1. The 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.

The Role of Computer in Literature Review: Computers help for searching the literatures (for review of literatures) and bibliographic references stored in the electronic databases of the World Wide Webs. It can thus be used for strong relevant published articles to be retrieved whenever needed. This has the advantage over searching the literatures in the form of books, journals and 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 consists of research design, population, research variables, sampling plan, reviewing research plan and pilot study.

Role of Computers for Sample Size Calculation: Several softwares available to calculate the sample size required for a proposed study. NCSS-PASS-GESS is such a software. The standard deviation of the data from the pilot study if required for the sample size calculation.

3. Role of Computers in Empirical Phase

Empirical phase consists of collecting and preparing the data of 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 the these data.

In research studies, the preparation and inputting data is the most labour, intensive and time consuming aspect of 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 spreadsheets. These spreadsheets can be directly opened with statistical software for analysis.

4. Role of Computers in Data Analysis

This phase consists of statistical analysis of the data and interpretation of results.

Data Analysis: many softwares are now available to perform the “mathematical part” of the research process, i.e. the calculations using various statistical methods. Softwares like SPSS, NCSS-PASS, STATA and Sysat are some of the wisely used. They can be calculating the sample size for a proposed study, hypotheses testing and calculating the power of the study. Familiarity with any one package will suffice to carry out the most intricate statistical analyses.

Computers are useful not only for statistical analyses, but also to monitor the accuracy and completeness of the data as they are collected.

5. Pole of Computers in Research Dissemination.

This phase is publication of the research study.

Research Publishing: The research article is typed in word format and convert to portable data format (PDF) and stored and/or published in the World Wide Web.

A note of caution. The above description indicated clearly the usefulness of computer throughout the research process. Researchers using commuters make their work faster with more accuracy and greater reliability the developments taking place in the technology will further enhance and facilitate the use for researchers.

In spite of all these sophistications it is wise to remember that a computer is just a tool and a resource. It can only calculate or obey commands and cannot think. If the methods of handling the data are to be applied efficiently, adequate planning and suitable organization is necessary. No facility can replace this aspect of planning. Further, it would be a disaster to replace the statistician by a computer, no matter how powerful, since statistical analyses are built on sound principles of design, implementation and handling of exigencies in data collection, all of which require the expertise of a qualifies statistician. The human brain remains supreme and will continue to be so forever.

Conclusion.

To conclude, computers are useful tools that make the research process easier and faster with accuracy and greater reliability and fewer errors. The programmer or the computer operator should have a thorough knowledge about abilities and limitations of the softwares used for better use of computers.

1. Computers have always assisted to solve the problems faced by the mankind, haven’t they?

2. How can a word “computer” be defined?

3. How many components are there in the computer?

4. What are the most important characteristics of a computer?

5. What five major phases of research process do you know?

6. What is NCSS-PASS-GESS?

7. Why is it important to remember that a computer is just a tool and a resource?

8. How does a computer help you in your research?