Question and Answer of Research Methodology

A.Question and Answer Q1. Define Research? What are the characteristics of Research? Ans: RESEARCH: Research is a systematic investigation to search for new facts in any branch of knowledge. Research helps to arrive at new conclusions. It enables us to find solutions to certain problems. Research is often referred to as ‘scientific inquiry’ into a specific problem or solution. This is because the search for facts needs to be undertaken systematically and not arbitrarily. The systematic approach to research enables the research to search for facts in a rational manner to arrive at conclusions whereas the arbitrary approach attempts to find solutions to problems based on one’s belief and imagination. Research involves a planned approach to unravel the mystery or unexplained. A Researcher has to plan his work in advance so as to anticipate any obstacles in the course of research. Such a plan helps the researcher to take decisions relating to the sample size, the type of data to be collected, the analytical tools to be applied etc. Hence the research design could be defined as the blue print specifying every stage of action in course of research. The ‘Research Design’ is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure. Definition of Research: According to William C. Emory in his book ‘Business Research Methods’, “Research is any organized inquiry designed and carried out to provide information for solving a problem.” According to V. Clover and H. Balsley,” Research is the process of systematically obtaining accurate answers to significant and pertinent questions by use of scientific method for gathering and interpreting information.” CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH: 1. SCIENTIFIC METHOD Research uses scientific method to find facts or to provide solutions to specific problems. The researcher needs to follow a systematic procedure to conduct research. There is a set of procedures that have been tested over a period of time and are suitable to use in research. Each step in the research procedure must follow the other. 2. OBJECTIVE AND LOGICAL The scientific research is objective and logical in nature. Research is based on valid procedures and principles. There is a need to collect relevant, accurate and objective data to investigate into the research problem. 3. APPLIED AND BASIC RESEARCH Research is broadly classified into two groups: - due to the broader nature of factors are taken as controlled factors while others are tested for possible effect. There is no obvious commercial value to discoveries that result from basic research. The main goal of basic research is to expand man’s knowledge. research which is undertaken to find out the quality of a particular situation or phenomenon is called as qualitative research. It establishes casual relationship between variables. It helps not only to predict future events. Basic or fundamental Research is driven by a scientist’s curiosity or interest in a scientific question. When similar event is tested in research. 5. MANIPULATION OF CONCEPTS The researcher tries to manipulate things or concepts. On the other hand. 7. The goal of applied research is to improve the human condition. 6. It helps to discover new facts or verify old facts. . 10. rather than to acquire knowledge. but also may help to control such events. 9. GENERALISATION Research findings can be applied to larger population. CONTROLLED NATURE OF BASIC RESEARCH In real life experience there are many factors that affect the outcome. Such principles and theories can be useful to several organisations to manage and deal with people and things in a better way. observations and surveys. DEVELOPMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND THEORIES A systematic research helps to develop new principles and theories. The manipulation or purposeful control of things or concepts is done with a definite purpose so as to arrive at statements of generality. MULTIPURPOSE ACTIVITY Research is a multipurpose activity. 4.Applied Research Basic Research Applied Research is designed to solve practical problems of the modern world. 8. A single event is often the result of several factors. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATITVE RESEARCH Research undertaken to measure quantity or amount is called as quantitative research. A researcher can conduct a research on a sample of respondents that represent the universe. EMPIRICAL NATURE OF RESEARCH Research can be based on direct experience or observation by the research. Empirical Research is undertaken to study certain situations or event based on experiments. The sample selection must be done systematically so that it properly represents the whole population or the universe. learners. and sociology. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT . and therefore it is possible to design new models or to modify existing products to satisfy the customers. poor leadership styles etc… To overcome such problem. certain methodology needs to be developed. maintain. CORPORATE IMAGE Firms need to build. The research may indicate the areas where high costs are involved. 5. Research can help the firm to collect valuable inputs about priorities customers.. demographic. Research in social sciences deal with the people’s behaviour in their different roles. improve the design and quality of existing ones. PRODUCT AND DEVELOPMENT Through marketing research. parents. trainers.Q2. lack of concern of ethics. REDUCTION IN COSTS Research in business helps a firm to reduce costs. and enhance corporate image in the minds of stakeholders. especially the priority customers. employees. 1. organisations face the problem of executive stress. The research and development to develop new products. DEVELOPMENT OF METHODOLOGY Development of Methodology to deal with social issues is one of the contributions of social research. employees. 