RESEARCH METHODS FOR BUSINESS

Questions for Comprehensive Viva from UNIT I

1. Define Research.
Research is the systematic investigation of an identified problem in
order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
2. What is an exploratory research ? Example.
Exploratory research is research conducted for a problem that has not
been clearly defined. For example, The research that widely it helps
determine the best research design, data collection method and
selection of subjects.
3. What is descriptive research ?
Descriptive research is used to describe characteristics of a population
or phenomenon being studied. It does not answer questions about
how/when/why the characteristics occurred.
4. Bring out the difference between research and experimental design.
An experiment is a study in which a treatment, procedure, or program
is intentionally introduced and a result or outcome is observed, The IV
is manipulated to study the DV in comparison with the control, unlike
the general research design.
5. What is causal research?
Causal research (also referred to as explanatory research) is the
investigation of (research into) cause-and-effect relationships
6. What is an intervening variable?
An intervening variable is a variable that helps explain the relationship
between two variables. Example :Income explains the level education
and spending pattern.
7. List the different types of variables.
Dependant Variable
Independent variable
Moderating variable
Extraneous variable and
Intervening variable
8. What is a moderating variable?

A moderating variable is one that has a strong contingent effect on

the independent variable-dependent
variable relationship. That is, the presence of
a third variable (the moderating variable) modifies the
original relationship between the independent and the
dependent variable. .For example, a
strong relationship has been observed between
the quality of library facilities (X) and the performance of
the students (Y). Although this relationship is supposed to
be true generally, it is nevertheless contingent on the interest
and inclination of the students. It means that only those students
who have the interest
and inclination to use the library will show improved performance
in their studies.
In this relationship interest and inclination is moderating variable.
9. What is an extraneous variable?
It is an independent or moderating variables that is to excluded from
the study in order to identify the true relationship between the
independent and dependent variable.
10.

What is hypothesis?

A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited

evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
RMB questions for Comprehensive Viva Voce: Unit II: Sampling
Design
1. Distinguish between census survey?
A Census is the process of collecting information about every member
of a population.
2. What is Sample survey?
A sample survey is a study that obtains data from a subset of a
population, in order to estimate population attributes.
3. Define Sampling Frame?

Comprises all the elements of population with proper identification

4. Define sampling Unit?
A single member of a particular sample is called sampling unit
5. What is Sampling Error?
Arises when a sample is not a representative of the population
6. Define Population?
Refers to any group of people or Objects that form the subject of study
in a particular survey
7. List the different types of Probability sampling?
1. Simple Random sampling
2. Complex Random Sampling
2.a
systematic sampling
2.b
Stratified sampling
2.c
Cluster sampling
2.d Area & Multi stage sampling
8. What is snow ball sampling?
Snowball sampling is a method of sampling that relies on referrals of
previously selected elements to pick other elements that will participate in
the sample
9. List the methods of Non probability sampling?
Convenient sampling
Purposive sampling: Quota sampling, Judgement sampling, Snowball
sampling
10. What is stratified sampling?
A method of sampling that involves the division of a population into smaller
groups known as strata. In stratified random sampling, the strata are formed
based on members' shared attributes or characteristics. A random sample
from each stratum is taken in a number proportional to the stratum's size
when compared to the population. These subsets of the strata are then
pooled to form a random sample.
Questions for Comprehensive Viva from UNIT III

1) List some of the primary data collection methods

Primary data is the data collected by the researcher themselves, i.e.

