Aditya Thesis: Chapter 2: Methodology

Chapter 2

Research Methodology and Objectives

What is Research?

Research refers to the search of knowledge. It is an art of scientific investigation. The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of current English, lays down research as “a careful investigation of inquiry specially through search for new facts on any branch of knowledge”.

D Slesinger and M Stephenson in the Encyclopedia of Social Sciences define research as “the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art”.

What is Research Methodology?

Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problem. It may be understood as a science of studying how research is done scientifically. Here, the various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying his research problem along with the logic behind them are studied. (Kothari, 2005)

Types of Research

According to Kothari, 2005, some of the basic types of research are:

1. Descriptive vs. analytical research

Descriptive research includes survey and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds. The purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affair as it exists at present.

In the Analytical research the researcher uses facts and information already available and analyzes these to make critical evaluation of the material.

2. Applied vs. fundamental research

Applied research aims at finding a solution for immediate problems facing a society or an industrial/business organization. Here the research is aimed at certain conclusion or solution facing a concrete social or business problems.

Fundamental research is mainly concerned with the generalization and with the formulation of a theory. It is directed towards finding information that has a broad base of application and thus, adds to the already existing organized body of scientific knowledge.

3. Quantitative vs. qualitative research

Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity.

Qualitative research aims at discovering the underlying motives and desires using in depth interview for the purpose.

4. Conceptual vs. empirical research

Conceptual research is something that is related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.

Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regards for system and theory.

Other types of research:

5. Historical research

It utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc. to study events or ideas of the past, including the philosophy of persons and groups at any remote point of time.

6. Clinical or diagnostic research

Here the researcher follows case-study methods or in- depth approaches to reach the basic causal relations.

Significance of the study

The study tries to explore the role of propaganda in influencing and being mandate in major feature films around the world during the time period of 1941-1944. This research tries to analyse how one of the popular and best film produced by Hollywood in this time was scripted for propaganda.

Objectives

1.      To know more in-depth about the historical event – World War II

2.       To analyze role of films.

3.      To highlight the work done by films to implying propaganda for this cause.

4.      Finally create awareness about the historical event for posterity.

Method of Study

The researcher began the study by reading about films, and then moved on to film histories. For both of these there are books available. Then the researcher moved to books on propaganda. And later this was followed by study on the World Wars. A scene by scene analysis of the film Casablanca was made for content analysis of the film.

Data Collection and Analysis

This researchers study was analysis of the film – Casablanca, released in 1942. It was released during the thick of World War II. The film Casablanca propagates the propaganda of the Americans set by the Office of War Information (OWI). This researcher made a productive use of authentic websites to help in his study of World Wars. This researcher has used the World Wars to study how propaganda films evolved especially in Hollywood were it was very evident of its use.