0

Research Methodology

TOPIC:
Right to Education of the
Physically and Intellectually
Challenged

Muriel A. Fernandes
F. Y. LL.M. G.R. Kare College of Law
 1

INDEX

CHAPTER I:

Introduction 3

CHAPTER II:

Research: Meaning and objective 4

CHAPTER III:

Legal Research: Meaning, objective and significance 7

CHAPTER IV:

Types of Research: 11

1. Basic or Fundamental Research

2. Applied Research

3. Empirical Research

4. Reformist or Critical Research

5. Qualitative and Quantitative Research

6. Collaborative Research

7. Analytical, historical and comparative Research

8. Doctrinal and Non-doctrinal Research

CHAPTER V:

Research Design/ Process 13

1. Title of the Research Study

2. Formulation of research problem

3. Extensive literature survey

4. Formulation of hypothesis

5. Collection of material:

a. Social Survey

b. By observation

c. By sending questionnaires

d. By personal interviews

e. By Schedules

6. Analysis of materials

7. Testing of hypothesis

8. Generalization and interpretation

CHAPTER VI:

In this present Research on Right to Education for the physically and mentally

challenged-whether effective 23

• Bibliography 25
 3

CHAPTER I:

Introduction:

In recent years there have been some changes in the perception of society towards physically

challenged, differently abled children. It has been reiterated time and again that majority of

these people can lead a normal life if they have effective access to services which would

include early identification, intervention, education, vocational training, employment

opportunities and the availability of aids and appliances. And most of all will to include them

in each and every sphere of life, with equal rights as citizens.

Education is a life long process involving many planned and unplanned experiences that

enable children and adult alike to develop and learn through interaction with society and

culture in which they live. It involves experiences at all stages of life, from infancy to old

age.

Education also involves adaptation to society and culture. With all the combination of life

events, adaptation will mean that each person is subject to a unique set of learning and

problem solving experiences that constitute an understanding of the world and the events that

take place in it.

There are many children who, for some reason, are unable to take full advantage of the

school curriculum as it is normally offered. For these children special arrangements must be

made to ensure that they receive the opportunities and experiences, which will help them to

learn and develop to the extent of their capabilities.

CHAPTER II:

What is Research?

Research means to search or to find out and examine again. This is the very essence of the

process of acquiring new knowledge. John W. Best commenting on the “progress” has

observed “the secret of our cultural development has been research, pushing back the areas of

ignorance by discovering new truths, which in turn, lead to better ways of doing things and

better products. “Research means scientific and systematic re-examination of existing facts

or knowledge to ascertain whether the existing conclusion can be varied or not. The

dictionary meaning of research is, a careful investigation or inquiry especially through

search, for new facts in any branch of knowledge.” In the opinion if Redman and Mory, “ It

is a Systematized effort to gain new knowledge. The Encyclopaedia of social sciences

defines research as the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of

generalizing to extend or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of

theory or in practice of an art.” 1

Bacon has defined ‘research’ as a careful inquiry or critical analysis of principles for

unerthening of new facts or a new interpretation of already existing facts or phenomena.

Research according to C. Francis Rummel is an endeavor to discover, develop and verify

knowledge. 2

These definitions point out to the fact that research is original and fundamental contribution

to the knowledge on any subject or discipline leading for its advancement. It is a voyage

1
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.1
2
Dr. Vinay N. Paranjape, Legal Education Research Methodology, p.69
 5

towards truth. The Encyclopaedia Britanica defined research to mean “The act of searching

into a matter closely and carefully, inquiry directed to the discovery of truth and in particular

the trained scientific investigation of the principles and facts of any subject, based on

original and first hand study of authorities or experiment. Investigation of every kind which

have been based on original sources of knowledge may be styled research and it may be aid

that without ‘research’ no authoritative work have been written, no scientific inventions or

discoveries made, no theories of any valued propounded.”

This definition is probably most exhaustive and meaningful. Apart from these definitions

there are certain other definitions as well given by various experts like C.C. Orawford,

George G. Mouly, John W. Best, R. R. Rusk, F. B. Cornell, Slesinger and Stephension, W.S.

