Page 21 - SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY

Discussion

1.2.1 Process of Research

Conducting research involves a series of interconnected steps.
These steps typically include defining the research question,
reviewing existing literature, designing a research methodology, ◆ Identification of
collecting and analysing data, drawing conclusions, and problem
communicating the findings. Each stage of the research process is
critical in ensuring the reliability, validity, and significance of the
study’s outcomes. Now let us have a look over these steps:

a. Discovering the problem area
To begin research, we must first identify the problem that
requires a solution. If one wants to solve a problem, he/she
should understand well what the problem is. So a well defined
problem, half solved. The best way to identify the problem is ◆ Identification of
to look for an unsolved question, a gap in existing knowledge, problem
or an unfulfilled need within the chosen subject. Although the
world is filled with unanswered questions, not everything is
suitable for research. The important points to be considered
while formulating a research problem are explained in detail
later in the unit.

b. Literature survey
After identifying the problem, the researcher should rephrase
the problem in to analytical or operational terms. Academic
journals, conference proceedings, government reports, books
etc., must be tapped depending on the nature of the problem. ◆ Summary of sources
This process is called review of literature. The literature
review undertaken to understand the concepts or theories
is known as the conceptual literature review whereas, the
reviews of previous work done by researchers in the related
area is known as empirical literature review. The literature
review should end up with research gap.

c. Research objectives
Research objectives are the specific goals or intentions that
guide a research study. They express the desired outcomes
or achievements that the researcher aims to attain through
the research process. These objectives provide a clear sense ◆ SMART concept
of direction and purpose for the study, influencing decisions
related to research design, methodology, and data collection
methods. Research objectives should be formulated using
the SMART concept, which emphasizes that they should
be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-

SGOU - SLM - MCom Research Methodology 15