Student ID No.

: NAZIRUL HAZIQ BIN MOHD RIZAL

IC No. / Passport No. : 010523012019
Subject Code : BBCM4013
Subject Name : BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS
Programme : BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Lecturer Name : DR. NOVARIA ZAHRAH
Date (dd/mm/yy) : 3/12/2023
Semester : 202309

Instruction to Candidates:
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2. All answer sheet must be combined together into ONE document before submission.
3. All answer must be type in ARIAL font size 12 OR written in blue or black ball point pen.
4. Any hand written or illustrations must be insert within this answer sheet document.

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SECTION A -

QUESTION 1

a. Rigour: Rigour in scientific research refers to the strict application of methods, protocols, and
procedures to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliability of the results. This involves meticulous
planning, precise execution, and thorough analysis to minimize bias and errors.

b. Testability: A key aspect of scientific research is the ability to test hypotheses or theories
through empirical investigation. Testability ensures that hypotheses can be examined and
validated or invalidated through observation, experimentation, or data collection, providing a basis
for drawing conclusions.

c. Parsimony: Also known as Occam's razor, parsimony suggests that among competing
hypotheses or explanations, the simplest one should be preferred until evidence dictates
otherwise. This principle encourages researchers to choose the most straightforward and
economical explanation that fits the observed data.

d. Objective: Objectivity involves maintaining a neutral and unbiased approach throughout the
research process. Researchers strive to minimize personal biases, preferences, or preconceived
notions that could influence the design, conduct, or interpretation of their studies.

e. Replicability: Replicability refers to the ability of other researchers to replicate or repeat a study
using the same methods and procedures to obtain similar results. It's a cornerstone of scientific
inquiry, ensuring that findings are not just one-time occurrences but can be consistently observed
under similar conditions, reinforcing the credibility of the research.

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QUESTION 2

1. Objective:

Basic Research: Focuses on expanding knowledge and understanding fundamental principles

without immediate practical application. It aims to explore the underlying mechanisms of natural
phenomena or theories.

Applied Research: Aims to solve specific problems or address practical concerns. It uses existing
knowledge from basic research to develop solutions, products, or technologies applicable to real-
world situations.

2. Goal:

Basic Research: Seeks to enhance the understanding of scientific concepts, laws, or theories. It
often involves curiosity-driven exploration to uncover new knowledge, without immediate
consideration for practical applications.

Applied Research: Aims to provide solutions or innovations that address specific problems or fulfill
practical needs. It focuses on developing usable products, processes, or methodologies based on
existing scientific knowledge.

3. Methods:

Basic Research: Often involves theoretical investigations, experimentation, and observation to

explore the underlying principles of a phenomenon. It can be more exploratory and less concerned
with immediate practical outcomes.

Applied Research: Utilizes existing scientific knowledge and applies it in practical settings. It
involves designing experiments, prototypes, or interventions geared toward solving particular
issues or meeting specific objectives.

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4. Timeframe:

Basic Research: Typically has a longer timeframe for discoveries to translate into practical
applications. The focus is on generating fundamental knowledge, which might not yield immediate,
tangible benefits.

Applied Research: Generally has a shorter timeframe, aiming to produce tangible outcomes or
solutions within a relatively quicker period by directly addressing practical problems.

5. Outcome:

Basic Research: Often leads to discoveries that may have unforeseen applications in the future. It
contributes to the pool of scientific knowledge, forming the basis for future applied research and
technological advancements.

Applied Research: Produces specific solutions, products, or improvements that have immediate
practical applications in industries, medicine, technology, or other fields.

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 QUESTION 3

Here's a guide on how to critically evaluate sources:

1. Define Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:

Clearly define the criteria for including or excluding sources. Consider factors such as publication
date, relevance to your research question, the credibility of the author, and the type of publication
(academic journal, book, conference proceedings).

2. Source Credibility:

Assess the credibility of the author or authors. Check their qualifications, expertise, and affiliations.
Authors with relevant academic or professional backgrounds are generally more credible. Be
cautious of potential biases that may influence the author's perspective.

3. Publication Source:

Evaluate the publication source. Peer-reviewed journals are typically considered more reliable
than non-peer-reviewed sources. Books from reputable publishers, conference proceedings, and
reports from reputable institutions also add credibility to the literature.

4. Publication Date:

Consider the publication date of the source. In rapidly evolving fields, recent information may be
crucial, while in more established areas, older seminal works may still be relevant. Ensure that the
literature you review is current enough to support your research.

5. Research Methods:

Examine the research methods used in the studies. Assess whether the methodology is
appropriate for the research question. Well-designed experiments, surveys, or analyses enhance
the reliability of the findings.