1. interview
2. observation
3. action research
4. case studies
5. life histories
6. questionnaires
7. ethnographic research
8. longitudinal studies
2) Secondary sources are data that already exists
1. Previous research
2. Official statistics
3. Mass media products
4. Diaries
5. Letters
6. Government reports
7. Web information
8. Historical data and information
3) Define Qualitative research
Qualitative research is designed to reveal a target audiences range of
behavior and the perceptions that drive it with reference to specific
topics or issues. It uses in-depth studies of small groups of people to
guide and support the construction of hypotheses. The results of
qualitative research are descriptive rather than predictive.
4) What is Observational Research?
Observational research (or field research) is a type of correlational (i.e.,
non-experimental) research in which a researcher observes ongoing
behavior. There are a variety of types of observational research, each
of which has both strengths and weaknesses. These types are

organized below by the extent to which an experimenter intrudes upon

or controls the environment.
5) List few Common Qualitative Methods

Observations
Observational techniques are methods by which an individual or individuals
gather firsthand data on programs, processes, or behaviors being studied.
They provide evaluators with an opportunity to collect data on a wide range
of behaviors, to capture a great variety of interactions, and to openly explore
the evaluation topic.
Interviews
Interviews provide very different data from observations: they allow the
evaluation team to capture the perspectives of project participants, staff,
and others associated with the project. In the hypothetical example,
interviews with project staff can provide information on the early stages of
the implementation and problems encountered.
Focus Groups
Focus groups combine elements of both interviewing and participant
observation. The focus group session is, indeed, an interview (Patton, 1990)
not a discussion group, problem-solving session, or decision-making group.
At the same time, focus groups capitalize on group dynamics. The hallmark
of focus groups is the explicit use of the group interaction to generate data
and insights that would be unlikely to emerge without the interaction found
in a group. The technique inherently allows observation of group dynamics,
discussion, and firsthand insights into the respondents behaviors, attitudes,
language, etc.
6) Explain the process involved in Questioner designing
There are nine steps involved in the development of a questionnaire:
1. Decide the information required.
2. Define the target respondents.
3. Choose the method(s) of reaching your target respondents.
4. Decide on question content.
5. Develop the question wording.
6. Put questions into a meaningful order and format.
7. Check the length of the questionnaire.
8. Pre-test the questionnaire.
9. Develop the final survey form.

7) Factors considered while constructing questioner

Objective
Target respondents
Duration and validity of the questioner

8) difference between qualitative and quantitative

Qualitative Methods
Methods include focus groups,
in-depth interviews, and reviews
of documents for types of
themes

Quantitative Methods
Surveys, structured interviews &
observations, and reviews of
records or documents for
numeric information

Primarily inductive process used

to formulate theory or
hypotheses

Primarily deductive process used

to test pre-specified concepts,
constructs, and hypotheses that
make up a theory

More subjective: describes a

problem or condition from the
point of view of those
experiencing it

More objective: provides

observed effects (interpreted by
researchers) of a program on a
problem or condition

Text-based

Number-based

More in-depth information on a

few cases

Less in-depth but more breadth

of information across a large
number of cases

Unstructured or semi-structured
response options

Fixed response options

No statistical tests

Statistical tests are used for

analysis

Can be valid and reliable: largely

depends on skill and rigor of the
researcher

Can be valid and reliable: largely

depends on the measurement
device or instrument used

Time expenditure lighter on the

planning end and heavier during
the analysis phase

Time expenditure heavier on the

planning phase and lighter on
the analysis phase

Less generalizable

More generalizable

9) What Is Secondary Data Review And Analysis?

Secondary data analysis and review involves collecting and analyzing a
vast array of information. If secondary research and data analysis is

undertaken with care and diligence, it can provide a cost-effective way of

gaining a broad understanding of research questions. Secondary data are
also helpful in designing subsequent primary research and, as well, can
provide a baseline with which to compare your primary data collection
results.
10)
Define Depth Interview
An interview designed to probe attitudes, feelings, or motives not
usually tapped by the asking of standard or prepared questions

RMB questions for Comprehensive Viva Voce: Unit IV:

