Kailash C. Govil , Anjali Verma

Abstract

Successful implementation of the stage of observation and analysis ensures the researcher to achieve the targeted goal of research. Observations made in a planned manner with a proper design of the study population, defined procedure of data/information collection and compilation would assist the researcher in utilizing the time, resources and effort in an efficient manner. It would further help the researcher in making a right choice of analysis. The researcher may select a method of analysis based on the number of variables (univariate, bivariate and multivariate), dimension along which data has been collected (time series, spatial analysis, cross section analysis) and the purpose, for example, if the researcher wants to study the qualities which differentiate variables then he/she can use discriminant analysis. If the researcher wants to have an estimate of the probability of events occurring then probability analysis may be used, if he wants to draw a relationship between variables then multiple regression analysis may be used, etc. Statistical analysis helps the researcher in interpreting his/her results in a more concise, clear and objective manner. Without proper analysis compiled data/information has no weightage and it becomes very difficult for the researcher to draw inferences. While making observations and conducting analysis it is very important that the researcher checks on the compatibility between the method of data collection and the method of analysis so that the net quality and integrity of the data and the final end results are not adversely affected. Hence, a clear plan of how observation and analysis be carried out would impart direction and focus to the research design.

Full Text

     

Kailash C. Govil , Anjali Verma

Abstract

The net utility of research can be finally evaluated from the inferences drawn from the research findings. Accordingly the end user/beneficiary, scientific community or funding agency can assess the net value of research from the final inferences drawn. The researcher should know the different types of inferences that can be drawn and should test the hypothesis. There are further qualitative and quantitative ways of drawing inferences. The quality ofinferences drawn should be accountable with the generalizability of research findings, the validity and reliability of end results and also their practical significance.

Full Text

     

Kailash C. Govil , Anjali Verma

Abstract

The entire process of research design is a multi-faceted process of providing verifiable, precise, effective, objective and ethical research. The conceptualization of the research design"is, therefore, very crucial to the research. The research design can be divided into two components i.e. technical and administrative. The technical component consists of the justification of the research objectives, review of literature, conceptual framework, observation and analysis, and inference drawing. The administrative component includes estimate of money. Time, personnel and management aspects. Once the concepts of research design are clear and unambiguous, skilled researchers/scientists can Gse the whole arsenal of research techniques - observation, content analysis of documents, testing, search of cxistingrecords, laboratory experiments, measurements of physical evidence and analytical methods to answer hislher research question in a robust and efficient manner.

Full Text

     

Kailash C. Govil , Anjali Verma

Abstract

Literature review follows the justification of research objectives, the first stage of any research design and improves legitimacy, credibility and efficiency to any research work. It helps in identifying relevant past work, methods and conclusions for developing concise and clear context of the problem, hypothesis, methods, analysis and inference drawing for the proposed research work i.e. framing an appropriate research design and avoiding duplication of efforts. The review of literature can be divided into four important steps : identification and collection; evaluation; selection and finally credit to past research work. The secondary information provided by the literature review may be used to supplement the primary information, improve data collection, analysis and therefore the efficiency of any research design. Increased and regular use of literBture review may initially contain and later resolve many problems related to quality and efficiency of forestry research. After going through the available literature, the researcher can eventually see his! Her research problem and its context in a new light and if need be, even redefine the justification of his/her research objectives. The different stages of the research design are linked through a loop and therefore at every stage the researcher should go through this loop.

Full Text

     

Kailash C. Govil , Anjali Verma

Abstract

Development of conceptual framework of a research design can be compared to a mental process which regulates human efforts to achieve useful results. It can be treated as a network of efforts/steps, in which every step or effort is related to the other step/effort, either directly or indirectly. This framework, therefore, defines each effort, gives the causal relationship, direction and appropriateness to the research efforts. While addressing the conceptual framework the researcher should understand the different steps/efforts which are of methods and procedures to be followed, means of data collection and observation, method of analysis and how inferences should be drawn. The researcher must also exercise back and forth to ensure compatibility between various efforts/steps of the conceptual framework. The selective arrangement, placement and linkages of the efforts within the context and boundary of the conceptual framework is very crucial to the research design and any lapse or fault at any step may lead to unreliable and irrelevant results. However, the boundaries and structure of the conceptual framework do not have a rigId format but are quite flexible. In order to make the research reliable and credible, the researcher has to build a proper structure, context and define the boundary of conceptual framework.

Full Text