6. Sample Size and Generalizability:

For empirical studies, consider the sample size and whether the findings can be generalized to a
broader population. Small sample sizes may limit the generalizability of the results.
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7. Literature Gap:

Identify any gaps in the existing literature. A good literature review not only summarizes existing
knowledge but also highlights areas where further research is needed. Look for studies that
contribute to filling these gaps.

8. Consistency and Replicability:

Assess whether the findings are consistent across multiple studies. Replicability strengthens the
validity of research. If conflicting results exist, explore the reasons behind the discrepancies.

9. Citations and References:

Examine the citations and references used by the author. A well-referenced paper that builds upon
existing literature is more likely to be credible. Pay attention to the quality and relevance of the
sources cited.

10. Critical Analysis:

Provide a critical analysis of each source. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses, limitations, and
potential biases. This will demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the literature and contribute to
the overall quality of your review.

11. Relevance to Research Question:

Finally, consider how each source contributes to addressing your research question. Ensure that
the information is directly relevant and adds value to your study.

By systematically applying these criteria, researchers can critically evaluate the quality and
relevance of sources, ensuring that their literature review is based on sound, credible, and
pertinent information.

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QUESTION 4

Here are three main types of research designs:

1. Experimental Research Design:

 Overview: Experimental design involves manipulating variables to observe the effect on

another variable. It aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
 Key Features: This design includes a controlled environment where researchers manipulate
an independent variable to observe its impact on a dependent variable while controlling for
other factors (extraneous variables).
 Example: A drug trial where participants are randomly assigned to receive either the
experimental drug or a placebo. The impact of the drug on health outcomes can be observed
and measured.

2. Descriptive Research Design:

 Overview: Descriptive research aims to describe characteristics of a population or

phenomenon. It doesn't involve manipulating variables but focuses on observing and recording
behaviors, conditions, or attitudes.
 Key Features: This design collects data to depict the current state or prevalence of a situation,
providing insights into what exists or occurs without altering it.
 Example: Surveys or observational studies that collect data on demographics, behaviors,
opinions, or trends in society without any intervention.

3. Correlational Research Design:

 Overview: Correlational research examines the relationship between two or more variables
without manipulating them. It determines whether and how variables are related but doesn't
establish causation.
 Key Features: This design measures the degree of association or correlation between
variables, showing how changes in one variable relate to changes in another.

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 Example: Studying the relationship between smoking and lung cancer. Correlational studies
can indicate that there's a relationship between smoking and increased likelihood of lung
cancer, but they can't prove that smoking causes cancer.

Each research design has its strengths and limitations. The choice of design depends on the
research question, the level of control required, ethical considerations, available resources, and
the specific aims of the study. Researchers select the design that best suits their objectives and
allows them to gather the most relevant and valid data to answer their research questions.

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 QUESTION 5

Here are four probability sampling techniques with examples:

1. Simple Random Sampling:

 Description: In simple random sampling, every individual in the population has an equal
chance of being selected. This is typically achieved through random processes such as
random number generators or drawing names from a hat.
 Example: Suppose you want to study the opinions of college students on a particular issue.
You could assign each student a unique number, use a random number generator to select a
sample size, and then contact the corresponding students for their opinions.

2. Stratified Random Sampling:

 Description: In stratified random sampling, the population is divided into subgroups or strata
based on certain characteristics that are relevant to the research. Samples are then randomly
selected from each stratum.
 Example: Imagine you are studying academic performance in a university and you know that
there are three major disciplines – science, arts, and commerce. You could use stratified
random sampling to ensure representation from each discipline by randomly selecting
students from each stratum.

3. Systematic Sampling:

 Description: Systematic sampling involves selecting every kth individual from a list after a
random start. The sampling interval (k) is determined by dividing the population size by the
desired sample size.
 Example: If you are conducting a survey at a shopping mall and the mall has a list of shoppers,
you might randomly select a starting point and then survey every 10th person who enters the
mall after that initial selection.

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4. Cluster Sampling:

 Description: Cluster sampling involves dividing the population into clusters (groups), randomly
selecting some clusters, and then including all members from the selected clusters in the
sample.
 Example: Consider a study on regional variations in environmental attitudes. You might first
identify regions (clusters) and randomly select a few regions. Then, you would survey all
individuals within the chosen regions to gather data on their environmental attitudes.

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SECTION B – ESSAY QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

Research Proposal: Enhancing Employee Motivation at TechSolutions Malaysia

a) Research Objectives:

1. To assess the impact of work-life balance on employee motivation:

 Investigate the challenges employees face in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

 Examine how work-life balance influences motivation levels among employees.

