Viva voce Examination for PhD students

By
Dr.Umakant.G.Devaramani, Assistant professor
HKE, Societys Basaveshwara College of Education, Bidar
1) What is your research topic?
2) Why you selected this topic?
3) What is the relevance of your topic?
4) What are the operational definitions of the term used?
5) What are the objectives of the Study?
6) What are the hypotheses?
7) What kind of hypothesis used in your research?
8) What is meant by Null hypothesis?
9) What are your limitations of study?
10) What is meant by R.R.L?
11) What are the gaps your research topic to the earlier researches?
12) What research method you used for your research topic?
13) What is meant by experimental method?
14) What is meant by descriptive survey research method?
15) What are variables of study?
16) What is meant by Independent variables and dependent variables?
17) What is sampling?
18) What are the sampling techniques?
19) What does representative sampling mean?
20) What is meant by purposive sampling techniques?
21) What are the difference between probability and non-probability sampling?
22) What research tools used for your study?
23) Why you selected the readymade tools alone?

24) What are the characteristics of a good research tool?

25) What is meant by validity?
26) What is meant by reliability?
27) What is meant by concurrent validity?
28) Briefly, explain the content your research tools?
29) How do you prepared or constructed programmed instructional material?
30) What is meant by achievement motivation test?
31) What is meant by attitude scale?
32) What kind of attitude scale used in your research?
33) Briefly described the scoring procedure of
34) What statistical techniques employed for study?
35) What is meant by t test?
36) What is the Degree of freedom?
37) What are the levels of significance?
38) How do you test your null hypothesis?
39) What is meant by ANOVA?
40) What is One-way Analysis?
41) What are your major findings of study?
42) What are the Educational implications of your study?
43) What suggestions you will give for further study?
44) What is overall product of your research?

What is meant by research Design?

Research design is a blue print or structure with in which research is conducted. It constitutes the
blue print for the collection, measurement and analysis of data Thus, it can be said that research
design is an outline of what the researcher will do from writing of objectives, hypotheses and its
operational implications to find analysis of data. In this section, one presents what is so far
known about the problem under investigation. Generally theoretical / conceptual frame work is
already reported in earlier section. In this section researcher concentrates on studies conducted in

the area of interest. Here, a researcher will locate various studies conducted in his area and
interest. Try to justify that all such located studies are related to your work. For locating such
studies one will refer following documents / sources Surveys of research in Education.Ph. D.
Theses available in various libraries.. Various national / International journals, Internet resources
Limitation of Study.
In any research, it is not possible to cover all aspects of the area of interest, variables, population
and so on. Thus, a study has always certain limitations. Limitations are those conditions beyond
the control of the researcher that may play restriction on conclusions. Sometimes, the tool used is
not revalidated. This it becomes limitation of the study. Thus, limitation is a broad term, but
delimitation is a narrow term. It indicates boundaries of the study. The study on achievement in
English can be delimited to only grant-in-aid school, which includes schools that follow
Maharashtra State Board, so here beyond this conclusion, cannot be extended. This can be
made more specific by specifying the population and sample.
Hypothesis
Depending on the nature of study, the researcher would formulate hypotheses, The proposition of
a hypothesis is derived from theoretical constructs, previous researches on earlier researches, the
researcher can write research or will hypothesis will be more suitable however as per evidences
from previous researches one can decide the nature of hypothesis. Formulation of hypothesis is
an indication that researcher has sufficient knowledge in the area and it gives direction for data
collection and analysis. A hypothesis has to be: (I) testable, (ii) have explanatory power; (iii)
state expected relationship between variables. (iv) Consistent with existing body of knowledge.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis is usually considered as the principal instrument in research. The derivation of a
suitable hypothesis goes hand in hand with the selection of a research problem. A hypothesis, as
a tentative hunch, explains the situation under observation to design the study to prove or
disprove it. What a researcher is looking for is a working or positive hypothesis. It is very
difficult, laborious, and time consuming to make adequate discriminations in the complex
interplay of facts without hypothesis. It gives definite point and direction to the study, prevents
blind search and indiscriminate gathering of data, and helps to delimit the field of inquiry.

