Page 22 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Unit 1: Concept of Research

(iv) Hypothesis from analogies, conversations, etc.: Analogies also lead a researcher to clues Notes
that may prove to be useful in the formulation of hypothesis and for finding solution to
the problems.
Sometimes, especially the inter-disciplinary research conversations and consultations
with experts also found to be useful in the formulation of hypothesis.

Notes Research techniques refer to the behaviour and instruments we use in performing
research operations such as making observations, recording data, techniques of
processing data and the like. Research methods refer to the behaviour and instruments
used in selecting and constructing research technique.

1.7 Survey of Literature

A thorough literature study is an indispensable component of all research. It familiarises the
researcher with both research which has already been done in his field as well as with current
research. A literature study makes the researcher aware of what the current train of thought
is, as well as the focus of existing and acceptable thought regarding a specific topic. lt also
helps him demarcate the boundaries of his research theme. When doing this, he finds ideas
for his own research theme and for possibly processing his data.
The researcher also gains personally by his literature review. It fosters a certain attitude and
leads to the attainment of certain skills :
• It develops the ability to recognize and select the significant and the relevant, without
getting lost in trivialities.
• It helps in gauging the quality of research material and in planning his research accordingly.
• It develops a critical attitude regarding others’ research as well as his own efforts.
• It trains him to be an astute observer especially in respect of certain obstacles, making
it possible for him to avoid them.
• Knowledge of relevant literature helps the researcher to define the boundaries of his field.

The Role of a Literature Study in Research
The literature study helps the researcher to :
• Select a research problem or theme. Relevant literature enables the researcher to discover
where inconsistencies, wrong designs and incorrect statistical conclusions occur.
Often research reports are concluded with recommendations regarding research which still
needs to done. The researcher’s thinking can be shaped in this way, which in turn will enable
him to :
• define the boundaries of his field;
• establish the size and extent of his research;

• consider the procedures and the instruments which he will use in his research. After
having considered other researchers’ procedures and instruments, the researcher becomes
more sophisticated in the choice of his own;
• see his own problem in better perspective through a better understanding of the underlying
theory. This enables him to establish whether his research will make a contribution and
what the value of his contribution would be;

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