MANIPAL UNIVERSTY JAIPUR

INTERNAL ASSIGNMENT

NAME HIMANI UPADHYAY

ROLL NO 2314106240
PROGRAMME BACHELOR OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION (BBA)
SEMESTER 3
COURSE CODE & NAME DBB2103 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

[ SET –1 ]
Question – 1

Ans – 1) Conducting research involves a systematic process of investigating a specific

problem or question to gain new knowledge or insights. Here’s an explanation of the research
process, taking into account a general research problem for clarity:

Research Problem:

Let's consider a research problem: "The impact of social media usage on academic performance
among college students."

Steps in the Research Process:

1. Identify and Define the Research Problem:

 • Clearly articulate the problem or question you want to address.
• Example: "Does the amount of time college students spend on social media negatively
affect their academic performance?"

2. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature to understand what has already

been researched on the topic. This helps in identifying gaps and framing the research
question.
• Sources include academic journals, books, conference papers, and reputable online
resources.

3.Formulate Hypotheses:

• Develop hypotheses or research questions based on the literature review.

• Example Hypothesis: "Increased social media usage is associated with lower academic
performance among college students."

4. Research Design:

• Decide on the research methodology: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.

• Determine the tools and techniques for data collection: surveys, interviews, experiments,
etc.

5. Data Collection:

• Gather data using the chosen methods.

• For our example, this could involve conducting surveys with college students about their
social media habits and academic performance.

6. Data Analysis:

• Analyze the collected data using appropriate statistical or qualitative methods.

• This could involve statistical tests to determine the correlation between social media
usage and academic performance.

7. Interpretation of Results:

• Interpret the findings to understand the implications of the data.

• Example: "The analysis shows a significant negative correlation between time spent on
social media and GPA among college students."

8. Conclusion and Recommendations:

• Draw conclusions based on the research findings and suggest practical recommendations
or further research.
 • Example: "Institutions should consider integrating digital literacy programs to help
students manage their social media usage."

9. Report Writing:

• Compile the research into a structured report or paper, detailing the problem,
methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Follow the appropriate academic or professional format.

10. Dissemination:

• Share the research findings with the broader community through publications,
presentations, or digital platforms.
• Example: Publishing the study in an academic journal or presenting it at a conference.

Example Breakdown Using the Provided Image:

To illustrate with the provided image (a diagram likely related to research methodology):

1. Introduction to the Problem:

• The diagram might show an overview of the research process, starting with identifying
the problem.

2. Literature Review Section:

• The image could depict a flowchart or steps indicating sources of literature and how to
review them.

3. Hypothesis Formulation:

• The image might include a section on developing research questions or hypotheses.

4. Research Design and Data Collection:

• There could be icons or steps showing survey creation, sample selection, and data
gathering methods.

5. Data Analysis and Interpretation:

• The diagram might illustrate various analytical tools and techniques.

6. Conclusions and Reporting:

• The final sections of the image could cover drawing conclusions, writing the report, and
disseminating the findings.
By following these steps, researchers can systematically investigate their chosen problems and
contribute valuable insights to their fields of study.

Question – 2

Ans – 2) Research design refers to the overall strategy and structure of a research project,
outlining how to collect, measure, and analyze data. It serves as a blueprint for the research,
ensuring that the study addresses the research problem effectively and efficiently.

Types of Research Designs

1. Exploratory Research Design:

• Purpose: To explore a phenomenon, gain insights, and understand problems where little
prior information is available.
• Methods: Qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, and observations are
often used.

• Examples:

• Example 1: Conducting interviews with educators to understand challenges in

implementing remote learning during the pandemic.
• Example 2: Using focus groups to explore consumer perceptions of a new product concept
before its launch.
•
2. Descriptive Research Design:

• Purpose: To describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon, providing a

detailed account without investigating causal relationships.
• Methods: Surveys, observational methods, and case studies are commonly used.

• Examples:

• Example 1: Surveying high school students to determine the prevalence of smartphone

usage during school hours.
• Example 2: Conducting a case study on a successful startup to document its growth strategy
and operational model.

3. Correlational Research Design:

• Purpose: To identify and analyze the relationship between two or more variables without
determining causal effects.
• Methods: Surveys and archival data are typically used to collect data for statistical
analysis.
• Examples:

• Example 1: Using a survey to examine the relationship between social media usage and
self-esteem among teenagers.
• Example 2: Analyzing archival data to determine the correlation between economic
indicators (like GDP) and unemployment rates.

