Research Methodology

1. Define the research and state the objectives

of the research.
Ans- Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the
use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate
new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include
synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to
new and creative outcomes.
Objectives of Research
• Research objectives describe what your research is trying to achieve
and explain why you are pursuing it. They summarize the approach
and purpose of your project and help to focus your research.
• Research objectives describe what your research project intends to
accomplish. They should guide every step of the research process,
including how you collect data, build your argument, and develop
your conclusions.
• A research aim typically refers to a broad statement indicating the
general purpose of your research project. It should appear at the
end of your problem statement, before your research objectives.

2. Write a short note on types of research.

Ans – There are 6 types of Research

1. Qualitative Research - Qualitative method is used to understand

people's beliefs, experiences, attitudes, behaviour and interactions. It
generates non-numerical data.
2. Quantitative Research - Quantitative Research is based on the
measurement of a particular amount or quantity of a particular
phenomenon. It focuses on gathering and interpreting numerical data
and can be adopted for discovering any averages or patterns or for
making predictions.
3. Basic Research - Non-commercial Research is basic Research whose
motive is to collect data to enhance knowledge. It doesn’t focus on
creating or inventing anything during the process.
4. Applied Research - To solve real-life problems, the applied research
method is best suited. Unlike basic research methods, used research
methods solve practical problems which require scientific methods to
incorporate.
5. Problem-oriented Research - This type of research methods aims to
understand what the exact problem is and what would be the best
solution to this problem.
6. Explanatory - Explanatory research is the most common type of
research method and is responsible for establishing cause-and-effect
relationships that allow generalizations to be extended to similar realities.

3. What are the different types of research

design?
Ans –
1. Quantitative research design - Quantitative research design aims
at finding answers to who, what, where, how, and when through the
course of research. Moreover, the outcome of the quantitative
analysis is easy to represent in the form of statistics, graphs, charts,
and numbers.
2. Qualitative research design - Qualitative research design focuses
on finding answers to how and why. It uses open-ended questions
and helps the subjects express their views clearly.
3. Experimental design - This type of research design looks at a
problem scientifically by establishing a clear cause and effect of
every event. It also tries to understand the impact of the
independent variable on the dependable variable.
4. Correlational design - Correlation research design establishes a
relationship between two related variables. The researcher observes
the variables over time and then draws conclusions based on them.
5. Descriptive design - Descriptive design is a theory-based research
method describing the research’s primary subject matter. This type
of research design uses data collection techniques like natural
observation, case studies, and surveys to derive results.

4. Define research and state the motivation of

research.
Ans – Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the
use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate
new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This could include
synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to
new and creative outcomes.
Motivation of research
  Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential
benefits;
 Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems, i.e.,
concern over practical problems initiates’ research;
 Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work;
 Desire to be of service to society;
 Desire to get respectability.

5. Write about defining the research problem and

delimiting the research problem.
Ans - Formulating the research problem begins during the first steps of
the scientific process. Many scientific researchers look at an area where a
previous researcher generated some interesting results, but never
followed up. It could be an interesting area of research, which nobody else
has fully explored. A scientist may even review a successful experiment,
disagree with the results, the tests used, or the methodology, and decide
to refine the research process, retesting the hypothesis.
Delimitations refer to the boundaries of the research study, based on the
researcher’s decision of what to include and what to exclude. They narrow
your study to make it more manageable and relevant to what you are
trying to prove. Limitations relate to the validity and reliability of the
study. They are characteristics of the research design or methodology
that are out of your control but influence your research findings. Because
of this, they determine the internal and external validity of your study and
are considered potential weaknesses.