Meaning of Hypothesis.
Etymologically hypothesis is made up of two words, hypo (less than) and thesis, which
mean less than or less certain than a thesis. It is the presumptive statement of a proposition or a
reasonable guess, based upon the available evidence, which the researcher seeks to prove
through his study
A hypothesis is therefore a shrewd and intelligent guess, a supposition, inference, hunch,
provisional statement or tentative generalization as to the existence of some fact, condition or
relationship relative to some phenomenon which serves to explain already known facts in a given
area of research and to guide the search for new truth on the basis of empirical evidence. The
hypothesis is put to test for its tenability and for determining its validity.

What are the sources of Hypothesis?

The various sources of hypotheses may be:
Review of similar studies in the area or of the studies on similar problems;
Examination of data and records, if available, concerning the problem for possible trends,
peculiarities and other clues; Discussions with colleagues and experts about the problem, its
origin and the objectives in seeking a solution.
Exploratory personal investigation, which involves original field, interviews on a limited scale
with interested parties and individuals with a view to secure greater insight into the practical
aspects of the problem. Intuition is often considered a reasonable source of research hypotheses - especially when it is the intuition of a well-known researcher or theoretician who knows what
is known Rational Induction is often used to form new hypotheses by logically combining
the empirical findings from separate areas of research Prior empirical research findings are
perhaps the most common source of new research hypotheses, especially when carefully
combined using rational induction Thus hypothesis are formulated as a result of prior thinking

about the subject, examination of the available data and material including related studies and the
council of experts.

What are the Different types of Hypothesis?

Directional hypothesis: The hypotheses that stipulate the direction of the expected differences
or relationships are terms as directional hypotheses. For example, the research hypothesis:
There will be a positive relationship between individuals attitude towards high caste Hindus
and his socio-economic status, is a directional research hypothesis
Non-directional hypothesis: A research hypothesis, which does not specify the direction of
expected differences or relationships, is a non-directional research hypothesis. For example, the
hypotheses: There will be difference in the adaptability of fathers and mothers towards rearing
of their children
Statistical hypothesis: When it is time to test whether the data support or refute the research
hypothesis, it needs to be translated into a statistical hypothesis. A statistical hypothesis is given
in statistical terms. Technically, in the context of inferential statistics, it is a statement about one
or more parameters that are measures of the populations under study. Statistical hypotheses often
are given in quantitative terms, for example: The mean reading achievement of the population
of third-grade students taught by Method A equals the mean reading achievement of the
population taught by Method B
Declarative hypothesis: When the researcher makes a positive statement about the outcome of
the study, the hypothesis takes the declarative form. For example, the hypothesis: The academic
achievement of extroverts is significantly higher than that of the introverts, is stated in the
declarative form.
Null hypothesis: In the null form, the researcher makes a statement that no relationship exists.
The hypothesis, There is no significant difference between the academic achievement of high
school athletes and that of non athletes, is an example of null hypothesis. Since null hypotheses
can be tested statistically, they are often termed as statistical hypotheses.

What are the good characteristics of a good hypothesis? Hypothesis must possess the
following characteristics:
i) Hypothesis should be clear and precise. If the hypothesis is not clear and precise, the
inferences drawn on its basis cannot be taken as reliable.
ii) Hypothesis should be capable of being tested. Researcher may do some prior study in order to
make hypothesis a testable one. A hypothesis is testable if other deductions can be made from it
which, in turn, can be confirmed or disproved by observation.
iii) Hypothesis should state relationship between variables, if it happens to be a relational
hypothesis.
iv) Hypothesis should be limited in scope and must be specific. A researcher must remember that
narrower hypotheses are generally more testable and he should develop such hypotheses.
v) Hypothesis should be stated as far as possible in most simple terms so that the same is easily
understandable by all concerned. Nevertheless, one must remember that simplicity of hypothesis
has nothing to do with its significance.
vi) Hypothesis should be consistent with most known facts i.e. it must be consistent with a
substantial body of established facts. In other words, it should be one, which judges accept as
being the most likely.
vii) The hypotheses selected should be amenable to testing within a reasonable time. The
researcher should not select a problem, which involves hypotheses that are not agreeable to
testing within a reasonable and specified time. He must know that there are problems that cannot
be solved for a long time to come. These are problems of immense difficulty that cannot be
profitably studied because of the lack of essential techniques or measures. viii) Hypothesis must
explain the facts that gave rise to the need for explanation. This means that by using the
hypothesis plus other known and accepted generalizations, one should be able to deduce the
original problem condition. Thus, hypothesis must actually explain what it claims to explain, it
should have empirical reference.