1. 4.. a business firm can identify the customer requirements. psychology. producers. dealers. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS Market research may help the firm to develop good relations with its customers. artists. leaders. advisors etc. commerce. For instance. the firm can get feedback from dealers regarding their expectations. 2. NEED OF RESEARCH IN SOCIAL STUDIES: Social sciences refer to business. 3. consultant. Market Research enables a business firm to main good relationships with dealers. It may be possible for the firm to cut down the costs in certain areas. such as consumers. Explain need of Research in Business & Social Science? Ans: NEED OF RESEARCH IN BUSINESS: Business organizations can gain significantly with the help of research. Through research. DEALER RELATIONSHIPS Dealer relationships are vital for the survival and success of business organisation. customers. executive. teachers. 2. and to reduce costs. EMPIRICAL RESEARCH . There is no commercial angle. It is used when the objective is to provide a systematic description that is factual and accurate as possible. The existing theories can be re-evaluated and modified with the help of social research. 3. The researcher attempts to critically evaluate fact and data so as to arrive at conclusions 5. resource endowment and the needs. 2. Discuss different types of Research? Ans: TYPES OF RESEARCH: 1. Research can help to design suitable package of measures to reduce income inequalities.Social Research contributes to societal development. to reduce poverty and unemployment and to overcome problems of social evils. ANALYTICAL RESEARCH It is undertaken to collect facts or data. ECONOMIC PLANNING Social Planning can be immense use in economic planning in a given society. FORMULATION OF NEW THEORIES Social Research helps formulate new theories. and other social development indicators. or the facts and data that are readily available. 4. It is used to find solutions to everyday problems and develop innovative technologies. BASIC RESEARCH It is also called ‘pure’ or ‘fundamental’ research. principles and theories which may not be immediately utilized. 3. Research can be taken for social development standards of the society. life expectancy. APPLIED RESEARCH It is a scientific study designed to solve practical problems rather than merely acquiring knowledge. SOCIAL WELFARE Government organisations can undertake social research to enhance social welfare of the society. It generates new ideas. hopes and problems of the people etc… Q3. Social development can be measured in terms of literacy. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH It is also known as Statistical research provides data about the population or universe being studied. 5. 4. It is undertaken to develop a theory or a body of knowledge. Economic planning requires basic data on the various aspects of our society and economy. The main goal is to expand man’s knowledge. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH It is a method of inquiry employed in many disciplines. COLLECTION OF DATA PATIENT TO PROBLEM 4. especially in social sciences. Methodology does not set out to provide solutions. EXACT CONCLUSION 9. theories and hypothesis pertaining to phenomena. EXPRESSION OF DATA IN QUANTITATIVE TERM 6. COMPLETE ELIMINATION OF PERSONAL EQUATION 10. What is Research Methodology? What are requisite for Good Scientific Methods? Ans: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Methodology is the systematic analysis of methods applied to a field of study. SOUND & LOGICAL REASONING 8. CAREFUL LOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PROBLEM 2. REQUISITE OF GOOD SCIENTIFIC METHOD: 1. It is a way of gaining knowledge by means of direct and indirect observation or experience or experiment. 7. Therefore. COMPREHENSIVE REPORT Q5. Q4. Explain steps/process in Scientific Research? Ans: STEPS/PROCESS IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH: 1. QUALITITATIVE RESEARCH It is explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analysed using mathematically based methods. Researchers aim to gather an in depth understanding of human behaviour and reasons that govern the behaviour. It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge. best methods that can be applied to a specific case. IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION OF RESEARCH PROBLEM . 6. CLASSIFICATION OF DATA 5. RIGOROUS EXPERIMENT 7. UNEQUIVOCAL DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONCEPTS 3.It is defined as research based on experimentation or observation. The objective is to develop and employ mathematical models. It offers the theoretical base for understanding which method. it is not the same as method. The data can be collected from various sources i. observation and experimentation. It enables to clear the meaning and implication of study. 9. 4. the researcher needs to select a sample of respondents that represent the universe. It can be called as a blue print for collection. 5. classification and tabulation. The purpose of analysing data is to establish relation between information and problem. It involves editing. 10. DATA ANALYSIS Organisation of data is generally followed by its analysis and interpretation. He may consider various publications such as journals. REVIEW OF LITERATURE The researcher should undertake extensive literature survey relating to the problem. coding. measurement and analysis of data. Interpretation refers to analysis and generalization of results. FORMULATION OF HYPOTHESIS Researcher should formulate hypothesis. DESIGNING THE QUESTIONNAIRE If the researcher cannot solve the problem with the help of secondary data.It is the first and the most important step of research process. reports and other published matter. PROCESSING OF DATA The data collected is mostly available in raw form and therefore. RESEARCH DESIGN The researcher must prepare a research design. then he should make the effort to collect primary data from the field for which he requires a questionnaire. COLLECTION OF DATA Problem solving is essentially a process of collecting information. Therefore.e. 2. 