Spring 2015

BBA Semester 2
BBA201 - RESEARCH METHODS
Q1. Discuss the primary data collection techniques in detail.

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Primary Data: All the data which is originally collected by the investigators is called primary
data. That means, the researcher is directly collecting the data from the original resource.
For example: information collected by an investigator on brand awareness, brand loyalty,
brand preference and other aspects of consumer behaviour from a sample of consumers by
interviewing them. The Primary Data is the first hand information collected by the researcher
by the various methods namely, questionnaire, observation, mailing and interviews.
Primary Data Collection Techniques
1) Observations Method:

Observation is the basic method of obtaining information about the world around us. All
observations are not scientific observations. An observation becomes scientific, if it is
planned and recorded systematically, and is subject to checks and controls on validity and
reliability. Many types of data sought by research experts, are mostly by direct observations
only. It is the primary input to draw an inference about the data.
2) Interview Method:

Interview Method is a verbal method of securing the data. The observation method, we have
seen in the previous discussion, is mostly restricted to non-verbal facts (like nodding,
clapping, smiling etc.) The interview approach involves a person designated as the
interviewer asking questions (mostly) in a face- to- face contact (generally) to the other
person or persons. Interview is one of the most commonly used technique.
3) Telephone Interview:
Telephone method is an economic method of collecting the data in a short period. There are
two primary tasks in organising a telephonic survey. One is to design the survey instrument
itself. And the other one is to select a set of respondents. It may require a few more verbal
clarification statements such as OK, Do you understand?, Is that clear? etc. These are
necessary as the interviewer cannot see the respondents reactions.
4) Mail survey:
Mail surveys are an important method of collecting data in less time and with less cost. Just
as in telephone interview, here also the questions will be sent to the reader through mail.

There are three types of mail surveys such as personal interview survey, telephone survey
and mail survey.
5) Questionnaire Method:
A questionnaire is a standardised plan of data collection. While there is no benchmark
procedure to construct a questionnaire, the problem, situation and experience of the
researcher greatly influence the process. The respondents may be asked questions without
any recognized questionnaire or with a pre-planned properly framed questionnaire.

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Q2. a. Explain the different types of research designs.

b. Differentiate between Probability and Non-probability sampling methods.

a) Types of Research Design

Philosophical/discursive

This may cover a variety of approaches, but will draw primarily on existing literature, rather
than new empirical data. A discursive study could examine a particular issue, perhaps
from . (Full answer available in paid assignment)

b)

Probability sample

Here, each member of the universe has a known prospect of being selected and included in
the sample. Any personal bias . (Full answer available in paid assignment)

Q3. The important task ahead of the researcher is to document the entire work done in
the form of a well-structured research report. Explain the report writing steps. What
are the guidelines for writing the research report?

Remaining answers are available in the full assignments.

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Note: Paid assignments will be in word format without any water mark as per SMUs new
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