RESEARCH METHODOLOGY – MBCQ 723

Attempt All Questions Max Marks 100

Q1. What is Research Methodology? Give a brief account of mathematical tools for the analysis in research (15 Marks)
methodology. Discuss the features of a good Research Study.

Research methodology is a scientific and systematic way to solve research problems. A

researcher has to design his methodology, i.e., in addition to the knowledge of
methods/techniques, he has to apply the methodology as well. The methodology may differ from
problem to problem. In a way, research
methodology deals with the research methods and takes into consideration the logic behind the
methods, we use.

http://www.math.vu.nl/en/research/mathematical-analysis/free-boundary-problems/index.asp

Features of A Good Research Study

Objectivity: A good research is objective in the sense that it must answer the research questions.
This necessitates the formulation of a proper hypothesis; otherwise there may be lack of
congruence between the research questions and the hypothesis.

Control: A good research must be able to control all the variables. This requires randomization at
all stages, e.g., while selecting the subjects, the sample size and the experimental treatments. This
shall ensure an adequate control over the independent variables.

Generalizability: We should be able to have almost the same result by using an identical
methodology so that we can apply the result to similar situations.

Free from personal biases: A good research should be free from the researcher’s personal biases
and must be based on objectivity and not subjectivity.

Systematic: A good research study must have various well planned steps, i.e., all steps must be
interrelated and one step should lead to another step.

Reproducible: A researcher should be able to get approximately the same results by using an
identical methodology by conducting investigation on a population having characteristics
identical to the one in the earlier study.

Pg 16, 23, 17

Q2. Discuss briefly the following sampling techniques and the merits/demerits of any three; (15 Marks)
Simple random & Systematic random sampling
Stratified random sampling
Cluster sampling.

Simple Random Sampling

Simple Random Sampling is the simplest type of sampling in which we draw a sample of size (n)
in such a way that each of the ‘N’ members of the population has the same chance of being
included in the sample. A sample selected in this way is called a simple random sample.

Selection of Random Samples

One way of drawing a simple random sample is to number every individual, put the numbers on
slips of paper and draw lots. But such a procedure is impracticable in most situations. A more
convenient method is to use a table of random digits. Such tables contain lists of digits so chosen
that each digit
between 0 to 9 has an equal chance of appearing at a given spot in a single column and each two
digits between 00 to 99 has the same chance of appearing at a given spot in a double column and
so on. Printed tables of random numbers are used in practice. For example, if we want to select
ten items from the item produced during a sift from an automatic machine, which normally
produces 500 items in a shift, we need to select 10 random numbers between 001 and 500.The
selected 10 numbers arranged in ascending order will give the serial number of the items to be
included in the sample.
We number the individuals from 000 to 499 and proceed to read down same three digits column
in a random number We continue to write down three-digit numbers until we have ten different
numbers lying between 000 to 499. Here, our simple random sample includes: 135, 369, 387,
457, 077, 283, 476, 116, 232, 421

Systematic Sampling

The systematic sampling also employs the principle of random sampling. However, in this
method of sample, selection of a unit depends upon the selection of a preceding unit in contrast to
simple random sampling, where the selection of a unit is independent of each other. Systematic
random sampling in this sense is called quasi-random sampling.

Systematic Sampling in Practice

The method followed in systematic sampling is simpler as compared to simple random sampling.
For selecting a sample size of 50 out of 500 the procedure is as follows:
Step I Find simple fraction K = N/x
When N is total of units of population and x is the sample size.
500/50 = 10 in this case
Step II Select a number between 1 and 10, at random, say 9.
Step III Then, the sample comprises of nos. 9, 19, 29, 39, .................489, 499 Only the first unit
has to be selected and the selection of remaining numbers is easy.

Limitations
If the sample frame has any periodicity that parallels the sampling rates, then the possibility of a
strong bias is there. For example, in banking transactions if you choose 1/7, 1/14, etc., then you
will be having same day of the week for your study and hence your study will be a biased study.
Be it,
Monday or Wednesday or Friday etc.

Similarly, if the frame is arranged in a way-ascending or descending order of some attribute, then
the location of the first sample element may affect the result of the study. In such cases, one
should devise ways to qualify the effect of bias.

On the other hand, if the frame is so arranged that similar elements are grouped together, then
systematic sampling produces almost a proportional stratified sample.These samples are
statistically more efficient as compared to simple random sampling.
For estimating the precision of the results, systematic samples are treated as simple random
sample and perhaps is the most widely used method among the probability sampling designs.

