CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Q.1 Define research? What are the characteristics of research?

Research comprises "creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the
stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humans, culture and society, and the use of this
stock of knowledge to devise new applications." It is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm
the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems, support theorems, or develop
new theories. A research project may also be an expansion on past work in the field. To test the
validity of instruments, procedures, or experiments, research may replicate elements of prior
projects, or the project as a whole. The primary purposes of basic research (as opposed to applied
research) are documentation, discovery, interpretation, or the research and development (R&D)
of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge. Approaches to research
depend on epistemologies, which vary considerably both within and between humanities and
sciences.
There are several forms of research : scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social,
business, marketing, practitioner research, etc.

DEFINITIONS:
Research has been defined in a number of different ways.
A broad definition of research is given by Martyn Shuttleworth - "In the broadest sense of the
word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the
advancement of knowledge."
Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states that - "Research is a process of
steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue". It
consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an
answer to the question.
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research in more detail as "a studious
inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and

interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical
application of such new or revised theories or laws".

Characteristics of Research
1. Empirical - based on observations and experimentation on theories.
2. Systematic - follows orderly and sequential procedure.
3. Controlled - all variables except those that are tested/experimented upon are kept
constant.
4. Employs hypothesis - guides the investigation process
5. Analytical - There is critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error in their
interpretation
6. Objective, Unbiased, & Logical - all findings are logically based on empirical
7. Employs quantitative or statistical methods - data are transformed into numerical
measures and are treated statistically
8. Original work
9. Done by an expert - the researcher uses valid and carefully designed procedures, valid
data gathering
10.Must be patient and unhurried activity - to ensure accuracy
11.Require effort-making capacity
12.Requires courage
13.Has logical roots that help to establish facts or principles
14.Answers all type of questions

Q.2 Explain the needs and importance of research in business?

Research on aspects related your business, such as your target customer, marketplace trends,
production processes, and financial practices, can help you predict trends, project sales, spot
opportunities, and avoid potential problems. Understanding the nature of different types of
business research will help you use data to maximize your sales and profits.

Reasons for Business Research

Business research can help you determine what potential customers want, which can guide you
toward development of better products and services. It can keep you abreast of what your
competition is doing and help you spot marketplace and industry trends. Research lets you
analyze how your departments are performing, and then compare their performance against
projections to determine if you need to make adjustments.

The following point depicts the importance of Business:

1. Satisfaction of Wants:
For any business to function, it understands the needs of the customers. Measuring customer
satisfaction provides an induction of how successful the organisation is at providing and \or
services to the marketplace. The wants of people are growing day by day.
Their expectations from the business are continuously increasing. When one want is satisfied,
another crops up. Business helps in satisfying the growing needs and wants of the consumers by
providing them better quality goods and services.
Peter Drucker, the renowned management Guru has said to satisfy the customer is the mission
and purpose of every business. Customer loyalty is a major contributor to sustainable profit and
business growth. It is rightly said that no consumers-no business.

2. Higher standard of living:

A huge amount of money is spent by the business firm on research and development to improve
the quality of the product. It maintains continuity in the flow of goods and services to the
customers.
In these manner consumers get better quality products at reasonable price resulting into
improving their standard of living.
3. Goodwill:
Every business entity strives to create a good corporate image in the market to enhance its
financial and social status. Consistent business practices ensure the business organisation to
acquire goodwill and reputation in the market.
Good reputation helps the firm to survive and expand the business. The business can earn
goodwill by satisfying the growing needs of the consumers.
4. Increase in profit:
Profit is important in any business. Profit is the main objective of every business. Satisfaction of
consumer wants helps the business firm toachieve the well-defined objectives of earning profit
and creation of wealth.
This profit is provides sustainable revenue to the government, which in turn utilised for
administrative and social developmental purpose.
5. Employment opportunities:
Business provides employment to lakhs of people. It generates employment opportunities in
various sectors. People are involved in various activities such as production, distribution,
marketing and promotion of products. Hence business is a source of livelihood to the people.

6. Rapid economic growth:

Business organisation satisfies consumer needs by offering them products of their choice. It
results into growth, expansion and diversification of business. The firm enjoys economies of
large-scale production and distribution, which results into set up of new industries thereby
accelerating economic growth.
Business brings about industrial and economic development of the country. Creation of
employment opportunities and globalisation has led to rapid economic growth.
7. Revenue to the Government:
Business provides assistance to the government by paying taxes and revenue on profit. This
revenue is again utilised by the government for the well-being of the society by undertaking
various developmental activities. Government support can enhance the business growth.

