Each of us is inherently curious about the things around and explores them in one’s own way. Some are more inquisitive while others are less so. When such exploration is done in a scientific and systematic manner with specific objectives it becomes research. Apart from an analytical mind, a systematic researcher needs to have in-depth knowledge of the concepts and practical techniques of organising and conducting research. This book is an attempt to enable an intending researcher to acquire such conceptual knowledge and its applications in practice by himself. Various concepts and procedures about research have been explained in detail with examples and in a language which can be understood easily.The book is a combination of theory and its application in practical situations. Examples have been given keeping in focus social research. It will be useful for those who want to be researchers, those who want to have an expertise in social research, students and those who want to know how to apply theory in the practical situations.
Dr. Rashmi Agrawal is a Ph.D in Psychology from Lucknow University. She later specialized in Rehabilitation & Counselling from the University of California, USA. She has also done an International Course in Evaluation sponsored by The World Bank. Dr. Agrawal has long experience of research in the field of Education, Employment and other related areas. She has authored a number of books on topics of social relevance and number of papers presented in national and international conferences. At present she is working as Director in the Institute of Applied Manpower Research, Planning Commission, New Delhi. Banda Venkata Lakshmi Narasimha Rao retired from Indian Statistical Service in 1995. He served in the Ministry of Labour, GoI, in various capacities, Central Institute for Research and Training in Employment Services as Director, and in Planning Commission as Dy. Advisor. He also worked with ILO on projects in Bangkok and Hanoi. He has presented/published papers and books on subjects like child labour, street children, empowerment of women, education etc. At present he is associated with a number of organisations as statistical advisor.
1. Research: The Concept
Science and Scientific Attitude
What is Research ?
Natural Science and Social Science Research
Characteristics of Social Research
Functions of Research
Application of Social Research in Study of Social Phenomena
Problems of Objectivity in Social Research
2. Types of Research
Basic Research
Applied Research
Historical Research
Empirical Research
Action Research
Evaluation Research
3. Research Process: An Overview
Steps in Research Process
4. Concept of Hypothesis
The definition
Hypothesis is not always Necessary
Sources of hypothesis
Characteristics of Good Hypothesis
Utility of Formulating Hypothesis (Importance)
Types of Hypothesis
Role of Hypothesis in Social Research
Hypothesis and Other Related Concepts
5. Concept of Variables and Scales of Measurement
Variables - Quantitative and Qualitative
Theory of Causality
Variables - Dependent and Independent
Extraneous Variables
Variables - Measurement Scales
Measurement of Variables - Concepts of Reliability and Validity
Difference between Validity and Reliability
6. Research Design: The Concept and Types
Concept and Importance of Research Design
Steps in Research Design
Types of Research, Objectives and Research Designs
Types of Research Approach and Types of Research Designs
Retrospective and Prospective Designs
Impact Assessment Research and Designs
Concept of Counterfactual
7. Data Collection and Sources
Basic Questions about Data Collection
Data Sources
Problems in use of Secondary Data
Quantitative and Qualitative Data
A Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Data
Primary Source
Techniques of Primary Data collection
Process of Data Collection-Steps
8. Techniques of Data Collection
Surveys
Case Study
Field Observation
Participatory Methods
Focus Group Discussions
Delphi Technique
9. Tools of Data Collection
Schedule and Questionnaire
Interviews
Questionnaire
Example: Matching the Objectives with Questionnaire Items
Ethics in Data Collection
Pilot Study
10. Sampling: Basic Concepts and Techniques
Concept of Population/Universe
Census and Sample
Sampling and non-sampling Errors
Issues to be Decided in a Sample Study
Sampling Frame
Sample Units And Notation
Parameters and Their Estimation
Bias, Consistency and Variance of Estimators
Sampling Design
Probability Sampling
Non-Probability Sampling
How many? - The Question of Sample Size
Considerations in Determining Sample Size
Interpenetrating Sub-samples
11. Data Process and Use of Social Statistics
Meaning of Social Statistics
Scope
Importance and Functions
Method
Limitations
Basics of Data Presentation and Data Processing
Editing of Data
How to Edit the Information
Classification of Data
Coding the Data
Tabulation and Preparation of Master Tables
Analysis
Frequency Distributions
Diagrammatic and Graphic Representation of Data
Frequency and Probability Distributions
Some important Theoretical Probability Distributions
12. Measures of Central Tendency, Dispersion
Concept of Average
Measures of Central Tendency
Relative Advantages and limitations
Measures of Dispersion
13. Linear Regression and Correlation
Correlation and Association
Scatter Diagram
The Concept of Correlation
Correlation Coefficient
Contingency Tables
Concept of Regression
Linear Regression (2 Variable Case)
Non-linear Situations
Multiple Regression
Multiple Correlation
Partial Correlation Coefficient
14. Testing of Hypothesis and Statistical Analysis
Testing of Hypothesis
'z' Test
't' Test
Chi-square Test (?2 Test)
15. Index Numbers and Time Series
Concept
Definition
Types of Index Numbers
Methods of Computing the Average Changes
Some Index Numbers Series in India
Construction of a Consumer Price Index
Uses of Index Numbers
Time Series
Uses of Time Series Analysis
Components of a Time Series
Basic Time Series Models
Methods of Time Series Analysis
16. Analysis and Interpretation of Data
Purpose of Data Analysis
Statistical Software Packages
Analysis of Qualitative Data
Computer Software for Qualitative Data Analysis
17. How to Write a Research Report and Research Abstract
Objectives of Report Writing
Types of Reports
Format of the Report
How to Evaluate the Report?
Characteristics of a Good Report
How to Write a Good Report?
Use of Visuals
Types of Visuals
How to Write Research Abstract
18. Preparation of Project Proposal
What is a Project?
Basic Features of a Project
How to Choose a Project?
Types of Projects
Phases of a Project
Formulation of a Project Proposal
Difference between a Research Proposal and a Project Proposal
Further Reading
Index