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 ones 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: -

Applied Research
Basic Research
Applied Research is designed to solve practical problems of the modern world, rather than to
acquire knowledge. The goal of applied research is to improve the human condition.
Basic or fundamental Research is driven by a scientists curiosity or interest in a scientific
question. The main goal of basic research is to expand mans knowledge. There is no obvious
commercial value to discoveries that result from basic research.
4. 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, observations and surveys.
5. GENERALISATION
Research findings can be applied to larger population. A researcher can conduct a research on a
sample of respondents that represent the universe. The sample selection must be done
systematically so that it properly represents the whole population or the universe.
6. CONTROLLED NATURE OF BASIC RESEARCH
In real life experience there are many factors that affect the outcome. A single event is often the
result of several factors. When similar event is tested in research, due to the broader nature of
factors are taken as controlled factors while others are tested for possible effect.
7. DEVELOPMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND THEORIES
A systematic research helps to develop new principles and theories. Such principles and theories
can be useful to several organisations to manage and deal with people and things in a better way.
8. MANIPULATION OF CONCEPTS
The researcher tries to manipulate things or concepts. The manipulation or purposeful control of
things or concepts is done with a definite purpose so as to arrive at statements of generality.
9. MULTIPURPOSE ACTIVITY
Research is a multipurpose activity. It helps to discover new facts or verify old facts. It helps not
only to predict future events, but also may help to control such events. It establishes casual
relationship between variables.
10. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATITVE RESEARCH
Research undertaken to measure quantity or amount is called as quantitative research. On the
other hand, research which is undertaken to find out the quality of a particular situation or
phenomenon is called as qualitative research.

Q2. Explain need of Research in Business & Social Science?

Ans: NEED OF RESEARCH IN BUSINESS:
Business organizations can gain significantly with the help of research. The research and
development to develop new products, improve the design and quality of existing ones, and to
reduce costs.
1. PRODUCT AND DEVELOPMENT
Through marketing research, a business firm can identify the customer requirements, and
therefore it is possible to design new models or to modify existing products to satisfy the
customers.
2. REDUCTION IN COSTS
Research in business helps a firm to reduce costs. The research may indicate the areas where
high costs are involved. It may be possible for the firm to cut down the costs in certain areas.
3. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
Market research may help the firm to develop good relations with its customers, especially the
priority customers. Research can help the firm to collect valuable inputs about priorities
customers.
4. DEALER RELATIONSHIPS
Dealer relationships are vital for the survival and success of business organisation. Market
Research enables a business firm to main good relationships with dealers. Through research, the
firm can get feedback from dealers regarding their expectations.
5. CORPORATE IMAGE
Firms need to build, maintain, and enhance corporate image in the minds of stakeholders,
customers, dealers, employees.
NEED OF RESEARCH IN SOCIAL STUDIES:
Social sciences refer to business, commerce, demographic, psychology, and sociology. Research
in social sciences deal with the peoples behaviour in their different roles, such as consumers,
consultant, learners, leaders, teachers, trainers, employees, executive, producers, parents, artists,
advisors etc...
1. DEVELOPMENT OF METHODOLOGY
Development of Methodology to deal with social issues is one of the contributions of social
research. For instance, organisations face the problem of executive stress, lack of concern of
ethics, poor leadership styles etc To overcome such problem, certain methodology needs to be
developed.
2. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Social Research contributes to societal development. Social development can be measured in

terms of literacy, life expectancy, and other social development indicators. Research can be taken
for social development standards of the society.
3. SOCIAL WELFARE
Government organisations can undertake social research to enhance social welfare of the society.
Research can help to design suitable package of measures to reduce income inequalities, to
reduce poverty and unemployment and to overcome problems of social evils.
4. FORMULATION OF NEW THEORIES
Social Research helps formulate new theories. The existing theories can be re-evaluated and
modified with the help of social research.
5. ECONOMIC PLANNING
Social Planning can be immense use in economic planning in a given society. Economic
planning requires basic data on the various aspects of our society and economy, resource
endowment and the needs, hopes and problems of the people etc

Q3. Discuss different types of Research?

