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Role of Computers in Research
Course: Methodologie Deel 2: onderzoeksdesign en dataverzamelingsmethoden (C06C2a)
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University: K L Deemed to be University
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Role of computers in research
Computers in Research
The computers are indispensable throughout the research process. The role of computer becomes more important
when the research is on a large sample. Data can be stored in computers for immediate use or can be stored in
auxiliary memories like floppy discs, compact discs, universal serial buses (pen drives) or memory cards, so that
the same can be retrieved later. The computers assist the researcher throughout different phases of research
process.
Role of Computers in the phases of research process
There are five major phases of the research process where computer plays different vital roles. They are:
1) Role of Computer in Conceptual phase
2) Role of Computer in Design and planning phase
3) Role of Computer in Empirical phase
4) Role of Computer in Analytic phase and
5) Role of Computer in Dissemination phase
1) Role of Computer in Conceptual Phase
The conceptual phase consists of formulation of research problem, review of literature, theoretical frame work and
formulation of hypothesis.
Role of Computers in Literature Review: Computers help for searching the literatures (for review of literature)
and bibliographic references stored in the electronic databases of the world wide webs. It can thus be used for
storing relevant published articles to be retrieved whenever needed. This has the advantage over searching the
literatures in the form of books, journals and other newsletters at the libraries which consume considerable amount
of time and effort.
2) Role of Computers in Design and planning phase Design and planning phase consist of research design,
population, research variables, sampling plan, reviewing research plan and pilot study.
Role of Computers for Sample Size Calculation: Several software’s are available to calculate the sample size
required for a proposed study. NCSS-PASS-GESS is such software. The standard deviation of the data from the
pilot study is required for the sample size calculation.
3) Role of Computers in Empirical phase
Empirical phase consist of collecting and preparing the data for analysis.
Data Storage: The data obtained from the subjects are stored in computers as word files or excel spread sheets.
This has the advantage of making necessary corrections or editing the whole layout of the tables if needed, which
is impossible or time-consuming in case of writing in papers. Thus, computers help in data entry, data editing, data
management including follow up actions etc. Computers also allow for greater flexibility in recording the data
while they are collected as well as greater ease during the analysis of these data.
In research studies, the preparation and inputting data is the most labour-intensive and time consuming aspect of
the work. Typically the data will be initially recorded on a questionnaire or record form suitable for its acceptance
by the computer. To do this the researcher in conjunction with the statistician and the programmer, will convert the
data into Microsoft word file or excel spread sheet. These spread sheets can be directly opened with statistical
software’s for analysis.