Stratified Random Sampling

Another useful type of sampling procedure is called stratified random sampling. In this
procedure, the members of the population are first assigned to strata or groups, on the basis of
some characteristic and a simple random sample is drawn from each stratum. The individuals in
all the samples taken together constitute the sample from the population as a whole.

If the component sample sizes n1, n2,.................nk are so chosen that,

n1/N1 = n2/N2 =n3/N3…………. = nk/Nk

In this way we do proportional stratified random sampling. Stratification does not mean absence
of randomness. All it means is that the population is first divided into certain strata that are
mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive. Populations divided into three (3) strata s 1, s2, s3.
A stratum, as is clear, is a sub-population which is more homogenous than the complete
population. The members of a stratum are similar to each other.

Major Issues

There are three major issues involved in stratified sampling:

i. Bases of stratification: Depends upon the variable being studied. Quite often it is desired to
have more than one variable. In marketing research, usually demographic characteristics such as
age, sex or income and geographical distribution such as rural-urban break-up, break-up by
region, state or city form the basis.
ii. Number of strata: Since stratification would enhance the cost of the survey, one would weigh
the benefits resulting from it vs. the cost involved. As a rule of thumb, not more than 6 strata
should be used for a single overall estimate.
iii. Sample sizes within strata: Sample size within strata depends upon the budget and the cost
per observation. Suppose in the above example, if the budget is Rs 50,000 and the cost per
observation is Rs 250, then the sampling size = 50,000/250 = 200 and not 450. However, this
should be allocated among the various strata. Researchers can use either a proportional or
disproportional sample.

Cluster Sampling
In the probability sampling methods, we have seen that each item in the sample is chosen one at a
time from the complete list of universe elements. However, it would be more expedient to select
entire groups or clusters at random. Let us take, for example, a residential colony comprising 15
Blocks : A to O.
Let us treat each block as a cluster and then select 3 (say) blocks (cluster) out of 15 blocks at
random and then collect information from all families residing in these 3 blocks (clusters).

Cluster Sampling in Practice

This method is usually convenient for collection of data as a cluster is ideally a mini-population
and has all the features of the population. Clusters are heterogeneous within themselves and not
like the homogeneous strata. Hence, collection of data would be far easy as compared to other
method. Moreover, apart from cost considerations, such a cluster sample would be desirable in
the absence of a suitable sampling frame. Frames, for cluster sampling, are needed for the
selected cluster only and hence reduce the cost of developing a frame as compared for simple
random sampling or stratified random sampling.

Q2. Explain how will you take a random sample without replacing random numbers in the following cases? (10 Marks)
a. 50 petrol pumps from all petrol pumps located in Delhi
b. If in the above case simple random sampling is not considered appropriate, describe how you can use stratified
sampling.

Q3. Describe the various steps followed in identifying and solving a research problem? (10 Marks)

Q4. Explain the step followed and care that needs to be taken while preparing a questionnaire. (10 Marks)

When information is to be collected by asking questions to people who may have the desired
data, a standardized form called questionnaire is prepared. The questionnaire has a list of
questions to be asked and spaces in which the respondents record the answers. Each question is
worded exactly as it is to be asked. Also, the questions are listed in a established sequence.

Questionnaire construction is discussed the coming in nine steps. These steps may vary in
importance in individual projects, but each one must be thought through.

i. Decide what information is wanted.

Basically, a questionnaire must serve two functions; translate research objectives into specific
questions and motivate the respondent to cooperate with the survey and furnish the
information correctly. Therefore, before a questionnaire can be formulated, a specific
statement of the information which is needed must be made. The complete analysis must be
anticipated. For example, it is not enough to know that the objective is to find what type of
persons form the market for the product. The specific characteristics that are thought to be
important must be stated.

ii. Decide what type of questionnaire (personal interview, mail, telephone) to use.

Questionnaire can be used by personal interview, mail, or telephone. The choice among these
alternatives is largely determined by the type of information to be obtained and by the type of
respondents from whom it is to be obtained. It is necessary to decide on the type of questionnaire
at this point since the questions asked, the way, in which they are asked and the sequence in
which they are asked will all be influenced by this decision.

iii. Decide on the content of individual questions.

Once the specific information needed is known and the method of communication is decided, the
researcher is ready to begin formulating his questionnaire. A first problem is to decide what to
include in individual questions.

iv. Decide on the type of question (open, multiple choices, dichotomous) to use.

Once the content of individual questions is decided, the researcher is ready to begin framing the
actual questions. Before he can work on the wording of each question, he must decide on the type
of questions to use. There are three major types from which he may choose: (1) Open (2)
Multiple
Choice, and (3) Dichotomous.

v. Decide on the wording of the questions.

vi. Decide on question sequence.