Q.3 Discuss the need and importance of research in social science?

Social science research studies the human aspects of the world. It includes an in-depth study and
evaluation of human behavior by using scientific methods in either quantitative or qualitative
manner. The subject matter of the social science research can be subjective or objective. In
contrast to hard science or natural science, social science reveals subjective, objective, intersubjective and structural aspects of the society. In simple words, it measures the social
developments of the society and finds the emerging drawbacks too. The work of social science is
to watch where the society has been heading and what more can be done to benefit the entire
race.
If we dig out the historical evidences, we will find that social science has been a constant part of
the development of the human race. It is interesting to know that great philosophers like Plato
and Aristotle were advocates of social science and their philosophies are based on the objectives
of social sciences only.

1. To enable government in making polices: -Research on social and public by government it

helps to modify polices with welfare of people and makes polices according to demand of
society interest.
2. Helps to solve social problems: - Social problems could be attributed to certain social
behavior of social issues and then it analyses the issue and solve that.
3. Social welfare: - Government organization can undertake social research to enhance social
welfare of the society. Research can help to design suitable package of measure to reduce
income inequalities, to reduce poverty and unemployment, to overcome the problems of
social evils such as drugs addictions abuse of alcohol, gambling, and so on.
4. Modifies social Behavior: - Social research studies social behavior. Social research collect
relevant data on social behavior, analyses it and recommendations are listed. Based on the
recommendations of social researchers, steps can be taken by the concerned authorities to
modify the societal behavior.
5. Helps to predict event: -Research can be undertaken to predict future events in the society
and their impact. Research may be undertake to find out incidence of poverty and its impact
on the society. Research may make the concerned authorities to take appropriate measures to
reduce the incidence and to reduce the negative impact of incidence.
6. To establish general laws and generalization: - Research finding can be applied to larger
population. A researcher can conduct a research on a sample of respondents that represent the
universe. The research finding is based on sample population can then be generalized and
applied to the whole population
7. To develop principles and theories: - by conducting social research the result of its may make
new principles and theories. By conducting different program in research process comes out
with conclusion and by verifying in all the possible meaner which results in developing
principle and theories. Such principles and theories can be usefull to several organizations to
manage and deal with people and things in a better way.
8. To verifies and tests existing laws: - Social researchers after implementing laws and polices
they again take research program to check whether policies are effective and keeps on
verifying it.

Q.4 State and explain the objective of research

Description of what is to be achieved by the study is known as the objective of research.

Formulating aims and objectives for your research studies helps sculpt and guide your work after
you've decided on a topic. While your aims give your research thematic and theoretic direction,
objectives give concrete steps on how to manifest those concepts and theories. A strong topic
begins with an area you're interested in researching, then focuses on a need, problem or
unexplored issue in that area, usually from a particular perspective or approach.

Aims
A research proposal's aims are statements that broadly point out what you hope to accomplish
and your desired outcomes from the research. Aims focus on long-term intended outcomes -your aspirations in reference to the research. They're typically not numbered in a research
proposal. Strong research proposals set out only two to three aims. Each aim may have several
objectives associated with it.
Objectives
Objectives lay out how you plan to accomplish your aims. While aims are broad in nature,
objectives are focused and practical. They tend to pinpoint your research's more immediate
effects. They include a list of practical steps and tasks you're going to take to meet your aims.
Objectives are typically numbered, so each one stands alone. Each objective must have a
concrete method set out. If you're having trouble developing this, writing out a research time-line
before defining your objectives may help.
What They Should Do
Both aims and objectives should be brief and concise. They must be interrelated. Each aim
should have one or more objectives describing how that aim should be met. Aims and objectives
should both be realistic goals and methods with respect to what resources you have available and
the scope of research. Don't choose something too broad, for instance, or that would take much

more research time than you have. Aims and objectives also let your advisers know how you
intend to approach a given subject and how you plan to get access to subjects, goods and
services, samplings and other resources. They also provide plans for dealing with ethical or
practical problems you may encounter.
Things to Avoid
When you're writing your aims and objectives, don't make them too broad or vague. Aims are
more general than objectives, they shouldn't be over-optimistic or unrealistic about what you
want to achieve. They shouldn't repeat each other or be simple lists of items related to your
research. Stay away from focusing content on your research site or job. Stick to the specific aims
and objectives of your actual research study. Check that your aims and objectives contain
methods that can sustain what you hope to find. If they don't match, rethink the methods or aims
and objectives of your research.