6. SAMPLING DESIGN It is not possible to collect data from each member of the universe or people under study due to time constraints. 8. It is identification of a destination before undertaking a journey. 3. primary and secondary data. HYPOTHESIS TESTING . It is said that a problem half defined is a problem half solved. 7. it needs to be processed. It is a logical and systematic plan prepared for conducting a research study. books. It is a tentative assumption made to test its logical or empirical consequences. A literature review is a form of research report. . it gives broader vision and even the secondary data to the research. The researcher should find out whether or not the research findings support the hypothesis or prove to be contrary. It also helps in appropriate analysis of data. It starts with identification and selection of the activity. relevant reference books. He evaluates the conclusion drawn from the research findings. PREPERATION OF RESEARCH REPORT The research findings and conclusions are presented with the help of research report. It refers to extensive review of literature relating to research problem which the researcher intends to undertake. Following literature is carefully reviewed and studied by the researcher. 11. FOLLOW UP REPORT The researcher should submit the report to concerned authorities. articles in specific journals and other published sources. Literature Review can be conducted throughout the research activity. The research scholar reviews the findings of previous research studies. The researcher reviews previous research studies. It continues throughout the various stages of research process and ends with the writing of research report. where the ‘data’ are the readings that have been located and the major part of the report is the analysis of that ‘data’. a review must critically assess that literature. Review of Literature helps to identify the concepts relating to the research topic and potential relationship between them. And this is perhaps the heart of the matter – analytical insight. Such Review of Literature provides a good insight into the research problem. Moreover. The researcher gets familiar with all previous research studies undertaken by other researchers which are relevant to the research project. Write a note on Review of Literature? Ans: REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Review of Literature is an important stage in research activity. It is divided into: Preliminary Contents Main Body Conclusion Part 12. Q6. He also analysis the impact of recommendations made by other researchers. A business research report should be submitted to guide for approval and then to the concerned university. the researcher must be in a position to test the hypothesis. A review must not simply describe or summarise the literature.After analysis and interpretation of data. summarize. “Research Design is the plan. While the form of the literature review may vary with different types of studies. “Research Design actually constitutes the blue print for the collection. The review should describe. the basic purposes remain constant: Provide a context for the research • Justify the research • Ensure the research hasn't been done before (or that it is not just a "replication study") • Show where the research fits into the existing body of knowledge • Enable the researcher to learn from previous theory on the subject • Illustrate how the subject has been studied previously • Highlight flaws in previous research • Outline gaps in previous research • Show that the work is adding to the understanding and knowledge of the field • Help refine. It should give a theoretical basis for the research and help you determine the nature of your own research. evaluate and clarify this literature. It provides guidelines to researcher to help him keep track of his actions and to know he is moving in the right direction in collecting data. FOCUS ON OBJECTIVES . The Research Design is the ground plan for conducting the research investigation. strategy and means of investigation conceived so as to obtain answers of research questions. structure. What is Research Design? What are its essentials? Ans: RESEARCH DESIGN: According to David & Nachmias. A literature review goes beyond the search for information and includes the identification and articulation of relationships between the literature and your field of research. Best.” According to John W. It is a plan or an overall scheme or a programme of research. Select a limited number of works that are central to your area rather than trying to collect a large number of works that are not as closely connected to your topic area. measurement and analysis of the data.A literature review is an evaluative report of studies found in the literature related to your selected area. refocus or even change the topic Q7. ESSENTIALS OF GOOD RESEARCH DESIGN: 1. FLEXIBILITY The research design should not be rigid. manpower etc. It is conducted to find out whether or not the researcher would be in a position to collect relevant data from it sources. In case of commercial research. The language used should be clear and simple. ACCEPTANCE The research design should be acceptable to the persons concerned. It must be flexible depending upon the situation.The research design must focus on its objectives. the research design should be acceptable social and other organisations that are going to finance or sponsor the research activity. The research design must be supported by footnotes. In case of social research. Pilot study is a research activity undertaken for small segment of research universe. Technical jargons must be avoided. 