Research Methodology Aila Sajid Bhangoo
Introduction
A novice researcher often has a confusing start looking for answers to questions such as: what should be the focus of the research, what approach must be taken towards research that is how to go about data collection and how to draw the most accurate analysis from the information gathered. Consequently, it is of paramount significance what subject matter the researcher chooses, what research questions he conceives and how the researches goes about in conducting his research. There are primarily two aspirations for orchestrating a research; the first is to find a solution for an on ground problem present in the day to day political life which is called applied, practical or policy research and the second is with the aim of fostering and boosting the available knowledge about the politics and political world which is referred to as basic, pure or theoretical approach. Hakim defines policy research being concerned with ‘knowledge of action’; hence, it focuses on “actionable variables” or variables. The target audiences of such researches are policy makers in government, institutional decision makers, special interest groups and other relevant stakeholders. The undercurrent aim of policy research is to make accurate prediction based on techniques such as simulations, mathematical modeling, forecasting, time series studies and other quantitative mechanisms. On the other hand theoretical, basic or pure research has a long run aim of contributing to establishment of producing greater knowledge towards the comprehension of politics and political process. The audience of theoretical research includes academicians primarily.

Defining the Research Topic
The elementary requisite for every research is that