Q.5 Discuss the types of research

Types of research
Quantitative research
Quantitative research is generally associated with the positivist/postpositivist paradigm. It
usually involves collecting and converting data into numerical form so that statistical
calculations can be made and conclusions drawn.
The process
Researchers will have one or more hypotheses. These are the questions that they want to address
which include predictions about possible relationships between the things they want to
investigate(variables). In order to find answers to these questions, the researchers will also have

various instruments and materials (e.g. paper or computer tests, observation check lists etc.) and
a clearly defined plan of action.
Data is collected by various means following a strict procedure and prepared for statistical
analysis. Nowadays, this is carried out with the aid of sophisticated statistical computer
packages. The analysis enables the researchers to determine to what extent there is a relationship
between two or more variables. This could be a simple association (e.g. people who exercise on a
daily basis have lower blood pressure) or a causal relationship (e.g. daily exercise actually leads
to lower blood pressure). Statistical analysis permits researchers to discover complex causal
relationships and to determine to what extent one variable influences another.
The results of statistical analyses are presented in journals in a standard way, the end result being
aP value. For people who are not familiar with scientific research jargon, the discussion sections
at the end of articles in peer reviewed journals usually describe the results of the study and
explain the implications of the findings in straightforward terms
Principles
Objectivity is very important in quantitative research. Consequently, researchers take great care
to avoid their own presence, behaviour or attitude affecting the results (e.g. by changing the
situation being studied or causing participants to behave differently). They also critically
examine their methods and conclusions for any possible bias.
Researchers go to great lengths to ensure that they are really measuring what they claim to be
measuring. For example, if the study is about whether background music has a positive impact
on restlessness in residents in a nursing home, the researchers must be clear about what kind of
music to include, the volume of the music, what they mean by restlessness, how to measure
restlessness and what is considered a positive impact. This must all be considered, prepared and
controlled in advance.
External factors, which might affect the results, must also be controlled for. In the above
example, it would be important to make sure that the introduction of the music was not
accompanied by other changes (e.g. the person who brings the CD player chatting with the

residents after the music session) as it might be the other factor which produces the results (i.e.
the social contact and not the music). Some possible contributing factors cannot always be ruled
out but should be acknowledged by the researchers.
The main emphasis of quantitative research is on deductive reasoning which tends to move from
the general to the specific. This is sometimes referred to as a top down approach. The validity of
conclusions is shown to be dependent on one or more premises (prior statements, findings or
conditions) being valid. Aristotles famous example of deductive reasoning was: All men are
mortal Socrates is a man Socrates is mortal. If the premises of an argument are inaccurate,
then the argument is inaccurate. This type of reasoning is often also associated with the fictitious
character Sherlock Holmes. However, most studies also include an element of inductive
reasoning at some stage of the research.
Researchers rarely have access to all the members of a particular group (e.g. all people with
dementia, carers or healthcare professionals). However, they are usually interested in being able
to make inferences from their study about these larger groups. For this reason, it is important that
the people involved in the study are a representative sample of the wider population/group.
However, the extent to which generalizations are possible depends to a certain extent on the
number of people involved in the study, how they were selected and whether they are
representative of the wider group. For example, generalizations about psychiatrists should be
based on a study involving psychiatrists and not one based on psychology students. In most
cases, random samples are preferred (so that each potential participant has an equal chance of
participating) but sometimes researchers might want to ensure that they include a certain number
of people with specific characteristics and this would not be possible using random sampling
methods. Generalizability of the results is not limited to groups of people but also to situations. It
is presumed that the results of a laboratory experiment reflect the real life situation which the
study seeks to clarify.
When looking at results, the P value is important. P stands for probability. It measures the
likelihood that a particular finding or observed difference is due to chance. The P value is
between 0 and 1. The closer the result is to 0, the less likely it is that the observed difference is

due to chance. The closer the result is to 1, the greater the likelihood that the finding is due to
chance (random variation) and that there is no difference between the groups/variables.

Qualitative research
Qualitative research is the approach usually associated with the social constructivist paradigm
which emphasises the socially constructed nature of reality. It is about recording, analysing and
attempting to uncover the deeper meaning and significance of human behaviour and experience,
including contradictory beliefs, behaviours and emotions. Researchers are interested in gaining a
rich and complex understanding of peoples experience and not in obtaining information which
can be generalized to other larger groups.
The process
The approach adopted by qualitative researchers tends to be inductive which means that they
develop a theory or look for a pattern of meaning on the basis of the data that they have
collected. This involves a move from the specific to the general and is sometimes called a
bottom-up approach. However, most research projects also involve a certain degree of deductive
reasoning (see section on quantitative research for more details).
Qualitative researchers do not base their research on pre-determined hypotheses. Nevertheless,
they clearly identify a problem or topic that they want to explore and may be guided by a
theoretical lens - a kind of overarching theory which provides a framework for their
investigation.
The approach to data collection and analysis is methodical but allows for greater flexibility than
in quantitative research. Data is collected in textual form on the basis of observation and
interaction with the participants e.g. through participant observation, in-depth interviews and
focus groups. It is not converted into numerical form and is not statistically analysed.