Monroe and Francis Bacon. Some of them see it as a form of human behaviour and some

other see it as an attitude. 3

Objective of Research.

Every research begins with a question or a problem of some sort. The sim of it is to discover

answers to meaningful questions. 4 Amongst all the creations of the nature, human being is

the most intelligent being. He is affected a great deal by his surroundings especially the

social factors and be is obliged, either knowingly to take decisions only after scrutinizing

the factors affecting him. But every human being is not possessed of qualities to collect and

analyze the factors properly. But any one serious in understating and knowing as to how

social forces or factors act or behave is supposed to give serious thought to it. A researcher ,

3
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.2
4
S. K. Verma, Legal Research and Methodology.p.274
 6

may be an academician, a person occupying an administrative position or a businessman. If

a person is equipped with the ability to analyse the facts, he is in better position to take an

appropriate decision in the area or field he is engaged in by interpreting and weighing

appropriate documents and factors. Every research has its own specific purpose, however,

the purposes or objectives of research may broadly be classified as follows:

(i) to formalize with a phenomenon or to acquire new insights into an exiting fact

(exploratory research);

(ii) to determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated

with something else; (diagnostic research)

(iii) to portray accurately the characteristics of a particular object, situation or group;

(Descriptive research);

(iv) to test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between two objects, (hypothesis testing

research); and

(v) to separate fact from speculation and wish, (distinguishing research). 5

5
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”
 7

CHAPTER III:

Legal research

Legal research means research in that branch of knowledge which deals with the principles of

law and legal institution. There are three main sources of law, viz. legislation, precedent and

custom. Juristic writings are another though secondary source of law and their importance is

dependent in the fact whether it is given due recognition by the Courts or the legislature or

jurists in solving problems or not. The content of these sources of law change with the

changing requirement of the society and if these changes are not taken into account in

interpreting the law, the existing law is bound to be doomed. The aim of law is, therefore, to

regulate the human behaviour in the present day society and hence, legal research must be

directed to the study of the relationship between the world of the law and the world that the

law purports to govern 6.

Objective of Legal Research.

Law may be termed as a behavioral science as it regulates human behaviour. It is expressed

in words which are used in a particular context. Whatever be the source of law, it cannot

provide remedy for all the situations and for all the time to come. Changes in society demand

that law should move with the time if it has to remain alive and active and it can remain

alive, active and useful, if it is aware of its lacunae and takes step to overcome it with the

passage of time, The object of legal research, therefore is to find out lacunae or deficiencies

in the existing laws and to suggest suitable measures to eliminate them. If there is an area for
6
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.3
 8

which there is no law at all the objective of legal; research would be suggest suitable

legislation for that area; but if there is a law for that area but due to one reason or the other,

it does nor work, its aim would be to suggest reform in the existing law so as to make it

workable. Thus the significance of legal research lies in the submission of proposal for

reform in the existing law be it enacted, customary or judicial. However, this should not be

the end or the sole objective of legal; research. When research in undertaken as a part of the

process of law reform, it is undertaken for making suggestion for improvements in the law

on concrete and easily identifiable matters and the formulation of those proposals in the

precise terms. This is very significant and governing factor in the area of legal research.

Research is an enquiry for the verification of a fresh theory or for supplementing prevailing

theories by new knowledge . Since every knowledge is the extension of an existing

knowledge , no research can be said to be absolutely new. A researcher while undertaking a

project for his work possesses much of information about it and while conducting research,

he proceeds onward to acquire more information about it and formulates certain hypothesis

on that basis. Thus it is a continuous process of acquiring knowledge through enquiry into

existing laws.

