KALAIGNAR KARUNANIDHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

QUESTION BANK FOR UNIVERSITY QUESTIONS JUNE 2010, APRIL/MAY 2011, MAY/JUNE 2012 & NOV/DEC 2012. BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS BA9227 TWO MARKS 1. What do you mean by research? Research is common parlance refers to a search of knowledge. One can also define research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. According to Clifford Woody research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions: collecting, organizing and evaluating data: making deductions and reaching conclusions and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis. 2. Name different types of research 3. Define applied research. Applied research is concerned with search for ways of using scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. It focuses on analyzing and solving social and real life problem. The findings become basis of framing programme and policies, based on principles of pure research. Applied research is an investigation for ways of using scientific knowledge to solve practical problems. Because this research is generally conducted on large scale basis, it is expensive. As such it is often conducted with the support of some financing agency like government, public corporation, world bank, UNICEF etc., This type of research is conducted on interdisciplinary basis also. 4. What are the advantages of using simulation as a method of research?

Simulation is a source from where data is generated. A sophisticated set of mathematical formula are used to simulate or imitate a real life situation. Few advantages of using simulation are: By changing one variable in the equation, it is possible to determine the effect on the other variables in the equation. One of the primary advantages of simulators is that they are able to provide users with practical feedback when designing real world systems. Designing, building, testing, redesigning, rebuilding, retesting etc., can be an expensive project. Simulations take the building/rebuilding phase out of the loop by using the model already created in the design phase. Most of the time the simulation testing is cheaper and faster than performing the multiple tests of the design each time. Simulation offers the opportunity to experiment with phenomena or events, which for a number of reasons, cannot normally be experimented with in the traditional way. 5. What is the significance of null hypothesis? 6. Define null hypothesis. 7. Give a frame work for types of Research. 8. Explain internal and external validity. 9. Define research design. 10. Why research questions are framed? A research question/problem in general refers to some difficulty which researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical or practical situation and wants a solution for the same. A properly framed research question not only arrives at an operational statement but it also uncovers the basic problem that underlines the symptoms

which are to be solved. The following are the main reasons why research questions are framed. It sets the direction of the study. It reveals the methodology or procedure of the study. Also helps the researcher to control subjectivity or biases of the researcher. The question makes the research work practicable. It orients i.e brings into clear understanding of the relations and determines the position of decision maker and the researcher within the framework of classified marketing. 11. What are the features of cause and effect method of research? Features of cause and effect method of research or Causal/Experimental research are: Although this research is primarily possible in areas of physical 12. Give an example for each Nominal and Ordinal scales. 13. What are the factors influencing sample size. 14. Analyze the observational method of data collection. 15. What are the benefits are of cross sectional research? 16. When to use the parametric statistical tests? 17. For the following measurement instruments which type of scale would you prefer: a. Categorizing people according to their religion\ b. Clinical thermometer c. Ranking teachers in the university as professors, associate professor, assistant professors and lecturers. d. The height of a person.

18. Draw the format of ANOVA table. 19. What are the various types of reliability? 20. Define Reliability. 21. What are the various types of reliability tests? 22. What do you understand by the term Secondary data 23. Explain why either ratio or interval scales if preferred in management research. 24. Explain factor analysis? 25. Define factor loading 26. Explain the term Partial regression coefficient 27. What do you understand by the term Abstract 28. Give a format of chapter titles of a research report. 29. Explain the feature of multivariate technique. 30. State the features of snow ball sampling? 31. How to avoid sampling errors? 32. What is multi stage sampling? 33. What are the benefits of a non probability sampling? 34. How do you ascertain the validity of the data? 35. Why is eigenvalue considered as important? 36. Describe the importance of executive summary. 37. What are the assumptions used in Chi-Square test? 38. How do you overcome subjectivity in research? 39. Research report should be written keeping in mind the intended audience comment. 40. Explain subjectivity in research.

PART B 16 MARKS 1. Examine the various types of research and their relative merits and demerits. 2. How does one frame research objectives? What are the characteristic of hypothesis? Discuss 3. What is research problem? Define the main issues which should receive the attention of the researcher in formulating the research problem. Give suitable examples. 4. Explain the various types of measurements. What are the various types of scales and their importance? Discuss. 5. How does one construct a survey instrument? What steps need to be followed? Discuss 6. Explain the probability and non probability sampling methods. Which one would be an ideal method for the scientific research? 7. Explain the various types of primary source of data collection and their significance. 8. Explain discriminant function analysis. When and how do you use this method? 9. Explain the various types of research reports. Give an account on the contents of a research report. 10. How does one overcome problems on the ethical issues and the objectivity as well subjectivity in research? Explain. 11. 12.