Data collection may be carried out in several stages rather than once and for all. The researchers
may even adapt the process mid-way, deciding to address additional issues or dropping questions
which are not appropriate on the basis of what they learn during the process. In some cases, the
researchers will interview or observe a set number of people. In other cases, the process of data
collection and analysis may continue until the researchers find that no new issues are emerging.
Principles
Researchers will tend to use methods which give participants a certain degree of freedom and
permit spontaneity rather than forcing them to select from a set of pre-determined responses (of
which none might be appropriate or accurately describe the participants thoughts, feelings,
attitudes or behaviour) and to try to create the right atmosphere to enable people to express
themselves. This may mean adopting a less formal and less rigid approach than that used in
quantitative research.
It is believed that people are constantly trying to attribute meaning to their experience. Therefore,
it would make no sense to limit the study to the researchers view or understanding of the
situation and expect to learn something new about the experience of the participants.
Consequently, the methods used may be more open-ended, less narrow and more exploratory
(particularly when very little is known about a particular subject). The researchers are free to go
beyond the initial response that the participant gives and to ask why, how, in what way etc. In
this way, subsequent questions can be tailored to the responses just given.
Qualitative research often involves a smaller number of participants. This may be because the
methods used such as in-depth interviews are time and labour intensive but also because a large
number of people are not needed for the purposes of statistical analysis or to make
generalizations from the results.
The smaller number of people typically involved in qualitative research studies and the greater
degree of flexibility does not make the study in any way less scientific than a typical
quantitative study involving more subjects and carried out in a much more rigid manner. The
objectives of the two types of research and their underlying philosophical assumptions are

simply different. However, as discussed in the section on philosophies guiding research, this
does not mean that the two approaches cannot be used in the same study.

Q.6 Describe the issues and problems in research?

Deciding whether to use a quantitative or qualitative research method can be a difficult task,
particularly if you arent familiar with the problems associated with each. Quantitative research
focuses on numerical, objective and repeatable data, and avoids subjectivity. Qualitative research
aims to understand the problems it investigated in greater detail, and is often quite subjective.
Finding out about the problems with each method can help you decide which to use, or whether
to mix the two.

Missing Variables
The rigid and fixed nature of quantitative research can also result in a relevant variable being
missed entirely. If someone was conducting a qualitative study into the intelligence levels of
children and trying to determine whether firstborn children are more intelligent than all
subsequent children, they may measure childrens IQ, and then note whether they are firstborn,
second, third or fourth. This may produce a result stating that, according to the statistics,
firstborn children are indeed more intelligent, and each subsequent child has a lower IQ than the
one before. This seems to be a relevant finding, but it overlooks the possible variable that
intelligent parents have fewer children. This could mean that the first- and second-born children
have relatively intelligent parents, and fifth-born children have less intelligent parents, so the
conclusion of the study is misleading.
Lack of Detail
Many people criticize quantitative research because the researchers have very little ability to find
out more detail. For example, many quantitative research methods use questionnaires as a means
of finding out percentages of the population that possess certain characteristics or think certain
things. Imagine if a questionnaire asks if you wished to vote for the Republicans or the

Democrats in the next election. Someone answering this question may want to vote for the Green
party, but not have the option available to state that. Within the confines of the quantitative study,
they will have to choose between the two. This may not seem like a relevant fact, but if 10
percent of people who answered Democrat actually preferred Greens, a massive trend will be
missed because of the rigid nature of the study. Qualitative research would catch this discrepancy
through use of open-ended questions.
No Generalization
As a result of its subjective nature, its level of detail and its relatively small sample size, you
cannot generalize qualitative findings to the population at large. Quantitative research can easily
generalize data, because it can convert its finding into percentages and other mathematical
expressions that can be extrapolated. Unfortunately, the detailed answers that qualitative research
produces make them difficult to generalize to the population at large. The level of detail in each
study also means that fewer people are studied, therefore making the participants a less accurate
representation of the entire populace.