Once the wording of the individual questions has been determined, it is necessary to set them
up in some order. The order chosen can change the results obtained. There are three major
sections in a questionnaire (1) The basic information sought, (2) Classification information,
and (3) Identification information. Since questions pertaining to these sections tend to be of
declining interest to the respondent

vii. Decide on lay out and method of reproduction of questionnaire.

The physical layout and reproduction of a questionnaire can influence its success. Three
major points should be considered in planning the layout and reproduction of the
questionnaire:
 Securing acceptance of the questionnaire by respondents,
 Making it easy to control the questionnaire,
 Making it easy to handle the questionnaire.

viii. Make a preliminary draft and pretest it.

Before a questionnaire is ready for the field it needs to be pretested under field conditions. No
researcher can prepare a questionnaire perfectly in the first attempt, improvements can hence be
suggested in field tests. Pretests are best done by personal interview even if the survey is to be
handled by mail or telephone. Interviewers can note the respondents reactions and attitudes which
cannot otherwise be obtained. After any pertinent changes in the questionnaire have been made,
another pretest can be done by mail or telephone, if those methods are to be used in the survey.
This latter pretest should uncover any weakness peculiar to the method of communication.

ix. Revise and prepare the final questionnaire.

After each significant revision of the questionnaire, another pretest should be done. When the last
pretest suggests no new revisions, the researcher is ready to print the actual questionnaire to be
used in the survey.

Q5. Distinguish between simple random sampling and stratified sampling (10 Marks)

Random sampling is not a mere chance selection. Instead, it ensures inclusion of each and every
sample of the population.

In stratified sampling, the members of the population are first assigned to strata or groups, on
the basis of some characteristic and a simple random sample is drawn from each stratum. The
individuals in all the samples taken together constitute the sample from the population as a whole.

Random sampling though appears to be very simple but in practice it is not so. Suppose,
we want to select a sample size of 2,5000 from a list of 2 million, it's a difficult job and errors are
bound to be there. Moreover, the cost of supervision is also high. This problem is less in case of
stratified sampling.
The use of random sampling is made by researchers for the following situations:
a. When a small sample is needed from the list of sample frame (list of universe items).
b. The cost per interview is practically independent of the location of the sample item.
c. Other than a list of items, no other information is available.
d. In simple random sampling, the sample mean provides an unbiased estimate of the
universe mean.
Whereas stratified sampling is used for the below applications:
a. It can obtain information about different parts of the universe, i.e., it allows to draw
separate conclusion for each stratum.
b. It often provides universe estimates of greater precision than other methods of random
sampling say simple random sampling.

Q5. The time taken by workers while performing a job by two methods M1 and M2 are given as: 

M1   30  15  29  26  21  25   

M2   26  30  40  31  34  19  27 

 Check if the data show that the variances of time distribution in a population from which these samples  are drawn d
o not differ significantly.                                                          [10 Marks] 
 
 
Q7. Experimental research is better than descriptive research.” Do you agree with this statement?   (10 Marks)  Why o
r why not? 
 
Q8. What is meant by the terms population, sample and probability?  Explain with suitable examples.  (10 marks) 
 
 
 
 Population can be defined as the Universe. It is the laboratory for the research. In research we
may have or we may take the entire population of India. In that case, as it is obvious, no
researcher can carry out research on the entire population of India to find out the truth or to find
out some areas of his research interest. In some cases, universe or population may be a particular
group.
For example, let us assume we want to study some effects on some particular group of people,
religions; Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jain etc., or certain particular age-group, the age of 25 to 35.
In that case our population is getting limited to that particular number or to that particular age-
group of people. Even on that particular group it of people having those religious. Similarly even
then we find that carrying out research on the universe, i.e., on the entire population of that
particular group may not be always possible because of the time factor and the money involved.
In that case, what we usually do is to take out samples selected from the entire population. In
selecting samples, we use the available sampling techniques to draw from the total population.

The first and foremost task in carrying out a survey is to select the sample. Sample selection is
undertaken for practical impossibility to survey the population. By applying rationality in
selection of samples, we generalize the findings of our research. The ideal solution to know the
true or actual values of the different parameters of the population would be to take into account
the entire population. However, that is not feasible due to cost, time, labour and other constraints,
hence sampling is more economical. As the magnitude of operations involved in a sample survey
is small, both the execution of the field work and the analysis of results can be carried out much
faster and hence is very less time consuming. On the other hand, if we have to gather information
about the whole population, in certain cases, we may not be able to have the information collected
timely and the entire study may become redundant.