Que.1 Define Research Problem and of formulating Research Problem.?

Ans. A research problem is a statement that addresses a gap in

knowledge, a challenge or a contradiction in a particular field.
Scientists use research problems to identify and define the aim of their
study and analysis. You may decide to conduct research based on a
problem if you're interested in contributing to social or scientific
change or supplying additional knowledge to an existing topic. A
research problem may also help identify key concepts and terms,
overarching questions and variables associated with a study.

Related: What Is Research Methodology? (Why It's Important and

Types)

Characteristics of an effective research

problem
There are several factors that ensure a research problem is clear,
well-defined and easy to follow throughout the duration of a study.
Understanding these aspects of a research problem can help as you
identify and create your own. Some characteristics to consider when
aiming to define a research problem include:

 Reflecting on issues or required knowledge in a particular

field prior to conducting a study
 Ensuring that the topic you aim to examine has a
sufficient amount of relevant data
 Relying on reputable evidence and data and disregarding
information that you can't verify
 Remaining practical, manageable and communicative
with researchers involved in data collection and analysis
 Adhering strictly to a budget and timeline

Related: 19 Types of Research (With Definitions and Examples)

3 types of research problems

Here are three types of research problems that can help you decide on
the best format to use:

1. Theoretical research problems

Theoretical research problems allow you to contribute to the overall

information and knowledge in an area of study. These kinds of
research problems are exploratory and provide basic definitions of a
problem's overarching nature or areas of informational gaps.
Theoretical research problems can address contradictions between
two or more perspectives or address an unresolved question.
Researchers develop their hypotheses for these problems according to
a particular theory, typically stemming from social philosophy. For
example, Albert Einstein's theory of relativity began as a theoretical
research problem before he eventually proved it in the early 20th
century.

2. Applied research problems

Applied research problems, or nonsystematic problems, involve the

practical use of theoretical knowledge, meaning that scholars may use
a particular theoretical framework to gain information. It also includes
an exploratory hypothesis and tests to verify the accuracy of the
hypothesis. Social scientists typically use applied research problems
in studies where the objective is to provide practical and applicable
solutions to help specific individuals and groups if they encounter
challenges. For example, a marketing company may define an applied
research problem of how to better market its services to a particular
audience.

3. Action research problems

Similar to applied research problems, action research problems also
aim to provide solutions for problems but are typically more time-
sensitive in nature. Action research problems can also be one
component of a larger reflective process that combines ongoing
research, analysis and action. Researchers develop and implement a
research strategy to create innovative solutions and discoveries as
soon as possible. For example, an action research problem in
education might include finding a solution for a district-wide problem
impeding student success. This may include school staff members
working together and using district-wide action research data to find a
solution.

Related: What Are Problem-Solving Skills? Definitions and Examples

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Que.2. Explain Sampling and types of sampling.

Ans. Sampling is an essential part of any research project. The right

sampling method can make or break the validity of your research, and
it’s essential to choose the right method for your specific question. In
this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular
sampling methods and provide real-world examples of how they can
be used to gather accurate and reliable data.

LEARN ABOUT: Research Process Steps

From simple random sampling to complex stratified sampling, we’ll

explore each method’s pros, cons, and best practices. So, whether
you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting your journey, this article
is a must-read for anyone looking to master sampling methods. Let’s
get started!

Content Index
 1. What is sampling?
2. Types of sampling: sampling methods
3. Types of probability sampling with examples:
4. Uses of probability sampling
5. Types of non-probability sampling with examples
6. Uses of non-probability sampling
7. How do you decide on the type of sampling to use?
8. Difference between probability sampling and non-probability sampling methods
9. Conclusion

What is sampling?
Sampling is a technique of selecting individual members or a subset of
the population to make statistical inferences from them and estimate
the characteristics of the whole population. Different sampling
methods are widely used by researchers in market research so that
they do not need to research the entire population to collect actionable
insights.

It is also a time-convenient and cost-effective method and hence

forms the basis of any research design. Sampling techniques can be
used in research survey software for optimum derivation.

For example, suppose a drug manufacturer would like to research the

adverse side effects of a drug on the country’s population. In that
case, it is almost impossible to conduct a research study that involves
everyone. In this case, the researcher decides on a sample of people
from each demographic and then researches them, giving him/her
indicative feedback on the drug’s behavior.

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Types of sampling: sampling methods

Sampling in market action research is of two types – probability
sampling and non-probability sampling. Let’s take a closer look at
these two methods of sampling.

1. Probability sampling: Probability sampling is a sampling

technique where a researcher selects a few criteria and chooses
members of a population randomly. All the members have an
equal opportunity to participate in the sample with this selection
parameter.
2. Non-probability sampling: In non-probability sampling, the
researcher randomly chooses members for research. This
sampling method is not a fixed or predefined selection process.
This makes it difficult for all population elements to have equal
opportunities to be included in a sample.

This blog discusses the various probability and non-probability

sampling methods you can implement in any market research study.

LEARN ABOUT: Survey Sampling

Types of probability sampling with examples:

Probability sampling is a technique in which researchers choose
samples from a larger population based on the theory of probability.
This sampling method considers every member of the population and
forms samples based on a fixed process.

