Assignment-1

Name- SARIKA AROTE Division - B

Roll no.-64 FYMMS

Q1) What is research? Explain types of research.

Ans1)
 According to Redman and Morry, “Research is a careful and
systematized effort of gaining new knowledge.”
 According to Clifford Woody, “Research comprises of defining and
redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions,
collecting, organizing and evaluating data, making deductions and
reaching conclusions. And at last carefully testing the conclusions, to
determine, whether they fit the formulating hypothesis or not.”
TYPES OF RESEARCH

1. Descriptive vs. Analytical

Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of

different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the
state of affairs as it exists at present. In social science and business research we
quite often use the term Ex post facto research for descriptive research studies.
The main characteristic of this method is that the researcher has no control over
the variables; he can only report what has happened or what is happening. Most
ex post facto research projects are used for descriptive studies in which the
researcher seeks to measure such items as, for example, frequency of shopping,
preferences of people, or similar data. Ex post facto studies also include
attempts by researchers to discover causes even when they cannot control the
variables. The methods of research utilized in descriptive research are survey
methods of all kinds, including comparative and correlational methods. In
analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts or
information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of
the material.

2. Applied vs. Fundamental

Research can either be applied (or action) research or fundamental (to

basic or pure) research. Applied research aims at finding a solution for an
immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/business organisation,
whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and
with the formulation of a theory. “Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is
termed ‘pure’ or ‘basic’ research.” Research concerning some natural
phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics are examples of fundamental
research. Similarly, research studies, concerning human behaviour carried on
with view to make generalizations about human behaviour, are also examples of
fundamental research, but research aimed at certain conclusions facing a
concrete social or business problem is an example of applied research. Research
to identify social, economic or political trends that may affect a particular
institution or copy research or the marketing research are examples of applied
research. Thus, the central aim of applied research is to discover a solution for
some pressing practical problems. Whereas basic research is directed towards
finding information that has a broad base of applications and thus, adds to the
already existing organized body of scientific knowledge.

3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative

Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount.

It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity.
Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative
phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind. For
instance, when we are interested in investigating the reasons for human
behavior, we quite often talk of ‘Motivation Research’, an important type of
qualitative research. This type of research aims at discovering the underlying
motives and desires, using in depth interviews for the purpose. Other techniques
of such research are word association tests, sentence completion tests, story
completion tests and similar other projective techniques. Attitude or opinion
research, i.e., research designed to find out how people feel or what they think
about a particular subject or institution is also qualitative research. Qualitative
research is specially important in the behavioral sciences where the aim is to
discover the underlying motives of human behavior. Through such research we
can analyse the various factors which motivate people to behave in a particular
manner or which make people like or dislike a particular thing. It may be stated,
however, that to apply qualitative research in practice is relatively a difficult job
and therefore, while doing such research, one should seek guidance from
experimental psychologists.

4. Conceptual vs. Empirical

Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is

generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to
reinterpret existing ones. On the other hand, empirical research relies an
experience or observation alone, often without due regard for system and
theory. It is data based research, coming up with conclusions which arc capable
of being verified by observation or experiment. We can also call it as
experimental type of research, in such a research it is necessary to get at facts
firsthand, at their source, and actively to go about doing certain things to
stimulate the production of desired information. In such research, the researcher
must first provide himself with a working hypothesis or guess as to the probable
results. He then works to get enough facts (data) to prove or disprove his
hypothesis. He then sets up experimental designs which he thinks will
manipulate the persons or the materials concerned so as to bring forth the
desired information. Such research is thus characterized by the experimenter’s
control over the variables under study and his deliberate manipulation of one of
them to study its effects. Empirical research is appropriate when proof is sought
that certain variables affect other variables in some way. Evidence gathered
through experiments or empirical studies is today considered to be the most
powerful support possible for a given hypothesis.

