a. External validity                               c. Situation validity 
b. Internal validity                                d. None of the above
Ans: 

43. The extent to which the design and data of a research study allows the researcher to draw accurate conclusions about cause-and-effect and other relationships within the data is 
a. External validity                             b. Internal validity 
c. Situation validity                            d. None of the above
Ans: 

44. The validity and reliability of a research will be at stake when 
a. The incident was reported after a long period of time from its occurrence. 
b. The author who is a source of information is biased and incompetent. 
c. The researcher is not competent enough to draw logical conclusions. 
d. All the above
Ans: 

45. The term used to describe when a research measures the variable or dimension it is supposed to measure is [December 2004] 
a. Validity                               c. Dependability 
b. Reliability                          d. Suitability
Ans: 

46. Which of the following is not a characteristic of research? 
a. Research is systematic.                               b. Research is not a process. 
c. Research is problem oriented.                     d. Research is not passive.
Ans: 

47. Which of the following terms is closely related to generalization of outcome of research? 
a. External validity                      b. Inference 
c. Both (a) and (b)                        d. None of the above
Ans: 

48. A research instrument giving inconsistent results has 
a. Low validity                                               b. High validity 
c. Low reliability                                           d. High reliability
Ans: 

49. Authenticity of research finding is its 
a. Originality                          b. Validity 
c. Objectivity                          d. All the above
Ans: 

50. How can the objectivity of research be enhanced? [June 2009] 
a. Through its impartiality                          b. Through its reliability 
c. Through its validity                                 d. All the above
Ans: 

51. Manipulation is always a part of [December 2009] 
a. Historical research                                    b. Fundamental research 
c. Descriptive research                                 d. Experimental research
Ans: 

52. Good research focuses on which of the following? 
a. Formulating generalizations, theories, principles, and innovations 
b. Social welfare 
c. Subjective analysis of a situation. 
d. All of the above
Ans: 

53. Research is 
a. An unorganized approach for resolving problems 
b. Careful, patient, and systematic study 
c. Mere accumulation of knowledge 
d. Purely for academic purpose
Ans: 

54. Which of the following is not characteristic of good research? 
a. Systematic                   b. Logical 
c. Controlled                    d. Subjectivity
Ans: 

55. Consider the following: 
i. Validity 
ii. Replicability 
iii. Rigorous 
iv. Logical  
Which of the above are important characteristic of research? 
a. (i) and (iii)                     b. (ii), (iii), and (iv) 
c. (i), (iii), and (iv)            d. (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv)
Ans: 

56. Which of the following is not correct? 
a. Research is a systematic activity. 
b. Research adds to the existing knowledge. 
c. Researcher should adjust the findings of research according to the popular beliefs, values, etc. 
d. Researcher should have creative thinking.
Ans: 

57. Research should be generalizable means that 
a. Data should be authentic. 
b. Results can be applied to real life. 
c. Conclusions drawn from sample are applicable to larger population as well. 
d. All of the above.
Ans: 

58. On conducting a research repeatedly under similar controlled conditions, the outcome is similar every time, thus the rescarch will be 
a. Valid                        b. Reliable
c. Authentic                 d. Objective
Ans: 

59. In every field, research pursuits promote systematic and gradual advancement of knowledge but discoveries are rare because 
a. Research is a continuous critical investigation. 
b. It is not common to be able to think beyond a grooved channel. 
c. Sustained experimental work needed for discovery is not easily forthcoming. 
d. Most people lack the depth of knowledge needed for it.
Ans: 

60. The quality of research is judged by the 
a. Relevance of research              b. Methodology adopted in conducting the research 
c. Depth of research                     d. Experience of research
Ans: 

61. In every field, research pursuits promote systematic and gradual advancement of knowledge but discoveries are rare because 
a. Research is a continuous critical investigation. 
b. It is not common to be able to think beyond a grooved channel. 
c. Sustained experimental work needed for discovery is not easily forthcoming. 
d. Most people lack the depth of knowledge needed for it.
Ans: 

62. Which of the following statements is not correct? 
a. A researcher is expected to be a well-read person. 
b. One research gives birth to another research. 
c. All researchers contribute to existing knowledge. 
d. A good researcher is a nice person.
Ans: 

63. Sine quo non (essential elements) of good research is 
a. A well-formulated hypothesis                  b. A good research supervisor 
c. Adequate library                                       d. A well-formulated problem
Ans: 

64. The objective of research can be written in 
a. Only question form 
b. Only statement form 
c. Both question and statement form 
d. Hypothetical form
Ans: 

65. For a proposition to be true, it should have the following characteristics except 
a. It must be objective.                b. It must be in tune with accepted belief. 
c. It must be consistent.               d. It must be testable.
Ans: 

66. Objectivity in research implies 
a. Exact judgement of truth            b. Findings consistent with reality 
c. Inter-research argument              d. Methodological sophistication
Ans: 

67. An important characteristic of research is reliability, which also indicates 
a. Superiority                    b. Verifiability 
c. Quality of data              d. Validity
Ans: 

68.