What is meant by testing of hypothesis?

When the purpose of research is to test a research hypothesis, it is termed as hypothesis-testing

research. It can be of the experimental design or of the non-experimental design. Research in
which the independent variable is manipulated is termed experimental hypothesis-testing
research and a research in which an independent variable is not manipulated is called nonexperimental hypothesis-testing research.

How you test the null hypothesis?

In the context of statistical analysis, we often talk about null hypothesis and alternative
hypothesis. The null hypothesis is generally symbolized as H0 and the alternative hypothesis as
Ha. The null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis are chosen before the sample is drawn.
Generally, in hypothesis testing we proceed based on null hypothesis, keeping the alternative
hypothesis in view. Why so? The answer is that on the assumption that null hypothesis is true,
one can assign the probabilities to different possible sample results, but this cannot be done if we
proceed with the alternative hypothesis. Hence, the use of null hypothesis (at times also known
as statistical hypothesis) is quite frequent.
What is population of study?
Universe or Population: It refers to the totality of objects or individuals regarding which
inferences are to be made in a sampling study.
What is sampling? Sample: It is a collection consisting of a part or subset of the objects or
individuals of population, which is selected for the purpose, representing the population sample
obtained by collecting information only about some members of a population
Sampling: It is the process of selecting a sample from the population. For this population is
divided into a number of parts called Sampling Units.
What is the need of the sampling?
Large population can be conveniently covered.
Time, money, and energy is saved.
Helpful when units of area are homogenous.
Used when percent accuracy is not acquired.

Used when the data is unlimited

What are the characteristics of a good sampling?

A true representative of the population
Free from error due to bias
Adequate in size for being reliable
Units of sample should be independent and relevant
Units of sample should be complete precise and up to date
Free from random sampling error
Avoiding substituting the original sample for convenience

What are the different types of sampling techniques?

There are different types of sampling techniques based on two factors viz. (1) the representation
basis and (2) the element selection technique on the representation basis. The sample may be
probability sampling or it may be non-probability sampling. On the element basis, the sample
may be either unrestricted or restricted.
two types of sampling viz. (a) Probability Sampling and (b) Non-Probability Sampling

What are the types of probability sampling?

1) Simple random sampling 2) Systematic sampling 3) Stratified sampling
4) Cluster sampling 5) Multi-stage sampling.

What does stratified random sampling mean?

Stratified Sampling: The population is divided into smaller homogenous group or strata by
some characteristic and from each of these strata at random members are selected.
What is meant Non-probability sampling techniques?
a) Purposive Sampling b) Convenience Sampling c) Quota Sampling d) Snowball Sampling
Variable:-

If a characteristic of an observation (participant) differs for group, members it is called a

variable for instance, age can be considered a variable because age can take different values for
different people or for the same person at different times

TYPES OF VARIABLES.

