Page 52 - DMGT404 RESEARCH_METHODOLOGY

Research Methodology

Notes Causal research design are used to provide a stronger basis for the existence of causal relationship
between variables. The researcher is able to control the influence of one or more extraneous
variables on the dependent variable. If it is not possible to control the influence of an extraneous
variable on the dependent variable, that variable is called confounded variable.

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Caution Gender cannot be randomly assigned, and therefore already you cannot test all
causal hypotheses.

How to Prepare a Synopsis

Synopsis is an abstract form of research which underlines the research procedure followed and
is presented before the guide for evaluating its potentiality. In one sentence it may be described
as a condensation of the final report. The structure of synopsis varies and also depends on the
guides' choice. However, for our understanding a common structure may be framed as under:
1. Defining the Problem: In defining the problem of the research objective, definition of key
terms, general background information, limitations of the study and order of presentation
should be mentioned in brief.
2. Review of Existing Literature: In this head, researcher should study the summary of different
points of view on the subject matter as found in books, periodicals and approach to be
followed at the time of writing.
3. Conceptual Framework and Methodology: Under this head the researcher should first
make a statement of the hypothesis. Discussion on the research methodology used, duly
pointing out the relationship between the hypothesis and objective of the study and
finally discussions about the sources and means of obtaining data should also be made. In
this head the researcher should also point out the limitations of methodology, if any, and
the natural crises from which the research is bound to suffer for such obvious limitations.
4. Analysis of Data: Analysis of the data involves testing of hypothesis from data collected
and key conclusions thus arrived.
5. General Conclusions: In general conclusions, the researcher should make a restatement of
objectives. Conclusion with respect to the acceptance or rejection of hypothesis, conclusion
with respect to the stated objectives, suggested areas of further research and final discussion
of possible implications of the study for a model, group, theory and discipline.

Finally the researcher should mention about the bibliographies and appendices. The above
format is drawn after a standard framework followed internationally in preparation of a synopsis.
However, in our country, keeping in view the object of research, style and structure of synopsis
varies and quite often it is found that the research guide exercises his own discretion in synopsis
preparation than following some acceptable international norms. A standard format for
preparation of synopsis commonly used in management and commerce research in India may
be drawn as follows:
1. Introduction: This includes definition of the problem and its review from a historical
perspective.
2. Objective of the Study: It defines the research purpose and its speciality from the existing
available research in the related field.

3. Literature Review: It includes among other things, different sources from which the required
abstract is drawn.

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