6. Define dependent and independent variables.

Ans - Just like an independent variable, a dependent variable is exactly
what it sounds like. It is something that depends on other factors. For
example, a test score could be a dependent variable because it could
change depending on several factors such as how much you studied, how
much sleep you got the night before you took the test, or even how
hungry you were when you took it. Usually when you are looking for a
relationship between two things you are trying to find out what makes the
dependent variable change the way it does.
An independent variable is exactly what it sounds like. It is a variable that
stands alone and isn't changed by the other variables you are trying to
measure. For example, someone's age might be an independent variable.
Other factors such as what they eat, how much they go to school, how
much television they watch aren't going to change a person's age. In fact,
when you are looking for some kind of relationship between variables you
are trying to see if the independent variable causes some kind of change
in the other variables, or dependent variables.

7. Write a short note on constructing a

Hypothesis.
Ans - A hypothesis is a statement that can be tested by scientific
research. If you want to test a relationship between two or more variables,
you need to write hypotheses before you start your experiment or data
collection.
Developing a hypothesis: -
Step 1. Ask a question
Writing a hypothesis begins with a research question that you want to
answer. The question should be focused, specific, and researchable within
the constraints of your project.
Step 2. Do some preliminary research
Your initial answer to the question should be based on what is already
known about the topic.
Look for theories and previous studies to help you form educated
assumptions about what your research will find.
Step 3. Formulate your hypothesis
Now you should have some idea of what you expect to find. Write your
initial answer to the question in a clear, concise sentence.
4. Refine your hypothesis
You need to make sure your hypothesis is specific and testable.

10. State basic principles of experimental

designs.
Ans –
There are three basic principles behind any experimental design:
1. Randomisation: the random allocation of treatments to the
experimental units.
Randomize to avoid confounding between treatment effects and other
unknown effects.
2. Replication: the repetition of a treatment within an experiment
allows:
 To quantify the natural variation between experimental units.
 To increase accuracy of estimated effects.
3. Reduce noise: by controlling as much as possible the conditions in the
experiment. A classic example is the grouping of similar experimental
units in blocks.

11.Differentiate between research Methods and

research methodology.
Ans -
 UNIT 2
11. Define Primary Data and Secondary Data.
Ans - Primary data is the data that is collected for the first time through
personal experiences or evidence, particularly for research. It is also
described as raw data or first-hand information. The mode of assembling
the information is costly, as the analysis is done by an agency or an
external organisation, and needs human resources and investment. The
investigator supervises and controls the data collection process directly.
The data is mostly collected through observations, physical testing,
surveys, personal interviews, telephonic interviews, case studies etc.
Secondary data is a second-hand data that is already collected and
recorded by some researchers for their purpose, and not for the current
research problem. It is accessible in the form of data collected from
different sources such as government publications, internal records of the
organisation, books, journal articles, websites and reports, etc. This
method of gathering data is affordable, readily available, and saves cost
and time.

12.What are the different methods of primary

data collection?
Ans - There are several methods of primary data collection, including:
 Surveys: Surveys involve collecting data from a sample of people
using questionnaires or interviews. Surveys can be conducted in
person, over the phone, or online.
 Focus groups: Focus groups involve collecting data from a small
group of people (typically 6-10) who share a common characteristic
or interest. The group is led by a moderator who asks questions to
stimulate discussion and elicit opinions.
 Observations: Observations involve collecting data by watching
and recording behaviour in a natural or controlled setting. This
method is useful when the researcher wants to observe behaviour
as it occurs, without influencing it.
 Experiments: Experiments involve manipulating one or more
variables to determine their effect on a dependent variable.
Experiments can be conducted in a laboratory or in the field.
Each method of primary data collection has its own strengths and
weaknesses, and the choice of method will depend on the research
question, the nature of the data being collected, and the available
resources.
13.What are the different methods of secondary
data collection?
Ans - There are several methods of secondary data collection, including:
 Literature review: A literature review involves searching and
analysing existing literature, such as academic articles, books, and
reports, to gather information relevant to the research question.
 Publicly available sources: - Publicly available sources of
secondary data include government reports, census data, trade
publications, and news articles. These sources can provide valuable
information on topics such as market trends, demographics, and
economic indicators.
 Online databases: Online databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and
Google Scholar provide access to a wide range of academic articles,
books, and reports.
 Social media: Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook,
and Instagram can be a source of secondary data, providing insights
into consumer behaviour, trends, and opinions.
Each method of secondary data collection has its own strengths and
weaknesses, and the choice of method will depend on the research
question, the nature of the data being collected, and the available
resources.