5. Some Other Types of Research

All other types of research are variations of one or more of the above
stated approaches, based on either the purpose of research, or the time required
to accomplish research, on the environment in which research is done, or on the
basis of some other similar factor. Form the point of view of time, we can think
of research either as one-time research or longitudinal research. In the former
case the research is confined to a single time-period, whereas in the latter case
the research is carried on over several time-periods. Research can be field-
setting research or laboratory research or simulation research, depending upon
the environment in which it is to be carried out. Research can as well be
understood as clinical or diagnostic research. Such research follow case-study
methods or in-depth approaches to reach the basic causal relations. Such studies
usually go deep into the causes of things or events that interest us, using very
small samples and very deep probing data gathering devices. The research may
be exploratory or it may be formalized. The objective of exploratory research is
the development of hypotheses rather than their testing, whereas formalized
research studies are those with substantial structure and with specific
hypotheses to be tested. Historical research is that which utilizes historical
sources like documents, remains, etc. to study events or ideas of the past,
including the philosophy of persons and groups at any remote point of time.
Research can also be classified as conclusion-oriented and decision oriented.
While doing conclusion oriented research, a researcher is free to pick up a
problem, redesign the enquiry as he proceeds and is prepared to conceptualize
as he wishes. Decision-oriented research is always for the need of a decision
maker and the researcher in this case is not free to embark upon research
according to his own inclination. Operations research is an example of decision
oriented research since it is a scientific method of providing executive
departments with a quantitative basis for decisions regarding operations under
their control.

Q2) Elaborate meaning of research Problem and explain problem

identification process
Ans2)
 According to Kerlinger, ‘A problem is an interrogative sentence or
statement that asks what relation exists between two or more variable.
The answer to question will provide what is having sought in the
research.
 R.S. Woodworth defines problem as ‘a situation for which we have no
ready & successful response by instinct or by previous acquired habit. We
must find out what to do’, i.e. the solution can be found out only after an
investigation.
 In other words, ‘a research problem is an area of concern where there is a
gap in the knowledge base needed for professional practice.
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION PROCESS
1) Statement of the problem in general way
 Define the problem in general way
Ex: Does negative news interest people more than positive news?
 Narrow it down by rethinking over the problem. (Consider feasibility of
problem)
Ex: Does negative news such as robbery, corruption interest people more
than positive news like country economic growth ?
 How to define in general way?
Study the related subject thoroughly
Do preliminary survey or pilot survey
2) Understanding the nature of the problem
 Best way to understand the problem is through discussion.
 Discussion with the people who has good knowledge about that
problem.
3) Surveying the available literature
 Survey all the research which are already undertaken in related
problem.
 It helps to :
 Narrow down the problem
 To identify research gaps
 Gives new ideas in related area
  Helps for research design
4) Developing the ideas through discussions
 Discussion always produces useful information.
 Various new ideas can be developed through such an exercise.
 Researcher must discuss his/her problem with his/her colleagues and
others who have enough experience in the same area or in working on
similar
problems. This is known as experience survey.
5) Rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition
 Rephrase the research problem in to operational term.
 Initial research question: Why is productivity in Japan so much higher
than in India?
 After, the problem has understood, available literature has taken place
and discussion over the problem has taken place, the question has
rephrased.
 Rephrased Research question: What factors were responsible for the
higher labour productivity of Japan’s manufacturing industries during
the decade 1971 to 1980
relative to India’s manufacturing industries?
Q3) Explain about formulating the research hypothesis?
Ans3)
 R.L. Ackoff has attempted to answer this question in a systematic way.
All research problems ultimately reduce to the question, which of a set of
alternative means is the most efficient one. Once those alternative means
are formulated, the researcher is in a position to pose a question of each
of the means, as to what may constitute the evidence that this particular
means is the most efficient one among the alternatives.

 “The particular means can be accepted as the most efficient among the
alternatives under specific conditions.” Such specific conditions should
be formulated for each of the alternative means. The statements of these
acceptance conditions are the hypotheses. The researcher does not, of
course, know which of these alternative hypotheses is true; this is
precisely what the research is designed to determine.