The following may be taken as objectives of legal research:

i) to discover new facts;

ii) to test and verify old facts;

iii) to analyse the facts in new theoretical framework

iv) to examine the consequences of new facts or new principles of law; or judicial decisions;
 9

v) to develop new legal research tools or apply tools of other disciplines in the area of law;

vi) to propound a new legal concept

vii) to analyse law and legal institutions from the point of view of history;

viii) to examine the nature and scope of new law or legal institution;

ix) to ascertain the merits and demerits of old law or institution and to give suggestion for

a new law or institution in place of a old one;

x) to ascertain the relationship between legislature and judiciary and to give suggestion as to

how one ca assist the other in the discharge of one’s duties and responsibilities; and

xi) to develop the principles of interpretation for critical examination of statutes. 7

Significance of Legal Research:

In modern time law has assumed much significance. It provides for and dominates almost all

activities of human beings, it has been accepted that law is perhaps most important

instrument of social change, When an individual deals with his property or he enters into

employment or he causes injury to some one, he fails to pay his dues or he deals with his

spouse and children or the Government affects his property or his personal rights, he comes

in contract with law and wither he or his opponent obtains remedy in accordance with the

existing law and where there is not law, according to the discretion of the Court. The

significance of research may, based on justice, equity and good conscience, thus, be summed

up as follows:

1. It helps the Government in formulating suitable laws in pursue its economic and social

policies.
7
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.5
 10

2. It helps in solving various operational and planning problems pertaining to business and

industry and tax.

3. It helps the Courts in solving the problem without much delay and in such a way that the

problem may not recure at all or at least in bear future.

4. It helps the legal practitioner in taking a decision as to how he should tackle the

problem in hand. 8

8
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.8
 11

CHAPTER IV:

Types of Research

1. Basic or Fundamental Research:

It is designed to add new theories to a specific branch of knowledge which did not

necessarily prove results of immediate practical value. It is concerned with contributing

something new to the existing knowledge of law and to develop and refine it.

2. Applied Research:

It is generally undertaken to solve an immediate practical problem and to aim to add to the

existing legal knowledge. It is sometimes also called as action research. While fundamental

research discovers principles and laws, an applied research discovers their application in

order to solve social problems. 9

3. Empirical Research:

It is primarily based on the outcome of observation and experimentation or certain events or

set of facts. The purpose is to study the role of variable inter-actions with one another with a

view to establishing the effect of collaboration 10.

9
Dr. R. Kumar: Research Methodology, p. 3 cited in Dr. Vinay N. Paranjape, Legal Education Research
Methodology, p.76
10
Dr. Vinay N. Paranjape, Legal Education Research Methodology, p.76
 12

4. Doctrinal and Non-doctrinal Research:

a. Doctrinal Research- it is sometimes also referred to as ‘Armchair Research’ is essentially

a library based study. The aim of such research is to discover, explain, and analyze the

working of certain laws and legal institutes in a systematic manner and develop new facts,

theories principles etc.

b. Non-doctrinal- it is also called theoretical research. This kind of research seeks to study

the impact of a non-legal event, which may be social, economic, technological, scientific etc.

upon a legal doctrine.

6. Qualitative and Quantitative Research:

The interaction between data collection and its analysis is one of the major features which

distinguishes it from the traditional research. It includes codification, categorization,

6. Collaborative Research:

It is a modified and advanced form of inter-disciplinary research. It may be conducted

through interviewing, counseling, recording expert opinions etc. the legislative and

administrative instruments that regulate data and aims at its availability is one of the

important features of collaborative research.

11
Dr. Vinay N. Paranjape, Legal Education Research Methodology, p.79
 13

7. Analytical, historical and comparative Research:

Where a particular research is undertaken solely with the objective of law-reform, it has to be

analytical, historical and comparative in nature. It is concerned with what the law is,

historical is the history and evolution of the concerned law and the third i.e. comparative

portion relates to comparable position of the law in other countries 12.

8. Reformist or Critical Research:

In a research for law reform, it becomes necessary to explore the lines on which reform is

needed. It may also be called as ‘normative research’. It not only involves evaluation of the

gathered material but also envisages offering to concrete suggestions on the basis of
13
evaluation.

CHAPTER V:

RESEARCH DESIGN/ PROCESS:

1. Title of the Research Study:

The title of research study should not be duly lengthy. It should be short and self explanatory.