Subjectivity
Subjectivity -- one of the hallmarks of qualitative research -- is also one of its major flaws. The
subjective nature of the information that can be gleaned from such methods as interviews and
case studies means that they are open to misinterpretation and observer bias. For example, if you
are performing an interview to investigate whether prisoners had abusive childhoods, observer
bias could occur, in that the interviewees could exaggerate the negative aspects of their
childhoods for sympathy or justification. Subjectivity is also an issue when analyzing data,
because in qualitative research, data must be interpreted. Researchers could unwittingly interpret
the data in a way that suggests what they wish to show. This cant be done as easily with
quantitative, numerical data.
There are other research problems which are stated as follows
1. INADEQUATE STATISTICS: This limits the degree of researchers effectiveness and by
extension his research findings.

2. LACK OF RESEARCH EQUIPMENT: - Like computers contribute to slowing down the

growth of research.
3. ILLITERACY: -This has hampered the appreciation of the value of research findings by
the majority of the people (social workers and business executive inclusive)
4. SECURITY: This frustrates the researcher in his effort to generate meaningful data.
5. DOMINANCE OF SMALL SCALE ORGANIZATIONS: -These do not see any need for
research studies due to the management styles and lack of finance.
6. SCANTY INFORMATION BASE: -This narrows down the quantity and quality of
literature available to a researcher. In other words, not as much research findings had
been accumulated from where a researcher can draw from.
7. EXISTENCE OF SELLERS MARKET: - In which producers instead of the buyers are
kings. In such situations, goods produced would be sold and there would be little need to
8.

research the market for possible improvements.

LACK OF RESEARCH FUNDS: - This discourages research of all forms. Governments,
institutions/organizations do not quite appreciate the contributions of research findings to
economic development and therefore do not provide sufficient amounts for research of all

types.
9. MULTINATIONAL FIRMS RELY MAINLY ON THEIR PARENT COMPANIES
OVERSEAS FOR THEIR RESEARCH NEEDS: -This attitude does not encourage the
growth of research in developing countries.

CHAPTER 2:RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Q.1 What is research methodology? Explain its nature and characteristics.
Reasearch Methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field
of study. It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated
with a branch of knowledge. Typically, it encompasses concepts such as paradigm, theoretical
model, phases and quantitative or qualitative techniques.
A methodology does not set out to provide solutions - it is, therefore, not the same as a method.
Instead, a methodology offers the theoretical underpinning for understanding which method, set
of methods, or so-called best practices can be applied to specific case, for example, to
calculating a specific result.
It has been defined also as follows:

1. "the analysis of the principles of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a

discipline";
2. "the systematic study of methods that are, can be, or have been applied within a
discipline";
3. "the study or description of methods"

Characteristics of Research methodology

1.

Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.

2.

Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles.

3.

Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a

problem.
4.

Analytical. Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether

historical, descriptive, experimental and case study.

5.

Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgment.

6.

Methodical. Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic

method and procedures.

7.

Replicability. The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the

researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.

8.

Research demands accurate observation and description. Researchers may choose to use

quantitative measuring devices when possible. When this is not possible or appropriate to answer
the researchers question, they may choose from a variety of qualitative, or non quantitative,
descriptions of their observations. Good research utilizes valid and reliable data gathering
procedures
9.

Research requires expertise. The researcher knows what is already known about the problem

and how others have investigated it. He or she has searched the related literature carefully and is

also thoroughly grounded in the terminology, concepts, and technical skills necessary to
understand and analyze the data gathered.

Q.2 Describe the steps in scientific research process.

Scientific research involves a systematic process that focuses on being objective and gathering a
multitude of information for analysis so that the researcher can come to a conclusion. This
process is used in all research and evaluation projects, regardless of the research method
(scientific method of inquiry, evaluation research, or action research). The process focuses on
testing hunches or ideas in a park and recreation setting through a systematic process. In this
process, the study is documented in such a way that another individual can conduct the same
study again. This is referred to as replicating the study. Any research done without documenting
the study so that others can review the process and results is not an investigation using the
scientific research process. The scientific research process is a multiple-step process where the
steps are interlinked with the other steps in the process. If changes are made in one step of the
process, the researcher must review all the other steps to ensure that the changes are reflected
throughout the process. Parks and recreation professionals are often involved in conducting
research or evaluation projects within the agency. These professionals need to understand the
eight steps of the research process as they apply to conducting a study.
Step 1: Identify the Problem
The first step in the process is to identify a problem or develop a research question. The research
problem may be something the agency identifies as a problem, some knowledge or information
that is needed by the agency, or the desire to identify a recreation trend nationally. In the example
in table 2.4, the problem that the agency has identified is childhood obesity, which is a local
problem and concern within the community. This serves as the focus of the study.

