Research Methodology: A Guide for Researchers In Agricultural Science, Social Science and Other Related Fields

This book is the outcome of more than 20 years of experience of the author in teaching and research field. The wider scope and coverage of the book will help not only the students/ researchers/professionals in the field of agriculture and allied disciplines, but also the researchers and practitioners in other fields. Written in simple and lucid language, the book would appeal to all those who are meant to be benefitted out of it. All efforts have been made to present 'RESEARCH', its meaning, intention and usefulness. The book reflects current methodological techniques used in interdisciplinary research, as illustrated with many relevant worked out examples. Designing of research programme, selection of variables, collection of data and their analysis to interpret the data are discussed extensively. Statistical tools are complemented with real-life examples, making the otherwise complicated subject like statistics seem simpler. Attempts have been made to demonstrate how a user can solve the problems using simple computer-oriented programme. Emphasis is placed not only on solving the problems in various fields but also on drawing inferences from the problems. The importance of instruments and computers in research processes and statistical analyses along with their misuse/incorrect use is also discussed to make the user aware about the correct use of specific technique. In all the chapters, theories are combined with examples, and steps are enumerated to follow the correct use of the available packages like MSEXCELL, SPSS, SPAR1, SAS etc. Utmost care has been taken to present varied range of research problems along with their solutions in agriculture and allied fields which would be of immense use to readers.

Dr. P K Sahu is an Associate Professor in Agricultural Statistics, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India. Dr Sahu has a bright academic career record with 1st class in all spheres of academic life and was also awarded with National Scholarship and Research Scholarship. Specialized in the field of Agricultural Statistics, he has worked in the Central University, North Eastern Hill University, Medziphama Campus; Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India before joining Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya as a faculty member. He has also worked as a guest faculty in the University of Calcutta, IISER, Kolkata. Due to his vast working experience in different agriculture and allied fields, he is aware of the various problems and needs of the students, researchers, and academia in various fields. He has authored four books, served as member of the Under Graduate and Post Graduate Council for Faculty of Agriculture, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, and successfully guided students leading to masters and PhD degree. Besides attending and presenting research papers in different national and international seminars, symposia and workshops, both in and outside the country, he has written more than 70 research papers that have been published in various national and international journals in different diverse agricultural and allied fields with special emphasis on application of statistics in these fields.