2. To analyze the relationship between job security and employee motivation:

 Assess employees' perceptions of job security within the organization.

 Evaluate how perceived job security correlates with the motivation of employees.

3. To explore the role of recognition in influencing employee motivation:

 Examine employees' perceptions of the recognition practices at TechSolutions Malaysia.

 Analyze the connection between perceived recognition and the motivation levels of employees.

b) List of Variables:

1. Independent Variables:

 Work-life balance
 Job security
 Recognition practices

2. Dependent Variable:

 Employee motivatio

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c) Conceptual Framework:

The conceptual framework illustrates the relationships among the variables and serves as a guide
for the research study.

1. Independent Variables:

 Work-life balance

 Components: Flexibility, workload, employee support programs

 Job security

 Components: Perception of job stability, organizational communication

 Recognition practices

 Components: Formal and informal recognition, rewards, career advancement opportunities

2. Dependent Variable:

 Employee motivation

 Components: Intrinsic motivation, job satisfaction, commitment

The arrows in the conceptual framework represent the expected relationships and directions of
influence among the variables. For example, it is hypothesized that an improvement in work-life
balance and perceived job security will positively influence employee motivation.

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d) Hypothesis Development:

 Hypothesis for Work-life Balance:

H1: There is a positive relationship between employees' perceived work-life balance and their
motivation levels.

H0: There is no significant relationship between employees' perceived work-life balance and their
motivation levels.

 Hypothesis for Job Security:

H2: Higher perceived job security is positively associated with increased employee motivation.

H0: There is no significant association between perceived job security and employee motivation.

 Hypothesis for Recognition Practices:

H3: Employees who perceive higher levels of recognition are more motivated.

H0: There is no significant relationship between employees' perceived recognition and their
motivation levels.

By testing these hypotheses, the research aims to provide TechSolutions Malaysia with valuable
insights into the factors influencing employee motivation and guide the development of strategies
to address the identified challenges.

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 QUESTION 2

1. Surveys:

Advantages:

 Efficiency: Surveys can be administered to a large number of respondents simultaneously,

making them a time-efficient method.
 Standardization: Questions and response options can be standardized, allowing for easy
comparison of results.
 Anonymity: Participants can provide honest feedback without fear of judgment.

Disadvantages:

 Limited Depth: Surveys may not capture in-depth insights, and respondents may provide
superficial or socially desirable responses.
 Response Bias: Depending on the format and wording of questions, respondents may
introduce bias into their answers.
 Low Response Rates: Getting participants to complete surveys can be challenging, leading to
lower response rates.

2. Interviews:

Advantages:

 In-depth Information: Interviews allow for detailed exploration of customer experiences and
opinions, providing rich qualitative data.
 Clarification: Interviewers can clarify questions and probe for deeper responses, improving
data quality.
 Flexibility: The format can be adapted based on participant responses, allowing for flexibility in
data collection.

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Disadvantages:

 Time-Consuming: Conducting interviews can be time-consuming, especially with a large

sample size.
 Interviewer Bias: Interviewer characteristics and biases may influence participant responses.
 Cost: In-person interviews or telephone interviews may incur higher costs compared to other
methods.

3. Observational Research:

Advantages:

 Naturalistic Insights: Observing customers in their natural environment provides genuine

insights into behavior and preferences.
 Non-Verbal Cues: Observations can capture non-verbal cues, helping to understand customer
reactions that may not be expressed verbally.
 No Response Bias: Since participants are not directly involved, there is no risk of response
bias.

Disadvantages:

 Limited Context: Observational research may lack context, and researchers may misinterpret
observed behavior.
 Ethical Concerns: Privacy issues may arise, especially if customers are unaware of being
observed.
 Subjectivity: The researcher's interpretations can introduce subjectivity into the analysis.

4. Online Analytics:

Advantages:

 Real-time Data: Online analytics provide real-time data, enabling quick responses to changing
customer behaviors.
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 Large Data Sets: Collecting data from online platforms can yield large datasets for
comprehensive analysis.
 Cost-Efficient: Online data collection is often cost-effective compared to other methods.

Disadvantages:

 Limited Insight into Motivations: While online analytics can show what customers do, they may
not reveal why they do it.
 Data Accuracy: Inaccurate or incomplete data may lead to biased conclusions.
 Digital Divide: Certain customer segments may be underrepresented if they are not active
online.

Selecting the most appropriate data collection method involves considering the research
objectives, available resources, and the nature of the information sought from customers.
Combining multiple methods (mixed-methods approach) is also a strategy to address the
limitations of individual methods and enhance the overall validity of the findings.

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