Processing and Analysis of Data I using SPSS
1. Define hypothesis and explain null and alternate hypothesis.
Hypothesis is a conjecture, a guess, an idea that is yet to be
proved or disproved, on the basis of structured rules and
evidence.The hypothesis is about
population parameter
population distribution
Some other attribute about population(s).
Null Hypothesis: H0 represents a conjecture / guess / belief that
has been put forward, either because it is believed to be true or
because it is to be used as a basis for argument, but has not been
proved yet.
The term null is used because it is a hypothesis, the validity of
which, we wish to disprove or nullify against a alternative
hypothesis.
Alternative Hypothesis: When we disprove or nullify the null
hypothesis , we do so in favour of another assertion, which we term
as alternative hypothesis.
The alternative hypothesis can be a negation of the null
hypothesis, or can also be precisely defined.
2. What is type I and type II error?
Type I error
Rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true (saying false
when true). Usually the more serious error.
Type II error

Failing to reject the null hypothesis when it is false (saying

true when false).
3. What is alpha and beta
Alpha is probability of committing a Type I error.
Beta is probability of committing a Type II error

4. One Sample t-Test

One sample t-test is a statistical procedure often performed for
testing the mean
value of distribution. It can be used
under the assumption that sampled distribution
is normal.
Forlargesamples, the procedure often performs well even for nonnormalpopulations.
Example: To test whether the average weight of student
population is different from
60kg

5. Independent Two-Sample T-Test

The independent two-sample t-test is used to test whether
population means
are significantly different from each other,
using the means from randomly
drawn samples.Any statistical
test that uses two samples drawn
independently of each
other and using t-distribution, can be called a 'twosample
ttest'.
5. Paired T-test
The dependent t-test for paired samples is used when the
samples are paired. This implies that each individual observation
of one sample has a unique corresponding member in the other
sample.Any statistical test involving paired samples and using tdistribution can be called t-test for paired samples'.
6. ANOVA
The ANOVA is a statistical technique which compares different
sources of variance within a data set. The purpose of the
comparison is to determine if significant differences exist
between two or more groups.

7. Why ANOVA and not T-test?

Comparing three groups using t-tests would require that 3 t-tests
be conducted. Group 1 vs. Group 2, Group 1 vs. Group 3, and
Group 2 vs. Group 3. This increases the chances of making a
type I error. Only a single ANOVA is required to determine if
there are differences between multiple groups.The t-test does
not make use of all of the available information from which the
samples were drawn. For example, in a comparison of Group 1
vs. Group 2, the information from Group 3 is neglected. An
ANOVA makes use of the entire data set.It is much easier to
perform a single ANOVA then it is to perform multiple t-tests.
This is especially true when a computer and statistical software
program are used
8. Chi-square test
The Chi-Squared Test of Association allows the comparison of two
attributes (i.e.

Qualitative variables) in a sample of data

to determine if there is any relationship

between them

Or
The chi-square statistic may be used to test the hypothesis of no
association between

two or more groups, populations, or

criteria

9.

Pearson Correlation
Pearson Product-Moment Correlation is one of the measures of
correlationwhich
quantifies the strength as well as
direction of such relationship. It is usually denoted
byGreek
letter .
10.
Spearman Rank Correlation or spearman rho
Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient is a non-parametric measure of
correlation,
using ranks to calculate the correlation.
rs = correlation coefficient
rs > 0 implies positive agreement among ranks

rs < 0 implies negative agreement (or agreement in the reverse

direction)
rs = 0 implies no agreement

11.

Regression

Linear regression analysis is a powerful technique used for

predicting the unknown value of a variable from the known value
of another variable.
More precisely, if X and Y are two related variables, then linear
regression analysis helps us to predict the value of Y for a given
value of X or vice verse.

