Note Of Research Methodology

A brief note on Research and various methods of Social and Participatory Research. An Introduction Research aims at discovering the truth. The word research it self-mean “ the act of searching for or after a specified things or person” OR “ a search for investigation directed to the discovery of some fact by careful consideration”. In simple ways one can say that doing research is careful critical enquiry or examination for fact finding of the problem. Why doing Research  Research is undertaken to discover answers to questions by applying scientific method.  The discovery of the new fact; old theories may either be rejected or modified.  Research gives a new direction and new insight in to the existing problem.  Constant Research is helpful to know old conclusion with new data.  It helps to reach more conclusions.  It is done to discover an unexplored knowledge.  It is done to find out the different and appropriate ways to resolve the contradictions in the study / work area. Research process The research process consists of a number of related steps, which are mutually supporting each other. STEP .1: Formulation of the problem according to the purpose of the study. (Formulation of the Hypotheses) STEP. 2: Developing the research design. : In involves 1. Building Hypotheses 2. Deciding secondary and primary source of data 3. Sample selection 4. Deciding time line of the research. 5. Deciding data collection methods

6. Organizing and analyzing of the data. 7. Reporting and Documentation. STEP. 3: The Method of the Data collection: It involves using of decided methods for collecting data. STEP. 4: Result of the Study: Analyzing the data and findings of the study. STEP. 5: Recommendation and conclusion: suggesting possible solution on the basis of findings of the analyzed data Social Research A social research studies the human behavior and social problem. The main idea behind such research is to discover new interrelations, new knowledge, and new facts and also to verify old ones.  Social research tries to find out the casual connection between various human activities and the natural laws governing them by means of logical methods.  It helps to understand those laws, which can be the proper guideline for studying human conduct and behavior.  It is more concern with the understanding of the fundamental social process involving human behavior, human institution and human relation. Different Phases involve in social research process 1. Formulation of the Hypotheses 2. Collection of data 3. Classification of the facts 4. Conclusion 5. Empirical verification Methods of Social Research There is no clear-cut method of social research, not it is possible to suggest a definite method of social research. Research methodology will depend upon the topic it self, the techniques and tools, the data available and the experience and capability of the researcher. The purpose of research may often be helpful in determining its methodology. There are;  Comparative methods – It attempts to trace the History of the development and evolutionary stages of phenomenon in order to relate its particular stage.

 Field study methods - This is also called an experimental method as experiments can be conducted in the field also. This is also called an observation method. It is more participatory. It is used to collect research materials or data.  Qualitative and quantitative methods – the methods of the social research is either qualitative or quantitative. Participatory Research (PR): Participatory research provides an alternative approach to research. Participatory research means doing research ‘with’ people rather than doing research ‘on’ or ‘for’ people. This kind of research methods are based on the principle that ordinary people are capable of critical reflection and analyses, that their knowledge is both essential and valuable in any research, educational or development intervention. It is the approach developed by activist researcher as a critique to conventional social science methodology. The purpose of PR there fore, is to create or rediscover knowledge, which will enable people particularly the poor and the oppressed- to improve their lives. In practical terms PR is:  Collective investigation of problems and issue with active participation of villagers.  Collective analysis, in which people develops a better understanding not only of the problems but also the underlying structural causes.(Socio ,economic , political)  Collective action by the constituency aimed at long term or short term solution to these problems. The PR Includes;  Action research (people learn by doing it): Action research

begins with a general idea that some kind of improvement is desirable. Groups and individuals are then engaged in deciding upon what the problem areas are and what improvements can be made. This commitment to improvement also implies that group members take responsibility for action emerging from this research and reflect upon these leading to further action.  Participatory rural Appraisal (PRA): PRA exercise aiming at Learning from local people rather then experts, learning with conscious exploration, flexible use of methods and being adaptable in a learning process. PRA is mainly carried out for the concrete planning of any development project.

PRA Focused on:  Villagers Knowledge and capabilities  Rapport building with the village community  Visual sharing of the exercises (mapping, Diagramming)  Sequences (sequencing of exercise)  Training for outsider (reorientation of the facilitator)  Sharing and spread of ideas. (Exchanging of ideas with villagers) Different Methodology used under the PRA Exercise  Do it your self  They do it  Participatory mapping  Transect walk  Time line  Trend Analysis (History Analysis)  Seasonality mapping  Livelihood analysis  Wealth ranking