4. Experimental Research Design:

• Purpose: To establish cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating one or more

independent variables and observing the effect on dependent variables.
• Methods: Controlled experiments, often using random assignment.

• Examples:

• Example 1: Conducting a lab experiment to test the effect of different types of music on
task performance among adults.
• Example 2: Performing a field experiment to examine the impact of a new teaching
method on student performance in a classroom setting.

5. Quasi-Experimental Research Design:

• Purpose: Similar to experimental designs but without random assignment, used when
randomization is impractical or unethical.
• Methods: Non-randomized experiments, often involving matched groups or pre-existing
groups.

Examples:

• Example 1: Studying the effect of a new curriculum on student performance in two

schools, where one implements the curriculum and the other does not (non-random
assignment).
• Example 2: Assessing the impact of a public health intervention on smoking rates by
comparing communities that adopt the intervention with those that do not.

6. Longitudinal Research Design:

• Purpose: To study changes and developments over time by repeatedly measuring the
same variables.
• Methods: Panel studies, cohort studies, and repeated cross-sectional surveys.

Examples:

• Example 1: Conducting a panel study to track the career progression of graduates from a
specific university over ten years.
 • Example 2: Using a cohort study to examine the long-term health outcomes of
individuals exposed to a particular environmental factor.

Example Breakdown Using the Provided Image:

The provided image is likely a diagram illustrating various research designs, including their
characteristics, methods, and examples. Here’s how the image might be interpreted based on
typical research design diagrams:

1. Exploratory Design Section: Might include illustrations of interviews and focus groups.
2. Descriptive Design Section: Could show examples of surveys and case studies.
3. Correlational Design Section: May depict surveys and data analysis charts.
4. Experimental Design Section: Likely includes images of laboratory settings and
controlled experiments.
5. Quasi-Experimental Design Section: Could illustrate non-randomized groups and
intervention studies.
6. Longitudinal Design Section: Might show a timeline with repeated measurements and
follow-up studies.
Understanding these research designs helps in choosing the appropriate methodology for a given
research problem, ensuring the study is well-structured and yields valid, reliable results.

Question – 3

Ans – 3) Role of Sampling Method in Business Research

In business research, sampling involves selecting a subset of individuals, events, or items from a
larger population to make inferences about that population. The main role of sampling is to
collect data that represents the entire population without having to survey everyone, which can
be time-consuming and expensive. Effective sampling methods ensure the data is reliable and
valid, enabling businesses to make informed decisions.

Probability vs. Non-Probability Sampling Techniques

Probability Sampling

Probability sampling methods are based on random selection, where every member of the
population has a known, non-zero chance of being selected. This type of sampling allows for
generalization of the results to the larger population, and it supports the use of statistical
techniques to calculate the likelihood of sampling errors.

1. Simple Random Sampling:

• Description: Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
 • Example: A company wants to survey its employees about job satisfaction. It randomly
selects 50 employees from a list of 500.

2. Stratified Random Sampling:

• Description: The population is divided into subgroups (strata) based on a characteristic,

and random samples are taken from each stratum.
• Example: A retailer wants to understand customer satisfaction across different age
groups. They divide their customers into age brackets (e.g., 18-29, 30-44, 45-60, 60+)
and randomly sample 50 customers from each age group

3. Systematic Sampling:

• Description: Selecting every nth member from a list of the population, starting from a
randomly chosen point.
• Example: A factory wants to inspect the quality of its products. It selects every 10th
product off the assembly line for inspection.

4. Cluster Sampling:

• Description: The population is divided into clusters, usually based on geography or other
natural groupings, and entire clusters are randomly selected.
• Example: A nationwide survey on consumer preferences selects several cities (clusters)
and surveys every household within those cities

Non-Probability Sampling

Non-probability sampling methods do not involve random selection. This means that some
elements of the population have no chance of being selected, and the ability to generalize the
findings to the entire population is limited. These methods are often used when probability
sampling is not feasible.

1. Convenience Sampling:

• Description: Selecting a sample based on ease of access and availability.

• Example: A researcher stands outside a shopping mall and surveys the first 100 people
who pass by about their shopping habits.

2. Judgmental/Purposive Sampling:

• Description: Selecting a sample based on the researcher’s judgment about which

respondents will be most useful or representative.
• Example: A tech company wants feedback on a new software feature. It selects beta
testers who are known to be tech-savvy and provide detailed feedback.