Step 2: Review the Literature

Now that the problem has been identified, the researcher must learn more about the topic under
investigation. To do this, the researcher must review the literature related to the research

problem. This step provides foundational knowledge about the problem area. The review of
literature also educates the researcher about what studies have been conducted in the past, how
these studies were conducted, and the conclusions in the problem area. In the obesity study, the
review of literature enables the programmer to discover horrifying statistics related to the longterm effects of childhood obesity in terms of health issues, death rates, and projected medical
costs. In addition, the programmer finds several articles and information from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention that describe the benefits of walking 10,000 steps a day. The
information discovered during this step helps the programmer fully understand the magnitude of
the problem, recognize the future consequences of obesity, and identify a strategy to combat
obesity (i.e., walking).
Step 3: Clarify the Problem
Many times the initial problem identified in the first step of the process is too large or broad in
scope. In step 3 of the process, the researcher clarifies the problem and narrows the scope of the
study. This can only be done after the literature has been reviewed. The knowledge gained
through the review of literature guides the researcher in clarifying and narrowing the research
project. In the example, the programmer has identified childhood obesity as the problem and the
purpose of the study. This topic is very broad and could be studied based on genetics, family
environment, diet, exercise, self-confidence, leisure activities, or health issues. All of these areas
cannot be investigated in a single study; therefore, the problem and purpose of the study must be
more clearly defined. The programmer has decided that the purpose of the study is to determine
if walking 10,000 steps a day for three days a week will improve the individuals health. This
purpose is more narrowly focused and researchable than the original problem.
Step 4: Clearly Define Terms and Concepts
Terms and concepts are words or phrases used in the purpose statement of the study or the
description of the study. These items need to be specifically defined as they apply to the study.
Terms or concepts often have different definitions depending on who is reading the study. To
minimize confusion about what the terms and phrases mean, the researcher must specifically
define them for the study. In the obesity study, the concept of individuals health can be
defined in hundreds of ways, such as physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health. For this
study, the individuals health is defined as physical health. The concept of physical health may

also be defined and measured in many ways. In this case, the programmer decides to more
narrowly define individual health to refer to the areas of weight, percentage of body fat, and
cholesterol. By defining the terms or concepts more narrowly, the scope of the study is more
manageable for the programmer, making it easier to collect the necessary data for the study. This
also makes the concepts more understandable to the reader.
Step 5: Define the Population
Research projects can focus on a specific group of people, facilities, park development,
employee evaluations, programs, financial status, marketing efforts, or the integration of
technology into the operations. For example, if a researcher wants to examine a specific group of
people in the community, the study could examine a specific age group, males or females, people
living in a specific geographic area, or a specific ethnic group. Literally thousands of options are
available to the researcher to specifically identify the group to study. The research problem and
the purpose of the study assist the researcher in identifying the group to involve in the study. In
research terms, the group to involve in the study is always called the population. Defining the
population assists the researcher in several ways. First, it narrows the scope of the study from a
very large population to one that is manageable. Second, the population identifies the group that
the researchers efforts will be focused on within the study. This helps ensure that the researcher
stays on the right path during the study. Finally, by defining the population, the researcher
identifies the group that the results will apply to at the conclusion of the study. In the example in
table 2.4, the programmer has identified the population of the study as children ages 10 to 12
years. This narrower population makes the study more manageable in terms of time and
resources.
Step 6: Develop the Instrumentation Plan
The plan for the study is referred to as the instrumentation plan. The instrumentation plan serves
as the road map for the entire study, specifying who will participate in the study; how, when, and
where data will be collected; and the content of the program. This plan is composed of numerous
decisions and considerations that are addressed in chapter 8 of this text. In the obesity study, the
researcher has decided to have the children participate in a walking program for six months. The
group of participants is called the sample, which is a smaller group selected from the population
specified for the study. The study cannot possibly include every 10- to 12-year-old child in the