 Ideally, a researcher should start with trying to determine all the

alternative means (solutions of explanations) of coming to grips with his
problem. This means that the researcher needs to undertake a ‘resource
survey’ which includes survey of related theories or orientations, which
 may bring to light what alternative means, solutions or explanations may
be applied to the problem.

 The researcher will attempt to determine which of the alternative course

of action or solution or explanation is most efficient in terms of certain
criteria, e.g., economy predictability etc. Let us now suppose that a
researcher has a problem whose solution depends on certain predictions
and the researcher knows that there are three alternative theories (means)
which are germane to the problem.

 Now, if one of the three theories is more likely to predict events more
accurately than the other two, it may be taken as the most efficient one as
a solution to the problem. If the problem happens to be one dealing with
practical or programmatic concerns, the criterion of efficiency of
alternative course of action may be economy in the realms, of time,
money and energy.

Q4) Elaborate the meaning of research design, nature and classification of

research design?
Ans4)
 Research design is a pre-planned sketch for the explanation of a problem.
It is the first step to take and the whole research. Study will conduct on
the basis of this research design. It gives us a due that how the further
process would be taking place and how would be the research study carry
into classification, interpretation and suggestions. This is a guideline for
the whole work.
 According to Vimal Shah, “Research Design is a plan of study whether
controlled or uncontrolled and subjective as well as objective”.
 According to Ackoff, “It is the process of making decisions before the
situation arises in which the decisions are to be carried out after for
control”.
Nature of good research design
Research design actually does not tell us precisely regarding what to do but
it suggests us how to do and in what should be the flow of activities. Though it
is a framework or set of action plan, it cannot be rigid. It is always open for
necessary amendment during the course of action. Good research design should
fulfill the following features:

 Good research design must be realistic, workable, appropriate and able to

give us intended information. 
  Design must be flexible, efficient, thrift and parsimonious to economy. 
 Design should be consistent with the research capability of the researcher
or feasible for the research. 
 Research design must be based on and synchronize with the purpose of
the research problem. 
 It must be flexible so that it can be changed as per the situation changed. 
 Good research design should be formulated after the crucial study of the
nature of the problem. 
 Design should provide well developed guidelines for entire research
steps. 
 Design should constitute valid, reliable and generalizable features. 
 Research design should cover the data collection and analysis technique
properly. 
 Design should able to recommend appropriate methods for hypothesis
formulation and testing. 

CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH DESIGHN

1. Descriptive Research Design: In a descriptive research design, a researcher

is solely interested in describing the situation or case under his/her research
study. It is a theory-based research design which is created by gather, analyze
and presents collected data. By implementing an in-depth research design such
as this, a researcher can provide insights into the why and how of research.  

2. Experimental Research Design: Experimental research design is used to

establish a relationship between the cause and effect of a situation. It is a causal
research design where the effect caused by the independent variable on the
dependent variable is observed. For example, the effect of an independent
variable such as price on a dependent variable such as customer satisfaction or
brand loyalty is monitored. It is a highly practical research design method as it
contributes towards solving a problem at hand. The independent variables are
manipulated to monitor the change it has on the dependent variable. It is often
used in social sciences to observe human behaviour by analysing two groups –
affect of one group on the other.

3. Correlational Research Design: Correlational research is a non-

experimental research design technique which helps researchers to establish a
relationship between two closely connected variables. Two different groups are
required to conduct this research design method. There is no assumption while
evaluating a relationship between two different variables and statistical analysis
techniques are used to calculate the relationship between them.
Correlation between two variables is concluded using a correlation coefficient,
whose value ranges between -1 and +1. If the correlation coefficient is towards
+1, it indicates a positive relationship between the variables and -1 indicates a
negative relationship between the two variables.  

4. Diagnostic Research Design: In the diagnostic research design, a researcher

is inclined towards evaluating the root cause of a specific topic. Elements that
contribute towards a troublesome situation are evaluated in this research design
method.

There are three parts of diagnostic research design:

 Inception of the issue

 Diagnosis of the issue
 Solution for the issue

5. Explanatory Research Design: In exploratory research design, the

researcher’s ideas and thoughts are key as it is primarily dependent on their
personal inclination about a particular topic. Explanation about unexplored
aspects of a subject is provided along with details about what, how and why
related to the research questions.

