ASSIGNMENT Set 02

Name Registration No. Learning Centre Learning Centre Code Course Subject Semester Module No. Date of Submission Marks Awarded

: DEBASHISH NANDAN : 511016798 : Raveesh Computers Pvt. Ltd. : 00990 : Master of Business Administration : Research Methodology : Third Semester : MB0050 : __________________________ : __________________________

Directorate of Distance Education Sikkim Manipal University II Floor, Syndicate House Manipal 576 104

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Q1. What is questionnaire? Discuss the main points that you will take into account while drafting a questionnaire? [10 marks]. Ans. A Questionnaire is a list of a research or survey questions asked to respondents, and designed to extract specific information. It serves four basic purposes: (1) collect the appropriate data, (2) make data comparable and amenable to analysis, (3) minimize bias in formulating and asking question, and (4) to make questions engaging and varied. The main points that need to be taken into account while drafting a questionnaire are 1. Decide what information needs to be gathered gather from the survey. 2. The survey should be as short as possible, asking only those questions that will provide the information needed. 3. Casual and conversational style should be used making the questions easy for almost anyone to understand. 4. The choice of words should be simple with easy grammar. 5. The survey should start with interesting questions. 6. Structure of the survey should be such that the questions follow a logical order and evolve from general to specific. 7. Multiple-choice questions should be used whenever possible. This helps the respondent to better understand the purpose of the question and reducing the time to complete the questionnaire. 8. Avoid leading questions that might generate false positive responses. 9. Same rating scale should be used throughout the survey for questions requiring the respondent to rate items. 10. The survey should be tested on 10 to 15 people before producing it for mass distribution. An interview should be conducted with each of those respondents after he or she completes the survey to determine if our questions were easily understood and easy to answer. 11. Use Closed-ended questions rather than Open-ended ones.

Q 2. What do you mean by primary data? What are the various methods of collecting primary data? [10 marks]. Ans 2. Primary Data Primary data means the data collected from original sources from which the researcher directly collects data that have not been previously collected e.g., collection of data directly by the researcher on brand awareness, brand preference, brand loyalty and other aspects of consumer behaviour from a sample of consumers by interviewing them. Primary data are first hand information collected through various methods such as observation, interviewing, mailing etc. Advantage of Primary Data It is original source of data It is possible to capture the changes occurring in the course of time. It flexible to the advantage of researcher. Extensive research study is based of primary data Disadvantage of Primary Data Primary data is expensive to obtain It is time consuming It requires extensive research personnel who are skilled. It is difficult to administer.

Methods of Collecting Primary Data Primary data are directly collected by the researcher from their original sources. In this case, the researcher can collect the required date precisely according to his research needs, he can collect them when he wants them and in the form he needs them. But the collection of primary data is costly and time consuming. Yet, for several types of social science research required data are not available from secondary sources and they have to be directly gathered from the primary sources. In such cases where the available data are inappropriate, inadequate or obsolete, primary data have to be gathered. They include: socio economic surveys, social anthropological studies of rural communities and tribal communities, sociological studies of social problems and social institutions. Marketing research, leadership studies, opinion polls, attitudinal surveys, readership, radio listening and T.V. viewing surveys, knowledge-awareness practice (KAP) studies, farm managements studies, business management studies etc. There are various methods of data collection. A Method is different from a Tool while a method refers to the way or mode of gathering data, a tool is an instruments used for the method. For example, a schedule is used for interviewing. The important methods are a. Observation, b. Interviewing, c. Mail survey, d. Experimentation, e. Simulation, and f. Projective technique. Q 3a. Analyze the case study and descriptive approach to research. [5 marks]. b. Distinguish between research methods & research Methodology. [5 Marks] Ans 3a. Analyze the case study and descriptive approach to research. Case Study: Case study is a method of exploring and analyzing the life of a social unit or entity, be it a person, a family, an institution or a community. The aim of case study method is to locate or identify the factors that account for the behaviour patterns of a given unit, and its relationship with the environment. The case data are always gathered with a view to attracting the natural history of the social unit, and its relationship with the social factors and forces operative and involved in this surrounding milieu. In short, the social researcher tries, by means of the case study method, to understand the complex of factors that are working within a social unit as an integrated totality. Looked at from another angle, the case study serves the purpose similar to the clue-providing function of expert opinion. It is most appropriate when one is trying to find clues and ideas for further research. Descriptive Research: Descriptive research is a fact-finding investigation with adequate interpretation. It is the simplest type of research. It is more specific than an exploratory research. It aims at identifying the various characteristics of a community or institution or problem under study and also aims at a classification of the range of elements comprising the subject matter of study. It contributes to the development of a young science and useful in verifying focal concepts through empirical observation. It can highlight important methodological aspects of data collection and interpretation. The information obtained may be useful for prediction about areas of social life outside the boundaries of the research. They are valuable in providing facts needed for planning social action program.

