Research Basics: Types, Goals & Steps

What is Research?

Research is a systematic, logical, and empirical process of inquiry aimed at discovering new knowledge, solving problems, or validating existing theories. It involves:

• Observation (collecting data)
• Analysis (interpreting data)
• Conclusion (drawing evidence-based insights)

Key Characteristics of Research

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Types of Research

Research is classified based on purpose, scope, and methodology.

1. By Purpose

2. By Scope

3. By Methodology

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## In the real world

1. eSewa’s User Experience Research
   • Idea Used: Descriptive + Quantitative Research
   • How: eSewa analyzes transaction data (quantitative) to identify peak usage times (e.g., 6–9 PM) and then designs push notifications accordingly. They also conduct surveys (qualitative) to understand user pain points like failed payments.

2. NTC’s Network Optimization

   • Idea Used: Applied + Explanatory Research
   • How: NTC studies internet speed drops in Kathmandu (data collection) to explain why congestion occurs (e.g., peak hours, server overloads). They then apply solutions like load balancing.

3. Daraz’s Algorithm Recommendations

   • Idea Used: Basic + Quantitative Research
   • How: Daraz’s team researches how collaborative filtering (a machine learning algorithm) improves product recommendations. This is basic research, but the insights are applied to boost sales.

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The Research Process: Step-by-Step

Research follows a cyclical process with clear stages. Below is a trace of how a student might design a study on "The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance":

Step 1: Problem Identification

• What? Define the gap in knowledge or practical issue.
• Example: "Many TU students report distracted study habits due to social media."
• Tools: SWOT analysis, brainstorming, or reviewing past studies.

Step 2: Literature Review

• What? Review existing research to avoid redundancy and build on prior work.
• Example: Searching Google Scholar for papers on "social media + academic performance" to identify trends (e.g., most studies focus on Facebook/Instagram).
• IMAGE: literature review process labelled diagram | Shows how to synthesize sources into themes.

Step 3: Research Questions/Hypothesis

• What? Formulate specific questions or testable statements.
• Example:
  • Research Question: "Does daily Instagram use (>2 hours) correlate with lower exam scores?"
  • Hypothesis: "Students who spend >2 hours/day on Instagram will have a 15% lower GPA than those who spend <1 hour/day."

Step 4: Methodology Selection

Choose how to collect and analyze data based on the research type.

• Qualitative: Interviews with 20 students about their study habits.
• Quantitative: Survey 200 students on social media use vs. GPA (using Likert scales).
• Mixed: Combine surveys with case studies of high/low performers.

Step 5: Data Collection

• Tools:
  • Primary Data: Surveys, experiments, observations.
  • Secondary Data: Government reports (e.g., TU’s student performance data), academic journals.
• Example: Using Google Forms to survey students and cross-referencing with their academic records (with permission).

Step 6: Data Analysis

• Quantitative: Use SPSS or Excel to run correlation tests between social media hours and GPA.
• Qualitative: Thematic analysis of interview transcripts (e.g., themes like "procrastination," "FOMO").
• IMAGE: SPSS output for correlation analysis labelled diagram | Shows how to interpret p-values and significance.

Step 7: Interpretation & Reporting

• Findings: "70% of students who used Instagram >2 hours/day had GPAs below 3.0."
• Recommendations: "TU should introduce digital detox workshops."
• Report Structure:
  1. Abstract
  2. Introduction
  3. Literature Review
  4. Methodology
  5. Results
  6. Discussion
  7. Conclusion & Recommendations

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## Exam Tip

This unit is conceptual but often tested through:

1. Definitions: Know the difference between basic vs. applied, exploratory vs. descriptive research.
2. Applications: Expect questions like "Which research type would you use to study Pathao’s driver earnings?" (Answer: Applied + Quantitative).
3. Process Diagrams: Be ready to sketch the research cycle or classify a given scenario.
4. Real-World Links: Connect theories to local examples (e.g., "How does Ncell use research methodology?").

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing qualitative (words) with quantitative (numbers).
• Forgetting that applied research must have practical outcomes.
• Overlooking the cyclical nature of research (feedback loops).

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