Q5) Differentiate between primary & secondary data, its uses and its
advantages & disadvantages?
Ans5)
Advantages of primary data:

 Resolve specific research issues

Performing your own research allows you to address and resolve issues
specific to your own business situation. The collected information is the
exact information that the researcher wants to know and he reports it in a
way that benefits the specific situation in an organization. Marketers and
researchers are asked to find data regarding specific market instead of
finding data for the mass market. This is the main difference from
secondary data.
 Better accuracy
Primary data is much more accurate because it is directly collected from a
given population.
 Higher level of control
The marketer can control easily the research design and method. In
addition, you have a higher level of control over how the information is
gathered.
  Up-to-date information
The primary market research is a great source of latest and up-to-date
information as you collect it directly from the field in real time. Usually,
secondary data is not so up-to-date and recent.
 You are the owner of the information
Information collected by the researcher is their own and is typically not
shared with others. Thus, the information can remain hidden from other
current and potential competitors.

Disadvantages of primary data:

 More expensive
It could be very expensive to obtain primary data collection because the
marketer or the research team has to start from the beginning. It means
they have to follow the whole study procedure, organizing materials,
process and etc.
 Time consuming
It is a matter of a lot of time to conduct the research from the beginning to
the end. Often it is much longer in comparison with the time needed to
collect secondary data.
 Can have a lot of limits
Primary data is limited to the specific time, place or number of
participants and etc. To compare, secondary data can come from a variety
of sources to give more details.
 Not always possible
For example, many researches can be just too large to be performed by
your company.

Advantages of Secondary Data:

 Ease of Access
The secondary data sources are very easy to access. The internet world
changed how the secondary research exist. Nowadays, you have so many
information available just by clicking with the mouse in front of the
computer.
 Low Cost or Free
The majority of secondary sources are absolutely free for use or at very
low costs. It saves not only your money but your efforts. In comparison
with primary research where you have to design and conduct a whole
primary study process from the beginning, secondary research allows you
to gather data without having to put any money on the table.
 Time-saving 
As the above advantage suggests, you can perform a secondary research
 in no time. Sometimes it is a matter of a few Google searches to find a
credible source of information.
 Generating new insights and understandings from previous analysis
Reanalyzing old data can bring unexpected new understandings and point
of views or even new relevant conclusions.
 Larger sample size
Big datasets often use a larger sample than those that can be gathered by
primary data collection. Larger samples mean that final inference
becomes much more straightforward.
 Longitudinal analysis
Secondary data allows you to perform a longitudinal analysis which
means the studies are performed spanning over a large period of time.
This can help you to determine different trends. In addition, you can find
secondary data from many years back up to a couple of hours ago. It
allows you to compare data over time.
 Anyone can collect the data
Secondary data research can be performed by people that aren’t familiar
with the different types of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Practically, anyone can collect secondary data.

Disadvantages of Secondary Data:

 Not specific to your needs

Here is the main difference with the primary method. Secondary data is
not specific to the researcher’s need due to the fact that it was collected in
the past for another reason. That is why the secondary data might be
unreliable and unuseful and in many business and marketing
cases. Secondary data sources can give you with a huge amount of
information, but quantity does not mean appropriateness.
 Lack of control over data quality 
You have no control of the data quality at all. In comparison, with
primary methods which are largely controlled by the marketer, secondary
data might lack quality. It means the quality of secondary data should be
examined in details since the source of the information may be
questionable. As you relying on secondary data for your decision-making
process, you must evaluate the reliability of the information by finding
out how the information was collected and analyzed.
 Biasness
As the secondary data is collected by someone else than you, typically the
data is biased in favor of the person who gathered it. This might not cover
your requirements as a researcher or marketer.
  Not timely
Secondary data is collected in the past which means it might be out-of-
date. This issue can be crucial in many different situations.
 Not proprietary Information
Generally, secondary data is not collected specifically for your company.
Instead, it is available to many companies and people either for free or for
a little fee. So this is not exactly an “information advantage” for you and
your competitors also have access to the data.

