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Assignment MB0050 Research Methodology Set 2
Assignment MB0050 Research Methodology Set 2
Assignment MB0050 Research Methodology Set 2
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Considering the differences that exist when writing a questionnaire that respondents
will fill out themselves as opposed to when a professional interviewer administers the
questionnaire to the respondent.
Knowing what questions should be asked early on in the questionnaire,
in the middle or toward the end.
Understanding how to phrase questions.
Being sensitive to questionnaire length.
There are some basic differences in how the questionnaire should be constructed if it is to be
filled out personally by the respondent or if an interviewer is going to administer it. These are:
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Keep the respondent in one mind-set at a time. If at all possible, complete all your
questions about one topic before moving on to the next. For example, dont ask about a
favorite place to shop, then about brands used and then go back to additional
questioning on favorite place to shop.
Save sensitive questions for the end. Again, this might not always be possible, but when
it doesnt matter, be aware that sensitive questions such as race or income can alienate
respondents and turn them off to the entire interview process. If asked at the end,
respondents are more likely to answer as they are wholly invested in the questionnaire.
Biased question: What do you like about the last airline flight you took? Assumption
here is that respondent liked something and the question tends to push for a positive
response.
Unbiased question. What, if anything, do you like the last airline flight you took? By
simply using if anything as part of the question phrasing, the respondent is not put on
the spot to find something to like.
When conducting telephone interviews, its relatively easy to keep respondents on the
phone and answering questions for 15, 20 or 25 minutes if the questionnaire has a good
flow and is thoughtfully written. But try keeping a respondent on the phone for 3
minutes with a questionnaire that is the least bit confusing, seems redundant or is
insensitive to sensitive issues.
Question 2: What do you mean by primary data? What are the various methods of
collecting primary data?
Answer:
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This is a very general method of collecting primary data. Here the investigator directly contacts
the informants, solicits their cooperation and enumerates the data. The information are
collected by direct personal interviews.
The novelty of this method is its simplicity. It is neither difficult for the enumerator nor the
informants because both are present at the spot of data collection. This method provides most
accurate information as the investigator collects them personally. But as the investigator alone
is involved in the process, his personal bias may influence the accuracy of the data. So it is
necessary that the investigator should be honest, unbiased and experienced. In such cases the
data collected may be fairly accurate. However, the method is quite costly and time-consuming.
So the method should be used when the scope of enquiry is small.
2)
This is an indirect method of collecting primary data. Here information is not collected directly
from the source but by interviewing persons closely related with the problem. This method is
applied to apprehend culprits in case of theft, murder etc. The information relating to one's
personal life or which the informant hesitates to reveal are better collected by this method.
Here the investigator prepares 'a small list of questions relating to the enquiry. The answers
(information) are collected by interviewing persons well connected with the incident. The
investigator should cross-examine the informants to get correct information.
This method is time saving and involves relatively less cost. The accuracy of the information
largely depends upon the integrity of the investigator. It is desirable that the investigator
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This is a very commonly used method of collecting primary data. Here information is collected
through a set of questionnaire. A questionnaire is a document prepared by the investigator
containing a set of questions. These questions relate to the problem of enquiry directly or
indirectly. Here first the questionnaires are mailed to the informants with a formal request to
answer the question and send them back. For better response the investigator should bear the
postal charges. The questionnaire should carry a polite note explaining the aims and objective
of the enquiry, definition of various terms and concepts used there. Besides this the
investigator should ensure the secrecy of the information as well as the name of the
informants, if required.
Success of this method greatly depends upon the way in which the questionnaire is drafted. So
the investigator must be very careful while framing the questions. The questions should be:
a)
In the simple alternative question type, the respondent has to choose between alternatives
such as Yes or No, right or wrong etc.
For example: Is Adam Smith called father of Statistics? Yes/No
b)
In the multiple choice type, the respondent has to answer from any of the given
alternatives.
Example: To which sector do you belong?
Primary Sector
Secondary Sector
Tertiary or Service Sector
c)
In the Open-end or free answer questions the respondents are given complete freedom in
answering the questions. The questions are like
Schedule Method:
In case the informants are largely uneducated and non-responsive data cannot be collected by
the mailed questionnaire method. In such cases, schedule method is used to collect data. Here
the questionnaires are sent through the enumerators to collect information. Enumerators are
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Sometimes primary data are collected from local agents or correspondents. These agents are
appointed by the sponsoring authorities. They are well conversant with the local conditions like
language, communication, food habits, traditions etc. Being on the spot and well acquainted
with the nature of the enquiry they are capable of furnishing reliable information.
The accuracy of the data collected by this method depends on the honesty and sincerity of the
agents because they actually collect the information from the spot. Information from a wide
area at less cost and time can be collected by this method. The method is generally used by
government agencies, newspapers, periodicals etc. to collect data.
Information is like raw materials or inputs in an enquiry. The result of the enquiry basically
depends on the type of information used. Primary data can be collected by employing any of
the above methods. The investigator should make a rational choice of the methods to be used
for collecting data because collection of data forms the beginning of the statistical enquiry.
Question 3
a. Analyse the case study and descriptive approach to research.
b. Distinguish between research methods & research Methodology.
Answer:
a) Case Study and descriptive approach to research:
Descriptive research, also known as statistical research, describes data and characteristics
about the population or phenomenon being studied. Descriptive research answers the questions
who, what, where, when and how...
Although the data description is factual, accurate and systematic, the research cannot describe
what caused a situation. Thus, Descriptive research cannot be used to create a causal
relationship, where one variable affects another. In other words, descriptive research can be
said to have a low requirement for internal validity.