RMB-Unit V Concepts for Comprehensive VIVA

1. What is parametric?
The two classes of statistical tests are called parametric and nonparametric.
The word parametric comes from "metric," meaning to measure, and "para,"
meaning beside or closely related; the combined term refers to the
assumptions about the population from which the measurements were
obtained.
2. What is non parametric?
Nonparametric data do not meet such rigid assumptions. Nonparametric
tests sometimes are referred to as "distribution-free."
3. What is meant by Independence Samples?
. When two or more groups consist of different, unrelated individuals, the
observations made about the samples are independent.
4. What is meant by dependence Samples
When the sets of numbers consist of repeated measures on the same
individuals, they are said to be dependent. Similarly, if male and female
characteristics are compared using brother-sister pairs, the samples are

dependent. Matching two or more groups of individuals on factors such as

income, education, age, height and weight also yields dependent samples.
Nonparametric tests usually can be performed quickly and easily without
automated instruments (calculators and computers). They are designed for
small numbers of data, including counts, classifications and ratings. They are
easier to understand and explain.
5. Why correlation coefficient is used?
Correlation coefficients are used to reveal the nature and extent of
association between two variables. Each method used to determine a
correlation coefficient has conditions that must be met for its use to be
appropriate.
6. What is meant by Spearman's Rank Order Correlation Coefficient
Spearman's rank order correlation coefficient rho is a nonparametric method
of computing correlation from ranks. The method is similar to that used to
compute Pearson's correlation coefficient (a parametric test), with the
computed value rho providing an index of relation between two groups of
ranks.
7. Why Chi -square Test is important?
The Chi-square test of independence is a nonparametric test designed to
determine whether two variables are independent or related. This test is
designed to be used with data that are expressed as frequencies; it should
not be used to analyze data expressed as proportions (percentages) unless
they are first converted to frequencies. .
8.What is meant by Mann-Whitney U-Test
The Mann-Whitney U-test is a rank test for two independent samples, each
with a small number of subjects. This test is a good alternative to the
parametric t-test. Suppose measurements of the height of the ankle joint
axis (in millimeters) in a group of patients receiving services in Orthotic Clinic
A are compared with measurements taken from a group of patients in
Orthotic Clinic B to determine if they are comparable.
9. What is meant by Wilcoxon Matched Pairs/Rank Test
The Wilcoxon matched pairs/rank test is an alternate form of the MannWhitney test that is used when the samples are dependent. For purposes of
illustration, presume the time to ambulate 25 meters is measured with a

stopwatch when the patient is wearing a new type of lightweight KAFO and
again when wearing a conventional metal KAFO.
10. What is meant by factor analysis?
Factor analysis is a statistical method used to describe variability among
observed, correlated variables in terms of a potentially lower number of
unobserved variables called factors. For example, it is possible that
variations in four observed variables mainly reflect the variations in two
unobserved variables.
11. What is confirmatory factor analysis?
Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is a special form of factor analysis, most
commonly used in social research. It is used to test whether measures of a
construct are consistent with a researcher's understanding of the nature of
that construct (or factor
12. Why cluster analysis is important?
Cluster analysis or clustering is the task of grouping a set of objects in such a
way that objects in the same group (called a cluster) are more similar (in
some sense or another) to each other than to those in other groups
(clusters). It is a main task of exploratory data mining, and a common
technique for statistical data analysis
13. What makes a good report?
A well written report will demonstrate your ability to:

understand the purpose of the report brief and adhere to its

specifications;
gather, evaluate and analyse relevant information;

structure material in a logical and coherent order;

present your report in a consistent manner according to the

instructions of the report brief;

make appropriate conclusions that are supported by the evidence and

analysis of the report;

14. What is bibliography?

A bibliography is a list of all of the sources you have used (whether

referenced or not) in the process of researching your work. In general, a
bibliography should include:

the authors' names

the titles of the works

the names and locations of the companies that published your copies
of the sources

the dates your copies were published

the page numbers of your sources (if they are part of multi-source
volumes)

15. What is foot note?

Footnotes are notes placed at the bottom of a page. They cite references or
comment on a designated part of the text above it. For example, say you
want to add an interesting comment to a sentence you have written, but the
comment is not directly related to the argument of your paragraph. In this
case, you could add the symbol for a footnote. Then, at the bottom of the
page you could reprint the symbol and insert your comment.