Uses of Primary Data

 It is required to analyse the systematic way to reach the conclusion.
 It is generated through deputed personnel for the task.
 It is a baseline to follow up the action.
 It is original and accurate.
Uses of Secondary Data
 To demonstrate why the proposed research fulfils a void in the
knowledge base.
 To avoid replication of previous research.
 Because practical or financial or other limitations mean that primary data
collection is not possible.
 To help refine the research questions.
 Give you more insight to interpret primary data.

Q6) What are the types of questionnaires and what is the process of
questionnaire designing?
Ans6)

TYPES OF QUESTIONNAIRES

Based on the type of questions used, questionnaires are as follows:

1. Structured questionnaire:

Comes under quantitative research. It includes the low number of researchers

and the high number of respondents. They are also called as closed
questionnaires. They usually include answers such as very bad, bad, good, very
good and so on.

 They have a definite and concrete questions

  They have to be prepared well in advance so as to ask as much questions
and receive info from the respondent.
 A formal inquiry is initiated.
 Supplements and checks the previously accumulated data.
 Commonly used in for social and economic problems, to study about the
changes caused due to change in policies, laws etc.

These question come sunder structured questionnaire.

Contingency questions:

This comes under structured questionnaire. Here a question is asked only if the
respondent is able to give a answer to the previous question.

Matrix questions:

Similar kind of options are provided to multiple questions. The questions are
provided one under the other, forming a matrix with response categories on top
and questions down the side

2. Unstructured questionnaire:

A version of qualitative survey. They are usually based around more open
questions. Open questions also means recording more data as the respondents
can point out what is important for them, in their own words and methods. But
it is more difficult from the researcher’s side, since it does not give the correct
idea of the topic and moreover proper understanding of the data is needed.

 Usually used at the time of an interview.

 Doesn’t require much planning and time.
 More flexible for applying in many areas.
 Usually used to collect data about people and their personal info such as
family, debates, beliefs etc.

3. Scaled questionnaires:

The respondents are asked to scale the answers based on a given rating
prescribed by the question.

Depending on the type of format used in questionnaires, they are divided into
the following.
Open format questions:

These are the type of questions that are used to allow the respondents to express
their views in a free flowing manner.

By using such questions, the respondents do not have to follow the criteria for
answering questions and he/she can truly express their beliefs and suggestions.

An ideal questionnaire is a type of questionnaire that includes open ended

questions and also have feedback and suggestions for future improvements.

Closed format questions:

Multiple choice questions comes under this category. The user is restricted to
answer their opinions through the options that is set by the surveyor. Hence,
these are also called as close ended questions.

One of the main advantages of using closed ended questions is the ease of doing
preliminary analysis. These are usually used to find opinion about known
questions and answers. They are usually used to track the status and the
improvements of organizations and companies.

Closed ended questions are of various types:

1. Leading questions:

These type of questions force a definite type of answer from the audience. In
such a question, all kind of answers are equally likely. The answers can vary
from bad, very bad to good and very good. These are usually used to collect
information from the users in very limited words.

2. Importance questions:

The respondents are asked to take a rating for a certain type of issue on a scale
of 1 to 5. This shows how much of an importance does the questionnaire topics
really hold within the company or within the minds of the user.

3. Likert questions:

These questions show how much the customer agrees to a certain topic and how
much it impacts the respondent.
4. Dichotomous questions:

These questions ask the respondents only a yes or no answer. Hence, it makes it
difficult to analyze beyond the yes and no answer.

5. Bipolar questions:

Such questions have answers that are in the extreme case. The respondents are
required to ask to rate the question between these two extremities.

6. Rating scale questions:

In such questions, the respondents are asked to rate a particular issue between
the ratings of good and bad. Such questions have even number of choices, so as
to prevent selecting the middle option all the time.

7. Buying propensity questions:

These questions are used to rate whether the respondent will again use the
service or the product in the future.

4. Hand Delivered Questionnaire:

This type of questionnaire is also called as direct questionnaire where the

researcher
directly goes to the respondent and shares the questions.