Independent variables
Independent variables are variables, which are manipulated, controlled, or changed

Dependent variables
Dependent variables are the outcome variables and are the variables for which we calculate
statistics. The variable, which changes because of independent variable, is known as dependent
variable
Extraneous variable:
Independent variables that are not related to the purpose of the study, but may affect the
dependent variable are termed as extraneous variables
For Example Effectiveness of different methods of teaching Social Science,
Intervening variables:
They intervene between cause and effect. It is difficult to observe, as they are related with
individuals feelings such as boredom, fatigue excitement At times some of these variables cannot
be controlled or measured but have an important effect upon the result of the study as it
intervenes between cause and effect. Though difficult, it has to be controlled through appropriate
design.
Moderator:
A third variable that when introduced into an analysis alters or has a contingent effect on the
relationship between an independent and a dependent variable. A moderator variable is an
independent variable that is not of primary interest that has levels, which when combined with
the levels of the independent variable of interest produces different effects.
Research Method:-

What is meant by case study?

Case study research is descriptive research that involves describing and interpreting events,
conditions, circumstances, or situations that are occurring in the present
According to Odum, The case study method is a technique by which individual factor whether
it be an institution or just an episode in the life of an individual or a group is analyzed in its
relationship to any other in the group.
What is meant by descriptive study?
Descriptive statistics are used to present quantitative descriptions in a manageable form. In a
research study, we may have many measures. Or we may measure a large number of people on
one measure. Descriptive statistics help us to simply large amounts of data in a sensible way.
Each descriptive statistic reduces many data into a simpler summary.
What is condition for using Para metric test?
Conditions to be satisfied for Using Parametric Techniques: These are as follows:
1. The sample size is greater than 30.
2. Data are normally distributed.
3. Data are measured in interval or ratio scales.
4. Variances of different sub-groups are equal or nearly equal.
5. The sample is selected randomly.
6. Observations are independent.

What does a research tool mean?

For each type of research, we need certain instruments to gather new facts or to explore new
fields. The instruments thus employed as means for collecting data are called tools.
The selection of suitable instruments or tools is of vital importance for successful research.
Different tools are suitable for collecting various kinds of information for various purposes
What is major research tools used in research?
The major tools of research in education can be classified broadly into the following categories.
A. Inquiry forms Questionnaire Checklist Score-card Schedule Rating Scale Opinionnaire,
Attitude Scale
B. Observation C. Interview D. Sociometry E. Psychological Tests Achievement Test
Aptitude Test Intelligence Test Interest inventory Personality measures etc.

What is meant by rating scales?

Rating scale is one of the enquiry forms. Form is a term applied to expression or judgment
regarding some situation, object, or character. Opinions are usually expressed on a scale of
values. Rating techniques are devices by which such judgments may be quantified. Rating scale
is a very useful device in assessing quality, especially when quality is difficult to measure
objectively.
For example: How good was the performance?
Excellent Very good Good Average Below average Poor Very poor
___|________|_______|_____|_________|_________|_____|____

What is meant by attitude scale?

Attitude scale is a form of appraisal procedure and it is also one of the enquiry term. Attitude
scales have been designed to measure attitude of a subject of group of subjects towards issues,
institutions and group of peoples
What different types of attitude scales?
Two popular and useful methods of measuring attitudes indirectly, commonly used for research
purposes are:
Thurstone Techniques of scaled values.
Likerts method of summated ratings
What is meant by liket attitude scale?
The Likert scale uses items worded for or against the proposition, with five point rating response
indicating the strength of the respondents approval or disapproval of the statement. This method
removes the necessity of submitting items to the judges for working out scaled values for each
item.

What is meant opinion Questionnaire?

Opinion polling or opinion gauging represents a single question approach. The answers are
usually in the form of yesor no. An undecided category is often included. Sometimes-large
number of response alternatives if provided

What is meant Questionnaire?

A questionnaire is a form prepared and distributed to secure responses to certain questions. It is a
device for securing answers to questions by using a form, which the respondent fills by himself.
Itis a systematic compilation of questions that are submitted to a sampling of population from
which information is desired. can be of various type on the basis of its preparation. They are
like:
Structured v/s Non Structured
Closed v/s Open
Fact v/s Opinion
Statistical techniques.
This is crucial step in proposal. As to how collected data will be tabulated and organized for the
purpose of further analysis is to be reported in this section. If it is a quantitative research,
parametric or non-parametric statistical techniques will be used need to be reported. Before
applying any technique for data analysis, verify the needed assumptions about that particular
technique. Suppose if one wants to go for ANOVA, verify about assumption for normality,
nature of data especially in interval or ratio scale, homogeneity of variances and
randomization. If it is qualitative analysis, detailed out about nature of data, its tabulation,
organization and description. If data are to be analyzed with the help of content analysis, how
exactly it will be done needs to be detailed out. Whichever technique one is using, it needs to be
in tune with objectives and hypotheses of study.