2. The research design should avoid complicated procedures and techniques which are difficult to follow. EASE IN IMPLEMENTATION The research design should facilitate proper implementation of the research activity. time. 9. The objectives differ depending on the type of the research. 3. COST – EFFECTIVE The research design should be cost effective. the research design should be acceptable to the higher authorities. 7.… 6. or whether or not the data would be relevant to solve the problem. In a commercial research. The objectives must be very clear to the researcher as well as to the researcher staff. 4. In case of academic research. Certain factors are considered while finalizing the research designs such as availability of funds. 8. SIMPLICITY The research design should be simple and easy to understand. PILOT STUDY It is always advisable to conduct a pilot study for finalizing the research design. The research design should enable proper collection and analysis of data which in turn should facilitate proper decision making. SUITABILITY The research design must be suitable to achieve research objectives. the research work based on research design must bring benefits to the organisation. the research should be acceptable to the research guide. TRAINING TO RESEARCH STAFF . 5. incompetence of sales. skills. Q8. ineffective promotion mix. It is conducted when the causes of the research problem are not known to the researcher. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH: It is conducted to explore information about the nature or cause of research problem. it may be undertaken for commercial purposes. attitude. Projective Techniques 2. gender. to isolate key variables and to develop relationships among the variables for further examination or to establish priorities for further research etc. force etc. increase in competition. Explain different types of Research Design? Ans: TYPES OF RESEARCH DESIGN: 1. and social behaviour. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH It is conducted to obtain descriptive information about central aspects of a problem. Methods used in exploratory research are: Secondary data Analysis Experience Surveys Case Analysis Focus Groups and. poor management of channels of distribution . Exploratory researches have certain uses such as. occupation etc.To conduct effective research proper training must be given to the research staff. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH 2. a researcher may like to know detailed information about students appearing for their TY.M College in respect of age. to develop hypothesis. income. Training helps to improve knowledge. . For instance. to identify alternate courses of action. BCOM exams of N. to define the problem more clearly. Exploratory research can be conducted for following purposes such as. development of hypothesis and research priorities. They may be declined due to certain number of factors such as : problem in quality of product . background information. Management may conduct exploratory research to find out the causes of declining sales in the past few months. CONCLUSIVE RESEARCH 1. Independent ability: The method of selection of the sample should be such that the items of the sample are selected in an independent manner. Q10. but may include simple random sampling or systematic sampling.Through descriptive research it would be difficult to answer the question ‘why’. The methodology used to sample from a larger population depends on the type of analysis being performed. 2. In order to answer the question ‘why’. This means that lection of one item should not influence the selection of another item in any manner d that each item should be selected on the basis of its own merit. Homogeneity: There should be homogeneity in the nature of all the units selected for the sample. There are two types of descriptive research: Cross Sectional Studies Longitudinal Studies Q9. For this investigator should be free from bias and the method of collection should be appropriate..e. Adequacy: The size of the sample should be adequate i. a casual research is required. neither too large nor small but commensurate with the size of the population. 4. 3. Representative: The sample should truly represent the characteristics of the verse. Explain different techniques and methods of Good Sampling? Ans: SAMPLING METHODS There are two types of sampling methods: Probability Methods . ESSENTIALS OF GOOD SAMPLING 1. What is sampling? Explain essentials of good sampling? Ans: SAMPLING Sampling is a process used in statistical analysis in which a predetermined number of observations are taken from a larger population. If the units of the sample are of heterogeneous character it will impossible to make a comparative study with them. Probability means possible chance. Every element of the population does not get a chance of being selected. The researcher may consider factors to select the sample of respondents.Non. In this method. Accidental Sampling The researcher may select the sample by chance without following a systematic procedure. researcher divides the population into clusters or groups and accordingly sample is selected. The following are the types of probability methods: 1. instead of selecting individual units. age. Every element of the universe does not get the chance of getting selected. Cluster Sampling It is also called as ‘Area Sampling’. The technique provides every element or unit an equal chance of being selected in the sample. 2. 3.Probability Methods PROBABILITY METHODS It is also known as random sampling. occupation. Systematic Sampling It is a variation of simple random method. Simple Random Sampling This is the most popular method which is normally followed to collect data. 3. religion. Convenience Sampling The sample is selected as per the convenience of the researcher. 