The respondent needs to tick the right answers in front of the researcher

Advantages:

 In this type the researcher will have close relationship with the
respondents.
 Tough questions are explained by the researcher if the respondents wants.
 The reason to study is also described

Disadvantages:

 Expensive
 Time consuming.

5. Mailed Questionnaire:
This type of questionnaire is mainly used by most of the researchers. Here the
respondents would be living somewhere far and the questionnaire is send to him
by post. Along with the questions, a set of instruction list is also send to him.

The respondent need to write the answers and send it back to the respective
person or agency.

Advantages:

 Most commonly used

 Very helpful for the researcher.
 Time saving
 Easy and simple.
 Not at all expensive

Disadvantages:

 Lack of returns.
 time taking if respondents are careless and lazy.
 Scarcity of skilled respondents.
 Chances of Errors due to misunderstanding by respondents.

6. Mixed questionnaire:

 Comprises of both close and open type of questions.

 Most used in social research sector.

7. Pictorial questionnaire:

 It is not used regularly.

 Usage of pictures impacts the respondents in answering the questions
 Mostly used for the studies based on social attitudes and prejudices in
children

PROCESS OF QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGNING

The following steps are involved in the questionnaire design process:

1. Specify the Information Needed: The first and the foremost step in
designing the questionnaire is to specify the information needed from the
respondents such that the objective of the survey is fulfilled. The
researcher must completely review the components of the problem,
 particularly the hypothesis, research questions, and the information
needed.
2. Define the Target Respondent: At the very outset, the researcher must
identify the target respondent from whom the information is to be
collected. The questions must be designed keeping in mind the type of
respondents under study. Such as, the questions that are appropriate for
serviceman might not be appropriate for a businessman. The less
diversified respondent group shall be selected because the more
diversified the group is, the more difficult it will be to design a single
questionnaire that is appropriate for the entire group.
3. Specify the type of Interviewing Method: The next step is to identify
the way in which the respondents are reached. In personal interviews,
the respondent is presented with a questionnaire and interacts face-to-face
with the interviewer. Thus, lengthy, complex and varied questions can be
asked using the personal interview method. In telephone interviews, the
respondent is required to give answers to the questions over the
telephone. Here the respondent cannot see the questionnaire and hence
this method restricts the use of small, simple and precise questions.

The questionnaire can be sent through mail or post. It should be self-

explanatory and contain all the important information such that the
respondent is able to understand every question and gives a complete
response. The electronic questionnaires are sent directly to the mail ids of
the respondents and are required to give answers online.

4. Determine the Content of Individual Questions: Once the information

needed is specified and the interviewing methods are determined, the next
step is to decide the content of the question. The researcher must decide
on what should be included in the question such that it contribute to the
information needed or serve some specific purpose.

In some situations, the indirect questions which are not directly related to
the information needed may be asked. It is useful to ask neutral questions
at the beginning of a questionnaire with intent to establish respondent’s
involvement and rapport. This is mainly done when the subject of a
questionnaire is sensitive or controversial. The researcher must try to
avoid the use of double-barreled questions. A question that talks about
two issues simultaneously, such as Is the Real juice tasty and a refreshing
health drink?

5. Overcome Respondent’s Inability and Unwillingness to Answer: The

researcher should not presume that the respondent can provide accurate
responses to all the questions. He must attempt to overcome the
 respondent’s inability to answer. The questions must be designed in a
simple and easy language such that it is easily understood by each
respondent. In situations, where the respondent is not at all informed
about the topic of interest, then the researcher may ask the filter
questions, an initial question asked in the questionnaire to identify the
prospective respondents to ensure that they fulfil the requirements of the
sample.

Despite being able to answer the question, the respondent is unwilling to

devote time in providing information. The researcher must attempt to
understand the reason behind such unwillingness and design the
questionnaire in such a way that it helps in retaining the respondent’s
attention.