What is level of Significance?

The level of significance: This is very important concept in the context of hypothesis testing. It
is always some percentage (usually 5%) which should be chosen with great care, thought and
reason. In case we take the significance level at 5 per cent, then this implies that H0 will be
rejected when the sampling result (i.e. observed evidence) has a less than 0.05 probability of
occurring if H0 is true. In other words, the 5 percent level of significance means that researcher
is willing to take as much as a 5 percent risk of rejecting the null hypothesis when it (H0)
happens to be true. Thus, the significance level is the maximum value of the probability of
rejecting H0 when it is true and is usually determined in advance before testing the hypothesis

What is meant by one-tailed test and two-tailed test?

Two-tailed and One-tailed tests: In the context of hypothesis testing, these two terms are quite
important and must be clearly understood. A two-tailed test rejects the null hypothesis if, say, the
sample mean is significantly higher or lower than the hypothesized value of the mean of the
population. Such a test is appropriate when the null hypothesis is some specified value and the
alternative hypothesis is a value not equal to the specified value of the null hypothesis. In a twotailed test, there are two rejection regions, one on each tail of the curve which can be illustrated
as under: If the significance level is 5 per cent and the two-tailed test is to be applied, the
probability of the rejection area will be 0.05 (equally divided on both tails of the curve as 0.025)
and that of the acceptance region will be 0.95 But there are situations when only one-tailed test is
considered appropriate. A one-tailed test would be used when we are to test, say, whether the
population mean is either lower than or higher than some hypothesized value. We should always
remember that accepting H0, based on sample information does not constitute the proof that H0
is true. We only mean that there is no statistical evidence to reject it.

What is meant by central tendency?

Measures of Central Tendency : These include Mean, Median and Mode which indicate the
average value of the variable being studied (Mean), the value above and below which lie 50% of
the sample values (Median) and the value which occurs the maximum number of times in the
sample (Mode). These help in determining the extent of normality of the distribution of scores on
the variable being studied
What is meant standard deviation (S.D)?
These include the standard deviation, Skewknes and kurtosis. The standard deviation indicates
the deviation of each score from the Mean.
What is t test? When it is suitable?

t-test : A t-test is used to compare the Mean Scores obtained by two groups on a single variable.
It is also used when F-ratio in ANOVA is found to be significant and the researcher wants to
compare the Mean scores of different groups included in the ANOVA. It can also be used to
compare the Mean of two groups such as (i) boys etc.
The assumptions on which the t-test is used are as follows
a) Data are normally distribution.
(b) Equality of variances, which can be tested
c) Samples may be independent or dependent, depending on the hypothesis
and the type of samples variance.
The t statistic to test whether the means are different can be calculated as follows: Standard Error
of the Difference between Means (SED) = (21 / N1 + 22/N2) t = (M1 M2) SED Where,
M1= Mean of Group 1 M2= Mean of Group 2 1= SD of Group 1 2= SD of Group 2
(M1 M2)
t=

---------------- (21 / N1 + 22/N2)

Where, M1= Mean of Group 1

M2= Mean of Group 2
1= SD of Group 1
2= SD of Group 2
Degree of Freedom Df= N1+N2--2
Note 1) if calculated t value is Greater than Table t value at .05 level of significance then
the null hypothesis is rejected and alternative hypothesis Is accepted. It mean that there is
significant difference exists between the two Variables.
2. if calculated t value is less than Table t value at .05 level of significance then the null
hypothesis is accepted It mean that there is no significant difference exists between the two
Variables.