Page 19 - RESEARCH HANDBOOK FOR LL.M. AND PHD

3. Review of literature :

It is a survey of juristic writings on the chosen topic.
Consult the literature including articles, books, reports, cases, monographs, data bases) on the broad
theme to highlight:
general development in the field [ascending order in terms of year of publications];
noteworthy contribution in the field expressed through various writings;
connect and place the proposed subject of study in literature review to highlight its relevance.
4. Statement of research problem :

Clearly state the problem to be undertaken. Make a clear statement/narrative highlighting the exact
coverage and purview of the problem under investigation. Make a mention of the issues, which would
be actually investigated in the research. The key issues about the problem in theoretical and applied
context of the concerned discipline should be specified. The specific aim(s) of the project, its rationale
including the rationale of the approach adopted for studying the problem should be specifically
mentioned. (Refer to annexure — X for template).
5. Formulation of objectives :
State categorically the objectives (preferably not more than five) of the research to be undertaken. The
objective to be stated sharply entailing the key issues to be examined (Annexure — XI).
6. Framing hypothesis / research questions :
Hypothesis in doctrinal research must be framed to address of the prescribed objectives of the study.
The hypothesis must depict the interplay of key issues, emerging debates, conflicting notions and
evolving trends in the subject. Alternatively, research questions may be formed and these questions must
lead the researcher to examine a definite body of literature, cases and publications etc.

7. Sampling procedures :
The researcher to focus on the following
Choice of setting.
·Choice of key informants.
Choice of study groups and events.
Choosing the setting, the event and the respondent(s) to be addressed first, events and
respondents will change as research progresses.

8 | National Law University, Delhi