For example, in a population of 1000 members, every member will

have a 1/1000 chance of being selected to be a part of a sample.
Probability sampling eliminates sampling bias in the population and
allows all members to be included in the sample.
Que.3. Explain any two types of Research.

Ans. Types of research methods

There are many types of research methods that professionals might
use to conduct studies. Here are some common types of research
methods, including best practices and the situations in which they're
most effective:

Observation

Experimenters record what they see participants doing or saying

during observational studies. These types of studies might include
role-playing or watching the participants and waiting for a certain
behavior to occur. For example, a researcher might set out drinks on
the table and tell participants they can have a drink once they finish a
task. The researcher would then watch to see how many participants
finish the task before they grab a drink.

A modified form of observational study is the longitudinal

observational study. Researchers track the same participants in
longitudinal observational studies for months or years and study
multiple data points. This method is useful when researchers need a
large pool of data to study or if the study is dependent on tracking
information over time. Researchers might not want to use
observational studies if they do not have a lot of time to invest in their
study.

Questionnaires and surveys

Questionnaires and surveys ask the same questions to a large group of

individuals. These questions are typically used to measure
quantitative data. Researchers translate the survey answers into
numerical data so they can look for patterns. These questions could
include something as simple are counting the number of employees at
a company who prefer the color red to more complex data patterns,
like studying the percentage of employees who preferred the color red
and were also born in January.

Questionnaires can be a good way to quickly secure a high number of

participants. People who do not have time for longer interview
sessions can easily take a questionnaire on-site or return it in the mail
later. However, mail-in surveys and questionnaires can have a low
response rate, and participants might skip questions or answer them
incorrectly. Researchers who elect to use this method should make
considerations for potential gaps in the data due to human error in the
survey completion.

Related: Research Skills: Definition and Examples

Interviews

Researchers have a written list of questions for their subjects during

interviews, creating a very structured research setting. The researcher
could also only have one question arranged, allowing the subject to
speak and expand on the topic from there. You might hold interviews
over the phone, via digital messaging or in person. Analysts can use
interviews during qualitative or quantitative research projects.

During an interview, it's helpful to have two researchers. You might

have one researcher take notes on a participant's responses while the
other researcher watches the participant for nonverbal cues. If only
one researcher is available, then getting permission to record the
interview can be helpful—this ensures that the single researcher can
watch the subject for nonverbal cues and is not hindered by excessive
note-taking. A researcher might not want to use this method if they are
working alone and cannot record the process.

Related: What Is a Research Interview? (And How To Conduct One)

Focus groups and case studies

In a focus group, researchers gather participants together and ask

questions of the group. Researchers might observe a focus group and
take notes on the session, or they can operate as the group's
facilitator. As with interviews, researchers can record focus groups for
further review and analysis.

In a case study, researchers study one central case of a person or a

small group. Researchers might also make a case study of data from
previous focus groups. Some researchers use the words "focus group"
or "case study" interchangeably when studying a small group. Both
focus groups and case studies are qualitative research methods,
recording information rather than numerical data.

Researchers can hold focus groups and case studies on many topics,
including public health, food preferences or even entertainment
options. Researchers might want to use this method if they are looking
for a very descriptive dataset to examine. However, you might not
want to use a focus group or a case study if you need a broader scope
of data to analyze.

Experiments

Experiments involve testing a theory in a lab environment, in a

controlled area or with willing study participants in different
environments. You might ask participants to complete tests verbally,
on paper or on a computer. Some experiments could involve multiple
simulations.

For example, a researcher might give a cognitive test to a patient, but

the actual test is evaluating how the patient performs when the room's
temperature is colder or hotter than it was to begin with. Experiments
are usually quantitative studies, recording numerical or statistical
data.

There are many methods of completing experiments, so these can be

easy to administer to participants. Best practices for this method
include having simple instructions and easily replicated experiments.
Participants might need to complete tests on computers, so
researchers should ensure test-takers need no prior knowledge of
computers to complete these types of tests.

You might not want to use experiments as a method if your directions

for participants are not clear. Clear instructions allow participants to
move through the experiment confidently and accurately, allowing for
a more consistent collection of data.

Related: What Is Quantitative Analysis?

Secondary data analysis

Secondary data analysis, also known as archival study, is studying and

assessing research that already exists. If the archival works include
letters, diaries or emails, this is a qualitative study. If the archival files
are numerical data, like accounting reports, that would be a
quantitative study.

This research method can be much more expedient than other

research methods because it involves using research that's already
been completed. Researchers might want to use this method because
it can be much more cost-effective, and you could find multiple
sources for your analysis. However, you'll want to ensure that the data
is timely, specific to your study's needs and unbiased for it to be most
useful.

Related: Types of Research: Definitions and Examples

Mixed methods

Mixed methods can be a combination of multiple types of research

methods. The researcher might combine observations with focus
groups or interviews. The selected combination depends on what the
researcher is studying and which research methods are best suited for
their tasks. Best practices for utilizing mixed methods include picking
two complementary research methods, such as starting with a focus
group and then using the focus group data to develop and conduct an
experiment.

You might not want to use mixed methods if this approach could
unnecessarily complicate the research. For example, if your mixed
methods are surveys and secondary data analysis, these two methods
could unnecessarily complicate the study if the sets of information are
not relevant to one another.