community, so a smaller group is used to represent the population. The researcher develops the
plan for the walking program, indicating what data will be collected, when and how the data will
be collected, who will collect the data, and how the data will be analyzed. The instrumentation
plan specifies all the steps that must be completed for the study. This ensures that the
programmer has carefully thought through all these decisions and that she provides a step-bystep plan to be followed in the study.
Step 7: Collect Data
Once the instrumentation plan is completed, the actual study begins with the collection of data.
The collection of data is a critical step in providing the information needed to answer the
research question. Every study includes the collection of some type of datawhether it is from
the literature or from subjectsto answer the research question. Data can be collected in the
form of words on a survey, with a questionnaire, through observations, or from the literature. In
the obesity study, the programmers will be collecting data on the defined variables: weight,
percentage of body fat, cholesterol levels, and the number of days the person walked a total of
10,000 steps during the class.
The researcher collects these data at the first session and at the last session of the program. These
two sets of data are necessary to determine the effect of the walking program on weight, body
fat, and cholesterol level. Once the data are collected on the variables, the researcher is ready to
move to the final step of the process, which is the data analysis.
Step 8: Analyze the Data
All the time, effort, and resources dedicated to steps 1 through 7 of the research process
culminate in this final step. The researcher finally has data to analyze so that the research
question can be answered. In the instrumentation plan, the researcher specified how the data will
be analyzed. The researcher now analyzes the data according to the plan. The results of this
analysis are then reviewed and summarized in a manner directly related to the research
questions. In the obesity study, the researcher compares the measurements of weight, percentage
of body fat, and cholesterol that were taken at the first meeting of the subjects to the
measurements of the same variables at the final program session. These two sets of data will be
analyzed to determine if there was a difference between the first measurement and the second

measurement for each individual in the program. Then, the data will be analyzed to determine if
the differences are statistically significant. If the differences are statistically significant, the study
validates the theory that was the focus of the study. The results of the study also provide valuable
information about one strategy to combat childhood obesity in the community.
As you have probably concluded, conducting studies using the eight steps of the scientific
research process requires you to dedicate time and effort to the planning process. You cannot
conduct a study using the scientific research process when time is limited or the study is done at
the last minute. Researchers who do this conduct studies that result in either false conclusions or
conclusions that are not of any value to the organization.

Q.3 Discuss the steps in formulating the research problems.

5 Ways to Formulate the Research Problem
1. Specify the Research Objectives
A clear statement of objectives will help you develop effective research.
It will help the decision makers evaluate your project. Its critical that you have manageable
objectives. (Two or three clear goals will help to keep your research project focused and
relevant.)
2. Review the Environment or Context of the Research Problem
As a marketing researcher, you must work closely with your team. This will help you determine
whether the findings of your project will produce enough information to be worth the cost.

In order to do this, you have to identify the environmental variables that will affect the research
project.
3. Explore the Nature of the Problem
Research problems range from simple to complex, depending on the number of variables and
the nature of their relationship.
If you understand the nature of the problem as a researcher, you will be able to better develop a
solution for the problem.
To help you understand all dimensions, you might want to consider focus groups of consumers,
sales people, managers, or professionals to provide what is sometimes much needed insight.
4. Define the Variable Relationships
Marketing plans often focus on creating a sequence of behaviors that occur over time, as in the
adoption of a new package design, or the introduction of a new product.
Such programs create a commitment to follow some behavioral pattern in the future.
Studying such a process involves:

Determining which variables affect the solution to the problem.

Determining the degree to which each variable can be controlled.

Determining the functional relationships between the variables and which variables are
critical to the solution of the problem.

During the problem formulation stage, you will want to generate and consider as many courses
of action and variable relationships as possible.
5. The Consequences of Alternative Courses of Action

There are always consequences to any course of action. Anticipating and communicating the
possible outcomes of various courses of action is a primary responsibility in the research process.

Q.4. What is Hypothesis? Explain its importance.

Hypothesis is assumption which is based on reasoning. Word Hypothesis is a combination of
two words the first one is Hypo (that means under or less than or tentative) and the second one
is thesis (that means General opinion or statement about solution of a problem) , So the word
Hypothesis means tentative statement about solution of a problem or Hypothesis means the
guesses to solve the research problem.
A hypothesis is an educated prediction that can be tested. You will discover the purpose of a
hypothesis then learn how one is developed and written..A hypothesis is a specific, testable
prediction. It describes in concrete terms what you expect will happen in a certain circumstance.
Your hypothesis may have been, 'If not studying lowers test performance, and I do not study,
then I will make a low grade on the test'.
1. Power of Prediction
One of the valuable attribute of a good hypothesis is to predict for future. It not only clears
the present problematic situation but also predict for the future that what would be happened
in the coming time. So, hypothesis is a best guide of research activity due to power of
prediction.
2. Closest to observable things
A hypothesis must have close contact with observable things. It does not believe on air
castles but it is based on observation. Those things and objects which we cannot observe, for
that hypothesis cannot be formulated. The verification of a hypothesis is based on observable
things.
3. Simplicity
A hypothesis should be so dabble to every layman, P.V young says, A hypothesis wo0uld be
simple, if a researcher has more in sight towards the problem. W-ocean stated that, A
hypothesis should be as sharp as razors blade. So, a good hypothesis must be simple and
have no complexity.
4. Clarity

A hypothesis must be conceptually clear. It should be clear from ambiguous informations.