The title may either be descriptive or analytical. 14

12
Dr. Vinay N. Paranjape, Legal Education Research Methodology, p.81
13
Dr. Vinay N. Paranjape, Legal Education Research Methodology, p.82
14
Dr. Vinay N. Paranjape, Legal Education Research Methodology, p.69
 14

Research work in not something which can be completed in one stroke or in one step. It

consists of a number of closely related activities which very often overlap, and therefore, it

becomes difficult to ascertain where one step ended and the other began. However, it is

important to keep in mind that various steps are not mutually exclusive, nor they are totally

separate and distinct 15. What step should be followed at what time depends on the researcher.

However, the following guide-lines un this regard are significant:

2. Formulation of research problem

At the very outset the researcher must choose the area in which he wants to carry on

research. In the filed of law the researcher has a very wide scope. He can select any area such

as – Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, International Law, Labour Law, Tax Law, Property

Law, Personal law, i.e. Hindu or Muslim Law, Legal History, Environmental Law, and

Consumer Law, etc. After selecting the area he is required to select specific topic or subject

for his study. For example, if the researcher has selected Constitutional Law for his study, he

must choose a topic or subject out of it, or such as – a comparative study of Federal

Constitutions (some Federal Constitutions may be chosen for this prupose): position of

President; Central-State relations, right to freedom of speech and expression right to

personal liberty, amending power in Constitution of India, emergency provisions in

Constitution of India, etc. Likewise he can select or choose any topic from any other branch,

i.e. Penal Laws, Labour Laws, Tax Laws, etc. Supposing the researcher chooses the topic

relating to personal liberty in the Indian Constitution for the purpose of his research work,

then he will be required to clarify whether he wants to examine only the present position, or

the position when the Constitution came into operation or wants to make a comparative
15 15
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.132
 15

study in respect of right to personal liberty available in India, U.K., U.S.S, Canada,

Australia, etc. Initially the problem may be stated in broad general way, and then the

ambiguities, if any, relating to it may be resolved. Once the topic is determined or the

problem is ascertained, then the feasibility of the solution that researcher has in mind is

considered before a working formulation of the problem can be set up. Thus formulation of a

general topic into a specific research problem constitutes he first step in this regard. It can

be said that formulating the research problem involves two steps:

(a) Understanding the problem thoroughly ; and

(b) re-shaping that understating into meaningful terms to arrive at a concrete result 16

To have a definite ides about the subject, the vest way is to discuss the same with such

persons who are working in that area or who have knowledge of the subject. In academic

institutions usually, the research work is done under the guidance of an ordinary person who

happens to be an experienced man. Ordinarily he puts forth the problem in general terms and

it is for the researcher to narrow it down. In contrast to this, in governmental institutions or in

private establishments the problem is usually handed down by the agency who intends to

know certain result. In such a case the researcher can discuss the problem with him to know

as to how the problem arose and what considerations are involved in its possible solutions.

Thus precise formulation of research problem is very significant for a researcher and if it is

done successfully, a good deal of battle is won. 17

16 16
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.133
17
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.133
 16

3. Extensive literature survey

Once a problem is formulated a brief summary if it should be prepared. For this the

researcher must undertake an extensive survey of the available literature on the subject”

preferable connected with the problem. For this purpose, the abstracting and indexing

journals, published and unpublished bibliographies should fist of all the examined.

Academic journals, conference proceedings Government reports, reference books and text

books, depending on the nature of the problem must be seen. One source of information

leads to another. Therefore, earlier study if any, relating to the topic should be carefully

examined. A good library is must for this purpose. In our country, very few law libraries are

in a position to help a researcher in this regard because most of the libraries are ill-equipped

and lack up-to-date literature. Apart from the library of the Indian Law institutes and

libraries of some Universities rest are not of much help to a researcher. The libraries of the

