Q#1

What is a research?

Research is sufficiently objective and systematic to make possible

classification, generalization and verification of the data observed

Characteristic of a research
1) Empirical: research is based on direct experience or
observation by the researcher
2) Logical:
principles

research is based on valid procedure and

3) Cyclical: research starts with a problem and ends with

problem
4) Analytical: research utilize proven analytical procedure
in gathering data, whether historical, descriptive,
experiment and case study
5) Critical: research exhibits careful and precise judgment
6) Methodical: research is conducted in a methodical
manner without and procedure
7) Replicabilty: research design procedures are repeated
to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive
results
Q#2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Sampling
Sampling is process of testing some data based on the small sample is
called sampling For example . from a cup of tea a tea taster determines the quality
of brand of tea
Advantages of sampling
1. Very accurate.
2. Economical in nature.
3. Very reliable.
4. High suitability ratio towards the different surveys.
5. Takes less time.
6. In cases, when the universe is very large, then the sampling method is the only practical
method for collecting the data.

Disadvantages of sampling
1. Inadequacy of the samples.
2. Chances for bias.
3. Problems of accuracy.
4. Difficulty of getting the representative sample.
5. Untrained manpower.
6. Absence of the informants.
7. Chances of committing the errors in sampling.

Q#3

Explain the Accuracy,Precision,Bias

Accuracy
Accuracy is how close a measured value is to the actual (true) value.

Precision
Precision is how close the measured values are to each other.

Examples of Precision and Accuracy:

Low Accuracy
High Precision

High Accuracy
Low Precision

High Accuracy
High Precision

So, if you are playing soccer and you always hit the left goal post instead of
scoring, then you are not accurate, but you are precise!

Bias ; The difference between the expected value and the true population
value is turned the bias.

Q#4

Stratified sampling

is a probability sampling technique wherein

the researcher divides the entire population into different subgroups or strata,
then randomly selects the final subjects proportionally from the different strata.

Equal Allocation
Proportional Allocation
Optimum Allocation
Nyman Allocation
Equal Allocation of sample size.
The allocation is called equal when from each stratum; equal number of sampling units is
selected. Thus the stratum size for equal allocation is
Proportional Allocation.
The allocation is said to be proportional when the total sample size n is distributed
among the different strata in proportional to sizes of strata the allocation is proportional
Optimum Allocation
The allocation is called Optimum when the total sample size n is allocated among the
different strata in such a way that for a given cost of selecting the sample, the variance of
the estimated mean
Nyman Allocation
It consist of finding which minimizes the variance of the stratified sample mean for a
fixed total sample size n
Q#5 Some other factors effecting the size of sample

Homogeneity and heterogeneity of the universe

Number of classes proposed: (if larger then sample size should be larger for
proper representation).
Nature of study: (for general studies size of sample is large but for technical
studies it would be small).
Practical considerations: (cost time and staff).
Standard of accuracy: (large sample size is more accurate but it is not a
standard methodology).
Type of sampling: (in random sampling, greater accuracy in results will be
achieved only in a large sample but in a properly drawn stratified sampling,
a small sample can give better results).
Nature of units: (when non-response rate is to be expected more higher then
large sample size should be taken).
Size of questionnaire: (if the size of questionnaire is large and it contains
difficult questions, the size of the sample should be kept small

Q#6 Cluster Sampling is very different from Stratified Sampling. With cluster sampling one
should
divide the population into groups (clusters).
obtain a simple random sample of so many clusters from all possible clusters.
obtain data on every sampling unit in each of the randomly selected clusters
Q#7 Advantages and disadvantages of Multi-stage Sampling

Multi-stage sampling is a complex form of cluster sampling which contains two or more stages
in sample selection.
Advantages:

Multi-stage sampling are convenience, economic and efficient.

The technique is used frequently when a complete list of all members of the
population does not exist.

It can dramatically reduce the cost of field operations.

Usually more accurate than cluster for same total size.

Disadvantages:

The main disadvantage of multi-stage sampling is the same as for cluster sampling.
Lower accuracy due to higher sampling error.
Less accurate than SRS (Simple Random Sampling) of same size
Further analysis is difficult

Q#8 what is Pre-tests and Pilots

Pre-tests: Focus on individual questions or the entire survey instrument
Pilots: Usually larger scale than pre-testing, involve testing the entire
survey procedure.
It is exceedingly difficult to plan a survey without a good deal of:
1 Its subject matter
2 The population it has to cover
3 The way people will react to questions
4 How is one to estimate how long the survey will take?
5 How many interviewers will be needed?
6 How much money will it cost?
Q#9 THE MAIN PLANING PROBLEMS

Coverage

Collection of data

Questionnaires

Error

Objectives and resources

Fieldwork

Processing and analysis

Documents

Timings, cost and staffing

The planning problems according to coverage are

What type of sample and appropriate sampling unit is to be used

what is the sampling frame? (list, register, map)

How big a sample is desirable to give the required accuracy

How big a sample is feasible on the available resources

What about non-responses error like refusals and non contacts

What about foll

now-up approaches.

QUESTIONNAIRES

Nine out of ten social surveys use a questionnaire of some kind

DECISIONS ON THE SCOPE OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE

The layout and formattinge

Printing

Definitions and Instructions

Wording

Order of the questions etc.

ERRORS

Sampling errors

Errors due to inaccuracies like interviewing the questions, coding,

tabulation, entering in computer etc.

Memory errors

Missing observations

Non response errors

FIELDWORK
Quality of interviewers
Field supervision
Checks on the honesty and efficiency of interviewers
full time or part-time interviewers
paying of time-rates or piece-rates
paying extra for experience and/or good work (bonuses)
PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS

the interpretations of results and the preparation of report.

The method of analysis

DOCUMENTS
Only the above issues are settled the time is ripe for the final drafting and printing of
documentsThese includes:
Questionnaires
Questionnaire instructions
covering letter (for mail surveys)
preliminary statement (for interviews)
Interview record sheets
Interviewer manuals and instructions
Authorization card,
time schedules
expense sheets
TIMING, COST AND STAFFING
Staffing problems deal with team work or individuals
Q#10

Censuses and Sample Surveys

Census is complete enumeration and sample is partial enumeration.

Advantages of Census Method

When all the members are covered by the enquiry no element of chance is left and
highest accuracy is obtained.

The entire mass of data being taken into consideration, all the characteristics of the
universe is maintained in original.

This method is free from sampling errors. The possibility of personal bias affecting
selection of units and the method of sampling are not there

When the universe is small one, one cannot resort to sampling method. In such a situation
completeness and accuracy can be ensured only by the census method.

Demerits of Census Method

The census method is useless in case results are urgently required.

An element of bias, however slight, will get larger and larger as the number of
observations increase

As it involves a great deal of time, money and energy