Research Method

BBA (201)

ASSIGNMENT

WINTER 2014-2015

RISHAB VATS(BBA 2)

ROLL NO. : - 1405010610

Q1. Briefly describe the different steps involved in a research

process. What are the characteristics of good research?

Ans: Meaning of Research

Research is the orderly approach towards purposeful investigation.

Thus the term research needs formulating a hypothesis, collection of
data on relevant variables, analyzing and interpreting the result and
reacting conclusions, either in the form of an explanation or certain
generalizations. It can also be called an academic activity and a
systematized attempt to gain new knowledge.

Steps in Research process

1. The formulation of hypothesis or propositions may be

possible answers to research questions are an important
step in the research process of formulation the research
problem.
2. The second step is to define concepts used in the
hypothesis. Some concepts represent facts: others like
attitude can only be inferred. But the definition of concepts
should be done in abstract terms to link the results of the
study to the existing body of knowledge.
 3. The third step is to establish working definitions relating to
the topic. This enables the researcher to translate the
concepts onto observable vents to carry out the enquiry.
4. The fourth step is the data collection and analysis of data.
Once the topic has been decided his research tools – i.e.,
the appropriate methods of collecting data based o the
requirements.
5. The method may be observations, surveys, interviews or
historical documentary methods.
6. Finally, the results of the study have to be related to existing
theories or concepts either to confirm them in the light of the
study undertaken in the form of conclusions.

Characteristics of Good Research

1. A goods research should be systematic:

This means that research should be ordered. A good
research will follow the steps to be engaged in an orderly
series according to be set defined rules. Researchers always
use scientific methods, and therefore it called systematic.
2. A good research should be logical
There should be logical reasoning in any research. This
logical process used could be induction and deduction.
Induction is a process of reasoning from the part to the
whole.
3. A good research should be empirical
Empirical means that realistic study is possible. Its authority
can be checked through trustworthy sources and evidence.
Research must be such that it can be validated, (i.e,) it
should be possible to interpret and explain the process.
4. A good research is replicable
It means the research conducted can be repeated by any
amount of times. A research can validate the results by
repeating the study and thereby bringing a sound decision-
making framework.
Q2. (a) Explain the different types of research designs.

(b) Differentiate between Probability and Non-Probability

sampling method.

Ans: (a) Meaning of Research Design

It is a systematic plan of what is to be done, how it will be done

and how the data will be analyzed. Research design basically
shows what the major topics in the research are and their
details. It provides the outline of how the research will be
carried out and the methods will be used.

Types of Research Design

1. Philosophical/discursive
This may be cover a variety of approaches, but will be draw
primarily on existing literature, rather than new empirical
data. A discursive study could examine a particular issue,
perhaps from an alternative perspective. Alternatively, it
might put forward a particular argument or examine a
methodology issue.
2. Literature review
This may be attempt to summarise or comment on what is
already know about a particular topic. By collecting different
sources together, synthesising and analyzing critically, it
essentially creates new knowledge or perspectives. There
are a number of different forms a literature review might
take.
3. Case study
This will involve collecting empirical data, generally from only
one or a small number of cases. It usually provides rich
detail about those causes, of a predominantly quantitative
nature. There are a number of different approaches to case
study work and the principles and methods followed shoud
be made clear.
 4. Survey
Where an empirical study involves collecting information
from a ledger number of cases, perhaps using
questionnaires, it is usually described as a survey.
Alternatively, a survey might make use of already available
data, collected for another purpose. A survey may be cross-
sectional or longitudinal. Because of the larger number of
cases, a survey will generally involve some quantitative
analysis.
5. Evaluation
This might be an evaluation of a curriculum innovation or
organizational change. An evaluation can be formative or
summative. Often an evaluation will have elements of both. If
an evaluation relates to a situation in which the researcher is
also a participant, it may be described as ‘action research’.
Evaluation will often make use of case study methods and a
summative evaluation will ideally also be used as
experiments.