The description is used for frequencies, averages and other statistical calculations. Often the
best approach, prior to writing descriptive research, is to conduct a survey investigation.
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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 dened as the
study of methods by which knowledge is
gained. Its aim is to give the work plan of
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research.
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
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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 errors
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:
Research hypothesis:
When a prediction or a hypothesized relationship is tested by adopting scientific
methods, it is known as research hypothesis. The research hypothesis is a predictive
statement which relates a dependent variable and an independent variable. Generally, a
research hypothesis must consist of at least one dependent variable and one
independent variable. Whereas, the relationships that are assumed but not be tested
are predictive statements that are not to be objectively verified are not classified as
research hypothesis.
Treatments:
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Experiment:
An experiment refers to the process of verifying the truth of a statistical hypothesis
relating to a given research problem. For instance, experiment may be conducted to
examine the yield of a certain new variety of rice crop developed. Further, Experiments
may be categorized into two types namely, absolute experiment and comparative
experiment. If a researcher wishes to determine the impact of a chemical fertilizer on
the yield of a particular variety of rice crop, then it is known as absolute experiment.
Meanwhile, if the researcher wishes to determine the impact of chemical fertilizer as
compared to the impact of bio-fertilizer, then the experiment is known as a comparative
experiment.
Experiment unit:
Experimental units refer to the predetermined plots, characteristics or the blocks, to
which the different treatments are applied. It is worth mentioning here that such
experimental units must be selected with great caution.
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Interviewing
Interviewing is easier but suffers from the
fact that participants may not come up
with honest replies.
Interview format:
Interviews take many different forms. It is a good idea to ask the organisation in advance what
format the interview will take.
Competency/criteria based interviews:
These are structured to reflect the competencies or qualities that an employer is seeking for a
particular job, which will usually have been detailed in the job specification or advert. The
interviewer is looking for evidence of your skills and may ask such things as: Give an example
of a time you worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal.
Technical interviews:
If you have applied for a job or course that requires technical knowledge, it is likely that you
will be asked technical questions or has a separate technical interview. Questions may focus on
your final year project or on real or hypothetical technical problems. You should be prepared to
prove yourself, but also to admit to what you do not know and stress that you are keen to
learn. Do not worry if you do not know the exact answer - interviewers are interested in your
thought process and logic.
Academic interviews:
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Structured interviews:
The interviewer has a set list of questions, and asks all the candidates the same
questions.
Formal/informal interviews:
Some interviews may be very formal, while others will feel more like an informal chat
about you and your interests. Be aware that you are still being assessed, however
informal the discussion may seem.
Get into the straightforward groove. Personality is not as important to the screener as
verifying your qualifications. Answer questions directly and succinctly. Save your winning
personality for the person making hiring decisions!
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Be tactful about addressing income requirements. Give a range, and try to avoid giving
specifics by replying, "I would be willing to consider your best offer."
If the interview is conducted by phone, it is helpful to have note cards with your vital
information sitting next to the phone. That way, whether the interviewer catches you
sleeping or vacuuming the floor, you will be able to switch gears quickly
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the field and the company.
Gain references to other people and make sure that the interviewer would be
comfortable if you contact other people and use his or her name.
Give the interviewer your card, contact information and resume. Write a thank you note
to the interviewer.
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Come to the interview prepared with highlights and anecdotes of your skills, qualities
and experiences. Do not rely on the interviewer to spark your memory-jot down some
notes that you can reference throughout the interview.
Remain alert to the interviewer. Even if you feel like you can take the driver's seat and
go in any direction you wish, remain respectful of the interviewer's role. If he or she
becomes more directive during the interview, adjust.
Ask well-placed questions. Although the open format allows you significantly to shape
the interview, running with your own agenda and dominating the conversation means
that you run the risk of missing important information about the company and its needs.
Research methods don't seem so intimidating when you're familiar with the terminology. This is
important whether you're conducting evaluation or merely reading articles about other studies
to incorporate in your program. To help with understanding, here are some basic definitions
used.
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Variable: Characteristics by which people or things can be described. Must have more
than one level; in other words, to be able to change over time for the same
person/object, or from person to person, or object to object. Some variables, called
attributes, cannot be manipulated by the researcher (e.g., socioeconomic status, IQ
score, race, gender, etc.). Some variables can be manipulated but are not in a particular
study. This occurs when subjects self-select the level of the independent variable, or the
level is naturally occurring (as with ex post facto research).
Independent variable: The treatment, factor, or presumed cause that will produce a
change in the dependent variable. This is what the experimenter tries to manipulate. It
is denoted as "X" on the horizontal axis of a graph.
Population: The complete set of subjects that can be studied: people, objects, animals,
plants, etc.
Sample: A subset of subjects that can be studied to make the research project more
manageable. There are a variety of ways samples can be taken. If a large enough
random samples are taken, the results can be statistically similar to taking a census of
an entire population--with reduced effort and cost.
Case Study:
A case study is conducted for similar purpose as the above but is usually done with a smaller
sample size for more in-depth study. A case study often involves direct observation or
interviews with single subjects or single small social units such as a family, club, school
classroom, etc. This is typically considered qualitative research.
Purpose: Explain or Predict
Type of Research to Use: Relational Study
In a relational study you start with a research hypothesis, that is, is what you're trying to
"prove."
Examples of research hypotheses for a relational study:
The older the person, the more health problems he or she encounters.
4-H members attending 4-H summer camp stay enrolled in 4-H longer.
The greater the number of money management classes attended, the greater the
amount of annual savings achieved.
Types of relational studies include correlational studies and ex post facto studies.
Correlational Study:
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