3. Quota Sampling:
 • Description: Ensuring the sample meets certain quotas that reflect the population
characteristics.
• Example: A political pollster wants to ensure their sample includes 40% men and 60%
women, matching the gender distribution of the voting population.

4. Snowball Sampling:

• Description: Existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their
acquaintances.
• Example: A study on a rare medical condition starts with a few patients and asks them to
refer other patients they know with the same condition.

Example Breakdown Using the Provided Image:

The provided image likely illustrates different sampling methods, potentially showing diagrams
or flowcharts to explain how each method is applied. Here’s a detailed interpretation based on
typical sampling diagrams:

• Probability Sampling Section: Might include diagrams of random selection processes,

stratification methods, systematic sampling steps, and cluster formation.
• Non-Probability Sampling Section: Could depict convenience sampling locations,
purposive sampling decision points, quota sampling structures, and snowball sampling
networks.

Understanding the differences between probability and non-probability sampling techniques is

crucial for selecting the appropriate method for business research, depending on the research
goals, population characteristics, and available resources.

[ SET –2 ]
Question – 4
Ans – 4) Situations for Primary and Secondary Data Collection

Primary Data Collection:

Primary data collection involves gathering new, original data directly from sources. This method
is typically used when specific, firsthand information is needed for a particular research purpose.
Situations include:

1. New Market Research: A company launching a new product may conduct surveys or focus
groups to understand consumer preferences and behaviors.
2. Medical Studies: Researchers conducting clinical trials to test the efficacy of a new drug will
collect data directly from participants.

3. Social Science Research: Sociologists may use interviews or observations to study

community behaviors and social patterns.

4. Environmental Studies: Ecologists might collect field data on plant and animal populations
to study environmental changes.

Secondary Data Collection:

Secondary data collection involves using existing data that was collected for another purpose.
This method is appropriate when researchers need to leverage already available information for
their study. Situations include:

1. Literature Reviews: Academics reviewing existing studies to frame their research questions
or hypotheses.

2. Trend Analysis: Economists analyzing historical economic data to forecast future trends.

3. Policy Making: Government agencies using census data to inform public policy decisions.

4. Business Intelligence: Companies using market reports to analyze industry trends and
competitive landscapes.

Methods of Collecting Primary Data

1. Surveys and Questionnaires:

• Example: A retail company conducting customer satisfaction surveys to gather feedback on

their shopping experience.
•
• Advantages: Can reach a large audience, structured data collection.
•
• Disadvantages: Responses may be superficial, potential for low response rates.

2. Interviews:

• Example: Researchers conducting in-depth interviews with employees to understand job

satisfaction and workplace dynamics.
•
• Advantages: In-depth and detailed information, flexible questioning.
•
• Disadvantages: Time-consuming, interviewer bias.

3. Focus Groups:
• Example: A tech company organizing focus groups to test user reactions to a new software
interface.
•
• Advantages: Interactive discussion, diverse perspectives.
•
• Disadvantages: Groupthink, dominance by certain participants.
•
4. Observations:

• Example: Ethnographers observing community interactions in a rural village to study

cultural practices.
•
• Advantages: Real-world context, non-intrusive.
•
• Disadvantages: Observer bias, limited to observable behaviors.
•
5. Experiments:

• Example: Psychologists conducting lab experiments to study the effects of sleep deprivation
on cognitive performance.
•
• Advantages: Controlled environment, can establish causality.
•
• Disadvantages: Artificial setting, ethical constraints.
•
6. Field Trials:

• Example: Agricultural scientists conducting field trials to test the effectiveness of a new
fertilizer.
•
• Advantages: Real-world conditions, practical applications.
•
• Disadvantages: Environmental variables, expensive.
•
Conclusion

The choice between primary and secondary data collection methods depends on the research
objectives, resources, and context. Primary data collection is ideal for obtaining specific,
detailed, and current information directly from the source, while secondary data collection is
efficient for leveraging existing data to build on past research or to gain broad insights. Each
primary data collection method has its unique advantages and challenges, making it important for
researchers to choose the most appropriate method for their specific needs.

Question – 5
Ans – 5) Understanding a Questionnaire

A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions and other prompts

for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. Questionnaires can be used in various
research fields, including market research, social research, and health surveys, among others.
They are a cost-effective way to collect large amounts of data from a significant number of
respondents.