Ans: TYPES OF RESEARCH:
1. BASIC RESEARCH
It is also called pure or fundamental research. It is undertaken to develop a theory or a body of
knowledge. The main goal is to expand mans knowledge. There is no commercial angle. It
generates new ideas, principles and theories which may not be immediately utilized.
2. APPLIED RESEARCH
It is a scientific study designed to solve practical problems rather than merely acquiring
knowledge. It is used to find solutions to everyday problems and develop innovative
technologies.
3. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
It is also known as Statistical research provides data about the population or universe being
studied. It is used when the objective is to provide a systematic description that is factual and
accurate as possible.
4. ANALYTICAL RESEARCH
It is undertaken to collect facts or data, or the facts and data that are readily available. The
researcher attempts to critically evaluate fact and data so as to arrive at conclusions
5. EMPIRICAL RESEARCH

It is defined as research based on experimentation or observation. It is a way of gaining

knowledge by means of direct and indirect observation or experience or experiment.
6. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
It is a method of inquiry employed in many disciplines, especially in social sciences. Researchers
aim to gather an in depth understanding of human behaviour and reasons that govern the
behaviour.
7. QUALITITATIVE RESEARCH
It is explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analysed using mathematically
based methods. The objective is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories and
hypothesis pertaining to phenomena.

Q4. 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. It comprises the
theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of
knowledge.
Methodology does not set out to provide solutions. Therefore, it is not the same as method. It
offers the theoretical base for understanding which method, best methods that can be applied to a
specific case.
REQUISITE OF GOOD SCIENTIFIC METHOD:
1. CAREFUL LOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PROBLEM
2. UNEQUIVOCAL DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONCEPTS
3. COLLECTION OF DATA PATIENT TO PROBLEM
4. CLASSIFICATION OF DATA
5. EXPRESSION OF DATA IN QUANTITATIVE TERM
6. RIGOROUS EXPERIMENT
7. SOUND & LOGICAL REASONING
8. EXACT CONCLUSION
9. COMPLETE ELIMINATION OF PERSONAL EQUATION
10. COMPREHENSIVE REPORT

Q5. Explain steps/process in Scientific Research?

Ans: STEPS/PROCESS IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH:
1. IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

It is the first and the most important step of research process. It is identification of a destination
before undertaking a journey. It is said that a problem half defined is a problem half solved.
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The researcher should undertake extensive literature survey relating to the problem. He may
consider various publications such as journals, books, reports and other published matter.
3. FORMULATION OF HYPOTHESIS
Researcher should formulate hypothesis. It is a tentative assumption made to test its logical or
empirical consequences.
4. RESEARCH DESIGN
The researcher must prepare a research design. It is a logical and systematic plan prepared for
conducting a research study. It can be called as a blue print for collection, measurement and
analysis of data.
5. DESIGNING THE QUESTIONNAIRE
If the researcher cannot solve the problem with the help of secondary data, observation and
experimentation, then he should make the effort to collect primary data from the field for which
he requires a questionnaire.
6. SAMPLING DESIGN
It is not possible to collect data from each member of the universe or people under study due to
time constraints. Therefore, the researcher needs to select a sample of respondents that represent
the universe.
7. COLLECTION OF DATA
Problem solving is essentially a process of collecting information. The data can be collected from
various sources i.e. primary and secondary data.
8. PROCESSING OF DATA
The data collected is mostly available in raw form and therefore, it needs to be processed. It
involves editing, coding, classification and tabulation.
9. DATA ANALYSIS
Organisation of data is generally followed by its analysis and interpretation. The purpose of
analysing data is to establish relation between information and problem. Interpretation refers to
analysis and generalization of results. It enables to clear the meaning and implication of study.
10. HYPOTHESIS TESTING

After analysis and interpretation of data, the researcher must be in a position to test the
hypothesis. The researcher should find out whether or not the research findings support the
hypothesis or prove to be contrary.