4. This technique is superior to simple random method. 2. gender etc. each element of the population has known chance or opportunity of being selected or included in the sample. Stratified Sampling The population is divided into various strata or segments based on income. Therefore. NON – PROBABILITY METHODS The following are the types of non-probability methods: 1. Judgement Sampling . The quotas differ from each area depending upon factors such as age. when secondary data is insufficient and outdated. income etc.Sample is selected on the basis of judgment of the researcher or some other person assisting or advising the researcher. One cannot be certain of the genuineness of data. However. one must be cautious in using secondary data. Q11. occupation. It is generally used in the case of academic research and to certain extent in the case of research. What is Secondary Data? Explain its limitations? Ans: SECONDARY DATA Secondary data is readily available data from public printed sources. LIMITATIONS OF SECONDARY DATA 1. 2. However. the researcher resorts to primary data. 4. 5. Snowball Sampling It is a non-probability sampling technique that is used by researchers to identify potential subjects in studies where subjects are hard to locate. 6. conducts his study. commercial research requires more of printing data as compared to secondary data. Therefore. Sequential Sampling It is a non-probability sampling technique wherein the researchers pick a single or a group of subjects in a given time interval. analyses the results then picks another group of subjects if needed and so on. Quota Sampling The researcher allocates certain quota to certain groups under study. The records may not be well maintained or organised. PROBLEM OF ACCURACY The quality of secondary data is affected due to problem of accuracy. PROBLEM OF RELIABILITY . The researcher makes first attempts to obtain information from secondary sources to solve the problem. The secondary data lacks reliability. Therefore. This is because the data may be inaccurate. 3. PROBLEM OF ADEQUACY At times. Explain different methods of collecting Primary Data? Ans: METHODS OF COLLECTING PRIMARY DATA: SRURVEY/INTERVIEW METHOD . To improve the quality of decisions. but it may not provide in-depth information to solve the research problem. the decisions made are purely on the basis of secondary data would bring poor outcomes. insufficient and unreliable. Therefore. For instance. 8. PROBLEM OF SPECIFIC DATA The secondary data may be more general in nature rather than specific. PROBLEM OF BIASED INFORMATION There is possibility of bias in secondary data. but the data may be insufficient to solve the current research problem. The secondary data may be badly influenced by the bias of the respondents and also that of the researcher. The researcher has no control over the quality of secondary data. LACK OF IN DEPTH INFORMATION Secondary data may not lack adequacy. Secondary data may be of less use in case of commercial research. commercial research requires in depth knowledge of consumer behaviour which can be obtained more through in depth questioning of the target respondents. It may not provide complete data to solve the problem. Q12. The data may be outdated. a researcher may require more of primary data rather than secondary data. the researcher cannot depend merely on secondary data. therefore. PROBLEM OF QUALITY DECISION MAKING The secondary data may affect the quality of decision making. it may not serve the purpose of the current research work undertaken by the researcher. To solve business related problems. one should not blindly depend on secondary data. Therefore. 5. UNSUITABILITY The secondary data may not be suitable in certain cases. 6. one may require primary data as it is first-hand information and more reliable and accurate. Some sources provide unreliable and biased data. The researcher may have casually collected the secondary data and got it published. but instead collect specific data to resolve the specific problem. 4. 7. The researcher needs specific data to solve specific problems. secondary data will be accurate and reliable. A questionnaire is prepared containing a list of questions to solicit information from selected respondents. For instance. 3. This questionnaire is sent through post or advertised in a newspaper or magazine. The interviewer might ask questions and respondents answer accordingly. the data is collected through interviews. the researcher may like to study the cause-effect relationship between two or more variables. Mail survey: It is another method of data collection. With the help of experimentation. The interviews can be either personal. individual or group. a researcher studying customer buying behaviour at shopping malls. then we would visit the shopping malls and observe the behaviour of the customers. Under the survey method. explaining the purpose of the questionnaire and request to complete and return it to the researcher. structured or unstructured. OBSERVATION METHOD: The researcher obtains information of the subjects under study with the help of observation rather than by the way of interviewing. Personal Interview: It’s a face to face interaction between interviewer and respondent. Telephone interview: It is a method of conducting interview by telephoning the respondents. It can be used in development of a new product. SURVEY/INTERVIEW METHOD: The survey can be census survey or sample survey. directive and nondirective. In case of survey.OBSERVATION METHOD EXPERIMENTAL METHOD 1. A series of questions are asked on the phone and the answers of respondents are recorded. 2. It can be formal or informal. . the entire universe is contacted to collect data. telephone or mail survey. general or specific. EXPERIMENTAL METHOD: The experimental method is mostly used in the case of scientific research study.