6. Decide on the Question Structure: The researcher must decide on the

structure of questions to be included in the questionnaire. The question
can be structured or unstructured. The unstructured questions are the
open-ended questions which are answered by the respondents in their
own words. These questions are also called as a free-response or free-
answer questions.

While, the structured questions are called as closed-ended questions

that pre-specify the response alternatives. These questions could be a
multiple choice question, dichotomous (yes or no) or a scale.

7. Determine the Question Wording: The desired question content and

structure must be translated into words which are easily understood by
the respondents. At this step, the researcher must translate the questions
in easy words such that the information received from the respondents is
similar to what was intended.

In case the question is written poorly, then the respondent might refuse to
answer it or might give a wrong answer. In case, the respondent is
reluctant to give answers, then “nonresponse” arises which increases the
complexity of data analysis. On the other hand, if the wrong information
is given, then “ response error” arises due to which the result is biassed.

8. Determine the Order of Questions: At this step, the researcher must

decide the sequence in which the questions are to be asked. The
opening questions are crucial in establishing respondent’s involvement
and rapport, and therefore, these questions must be interesting, non-
threatening and easy. Usually, the open-ended questions which ask
respondents for their opinions are considered as good opening questions,
because people like to express their opinions.
 9. Identify the Form and Layout: The format, positioning and spacing
of questions has a significant effect on the results. The layout of a
questionnaire is specifically important for the self-administered
questionnaires. The questionnaires must be divided into several parts, and
each part shall be numbered accurately to clearly define the branches of a
question.
10.Reproduction of Questionnaire: Here, we talk about the appearance of
the questionnaire, i.e. the quality of paper on which the questionnaire is
either written or printed. In case, the questionnaire is reproduced on a
poor-quality paper; then the respondent might feel the research is
unimportant due to which the quality of response gets adversely affected.

Thus, it is recommended to reproduce the questionnaire on a good-quality

paper having a professional appearance. In case, the questionnaire has
several pages, then it should be presented in the form of a booklet rather
than the sheets clipped or stapled together.

11.Pretesting: Pretesting means testing the questionnaires on a few

selected respondents or a small sample of actual respondents with a
purpose of improving the questionnaire by identifying and eliminating the
potential problems. All the aspects of the questionnaire must be tested
such as question content, structure, wording, sequence, form and layout,
instructions, and question difficulty. The researcher must ensure that the
respondents in the pretest should be similar to those who are to be finally
surveyed.

Thus, the questionnaire design is a multistage process that requires the

researcher’s attention to many details.

Q7) What are the types of measurement scales and what is the criteria for
good measurement.
Ans7)
TYPES OF MEASUREMENT SCALES
1. Nominal Scale

From the Statistical point of view it is the lowest measurement level. Nominal
Scale is assigned to items that is divided into categories without having any
order or structure, for instance Colors do not have any assigned order, We can
have 5 colors like Red, Blue, Orange, Green and Yellow and could number
them 1 to 5 or 5 - 1 or number them in a mix, here the numbers are assigned to
color just for the purpose of identification, and ordering them Ascending or
Descending doesnt mean that Colors have an Order. The number gives us the
identity of the category assigned. The only mathematical operation we can
perform with nominal data is to count. Another example from research activities
is a YES/NO scale, which is nominal. It has no order and there is no distance
between YES and NO.

2. Ordinal Scale

Next up the list is the Ordinal Scale. Ordinal Scale is ranking of responses, for
instance Ranking Cyclist at the end of the race at the position 1, 2 and 3. Not
these are rank and the time distance between 1 and 2 may well not be the same
as between 2 and 3, so the distance between points is not the same but there is
an order present, when responses have an order but the distance between the
response is not necessarily same, the items are regarded or put into the Ordinal
Scale. Therefore an ordinal scale lets the researcher interpret gross order and not
the relative positional distances.

Ordinal Scale variables have the property of Identity and Magnitude. The
numbers represent a quality being measured (identity) and can tell us whether a
case has moreof the quality measured or lessof the quality measured than
another case (magnitude). The distancebetween scale points is not equal.
Ranked preferences are presented as an example of ordinal scales encountered
in everyday life.