14. What is the hypothesis and types of

hypothesis.
Ans - A hypothesis is a statement or explanation that is proposed as a
possible answer to a research question. It is a testable proposition that is
based on existing knowledge or observations and is used to guide further
research.
There are two types of hypotheses:
1. Null hypothesis: The null hypothesis (H0) is a statement that
assumes there is no relationship or difference between variables. It
suggests that any observed differences or relationships are due to
chance or random variation.
2. Alternative hypothesis: The alternative hypothesis (Ha) is a
statement that assumes there is a relationship or difference
between variables. It suggests that any observed differences or
relationships are not due to chance or random variation.
The null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis are complementary and
must be mutually exclusive. This means that if the null hypothesis is true,
the alternative hypothesis must be false, and vice versa.
15.Write about the Reliability and validity of
Research tools?
Ans - Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of a research tool.
A reliable research tool should produce consistent results when
administered to the same group of people on different occasions or when
different observers rate the same behaviour. There are several ways to
measure reliability, such as test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and
internal consistency. Test-retest reliability involves administering the
same test to the same group of people at different times and comparing
the scores.
Validity refers to the extent to which a research tool measures what it is
intended to measure. A valid research tool should accurately capture the
construct or variable being studied. There are several types of validity,
such as content validity, criterion-related validity, and construct validity.
Content validity refers to the degree to which a research tool covers all
aspects of the construct being measured.

16.What is the procedure for testing of

hypothesis?
Ans - The procedure for testing a hypothesis typically involves the
following steps:
• State the research hypothesis and null hypothesis: The
research hypothesis is the statement that the researcher wants to
test, while the null hypothesis is the statement that there is no
significant difference between the variables being tested.
• Determine the level of significance: The level of significance is
the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is actually
true. This is typically set at 0.05 (5%) in most research studies.
• Select the appropriate test statistic: The choice of test statistic
depends on the research question, the type of data being analysed,
and the sample size.
• Collect and analyse data: Data is collected and analysed using
appropriate statistical techniques based on the chosen test statistic.
• Calculate the p-value: The p-value is the probability of obtaining a
test statistic as extreme or more extreme than the observed value,
assuming the null hypothesis is true. If the p-value is less than the
level of significance, the null hypothesis is rejected.
• Draw conclusions: Based on the results of the statistical analysis,
conclusions are drawn about the research hypothesis. If the null
hypothesis is rejected, the research hypothesis is supported. If the
 null hypothesis is not rejected, the research hypothesis is not
supported.
• Report the results: The results of the hypothesis test are reported
in a clear and concise manner, including the test statistic, the p-
value, and any relevant conclusions.

17. What are the different types of errors?

Ans –
In statistics, there are two main types of errors: Type I errors and Type II
errors.
 Type I error: Type I error, also known as a false positive, occurs
when the null hypothesis is rejected even though it is true. In other
words, it is the error of concluding that there is a significant effect or
relationship between variables when there is not one. The
probability of making a Type I error is denoted by alpha (α) and is
typically set at 0.05 (5%) in most research studies.
 Type II error: Type II error, also known as a false negative, occurs
when the null hypothesis is not rejected even though it is false. In
other words, it is the error of failing to detect a significant effect or
relationship between variables when there is one. The probability of
making a Type II error is denoted by beta (β) and depends on a
number of factors, including the sample size, the level of
significance, and the effect size.

18.What are the characteristics of good sample

design?
Ans - Characteristics of a Good Sample Design

 A sample should have a clear goal.

 A good sample should be an accurate representation of the entire
universe or population.
 A good sample is free from bias.
 A sample should be chosen randomly.
 The adequacy of a sample is essential.
 A sample should be proportional.

19.Draw and explain the flow diagram for

hypothesis testing.
Ans –