11. PREPERATION OF RESEARCH REPORT

The research findings and conclusions are presented with the help of research report. It is divided
into: Preliminary Contents
Main Body
Conclusion Part

12. FOLLOW UP REPORT

The researcher should submit the report to concerned authorities. A business research report
should be submitted to guide for approval and then to the concerned university.

Q6. Write a note on Review of Literature?

Ans: REVIEW OF LITERATURE:
Review of Literature is an important stage in research activity. It refers to extensive review of
literature relating to research problem which the researcher intends to undertake. The researcher
reviews previous research studies, relevant reference books, articles in specific journals and other
published sources. Such Review of Literature provides a good insight into the research problem.
The researcher gets familiar with all previous research studies undertaken by other researchers
which are relevant to the research project. The research scholar reviews the findings of previous
research studies. He evaluates the conclusion drawn from the research findings. He also analysis
the impact of recommendations made by other researchers.
Literature Review can be conducted throughout the research activity. It starts with identification
and selection of the activity. It continues throughout the various stages of research process and
ends with the writing of research report. Review of Literature helps to identify the concepts
relating to the research topic and potential relationship between them. It also helps in appropriate
analysis of data. Moreover, it gives broader vision and even the secondary data to the research.
Following literature is carefully reviewed and studied by the researcher. A literature review is a
form 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. And this is perhaps the heart of the matter
analytical insight. A review must not simply describe or summarise the literature, a review must
critically assess that literature.

A literature review is an evaluative report of studies found in the literature related to your
selected area. The review should describe, summarize, evaluate and clarify this literature. It
should give a theoretical basis for the research and help you determine the nature of your own
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.
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. While the form of
the literature review may vary with different types of studies, 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, refocus or even change the topic

Q7. What is Research Design? What are its essentials?

Ans: RESEARCH DESIGN:
According to David & Nachmias, Research Design actually constitutes the blue print for the
collection, measurement and analysis of the data.
According to John W. Best, Research Design is the plan, structure, strategy and means of
investigation conceived so as to obtain answers of research questions. It is a plan or an overall
scheme or a programme of research.
The Research Design is the ground plan for conducting the research investigation. 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.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD RESEARCH DESIGN:
1. FOCUS ON OBJECTIVES

The research design must focus on its objectives. The objectives must be very clear to the
researcher as well as to the researcher staff. The objectives differ depending on the type of the
research.
2. FLEXIBILITY
The research design should not be rigid. It must be flexible depending upon the situation.
3. PILOT STUDY
It is always advisable to conduct a pilot study for finalizing the research design. Pilot study is a
research activity undertaken for small segment of research universe. It is conducted to find out
whether or not the researcher would be in a position to collect relevant data from it sources, or
whether or not the data would be relevant to solve the problem.
4. ACCEPTANCE
The research design should be acceptable to the persons concerned. In case of commercial
research, the research design should be acceptable to the higher authorities. In case of academic
research, the research should be acceptable to the research guide. In case of social research, the
research design should be acceptable social and other organisations that are going to finance or
sponsor the research activity.

5. SUITABILITY
The research design must be suitable to achieve research objectives. Certain factors are
considered while finalizing the research designs such as availability of funds, time, manpower
etc.
6. SIMPLICITY
The research design should be simple and easy to understand. The language used should be clear
and simple. The research design must be supported by footnotes. Technical jargons must be
avoided.
7. COST EFFECTIVE
The research design should be cost effective. In a commercial research, the research work based
on research design must bring benefits to the organisation. The research design should enable
proper collection and analysis of data which in turn should facilitate proper decision making.
8. EASE IN IMPLEMENTATION
The research design should facilitate proper implementation of the research activity. The research
design should avoid complicated procedures and techniques which are difficult to follow.
9. TRAINING TO RESEARCH STAFF

To conduct effective research proper training must be given to the research staff. Training helps
to improve knowledge, attitude, skills, and social behaviour.