3. Interval Scale

A normal survey rating scale is an interval scale for instance when asked to rate
satisfaction with a training on a 5 point scale, from Strongly Agree, Agree,
Neutral, Disagree and Strongly Disagree, an interval scale is being used. It is an
interval scale because it is assumed to have equal distance between each of the
scale elements i.e. the Magnitude between Strongly Agree and Agree is
assumed to be the same as Agree and Strongly Agree. This means that we can
interpret differences in the distance along the scale. We contrast this to an
ordinal scale where we can only talk about differences in order, not differences
in the degree of order i-e the distance between responses.

Properties of Interval Scales

Interval scales have the properties of:

 Identity
 Magnitude
 Equal distance
Variables which fulfill the above mentioned properties are put in this scale. The
equal distance between scale points helps in knowing how many units greater
than, or less than, one case is from another. The meaning of the distance
between 25 and 35 is the same as the distance between 65 and 75.

4. Ratio Scale

A Ratio Scale is at the top level of Measurement. The factor which clearly
defines a ratio scale is that it has a true zero point. The simplest example of a
ratio scale is the measurement of length (disregarding any philosophical points
about defining how we can identify zero length) or money. Having zero length
or zero money means that there is no length and no money but zero tempratue is
not an absolute zero, as it certainly has its effect. Ratio scales of measurement
have all of the properties of the abstract number system.

Properties of Ratio Scale

 Identity
 Magnitude
 Equal distance
 Absolute/true zero

These properties allow to apply all possible mathematical operations that

include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The absolute/true
zero allows us to know how many times greater one case is than another.
Variables falling in this category and having all the above mentioned numerical
properties fall in ratio scale.

CRITERIA FOR GOOD MEASUREMENT

 There are three basic criteria for good measurement:

1.  Reliability: The degree to which measures are free from random error and
thus yield consistent results.

2. Validity: The ability of a scale (a series into which an item can be placed
according to its quantification) to measure what was intended to be measured

3. Sensitivity: A measurement instrument’s ability to accurately measure

variability in stimuli or responses

Q8) Explain the importance of BRM for managers.

Ans8)
 1. Testing of new products
Business research tests the possible success of fresh products. Businesses need
to know what kinds of services and products consumers want before they
produce them. Research will reduce risk – Research can help design a new
product or service, figuring out what is needed and ensure that the development
of a product is highly targeted towards demand.
2. Guaranteeing adequate distribution
Businesses can also use research to guarantee sufficient distribution of their
products. For instance, a consumer products’ company might want to speak
with merchants about the various brands they offer. The outcomes of the
business research can help managers decide where they need to increase their
product distribution.
3. In-house research is required for professional and self development of the
workers through training and mentoring. Organisational research and analysis
would also be needed for assessment of performance management, process
reengineering, departmental assessment and well-being of staff members.
4. Undertaking research can help a company avoid future failure.
Carrying out research can also help a business determine whether now is the
right time to expand into another town or whether it needs to apply for a new
loan. It may also help a small business decide if a process should be altered or if
more needs to be done to meet the requirements of the customer base.
5. Studying the competition.
Businesses frequently make use of research to study key rivals in their markets.
Businesses will often begin with secondary research information or information
which is currently accessible. Research is important for any organization to
remain competitive in the market. The top function of research is to supply a
business with an outlet to correctly determine its customers. With the help of
surveys, an organization can analyse the preferences of its target consumers.
Furthermore, these studies could also provide a business the chance to
examine its competitors in the industry and analyze and emulate key strategies
which could help in its operations.
6. It can also help in the recruitment of employees. It’s through proper research
that human resource managers are able to determine and recruit qualified
manpower. Recruitment of workers with the right skills and attitudes aids the
company to improve its productivity levels. Research for the right staff
members can be done via the internet, consultancy firms and institutions of
higher learning. A proper knowledge of the employees and healthy conversation
would be important factors for a manager to boost performance of the
individuals in the team. A good approach, winning attitude and behaviour of the
manager with proper systems set up would certainly call for sound
research to understand and improve the system