Designing a Questionnaire for Assessing Customer Satisfaction

Creating an effective questionnaire involves several key steps to ensure that it collects reliable
and valid data. Here’s a detailed process for designing a questionnaire to assess customer
satisfaction for any product:

1. Define the Objectives

Purpose: Clearly define the goals of the customer satisfaction survey. Understand what specific
information you need to gather and why it is important.

• Example Objective: To assess customer satisfaction regarding the new smartphone

model and identify areas for improvement.

2. Identify the Target Audience

Who: Determine who your respondents will be. This could be current users of the product, past
users, or potential customers.

• Example: Current users of the new smartphone model.

3. Develop the Questionnaire Content

Questions: Formulate questions that align with your objectives. Use a mix of question types to
gather comprehensive data.

Types of Questions:

• Closed-ended Questions: These include multiple-choice, yes/no, or rating scale

questions that provide quantitative data.

Example: "How satisfied are you with the battery life of the smartphone?" (1-5 scale)

• Open-ended Questions: These allow respondents to express their opinions in their own
words, providing qualitative data.

Example: "What features do you like most about the smartphone?"

Common Areas to Cover:

• Overall satisfaction
• Product features (e.g., battery life, design, performance)
• Customer service experience
• Value for money
• Likelihood of recommending the product

4. Structure the Questionnaire

Flow: Arrange questions in a logical order. Start with broader questions and move towards more
specific ones. Ensure the questionnaire flows smoothly to maintain respondent engagement.

1. Example Structure:

1. ntroduction and purpose of the survey

2. Overall satisfaction questions
3. Specific product feature questions
4. Customer service questions
5. Open-ended feedback questions
6. Demographic questions (optional)
7. Thank you note and instructions for submission

5. Pre-test and Revise

Pilot Testing: Conduct a pilot test with a small group of respondents to identify any issues with
the questions or the questionnaire format.

• Example: Distribute the questionnaire to 10-15 customers and gather feedback on clarity
and relevance.

Revise: Make necessary adjustments based on feedback. Ensure that the questions are clear,
concise, and unbiased.

6. Administer the Questionnaire

Distribution: Choose the appropriate method to distribute your questionnaire. Options include
online surveys, email, face-to-face, or via phone.

• Example: Use an online survey platform like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms to

distribute the questionnaire to customers via email.

7. Analyze the Data

Data Analysis: After collecting responses, analyze the data to extract meaningful insights. Use
statistical tools to analyze quantitative data and content analysis methods for qualitative data.
 • Example: Use software like SPSS or Excel for quantitative analysis and NVivo for
qualitative analysis.

8. Report Findings

Presentation: Compile the findings into a report. Highlight key insights, patterns, and actionable
recommendations based on the data.

• Example: Create a presentation that includes customer satisfaction scores, common

issues identified, and suggestions for product improvement.

Example Questionnaire for Assessing Customer Satisfaction

Introduction

"We value your feedback! Please take a few minutes to answer this survey about your recent
experience with our new smartphone model."

Overall Satisfaction

1. How satisfied are you with the overall performance of the smartphone? (1-5 scale)
2. How likely are you to recommend this smartphone to others? (1-5 scale)

Product Features

1. How satisfied are you with the battery life of the smartphone? (1-5 scale)
2. How would you rate the design and build quality? (1-5 scale)
3. How satisfied are you with the camera quality? (1-5 scale)

Customer Service

1. How satisfied are you with the customer service you received? (1-5 scale)
2. Was your issue resolved in a timely manner? (Yes/No)

Open-ended Feedback

1. What do you like most about the smartphone?

2. What improvements would you suggest for the smartphone?

Demographics (Optional)

1. What is your age group? (18-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46+)

2. How long have you been using the smartphone? (Less than a month, 1-3 months, 3-6 months,
More than 6 months)
Thank You Note

"Thank you for your time and feedback!

By following these steps and considerations, you can design a comprehensive and effective
questionnaire that accurately assesses customer satisfaction for any product.

Question – 6

Ans – 6) A) Hypothesis and its Types

Hypothesis:

A hypothesis is a testable statement or prediction about the relationship between two

or more variables. It serves as the foundation for conducting research, guiding the
direction of the study, and determining the focus of data collection and analysis.

Types of Hypotheses:

1. Null Hypothesis (H0):

• Definition: States that there is no effect or no relationship between variables.

