Page 31 - SREENARAYANAGURU OPEN UNIVERSITY

be confused with a research question. For example, if we
asked what the healthiest diet for humans is, we would find a
plethora of studies and potential answers. On the other hand,
if we were to ask, “What are the effects of antidepressants
on pregnant women?” we would not find much data. There
is a research gap here. When we identify a research gap, we
identify a potential new and exciting research direction.

The research gap can have different aspects depending on the ◆ Dimensions
situation. The time dimension highlights the need for research that
keeps up with changes and updates old information. The space
dimension means exploring or validating a theory which has
been explored on a different geographical location but remains
unexplored in other geographical areas. The scope dimension
calls for research that covers a wider range of factors or ideas
in a topic. The ethical dimension focuses on addressing gaps
related to ethical concerns in research to protect the well-being
of participants and follow ethical guidelines. Identifying and
addressing these dimensions enables researchers to fill knowledge
voids, keep pace with changes, and ensure comprehensive and
ethical research practices.

◆ To gain background knowledge of the research topic. ◆ Conceptual clarity

◆ To identify the concepts relating to it, potential relationship
between them and to formulate researchable hypotheses.

◆ To redefine a problem.

◆ To identify appropriate methodology, research design,
methods of measuring concepts, and techniques of analysis.

◆ To identify data sources used by other researchers.
◆ To learn how others had structured their points.

There are two types of literature that the researcher can review
the conceptual literature concerning the concepts and theories, ◆ Conceptual
and the empirical literature consisting of studies made earlier literature and
which are similar to the one proposed. The conceptual literature empirical literature
involves analysing existing theories, synthesising information,
and presenting conceptual models or frameworks that help to
explain or understand a phenomenon. Conceptual literature is
often theoretical in nature and aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the subject matter. It may draw upon various
sources such as books, academic papers, philosophical discussions,
and theoretical debates. Empirical literature consists of studies
and research conducted in the past that involve data collection,
analysis, and interpretation. Empirical studies are based on
observations, experiments, surveys, case studies, or other research

SGOU - SLM - MCom Research Methodology 25