BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS

KMBN/A
UNIT -2
 Unit 2
Research design: Concept, Features of a good research design, Use of a
good research design;
Qualitative and Quantitative research approaches, Comparison – Pros
and Cons of both approaches.
Exploratory Research Design: Concept, Types: Qualitative techniques –
Projective Techniques, Depth Interview, Experience Survey, Focus
Groups, Observation.
Descriptive Research Designs: Concept, types and uses. Concept of
Cross- sectional and Longitudinal Research
Experimental Design: Concept of Cause, Causal relationships, Concept
of Independent & Dependent variables, concomitant variable,
extraneous variable, Treatment, Control group.
 Research Design
• A research design is simply the framework or plan for a study which is used
as a guide in collecting and analyzing the data. It is the blueprint that is
followed in completing a study. A research design is the arrangement of
conditions for collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to
combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure.
• (Miller) finds research design as the conceptual structure within which the
research is conducted. The Research Design constitute the blue print for
collection, measurement and analysis of data.
• In fact, the research design is the conceptual structure within which research is
conducted; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and
analysis of data. Basically, research design includes following decisions:-
1. What is the study about?
2. Why is the study being made?
3. Where will the study be carried out?
4. What type of data is required?
5. Where can the required data are found?
6. What periods of time will the study include?
7. What will be the sample design?
8. What techniques of data collection will be used?
9. How will the data be analyzed?
10. In what style will the report be prepared?
Research design must contain
(a) a clear statement of the research problem,
(b) procedures and techniques to be used for gathering information,
(c) the population to be studied, and
(d) methods to be used in processing and analyzing the data.
Research design is the plan, structure and strategy of investigation conceived so as to obtain
answers to research questions and control variance.
FEATURES OF A GOOD RESEARCH DESIGN

1.Reliability
Research design depends on reliability, consistencies, dependability, and stability. If research
design gives the same result when some tools are used in the same sample then such research
design is considered a reliable research design. Generally, the test-retest method; parallel form
method, and split-half methods are used to test the reliability of the research.
2.Objectivity
Every research method must be accurate and objective. Sometimes researcher imposes the
respondents to give answers in the way that they can draw results as they intend. Thus,
appropriate research design checks such malpractices and helps to draw the correct results.
3.Validity
Validity is concerned with the integrity of the conclusions that are generated from a piece of
research. Under this method, data are tested and re-tested and prediction of the future is made
and such prediction remains correct. Thus, measurement validity, internal and external validity
is used for the measurement of the validity of data and the tools.
 4.Replicability
Research design should be imitable so that another researcher follows the same design to
confirm the results of the research. A researcher should spell out his or her procedures in detail
otherwise replication of research design is impossible.

5.Generalizability
Applying the research in a similar sector conducting research considering few samples is
known as generalizability. A research design should present all the procedures and methods
used in the collection and analysis of data so that people know the situation and will be easier
to implement the findings of the research in a large population.
Characteristics of a Good Research Design:
A good research design should be
➢Flexible
➢Appropriate
➢Efficient
➢Economical
➢With minimum bias
➢With maximum reliability
➢The smallest experimental error
➢Yielding maximum information
 USE OF A GOOD RESEARCH DESIGN

1. Research design ensures the smooth operations of the various research operations, making
research as efficient as possible giving maximum information with minimum expenditure of
effort, time, and money.
2. Research design provides for advance planning of the methods to be adopted for collecting
the relevant data and the techniques to be used in the analyzing data.
3. The reliability of the results depends upon a research design.
4. The research design helps the researcher to organize his ideas in a form whereby it will be
possible for him to look for flaws and inadequacies.
5. The research design can be given to others for their comments and critical evaluation.
6. Research design provides a comprehensive review of the proposed study.
RESEARCH APPROACHES
 RESEARCH APPROACHES
There are two broad kinds of research approaches: qualitative
and quantitative research that are used to study and analyze
phenomena in various fields such as natural sciences, social
sciences, and humanities.
1.Quantitative Approach→ deals with quantity, hence, this
research type is concerned with numbers and statistics to prove
or disapprove theories or hypothesis. It involves the generation of
data in quantitative form, which can be subjected to careful
(thorough/accurate) quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid
fashion.
Quantitative research involves the process of objectively
collecting and analyzing numerical data to describe, predict, or
control variables of interest.
Quantitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods are as follows:

1.Descriptive Research Design -Descriptive research design is used

to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon being
studied. This research method is used to answer the questions of
what, where, when, and how. Descriptive research designs use a
variety of methods such as observation, case studies, and surveys to
collect data.
2.Correlational research design -is used to investigate the
relationship between two or more variables. Researchers use
correlational research to determine whether a relationship exists
between variables and to what extent they are related. This research
method involves collecting data from a sample and analyzing it using
statistical tools such as correlation coefficients.
3.Quasi-experimental research- design is used to investigate cause-
and-effect relationships between variables. This research method is
similar to experimental research design, but it lacks full control over
the independent variable.
4.Experimental research design -is used to investigate cause-and-
effect relationships between variables. This research method involves
manipulating the independent variable and observing the effects on
the dependent variable. Researchers use experimental research
designs to test hypotheses and establish cause-and-effect
relationships.
5.Survey research -involves collecting data from a sample of
individuals using a standardized questionnaire. This research method
is used to gather information on attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of
individuals. Researchers use survey research to collect data quickly
and efficiently from a large sample size. Survey research can be
conducted through various methods such as online, phone, mail, or in-
person interviews.
 Characteristics of Quantitative Research

Here are some key characteristics of quantitative research:

• Numerical data: Quantitative research involves collecting
numerical data through standardized methods such as surveys,
experiments, and observational studies.
• Large sample size: Quantitative research often involves
collecting data from a large sample of individuals or groups in
order to increase the reliability and generalizability of the
findings.
• Objective approach: Quantitative research aims to be
objective and impartial in its approach, focusing on the
collection and analysis of data rather than personal beliefs,
opinions, or experiences.
• Control over variables: Quantitative research often involves
manipulating variables to test hypotheses and establish cause-
and-effect relationships.
• Replicable: Quantitative research aims to be replicable,
meaning that other researchers should be able to conduct
similar studies and obtain similar results using the same
methods.
• Statistical analysis: Quantitative research involves using
statistical tools and techniques to analyze the numerical data
collected during the research process. Statistical analysis
allows researchers to identify patterns, trends, and relationships
between variables, and to test hypotheses and theories.
• Generalizability: Quantitative research aims to produce
findings that can be generalized to larger populations beyond
the specific sample studied. This is achieved through the use of
random sampling methods and statistical inference.
 Examples of Quantitative Research

• Market Research: A company conducts a survey of 1000

consumers to determine their brand awareness and
preferences. The data is analyzed using statistical methods to
identify trends and patterns that can inform marketing
strategies.
• Education Research: A researcher conducts an experiment to
compare the effectiveness of two different teaching methods for
improving student learning outcomes. The study involves
randomly assigning students to different groups and collecting
data on their performance on standardized tests.
• Psychology: A researcher conducts a survey of 500 college
students to investigate the relationship between social media
use and mental health. The data is analyzed using statistical
methods to identify correlations and potential causal
relationships.
 When to use Quantitative Research

• To test a hypothesis
• To generalize findings
• To measure relationships between variables
• To identify patterns or trends
• To quantify attitudes or opinions
 Advantages of Quantitative Research

• Objectivity: Quantitative research is based on objective data

and statistical analysis, which reduces the potential for bias or
subjectivity in the research process.
• Reproducibility: Because quantitative research involves
standardized methods and measurements, it is more likely to be
reproducible and reliable.
• Generalizability: Quantitative research allows for
generalizations to be made about a population based on a
representative sample, which can inform decision-making and
policy development.
• Correctness: Quantitative research allows for accurate
measurement and analysis of data, which can provide a more
accurate understanding of phenomena and relationships
between variables.
• Efficiency: Quantitative research can be conducted relatively
quickly and efficiently, especially when compared to qualitative
research, which may involve lengthy data collection and
analysis.
• Large sample sizes: Quantitative research can accommodate
large sample sizes, which can increase the representativeness
and generalizability of the results.
 Limitations of Quantitative Research

