Page 19 - DMGT404 RESEARCH_METHODOLOGY

Unit 1: Introduction to Research

Notes
Example: Investors in the share market study the past records or prices of shares which
he/she intends to buy. Studying the share prices of a particular company enables the investor to
take decision whether to invest in the shares of a company.
Crime branch police/CBI officers study the past records or the history of the criminals and
terrorists in order to arrive at some conclusions.
The main objective of this study is to derive explanation and generalization from the past trends
in order to understand the present and anticipate the future.
There are however, certain shortcomings of historical research:
1. Reliability and adequacy information is subjective and open to question
2. Accuracy of measurement of events is doubtful.

3. Verification of records are difficult.

Task List the records to be considered while conducting a historical research in analyzing
the sales aspect of a television brand

1.4.8 Ex-post Facto Research

In this type of research, an examination of relationship that exists between independent and
dependent variable is studied. We may call this empirical research. In this method, the researcher
has no control over an independent variable. Ex-post facto literally means "from what is done
afterwards". In this research, a variable "A" is observed. Thereafter, the researcher tries to find a
causal variable "B" which caused "A". It is quite possible that "B" might not have been caused "A".
In this type of analysis, there is no scope for the researcher to manipulate the variable. The
researcher can only report "what has happened" and "what is happening".

1.4.9 Action Research

This type of research is undertaken by direct action. Action research is conducted to solve a
problem. For example, test marketing a product is an example of action research. Initially, the
geographical location is identified. A target sample is selected from among the population.
Samples are distributed to selected samples and feedback is obtained from the respondent. This
method is most common for industrial products, where a trial is a must before regular usage of
the product.

1.4.10 Evaluation Research

This is an example of applied research. This research is conducted to find out how well a planned
programme is implemented. Therefore, evaluation research deals with evaluating the
performance or assessment of a project.

Example: "Rural Employment Programme Evaluation" or "Success of Midday Meal
Programme".

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