Research methodology basics

 Research gaps in finance can arise in various forms, reflecting the complexities and evolving nature of the field. Below are the key types of research gaps in finance: 1. Theoretical Gaps Definition : Insufficient or outdated theoretical frameworks or models that fail to explain financial phenomena. Examples in Finance : Limited applicability of traditional asset pricing models (e.g., CAPM) in explaining anomalies in emerging markets. Lack of theoretical integration between behavioral finance and classical economic models. Need for new theories to explain the adoption of blockchain technology in banking. 2. Empirical Gaps Definition : Lack of sufficient empirical evidence to validate theories or explore specific financial issues. Examples in Finance : Limited empirical studies on the impact of ESG investing in small-cap stocks. Conflicting evidence on the role of corporate governance in reducing financial distress. Lack of data on cryptocurrency's influence on consumer payment b...

 Identifying research gaps in the finance area requires a systematic approach to analyze existing literature, trends, and practical challenges. Here's a guide: 1. Understand What a Research Gap Is Definition : A research gap is an unexplored or insufficiently studied area within a field. Types of Gaps : Theoretical Gaps : Lack of comprehensive theories or frameworks. Empirical Gaps : Insufficient data or conflicting empirical evidence. Methodological Gaps : Need for innovative methodologies or techniques. Contextual Gaps : Underexplored contexts, such as regions, industries, or time periods. 2. Conduct a Comprehensive Literature Review Step 1 : Identify relevant sources: Peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Journal of Finance, Financial Management ). Academic databases (e.g., Scopus, JSTOR, SSRN). Step 2 : Focus on recent publications to capture trends and ongoing discussions. Step 3 : Summarize key findings and methodologies in the field. Example: For ESG investing, summarize studies on ...

  Shodhganga and Shodhgangotri are both initiatives by the INFLIBNET Centre (Information and Library Network Centre) in India. They aim to promote research and knowledge sharing in the academic community but serve different purposes. Here’s a comparison: Feature Shodhganga Shodhgangotri Purpose Repository for completed theses and dissertations. Repository for research proposals and synopses. Content Full-text doctoral theses and dissertations submitted by universities. Approved research proposals and synopses of doctoral students. Focus Stage of Research Final stage – after the research is completed. Initial stage – before the research begins. Target Audience Researchers looking for completed, peer-reviewed research work. Scholars looking for examples or ideas for research topics and methodologies. Utility ...

 Defining the scope of study in a research proposal for the finance area ensures clarity on what your research will cover and what it will exclude. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 1. Identify the Core Focus of the Research Define the central topic or issue you are addressing. Example: "Impact of ESG factors on portfolio performance." Specify the subfield in finance : Corporate finance, investment analysis, risk management, behavioral finance, FinTech, etc. 2. Define the Study’s Boundaries Subject/Population : Specify the entities or participants studied. Example: "This study focuses on publicly traded companies in the renewable energy sector in emerging markets." Geographic Scope : Limit the geographic area. Example: "The study analyzes firms listed on the Indian Stock Exchange." Time Period : Define the timeframe for data or analysis. Example: "The study covers the period from 2015 to 2025." 3. Specify the Context and Perspective Context : Menti...

 Identifying a research area in finance requires aligning your interests, current industry trends, academic gaps, and practical relevance. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 1. Assess Your Interests and Strengths Personal Interest : Identify topics that excite or intrigue you in finance. Examples: Behavioral finance, FinTech, investment strategies, risk management, corporate finance. Expertise : Choose areas where you have foundational knowledge or skills. If you excel in financial modeling, consider quantitative areas like portfolio optimization or derivatives. 2. Understand Current Trends Research emerging trends in finance using: Industry reports : Deloitte, PwC, McKinsey, and EY publish finance-related insights. News and updates : Financial Times, Bloomberg, and Reuters. Conferences and webinars : Stay updated on key discussions in finance. Examples of trending topics: FinTech : Blockchain, cryptocurrency, digital payments. Sustainable finance : ESG (Environmental, Social, Governanc...

 Articulating a research problem or research question in the finance area involves clarity, specificity, and relevance. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for finance: 1. Understand the Research Area Identify a broad topic of interest in finance, such as: Investment strategies Corporate governance Behavioral finance Financial technology (FinTech) Sustainable finance (ESG investments) Risk management Review the latest literature and industry trends to spot gaps or challenges. 2. Narrow the Focus From the broad area, identify a specific issue or gap . Example: Instead of focusing on ESG investing, consider its impact on portfolio risk and return in emerging markets. 3. Align with Practical or Theoretical Importance Ensure your problem addresses: Practical implications : E.g., helping investors, regulators, or corporations make better decisions. Theoretical contributions : E.g., expanding existing frameworks or models in finance. 4. Define the Research Problem A research probl...

 Starting a literature review for a research proposal in the finance area requires a structured approach tailored to the field’s data-driven and theory-intensive nature. Here’s how to begin: 1. Define the Scope of Your Study Clearly articulate your research problem or question (e.g., What is the impact of ESG investments on portfolio performance? ). Identify the key areas of finance it touches (e.g., corporate finance, investment analysis, behavioral finance, or fintech). 2. Identify Core Concepts and Keywords Break your research problem into finance-specific themes or variables. Example: For ESG investments, keywords could be "sustainable investing," "green bonds," "portfolio optimization," and "risk-adjusted returns." Use synonyms and related terms to enhance the breadth of your search. 3. Search for Foundational Literature Begin with seminal works and theoretical foundations in your topic area. Example: For portfolio theory, look into Ma...

 The terms Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 journals refer to the quartile rankings of journals based on their impact and quality. These rankings are typically derived from databases such as Scopus and are determined using metrics like the CiteScore or SJR (SCImago Journal Rank) .  Here's what they represent: Quartile Description Ranking Criteria Relevance Q1 - Top 25% of journals in a specific field or category. - Highest CiteScore/SJR values compared to others in the category. - Considered prestigious and impactful for publishing high-quality research. Q2 - Journals ranked in the next 25% (25%-50%) in their category. - High but slightly lower metrics compared to Q1. - Respectable journals, widely read and cited. Q3 - Journals ranked in the 50%-75% range of their category. - Moderate impact and citation levels. - Useful for reachin...