What is Research?

The term ‘research’ originates from the French word “recherche”, meaning "to go about seeking."

Definition:

Research is a systematic, logical, and objective investigation to discover new facts, verify and test old facts, analyze sequences, interrelationships, and causal explanations, and develop new scientific tools and theories.

 

Objectives of Research

• Discover new facts or verify old ones.
• Understand relationships among variables.
• Find solutions to problems.
• Develop new theories or test existing ones.
• Aid in decision-making in academic, industrial, and societal contexts.

 

Types of Research

UGC NET often tests your ability to distinguish between different types of research. Here are the major ones:

1️⃣ Basic (Pure) Research

• Aim: To gain fundamental knowledge.
• Not immediately applicable.
• Example: Studying how memory works in the human brain.

2️⃣ Applied Research

• Aim: To solve practical problems.
• Direct implications for real-world issues.
• Example: Research to improve classroom teaching methods.

3️⃣ Descriptive Research

• Aim: To describe characteristics of a phenomenon or population.
• Involves surveys, fact-finding, observation.
• Example: Survey of student satisfaction in universities.

4️⃣ Analytical Research

• Uses facts and information already available.
• Analyzes to make a critical evaluation.
• Example: Evaluating financial statements for trends.

5️⃣ Quantitative Research

• Based on numerical data.
• Uses statistical tools.
• Example: Statistical analysis of exam scores.

6️⃣ Qualitative Research

• Deals with non-numerical data like opinions, behaviors.
• Uses interviews, open-ended questions, content analysis.
• Example: A study on how students perceive online education.

7️⃣ Experimental Research

• Researcher manipulates variables.
• Usually conducted in controlled environments.
• Example: Testing a new drug’s impact on blood pressure.

8️⃣ Exploratory Research

• Aim: To explore new areas where little information is available.
• No firm conclusions are drawn.
• Example: Initial studies on the impact of AI on employment.

 

What is Research Design?

A research design is a blueprint or framework that guides how research is to be conducted. It outlines the methods for collecting, measuring, and analyzing data.

Definition: “A research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure.” – C.R. Kothari

 

Types of Research Designs

1️⃣ Exploratory Research Design

• Used when the problem is not clearly defined.
• Helps formulate hypotheses.
• Techniques: Literature review, expert interviews, focus groups.

2️⃣ Descriptive Research Design

• Used to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon.
• Techniques: Surveys, observational methods.

3️⃣ Experimental (Causal) Research Design

• Investigates cause-and-effect relationships.
• Variables are manipulated and controlled.
• Example: Lab experiments, field experiments.

4️⃣ Diagnostic Research Design

• Determines the frequency of occurrence and the relationship of variables.
• Useful in identifying causes of problems.
• Example: Diagnosing reasons behind student dropout rates.

Importance of Research Design

• Ensures that the evidence obtained is relevant to the problem.
• Reduces bias.
• Increases reliability and validity.
• Provides direction and structure.

Example UGC NET Questions

Q1: Which of the following is not a type of research design?
A. Diagnostic
B. Descriptive
C. Experimental
D. Interpretive

Correct Answer: D. Interpretive

Q2: Research which is done to find out the solution of an immediate problem is:
A. Pure Research
B. Fundamental Research
C. Applied Research
D. Conceptual Research

Correct Answer: C. Applied Research

 

Final Tips for UGC NET Aspirants

• Understand the differences between basic vs applied, quantitative vs qualitative.
• Focus on examples of each research type.
• Practice PYQs (Previous Year Questions) for concept clarity.
• Refer to standard books like C.R. Kothari and S.M. Mohsini.

Suggested Readings

• Kothari, C.R. – Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques
• UGC NET Paper 1 by Trueman’s or Pearson
• NTA UGC NET Guidebooks for Paper 1 (Arihant/Oswaal)

 

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