PUNJAB UNIVERSITY JHELUM CAMPUS

RESEARCH METHODS
BSM-II
ASSIGNMENT

SUBMITTED BY: Ayesha Akram

31 (Eve)
SUBMITTED TO: DR.SYED SOHAIB ZUBAIR
SUBMISSION DATE: 8, NOVEMBER 2020

QUESTION NO: 1

There are usually 3 purposes of a social or business research. You are required to
differentiate between the three purposes i.e. exploratory descriptive and
explanatory research. One example from business, social or public administration is
required for each type?

ANSWER:

Social research can serve a variety of purposes. Three of the most influential and
common purposes of research are exploratory, descriptive and explanatory.
Exploration involves familiarizing a researcher with a topic. Exploration satisfies the
researcher's curiosity and desire for improved understanding.

EXPLORATORY RESEARCH:
Exploratory research is defined as a research used to investigate a problem which is not
clearly defined. It is conducted to have a better understanding of the existing problem, but
will not provide conclusive results.

EXAMPLE:

The following are some examples for studies with exploratory research design
in business studies. A study into the role of social networking sites as an effective
marketing communication channel. An investigation into the ways of
improvement of quality of customer services within hospitality sector in London.

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH:

Descriptive research is used to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon

being studied. It does not answer questions about how/when/why the characteristics
occurred. Rather it addresses the "what" question (what are the characteristics of the
population or situation being studied?). The characteristics used to describe the situation
or population is usually some kind of categorical scheme also known as descriptive
categories.

EXAMPLE:

For example, an apparel brand that wants to understand the fashion purchasing trends
among New York buyers will conduct a demographic survey of this region, gather
population data and then conduct descriptive research on this demographic segment.

EXPLANTORY RESEARCH:

Exploratory research is "the preliminary research to clarify the exact nature of the
problem to be solved." It is used to ensure additional research is taken into consideration
during an experiment as well as determining research priorities, collecting data and
honing in on certain subjects who may be difficult to take note of without exploratory
research. It can include techniques, such as: secondary research - such as reviewing
available literature and/or data.

EXAMPLE:

Some of the popular methods of explanatory research design include literature searches,
depth interview, focus groups, and case analysis.

● Literature Research
● In-depth study of every single problem
 ● Focus Group Research
● Case Analysis Research

Define research; give 1 example of business research and public administration research?

ANSWER:

Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing
knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and
understandings. This definition of research encompasses pure and strategic
basic research, applied research and experimental development. Research is careful and
organized study or gathering of information about a specific topic.

For example

There are various types of qualitative research methods such as interviews, focus groups,
ethnographic research, content analysis, case study research that are widely used. Such
methods are of very high importance in business research as it enables the researcher to
understand the consumer.

As a public administrator, you could pursue a career in government or nonprofit work in

areas related to the following interests or departments:

● Transportation.
● Community and economic development.
● Public health/social services.
● Education/higher education.
● Parks and recreation.
● Housing.
● Law enforcement and public safety.