• Example: "There is no significant difference in job satisfaction between
employees who work remotely and those who work on-site."

2. Alternative Hypothesis (H1 or Ha):

• Definition: Contradicts the null hypothesis, indicating that there is an effect or a

relationship between variables.
• Example: "Employees who work remotely have higher job satisfaction than those
who work on-site."

3. Directional Hypothesis:

• Definition: Specifies the expected direction of the relationship between variables.

• Example: "Students who study with music have lower test scores than those who
study in silence."

4. Non-Directional Hypothesis:
 • Definition: Indicates that a relationship exists between variables but does not
specify the direction.
• Example: "There is a difference in test scores between students who study with
music and those who study in silence."

5. Simple Hypothesis:

• Definition: Involves a relationship between two variables, one independent and

one dependent.
• Example: "Increasing the amount of daily exercise leads to weight loss."

6. Complex Hypothesis:

• Definition: Involves relationships between more than two variables.

• Example: "Exercise and diet together have a significant impact on weight loss and
overall health."

7. Empirical Hypothesis:

• Definition: Based on observed and verified phenomena.

• Example: "The presence of certain bacteria in the gut is associated with the
development of type 2 diabetes."

8. Logical Hypothesis:

• Definition: Based on logical reasoning and background knowledge, not yet

tested.
• Example: "If a plant receives more sunlight, it will grow taller."

B) Structure of a Report Writing

A well-structured report is crucial for conveying information clearly and effectively. The
typical structure includes several key sections:

1. Title Page

• Contents: Title of the report, author's name, institution or organization, date of

submission.
 • Purpose: Provides a clear, concise title and necessary information about the
report.

2. Abstract

• Contents: A brief summary of the report, including the main objectives, methods,
results, and conclusions.
• Purpose: Gives readers a quick overview of the report’s content.

3. Table of Contents

• Contents: A list of all sections and sub-sections with page numbers.

• Purpose: Helps readers navigate through the report easily.

4. Introduction

• Contents: Background information, objectives of the report, scope, and

significance.
• Purpose: Introduces the topic and sets the context for the report.

5. Literature Review (if applicable)

• Contents: Summary and analysis of existing research related to the report's topic.
• Purpose: Provides context and shows how the current report fits into existing
knowledge.

6. Methodology

• Contents: Description of methods used for data collection and analysis.

• Purpose: Explains how the research was conducted and ensures the study's
reliability and validity.

7. Results

• Contents: Presentation of findings using text, tables, graphs, and charts.

• Purpose: Displays the data collected in a clear and concise manner.

8. Discussion
 • Contents: Interpretation of results, implications, and comparison with existing
studies.
• Purpose: Analyzes the findings, discusses their significance, and how they fit into
the broader context.

9. Conclusion

• Contents: Summary of key findings, implications, recommendations, and future

research directions.
• Purpose: Provides a concise conclusion based on the report’s findings.

10. References

• Contents: List of all sources cited in the report.

• Purpose: Acknowledges the work of others and allows readers to locate the
original sources.

11. Appendices (if applicable)

• Contents: Additional material such as raw data, detailed calculations, or

supplementary information.
• Purpose: Provides extra information without cluttering the main body of the
report.

Example Structure of a Report on Customer Satisfaction

1. Title Page:

• "Customer Satisfaction Report for ABC Smartphone"

• Author: John Doe
• Company: XYZ Research
• Date: June 2024

2. Abstract:

• A summary of the objectives, methodology, key findings, and recommendations.

3. Table of Contents:
• Lists sections such as Introduction, Methodology, Results, etc., with page
numbers.

4. Introduction:

• Overview of the importance of customer satisfaction

• Objectives of the study
• Scope of the report

5. Literature Review:

• Analysis of previous studies on customer satisfaction in the smartphone industry.

6. Methodology:

• Survey design and distribution

• Data collection methods
• Sample size and demographics

7. Results:

• Presentation of survey findings with tables and charts

• Analysis of satisfaction levels across different product features

8. Discussion:

• Interpretation of results
• Comparison with industry benchmarks
• Implications for product development

9. Conclusion:

• Summary of key insights

• Recommendations for improving customer satisfaction
• Suggestions for future research

10. References:

• List of all cited articles, reports, and books.

11. Appendices:

• Copy of the survey questionnaire

• Detailed statistical analysis

By following these structures and considering the types of hypotheses, researchers and
writers can create comprehensive, clear, and effective reports and studies.