High Courts and Supreme Court are in a better position to assist a researcher, but every

researcher cannot reach them. Therefore, most of the researcher in our country, have to rely

on the meagre resources available to them and that is perhaps pr the biggest reason, why

legal researched are not of very high standard. 18

4. Formulation of hypothesis

When the literature relating to the problem is extensively surveyed, researcher should state in

clear terms the hypothesis. A hypothesis is the tentative assumption made in order to draw

out and test its logical consequences. In its most elementary stage the hypothesis may be any

hunch, guess, imaginative ideas which becomes the basis for action or investigation. The

development of the hypothesis is important since it provides the focal point for research . It
18
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.134
 17

helps in the analysis of the material pertaining to the subject. It should be specific and

limited to in hand because is has to be tested. It helps in delimiting the area of research and

keeps the researcher on the right track. It sharpens his thinking and focuses his attention on

the more important facets of the problem 19.

5. Collection of material

A research cannot be said to be duly carried out unless the relevant materials have been

examined. But the relevant materials cannot be examined unless and until they have been

collected and complied. The collection of relevant materials is most difficult and

comprehensive work and required lot of energy and attention as well as patience.

The collection of material depends upon the research design selected by the researcher and

the selection of research design depends usually upon the answer of the following questions:

1. What is the study about?

2. Why is the study being made?

3. Where will the study be carried out?

4. What type of data is required?

5. Where can the required data be found?

6. What periods of time will the study include?

7. What technique of data collection will be relevant?

8. How will the data be analyzed?

9. In what way the report is to be prepared? 20

19
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.134
20
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.135
 18

There are many ways through which the materials are collected. Relevant materials may be

divided into two categories:

(a) primary material; and (secondary materials. Primary materials are found in the original

documents such as reports of Parliament, report of the Commission, Gazette and reports of

judgments, etc. Secondary materials are found in the those documents, e.g. which are

prepared on the basis of primary documents, e.g comments of jurists on the judgments,

writings, text book, digests, etc., This procedure of collecting information or material is

significant if the researcher inks engaged in doctrinal research. If, however, he is engaged in

empirical or non-doctrinal research he may follow any one or more of the following

methods:

a. By observation

In this process the researcher uses his own observation to find out the relevant material

or data without interviewing any person., It helped in having an idea as to the current

happening of the events and is not complicated by either the past behaviour or by future

plan. This process, however, is not very significant or helpful, where large survey is

desirable 21.

b. By personal interviews

In this method the researcher comes into personal contact of person whose mind he wants

to know for the purpose of deriving a conclusion. Her preconceives certain questions and
21
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.135
 19

those questions are paced before the person concerned and on the basis of the answer

given by him, conclusions are arrived at. Interviews may be conducted either by sitting

across the table or any telephone. The outcome of the interview id very important original

material.

c. By sending questionnaires

The researcher, if whishes to come in contact of a good number of persons it is not

possible for him to have audience with each o them individually, then the best way of to

prepare questionnaires and send them to all the relevant persons with a request to return

the same after completing.

d. By Schedules

In this process, certain persons are chosen or appointed and given training to collect

necessary information from the relevant persons. Those persons are termed as

enumerators. These enumerators ate provided with schedules, containing relevant

questions. They approach the persons concerned and on the basis of reply given by them,

the schedule is filled and on the basis of the filled schedules, necessary conclusions is

derived. Here again the truthfulness of the information depends upon the ability of the

enumerator and the nature of the question included in the questionnaire. 22

e. Social Survey

This is a process by which quantitative facts are collected about social aspects of a

community’s compositions and activities. The objective if this method of data collection
22
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.136
 20

is to find out the social aspects of a community, the problems and the conditions of

working people, the evils prevalent in the community life etc. 23

6. Analysis of materials

once the requisite materials are collected, the researcher undertakes to analyze them. This us

also a very important step in the direction of fulfillment of research work. In case of

doctrinal research the researcher can proceed smoothly if he is well aware about the

principles of interpretation and construction. He is required to examine the facts of each case,

the principle applied to the fact, the line of argument taken relief sought and provided and, is

necessary, the history or legislation etc. There may be situations in relation to which no

statutory provision existed, it was decided on the basis of the principle of justice, equity and

good conscience , then the relevance of the principles applied, is to be examined. If the bulk

of the examined material indicates to a particular direction, the principle so applied should

be accepted as general principles and principles not applied should be deemed to have been

overlooked 24.