Ans 3b. Distinction between Research Methods & Research Methodology Research Methods: Research methods are the various procedures, schemes, algorithms, etc. used in research. All the methods used by a researcher during a research study are termed as research methods. They are essentially planned, scientific and value-neutral. They include theoretical procedures, experimental studies, numerical schemes, statistical approaches, etc. Research methods help us collect samples, data and find a solution to a problem. Particularly, scientific research methods call for explanations based on collected facts, measurements and observations and not on reasoning alone. They accept only those explanations which can be verified by experiments. Research Methodology: Research methodology is a systematic way to solve a problem. It is a science of studying how research is to be carried out. Essentially, the procedures by which researchers go about their work of describing, explaining and predicting phenomena are called research methodology. It is also defined as the study of methods by which knowledge is gained. Its aim is to give the work plan of research. Q 4. Explain the important concepts in Research design? [10 Marks] Ans. The important concepts relating to research design are: 1. Dependent and Independent variables: A magnitude that varies is known as a variable. The concept may assume different quantitative values, like height, weight, income, etc. Qualitative variables are not quantifiable in the strictest sense of objectivity. However, the qualitative phenomena may also be quantified in terms of the presence or absence of the attribute considered. Phenomena that assume different values quantitatively even in decimal points are known as continuous variables. But, all variables need not be continuous. Values that can be expressed only in integer values are called non-continuous variables. In statistical term, they are also known as discrete variable. For example, age is a continuous variable; whereas the number of children is a non-continuous variable. When changes in one variable depends upon the changes in one or more other variables, it is known as a dependent or endogenous variable, and the variables that cause the changes in the dependent variable are known as the independent or explanatory or exogenous variables. For example, if demand depends upon price, then demand is a dependent variable, while price is the independent variable. And if, more variables determine demand, like income and prices of substitute commodity, then demand also depends upon them in addition to the own price. Then, demand is a dependent variable which is determined by the independent variables like own price, income and price of substitute. 2. Extraneous variable: The independent variables which are not directly related to the purpose of the study but affect the dependent variable are known as extraneous variables. For instance, assume that a researcher wants to test the hypothesis that there is relationship between childrens school performance and their self-concepts, in which case the latter is an independent variable and the former, the dependent variable. In this context, intelligence may also influence the school performance. However, since it is not directly related to the purpose of the study undertaken by the researcher, it would be known as an extraneous variable. The influence caused by the extraneous variable on the dependent variable is technically called as an experimental error. Therefore, a research study should always be framed in such a manner that the dependent variable completely influences the change in the independent variable and any other extraneous variable or variables. 3. Control: One of the most important features of a good research design is to minimize the effect of extraneous variable. Technically, the term control is used when a researcher designs the study in such a manner that it minimizes the effects of extraneous independent variables. The term control is used in experimental research to reflect the restrain in experimental conditions.

4. Confounded relationship: The relationship between dependent and independent variables is said to be confounded by an extraneous variable, when the dependent variable is not free from its effects.

