INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODOLOGY(Practical)

COURSE CONTENT:

 Introduction to Research Methodology & The Process of Critical Reading

• Meaning, Objectives, and Characteristics of Research
• Types of Research: Basic, Applied, Exploratory, Descriptive, and Experimental
• Research Process and Steps in Research Design
• Formulating a Research Problem and Identifying Research Gaps
• Literature Review Techniques and Tools
• Developing Hypotheses and Research Questions
• Defining Variables and Understanding Sampling Techniques
• CloseReading(ProseandPoetry)/CloseReadingofPainting/Sculpture/Advertising(Print Media, Electronic Media, Photography, Film (Supportive Media)

Research Design and Data Collection 

• Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research
• Experimental, Observational, and Survey-based Research
• Designing Questionnaires and Interview Techniques
• Sampling Techniques: Probability and Non-probability Sampling
• Primary vs. Secondary Data Sources
• Data Collection Tools (e.g., Surveys, Interviews, Focus Groups, etc.)
• Writing Effective Analysis and Discussion Sections

Research Writing and Publication 

• Structure of a Research Paper (IMRAD Format: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion)
• Abstract Writing: Crafting a Clear and Concise Summary
• Referencing Styles: APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, etc.
• Citation Management Tools (e.g., Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley)
• Journal Selection: Identifying Indexed and Peer-reviewed Journals
• Manuscript Submission Process and Peer-Review Systems
• Understanding Impact Factors, h-index, and Journal Rankings
• Common Pitfalls in Academic Writing and How to Avoid Them

Research Ethics and Integrity 

• Importance of Ethics in Research
• Plagiarism: Types, Detection Tools (e.g., Turnitin, iThenticate), and Prevention
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Copyright Laws
• Authorship Criteria and Contribution Roles
• Conflicts of Interest and Responsible Data Handling
• Informed Consent, Confidentiality, and Privacy in Research
• Misconduct in Research: Fabrication, Falsification, and Misrepresentation, Case Studies on Research Misconduct and Ethical Dilemmas

Practical Training and Case Studies 

• Practice on  Writing a Research Proposal, Research Paper
• Practice Sessions on Citation Management Tools
• Mock Peer-Review Exercises

Submissions:

Research Methodology Submission Template

1. Title Page

• Title of the Research

• Student Name and Roll Number

• Department and Semester

• Supervisor Name (if applicable)

• Date of Submission

2. Abstract (150–250 words)

Summarize the research problem, methodology, key findings, and the relevance of the study.

3. Table of Contents

Include major headings and page numbers.

4. Introduction

• Research Background

• Statement of the Problem

• Objectives

• Research Questions/Hypothesis

• Scope and Limitations

5. Literature Review

Discuss prior studies, highlight gaps, and justify the need for your study.

6. Research Design and Methodology

• Research Design

• Population and Sample

• Tools and Techniques

• Data Collection Methods

• Ethical Considerations

7. Data Analysis and Results

Present data using tables, figures, and statistical tools. Interpret the findings.

8. Discussion

Compare results with previous studies, implications of findings, limitations.

9. Conclusion and Recommendations

Summarize key points and propose future research directions.

10. Publication Plan / Status

Mention if the research is intended for publication, draft paper status, targeted journals, or conferences.

11. References

Use a standardized referencing style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

12. Appendices (if any)

Include raw data, tools, questionnaires, images or supporting documents.

Deadline: 10 days before the commencement of the exam

Mode of Submission: Soft copy (email/ google drive)

Hard copy to be submitted to the department/ school in prescribed format/ bylaws of the university