Q8. Explain different types of Research Design?

Ans: TYPES OF RESEARCH DESIGN:
1. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
2. CONCLUSIVE RESEARCH
1. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH:
It is conducted to explore information about the nature or cause of research problem. It is
conducted when the causes of the research problem are not known to the researcher.
Management may conduct exploratory research to find out the causes of declining sales in the
past few months. They may be declined due to certain number of factors such as : problem in
quality of product , increase in competition, ineffective promotion mix, poor management of
channels of distribution , incompetence of sales, force etc.
Exploratory research can be conducted for following purposes such as, to define the problem
more clearly, to develop hypothesis, to identify alternate courses of action, to isolate key
variables and to develop relationships among the variables for further examination or to establish
priorities for further research etc.
Exploratory researches have certain uses such as, background information, development of
hypothesis and research priorities.
Methods used in exploratory research are: Secondary data Analysis
Experience Surveys
Case Analysis
Focus Groups and,
Projective Techniques

2. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
It is conducted to obtain descriptive information about central aspects of a problem. For instance,
a researcher may like to know detailed information about students appearing for their TY. BCOM
exams of N.M College in respect of age, income, gender, occupation etc. it may be undertaken
for commercial purposes.

Through descriptive research it would be difficult to answer the question why. In order to
answer the question why, a casual research is required.
There are two types of descriptive research:
Cross Sectional Studies
Longitudinal Studies

Q9. 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. The methodology used to sample from a larger population depends on the
type of analysis being performed, but may include simple random sampling or systematic sampling.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD SAMPLING
1. Representative:
The sample should truly represent the characteristics of the verse. For this investigator should be free
from bias and the method of collection should be appropriate.
2. Adequacy:
The size of the sample should be adequate i.e., neither too large nor small but commensurate with the size
of the population.

3. Homogeneity:
There should be homogeneity in the nature of all the units selected for the sample. If the units of the
sample are of heterogeneous character it will impossible to make a comparative study with them.
4. Independent ability:
The method of selection of the sample should be such that the items of the sample are selected in an
independent manner. 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.

Q10. Explain different techniques and methods of Good Sampling?

Ans: SAMPLING METHODS
There are two types of sampling methods: Probability Methods

Non- Probability Methods

PROBABILITY METHODS
It is also known as random sampling. Probability means possible chance. Therefore, each
element of the population has known chance or opportunity of being selected or included in the
sample.
The following are the types of probability methods: 1. Simple Random Sampling
This is the most popular method which is normally followed to collect data. The technique
provides every element or unit an equal chance of being selected in the sample.
2. Systematic Sampling
It is a variation of simple random method. This technique is superior to simple random method.
3. Cluster Sampling
It is also called as Area Sampling. In this method, instead of selecting individual units,
researcher divides the population into clusters or groups and accordingly sample is selected.
4. Stratified Sampling
The population is divided into various strata or segments based on income, occupation, age,
religion, gender etc.

NON PROBABILITY METHODS

The following are the types of non-probability methods: 1. Convenience Sampling
The sample is selected as per the convenience of the researcher. Every element of the population
does not get a chance of being selected. The researcher may consider factors to select the sample
of respondents.
2. Accidental Sampling
The researcher may select the sample by chance without following a systematic procedure. Every
element of the universe does not get the chance of getting selected.
3. Judgement Sampling

Sample is selected on the basis of judgment of the researcher or some other person assisting or
advising the researcher.
4. Quota Sampling
The researcher allocates certain quota to certain groups under study. The quotas differ from each
area depending upon factors such as age, occupation, income etc.
5. 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, conducts his study, analyses the results then picks another group
of subjects if needed and so on.
6. 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.

Q11. What is Secondary Data? Explain its limitations?