In case of empirical research, since the emphasis is on data, statistics, questionnaire etc. the

analysis of data is conducted through coding, tabulation and then drawing statistical

references. The data so collected should be so arranged that at may leads to some useful

results. The data so arranged should be edited to provide authentically to the conclusion

arrived at.

23
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.136
24
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.137
 21

it is to be kept in mind that research designs varies according to the purposes of studies.,

Therefore, it is neither good nor advisable to combine different research purposes within the

same research design because every research designs has its own specific purpose and

therefore, subject to its own limitation. It must be decided at the outset as to what kind of

research is to be undertaken and what is the purpose of research. In the area of social

sciences and especially in the area of law collection and analysis of

data is a complex and inter-woven process, therefore, it has to be undertaken without nay

bias and with prior understanding of the entire procedure 25.

7. Testing of hypothesis

After analysis of material or data as the case may be the researcher becomes confident

enough to test his hypothesis which he had already formulated. He can examine if the

material or data after analysis support his hypothesis or they are contrary to it. In the area if

empirical research various tests such as Chisquare test, F-test etc., have been developed for

this purpose, but in the case of doctrinal research these tests do not play any significant role,

and, therefore are of no use. In case of doctrinal researches, facts, arguments, evidences and

discussions have to be examined before arriving at a conclusion which vary from case to

case and sometimes from bench to bench. Thus one has to keep himself restricted only to the

common elements among all the relevant material., The hypothesis testing ultimately results

in either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it or in making amendment it 26.

25
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.137
26
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.138
 22

8. Generalization and interpretation

The research work whether doctrinal or non doctrinal will proceed towards generalization

and interpretation is the hypothesis has been tested positive. If it results in negative, the

question of generalization and interpretation does not arise, The purpose of generalization

and interpretation is to built up a theory to be applicable in future to adjudicate upon

similar and identical problems, This process of generalization and interpretation, while

helping in formulation of a general theory, also raises may important question which may

lead to further research and till those questions are answered they me be regarded as

exceptions to the general theory or principle thus build up.

In case of doctrinal research, while undertaking the process of generalization and

interpretation, the rules of interpretation accepted in the legal fields is to be followed; but in

case of non-doctrinal research, these principles of interpretation are not adhered to. 27

27
Dr. H. N. Tewari, “Legal Research Methodology”p.14139
 23

CHAPTER VI

In this present Research on Right to Education for the physically and mentally

challenged (whether effective):

 Objective of Study:

1. To know the concepts, causes and problems of the handicapped.

2. To find out constitutional provisions and its implications.

3. To study the the legislative provisions.

4. To see the efforts put in by agencies of Government and NGOs in enhancing the

educational development of handicapped children.

5. To check the developments in education of handicapped.

6. To check what is lacking and suggest solutions.

 Hypothesis:

1. The fundamental right to Education guaranteed in the Indian constitution has not

been implemented satisfactorily with regard to handicapped children.

2. The Government of India has not achieved the objective of Special education

satisfactorily inspite of various educational programs.

3. There are no proper legislative measures for the progress of handicapped children .
 24

4. There is no satisfactory legislative as well as judicial response in this area.

5. The State fails to cooperate with people, institutions and agencies that are willing to

help these special children/individuals.

 Research methodology:

The methodology for conducting the study by the Researcher will be partially doctrinal and

partially empirical in nature.

Primary as well as secondary sources of data will be collected and worked on in the course

of the research.

The researcher will gather information with the help of various techniques available and

known. The researcher will target the educational departments and individuals/institutions

dealing or working in this field.

Bibliography:

• Dr. Paranjape Vinay N., Legal Education Research Methodology,” First Edition

2011,Central Law Agency.

• S. K. Verma, “Legal Research and Methodology”, Second Edition 2001, Indian Law

Institute.

• Dr. Tewari H. N, “Legal Research and Methodology”First Edition Reprint 2006,

Allahabad Law Agency.