The terminology used in it must be clear and acceptable to everyone.
5. Testability
A good hypothesis should be tested empirically. It should be stated and formulated after
verification and deep observation. Thus testability is the primary feature of a good
hypothesis.
6. Fruitful for new Discoveries
It should be able to provide new suggestions and ways of knowledge. It must create new
discoveries of knowledge J.S. Mill, one of the eminent researcher says that Hypothesis is
the best source of new knowledge it creates new ways of discoveries.
7. Relevant to Problem
If a hypothesis is relevant to a particular problem, it would be considered as good one. A
hypothesis is guidance for the identification and solution of the problem, so it must be
accordance to the problem.
8. Specific
It should be formulated for a particular and specific problem. It should not include
generalization. If generalization exists, then a hypothesis cannot reach to the correct
conclusions.

Q.5 Discuss the types of hypothesis.

A hypothesis is a tool of quantitative studies.
It is a tentative and formal prediction about the relationship between two or more variables in the
population being studied, and the hypothesis translates the research question into a prediction of
expected outcomes.
So a hypothesis is a statement about the relationship between two or more variables that we set
out to prove or disprove in our research. study.
Below are some of the important types of hypothesis
1. Simple Hypothesis
Simple hypothesis is that one in which there exists relationship between two variables one is
called independent variable or cause and other is dependent variable or effect. For example

2. Smoking leads to Cancer

The higher ratio of unemployment leads to crimes.
3. Complex Hypothesis
Complex hypothesis is that one in which as relationship among variables exists. In this type
dependent as well as independent variables are more than two. For example Smoking and
other drugs leads to cancer, tension chest infections etc.The higher ration of unemployment
poverty, illiteracy leads to crimes like dacoit, Robbery, Rape, prostitution & killing etc.
4. Empirical Hypothesis
Working hypothesis is that one which is applied to a field. During the formulation it is an
assumption only but when it is pat to a test become an empirical or working hypothesis.
5. Null Hypothesis
Null hypothesis is contrary to the positive statement of a working hypothesis. According to
null hypothesis there is no relationship between dependent and independent variable. It is
denoted by HO.
6. Alternative Hypothesis
Firstly many hypotheses are selected then among them select one which is more workable
and most efficient. That hypothesis is introduced latter on due to changes in the old
formulated hypothesis. It is denote by HI.
7. Logical Hypothesis
It is that type in which hypothesis is verified logically. J.S. Mill has given four cannons of
these hypothesis e.g. agreement, disagreement, difference and residue.
8. Statistical Hypothesis
A hypothesis which can be verified statistically called statistical hypothesis. The statement
would be logical or illogical but if statistic verifies it, it will be statistical hypothesis

Q.6 Describe the sources of developing hypothesis.

Excellent research begins with a clear hypothesis which can be examined by the generation of
new data by state-of-the-arts techniques. The hypothesis should be original and one which will
generate substantial interest if answered by leading investigators in the field. It is not excellent
research to investigate an hypothesis which is highly predictable or expected or in which there
would be little interest. A review of the literature or review of patients' charts may be the source
of data used for a thesis. However, the basic requirement still applies. There must be a hypothesis
which can be supported or rejected on the basis of data gleaned from the patients' records or
published literature. These data should be subjected to statistical analysis, and the results should
either confirm or reject the original hypothesis. As with any other thesis, a review of the

literature and a section dealing with the interpretation of the data and a discussion of its
importance should be included. A literature review cannot be a simple narrative describing the
information obtained from these sources.
1. Scientific Theory:
The knowledge of theory leads us to form further generalizations from it. These
generalizations form the part of hypothesis.
2. General Culture:
The general pattern of culture helps not only to formulate a hypothesis, but also to
guide its trend. The culture has a great influence upon the thinking process of people
and hypothesis may be formed to test one or more of these ideas.
3. Analogies:
Sometimes a hypothesis is formed from the analogy. A similarity between two
phenomena is observed and a hypothesis is formed to test whether the two
phenomena are similar in any other respect.
4. Intuition:
A person may get ideas to develop hypothesis due to ones own intuition. Ideas can
strike like a flash. It is often said that reflective minds are spring of knowledge. The
story of laws of gravitation propounded by Newton at the sight of falling apple is the
case of intuition.
5. Research studies
Research on one problem can help to develop hypothesis to solve another problem.
Also, research studies conducted earlier can be source of problems, as the research
can develop hypothesis based on the earlier research studies.
The researcher can hold discussions with experts to develop hypothesis. For eg research students
can take help of their seiner person or take help of experts.