Ans: SECONDARY DATA
Secondary data is readily available data from public printed sources. It is generally used in the
case of academic research and to certain extent in the case of research. However, commercial
research requires more of printing data as compared to secondary data.
The researcher makes first attempts to obtain information from secondary sources to solve the
problem. However, when secondary data is insufficient and outdated, the researcher resorts to
primary data.

LIMITATIONS OF SECONDARY DATA

1. PROBLEM OF ACCURACY
The quality of secondary data is affected due to problem of accuracy. One cannot be certain of
the genuineness of data. The records may not be well maintained or organised. Therefore, one
must be cautious in using secondary data.
2. PROBLEM OF RELIABILITY

The secondary data lacks reliability. The data may be outdated; therefore, it may not serve the
purpose of the current research work undertaken by the researcher. Some sources provide
unreliable and biased data.
3. PROBLEM OF ADEQUACY
At times, secondary data will be accurate and reliable, but the data may be insufficient to solve
the current research problem. It may not provide complete data to solve the problem.
4. LACK OF IN DEPTH INFORMATION
Secondary data may not lack adequacy, but it may not provide in-depth information to solve the
research problem. For instance, commercial research requires in depth knowledge of consumer
behaviour which can be obtained more through in depth questioning of the target respondents.
5. PROBLEM OF QUALITY DECISION MAKING
The secondary data may affect the quality of decision making. This is because the data may be
inaccurate, insufficient and unreliable. Therefore, the decisions made are purely on the basis of
secondary data would bring poor outcomes. To improve the quality of decisions, one may require
primary data as it is first-hand information and more reliable and accurate.
6. PROBLEM OF SPECIFIC DATA
The secondary data may be more general in nature rather than specific. The researcher needs
specific data to solve specific problems. Therefore, the researcher cannot depend merely on
secondary data, but instead collect specific data to resolve the specific problem.
7. UNSUITABILITY
The secondary data may not be suitable in certain cases. Secondary data may be of less use in
case of commercial research. To solve business related problems, a researcher may require more
of primary data rather than secondary data.
8. PROBLEM OF BIASED INFORMATION
There is possibility of bias in secondary data. The researcher has no control over the quality of
secondary data. The secondary data may be badly influenced by the bias of the respondents and
also that of the researcher. The researcher may have casually collected the secondary data and
got it published. Therefore, one should not blindly depend on secondary data.

Q12. Explain different methods of collecting Primary Data?

Ans: METHODS OF COLLECTING PRIMARY DATA: SRURVEY/INTERVIEW METHOD

OBSERVATION METHOD
EXPERIMENTAL METHOD

1. SURVEY/INTERVIEW METHOD:
The survey can be census survey or sample survey. In case of survey, the entire universe is
contacted to collect data.
Under the survey method, the data is collected through interviews. The interviews can be either
personal, telephone or mail survey.
Personal Interview: Its a face to face interaction between interviewer and respondent. The
interviewer might ask questions and respondents answer accordingly. It can be formal or
informal, structured or unstructured, individual or group, general or specific, directive and nondirective.
Telephone interview: It is a method of conducting interview by telephoning the respondents. A
series of questions are asked on the phone and the answers of respondents are recorded.
Mail survey: It is another method of data collection. A questionnaire is prepared containing a list
of questions to solicit information from selected respondents. This questionnaire is sent through
post or advertised in a newspaper or magazine, explaining the purpose of the questionnaire and
request to complete and return it to the researcher.
2. OBSERVATION METHOD:
The researcher obtains information of the subjects under study with the help of observation
rather than by the way of interviewing. For instance, a researcher studying customer buying
behaviour at shopping malls, then we would visit the shopping malls and observe the behaviour
of the customers.
3. EXPERIMENTAL METHOD:
The experimental method is mostly used in the case of scientific research study. With the help of
experimentation, the researcher may like to study the cause-effect relationship between two or
more variables. It can be used in development of a new product.