Q5. What are the differences between observation and interviewing as methods of data collection? Give two specific examples of situations where either observation or interviewing would be more appropriate. [10 marks]. Ans. Observation: Observation means viewing or seeing. Observation may be defined as a systematic viewing of a specific phenomenon in its proper setting for the specific purpose of gathering data for a particular study. Observation is classical method of scientific study. Observation as a method of data collection has certain characteristics. 1. It is both a physical and a mental activity: The observing eye catches many things that are present. But attention is focused on data that are pertinent to the given study. 2. Observation is selective: A researcher does not observe anything and everything, but selects the range of things to be observed on the basis of the nature, scope and objectives of his study. 3. Observation is purposive and not casual: It is made for the specific purpose of noting things relevant to the study. It captures the natural social context in which persons behaviour occur. It grasps the significant events and occurrences that affect social relations of the participants. 4. Observation should be exact and be based on standardized tools of research and such as observation schedule, social metric scale etc., and precision instruments, if any. Example: If a researcher desires to study the causes of city road accidents and also formulated a tentative hypothesis that accidents are caused by violation of traffic rules and over speeding. He will observe the traffic for over speeding and violations keenly. Interviewing: Interviewing is one of the prominent methods of data collection. It may be defined as a two way systematic conversation between an investigator and an informant, initiated for obtaining information relevant to a specific study. It involves not only conversation, but also learning from the respondents gesture, facial expressions and pauses, and his environment. Interviewing as a method of data collection has certain features. They are: 1. The Participants: The interviewer and the respondent are strangers. Hence, the investigator has to get him introduced to the respondent in an appropriate manner. 2. The Relationship between the Participants is a Transitory one: It has a fixed beginning and termination points. The interview proper is a fleeting, momentary experience for them. 3. Interview is not a mere casual conversational exchange: Interview is a conversation with a specific purpose, viz., obtaining information relevant to a study. 4. Interview is a mode of obtaining verbal answers to questions put verbally: The interaction between the interviewer and the respondent need not necessarily be on a face-to-face basis, because interview can be conducted over the telephone also. Although interview is usually a conversation between two persons, it need not be limited to a single respondent. It can also be conducted with a group of persons, such as family members, or a group of children or a group of customers, depending on the requirements of the study. 5. Interview is an inter-actionable process: The interaction between the interviewer and the respondent depends upon how they perceive each other. 6. The respondent reacts to the interviewers appearance, behaviour, gestures, facial expression and intonation, his perception of the thrust of the questions and his own personal needs. As far as possible, the interviewer should try to be closer to the social-economic level of the respondents. Moreover, he should realize that his respondents are under no obligations to extend response.

7. Interviewing is not a standardized process: Like that of a chemical technician; it is rather a flexible psychological process. The implication of this feature is that the interviewer cannot apply unvarying standardized technique, because he is dealing with respondents with varying motives and diverse perceptions. The extent of his success as an interviewer is very largely dependent upon his insight and skill in dealing with varying socio-physiological situations. Example: Interview method is suitable for gathering information when the respondents are illiterate or less educated. It is also suitable when the information is of highly confidential relating to the persons opinion.

Q 6.Strictly speaking, would case studies be considered as scientific research? Why or why not? [10 marks]. Ans 6. Case study is a method of exploring and analyzing the life of a social unit or entity, be it a person, a family, an institution or a community. Case study would depend upon wit, commonsense and imagination of the person doing the case study. The investigator makes up his procedure as he goes along. Efforts should be made to ascertain the reliability of life history data through examining the internal consistency of the material. A judicious combination of techniques of data collection is a prerequisite for securing data that are culturally meaningful and scientifically significant. Case study of particular value when a complex set of variables may be at work in generating observed results and intensive study is needed to unravel the complexities. The case documents hardly fulfil the criteria of reliability, adequacy and representativeness, but to exclude them from any scientific study of human life will be blunder in as much as these documents are necessary and significant both for theory building and practice. In-depth analysis of selected cases is of particular value to business research when a complex set of variables may be at work in generating observed results and intensive study is needed to unravel the complexities.