• Limited understanding of context: Quantitative research

typically focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis,
which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the
context or underlying factors that influence a phenomenon.
• Simplification of complex phenomena: Quantitative research
often involves simplifying complex phenomena into measurable
variables, which may not capture the full complexity of the
phenomenon being studied.
• Potential for researcher bias: Although quantitative research
aims to be objective, there is still the potential for researcher
bias in areas such as sampling, data collection, and data
analysis.
• Limited ability to explore new ideas: Quantitative research is
often based on pre-determined research questions and
hypotheses, which may limit the ability to explore new ideas or
unexpected findings.
• Limited ability to capture subjective experiences:
Quantitative research is typically focused on objective data and
may not capture the subjective experiences of individuals or
groups being studied.
 Qualitative Approach
2.Qualitative Approach→ This approach is concerned with
subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions and behavior.
Research in such a situation is a function of researcher’s insights
and impressions. Such an approach to research generates
results either in non-quantitative form or in the form which are not
subjected to careful quantitative analysis. Generally, the
techniques of focus group interviews, projective techniques, and
depth interviews are used.
Qualitative research is multimethod in focus, involving an
interpretive, naturalistic approach to its subject matter. This
means that qualitative researchers study things in their natural
settings, attempting to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in
terms of the meanings people bring to them. Denzin and Lincoln
(1994, p. 2)
 Qualitative research methods

• Observations: recording what you have seen, heard, or

encountered in detailed field notes.
• Interviews: personally asking people questions in one-on-one
conversations.
• Focus groups: asking questions and generating discussion
among a group of people.
• Surveys: distributing questionnaires with open-ended
questions.
• Secondary research: collecting existing data in the form of
texts, images, audio or video recordings, etc.
 Advantages of qualitative research

Flexibility-The data collection and analysis process can be

adapted as new ideas or patterns emerge.
Natural settings-Data collection occurs in real-world contexts or
in naturalistic ways.
Meaningful insights-Detailed descriptions of people’s
experiences, feelings and perceptions can be used in designing,
testing or improving systems or products.
Generation of new ideas-Open-ended responses mean that
researchers can uncover novel problems or opportunities that
they wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.
 Disadvantages of qualitative research

Unreliability-The real-world setting often makes qualitative research

unreliable because of uncontrolled factors that affect the data.
Subjectivity-Due to the researcher’s primary role in analyzing and
interpreting data, qualitative research cannot be replicated. The
researcher decides what is important and what is irrelevant in data
analysis, so interpretations of the same data can vary greatly.
Limited generalizability-Small samples are often used to gather
detailed data about specific contexts. Despite rigorous analysis
procedures, it is difficult to draw generalizable conclusions because
the data may be biased and unrepresentative of the wider population.
Labor-intensive-Although software can be used to manage and
record large amounts of text, data analysis often has to be checked or
performed manually.
Examples of Qualitative Research
• You distribute open-ended surveys to employees across all the
company’s offices by email to find out if the culture varies across
locations.
• You conduct in-depth interviews with employees in your office to
learn about their experiences and perspectives in greater detail.
Comparison – Pros and Cons of both approaches

Criteria Qualitative Research Quantitative Research

Definition It deals with non-numerical data, such It deals with numerical and statistical data.
as words and meanings.
Use Use this research for understanding a Use it to confirm or test a theory or
concept, thought, or experience. hypothesis.
Purpose To understand & interpret social To test hypotheses, look at cause & effect,
interactions & make predictions.
Variables Study of the whole, not variables Specific variables studied
Type of Data Words, images, or objects Numbers and statistics
Collected
Sample Small number of non-representative Large number of cases representing the
cases population of interest
Form of Data Qualitative data such as open- ended responses, Quantitative data based on precise measurements
Collected interviews, participant observations, field notes, & using structured & validated data-collection
reflections. instruments.

Objectivity and Subjectivity is expected Objectivity is critical

Subjectivity
Nature of Study behavior in a natural Study behavior under controlled
Observation environment. conditions; isolate causal effects.
Final Report Narrative report with contextual Statistical report with correlations,
description & direct quotations from research comparisons of means, & statistical significance of
participants. findings.