(b) Meaning of Probability and Non-Probability sampling

methods

Probability sampling methods

There is an equal probability foe every item of the

universe being selected in the sample. This method is
used particularly when various items of the universe are
homogeneous or identical to each other. This method is
impartial and economical. A rate of response can then be
calculated by the number of responding units divided by
the number of eligible units selected. When samples are
drawn from small finite populations, an issue of statistical
importance arises-whether a unit, once selected, should
 remain in the population and be given further chances of
selection.

Non-Probability sampling methods

In non-probability sampling, the probability of selection

population elements is unknown. But in a situation when a
sampling frame is absent, one can easily go for non-
probability sampling methods to serve of the study.
Additional reasons for choosing non-probability over
probability sampling are cost and time factors. Non-
probability samples that are unlimited are called
convenience samples. Interviews have the sole autonomy
to choose whomever they find, thus the name handiness.

Q3. The important task ahead of the researcher is to document the

entire work done in the form of a well-structured research report.
Explain the report writing steps. What are the guidelines for writing
step? What are the guidelines for writing the research report?

Ans: Meaning of Research Report

The purpose this chapter is to give guidance in preparing a

research report, which is simply the presentation of research
findings to a specific audience. The written research report and
the oral presentation typically provided for those who occupy
executive positions.

Report Writing Steps

1. Research and Brainstorm

Whether the topic has been allocated or you have selected it
yourself, the primary steps in writing a report is research. Even
though there is a vast wealth of information obtained to you on the
internet, nothing can stop a trip to library. Take notes on the most
important facts about your topic. Continuously think about how you
want to use the information to support it.
2. Forming a Thesis
 Forming a thesis is a significant step in writing any details or
research paper. A thesis is a specific statement about what will
you talk about in the body of your report. The thesis requires to be
supported by your research and should guide you throughout the
writing process. Do not drift from your thesis. Think about your
various ways you can explain and explore it. The thesis statement
frequently appears as the last statement in the first paragraph in
the paper.
3. Making an outline
Reflect your thesis. Think about how you want to order the points
in your paper. Write these ideas in a piece of paper, which will
serve as your outline. It should consists of basic statement that
capture the essence of what each paragraph in the report will
discuss. This is more or less an action plan that will help keep your
writing crisp and the point.
4. Introduction, Body and Conclusion
It sets the stage for the whole paper and culminates with the thesis
statement. After the introduction, you will delve into the body
sentence, which supports your thesis, with every sentence
thereafter used to explain the main idea. It should be a logical
extension of the points you made in your introduction and offer a
creative restatement of your thesis.
5. Proofread and Edit
After you’ve finished writing the paper, wait a little while before
going back to proofread. When editing, fix all typographical and
grammatical errors while sharpening the language. Add any new
ideas that have come to mind and let a friend or family member
read it over. Oftentimes, a new set of eyes can discover mistakes
that you’ve missed.

Guidelines for Writing Research Reports

1. Consider the Audience:

To make the comparison of figures easier, use percentages,
rounded off figures, ranks of ratios; put the exact data within the
text or in the appendix. Use graphic aids wherever they help
 clarify the presentation of data. Make the report clear; use only
words familiar to the readers and define all technical terms.
2. Address the Information Needs:
Remember the research report is designed to communicate
information to decision makers. Make sure that it clearly relates
the research finding to the objectives of the management.
3. Be concise, Yet complete:

Knowing what include and what to leave out is a difficult task.

The researcher, to take into account the information needs of
the decision maker when writing your report. Most managers
will not want to read about the details of a research report.

4. Be objective:
The findings may conflict with the decision maker’s experience
and judgement or they may reflect unfavorably on the wisdom
of previous decisions. In these circumstances, there is a strong
temptation to start the report by making the result more
acceptable to the management. A professional researcher,
however, will the present the research findings in an objective
manner and will defend their validity if they are challenged be
the client.