What is research? Why is research essential in Business, give two reasons?

in
100 words
Research is the systematic and objective investigation of a subject matter to gain
new knowledge or understanding. It involves gathering and analyzing
information to identify patterns, relationships, and trends that can be used to
inform decision-making.
Research is essential in business for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to identify
and understand customer needs and preferences, which is crucial for developing
products and services that meet those needs. Secondly, research provides
insights into market trends and competitor behavior, allowing businesses to
adapt to changing conditions and stay ahead of the competition. In summary,
research helps businesses make informed decisions, minimize risks, and improve
their chances of success in the marketplace.

List the stages in the Research process. in 100 words

The research process typically involves the following stages:
Identifying the research problem: This involves identifying the research
question or problem that needs to be addressed.
Conducting a literature review: This involves reviewing existing research and
literature related to the research problem to identify gaps in knowledge.
Formulating hypotheses or research questions: This involves developing a set
of hypotheses or research questions that will guide the study.
Designing the research: This involves selecting the research design, research
method, and sampling strategy.
Collecting the data: This involves collecting data using various methods such as
surveys, interviews, or experiments.
Analyzing the data: This involves analyzing the collected data using appropriate
statistical methods and techniques.
Drawing conclusions and making recommendations: This involves drawing
conclusions based on the results of the analysis and making recommendations
for future research or for application in practice.
Communicating the results: This involves presenting the research findings in a
clear and concise manner, often through a research report or publication.

Discuss the two basic means of obtaining primary Data, expalin in 100 words
The two basic means of obtaining primary data are surveys and experiments.
Surveys involve collecting data from a sample of individuals using
questionnaires, interviews, or online surveys. Surveys can be conducted in
person, through the mail, or online, and can be used to collect a wide range of
data, including attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and demographics. Surveys are
typically cost-effective and easy to administer, making them a popular choice
for many research studies.
Experiments involve manipulating one or more variables to observe the effects
on another variable. Experiments are typically conducted in a controlled
environment, allowing researchers to isolate the effects of the variables being
studied. Experiments can be used to collect a wide range of data, including
behavioral and physiological data. While experiments can be costly and time-
consuming, they are often considered the most rigorous method for collecting
primary data, as they allow researchers to establish cause-and-effect
relationships.

Under what circumstance would you recommend stratified and cluster

probability sampling. expalin in 100 words
Stratified sampling and cluster sampling are two types of probability sampling
methods that are used in research when the population is too large and
diverse to be sampled using simple random sampling.
Stratified sampling involves dividing the population into subgroups, or strata,
based on certain characteristics, such as age, gender, or income. A sample is
then selected from each stratum in proportion to the size of the stratum.
Stratified sampling is recommended when the population is heterogeneous
and when the researcher wants to ensure that the sample is representative of
the population.
Cluster sampling involves dividing the population into clusters, such as
neighborhoods or schools, and then randomly selecting clusters to include in
the sample. All individuals in the selected clusters are then sampled. Cluster
sampling is recommended when the population is geographically dispersed,
and it is difficult or costly to obtain a complete list of the population. It is also
useful when the researcher wants to study groups or communities rather than
individuals.

What is Reliability? wxpalin it in 100 wwords

Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of research results over time,
across different researchers, or across different measurement methods. In
other words, reliability is the degree to which a measure consistently produces
the same results when applied multiple times.Reliability is an essential aspect
of research, as it ensures that the results obtained are trustworthy and
dependable. There are various methods to measure reliability, including test-
retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and internal consistency reliability.
Test-retest reliability measures the consistency of results obtained when the
same measure is applied twice to the same sample over a period. Inter-rater
reliability measures the consistency of results obtained by different
researchers using the same measure. Internal consistency reliability measures
the consistency of results obtained by different items in the same measure. A
reliable measure produces consistent results, reducing the chances of error
and enhancing the credibility of research findings.

Mention two major differences between descriptive type of research and

Exploratory type of research. wxpalin it in 100 wwords
Descriptive research and exploratory research are two primary types of
research methods used in various fields, including social sciences and market
research. The key differences between these two types of research are:
Purpose: Descriptive research is conducted to describe and explain a
phenomenon or situation. It is used to provide a comprehensive understanding
of the research problem, including characteristics, behaviors, and attitudes of
the population being studied. Exploratory research, on the other hand, is
conducted to explore and discover new ideas, insights, and theories related to
the research problem. It is used to generate hypotheses and develop research
questions for future studies.
Design: Descriptive research involves collecting data from a sample or
population and analyzing it using various statistical techniques. It can be cross-
sectional, which involves data collection at a single point in time, or
longitudinal, which involves data collection over time. Exploratory research, on
the other hand, involves a flexible and non-structured design, where data is
collected through observation, interviews, or focus groups. It is used to gather
insights and generate new ideas and theories, rather than to test hypotheses.
Explain in short about cross-sectional study design. expalin it in 100 words
Cross-sectional study design is a type of research design that involves
collecting data from a population or sample at a single point in time. It is used
to describe the characteristics of a population, including prevalence, incidence,
and distribution of various variables of interest.
In a cross-sectional study, data is collected from a sample of individuals using
surveys, questionnaires, or other data collection methods. The data is then
analyzed to determine the frequency and distribution of the variables of
interest.
Cross-sectional studies are commonly used in public health, social sciences,
and market research to provide a snapshot of the population's characteristics
and to identify potential relationships between variables. However, cross-
sectional studies cannot establish causation, and the data collected may be
subject to biases, such as self-reporting bias or selection bias.

What do you understand about extraneous variables Expalin it in 100 words

Extraneous variables, also known as confounding variables, are variables that
are not directly related to the research question but can affect the results of a
study. These variables can introduce bias or error into a study, making it
difficult to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Extraneous variables can come from various sources, such as the study design,
the sample selection process, or the measurement instruments used. For
example, a study on the effect of a new drug on blood pressure may be
confounded by extraneous variables such as age, gender, or diet of the
participants.
To minimize the effects of extraneous variables, researchers must identify and
control for them by using appropriate research designs, randomization
techniques, statistical analysis methods, and experimental controls. Failure to
account for extraneous variables can lead to inaccurate conclusions and limit
the validity and generalizability of the research findings.

a) Compare and contrast In-depth Interview with focus groups explain it in

100 words
In-depth interviews and focus groups are two primary qualitative research
methods used to collect data on individuals' attitudes, behaviors, and
perceptions.
In-depth interviews involve one-on-one interactions between the interviewer
and the interviewee. The interviewer asks open-ended questions to elicit
detailed and personal responses. In-depth interviews are useful when
exploring sensitive or complex topics or when studying individuals with unique
perspectives.

Focus groups, on the other hand, involve a group of people, usually six to ten,
who discuss a specific topic or issue in a guided discussion led by a moderator.
The moderator asks open-ended questions and encourages participants to
respond and interact with each other. Focus groups are useful when exploring
group dynamics and generating new ideas or insights.

The main difference between in-depth interviews and focus groups is the level
of interaction and social context. In-depth interviews are more structured and
intimate, allowing for detailed and personal responses, while focus groups are
more open and dynamic, allowing for group interactions and consensus
building. Both methods have their advantages and limitations and can be used
together to complement each other's strengths.

5 Marks
What are the advantages of internet-based questionnaires from personal
interviewing in 400 wordss
Internet-based questionnaires, also known as online surveys, have become
increasingly popular in recent years as a method of collecting data. Compared
to personal interviewing, internet-based questionnaires have several
advantages, including:
Cost-effective: Conducting online surveys can be much cheaper than personal
interviewing since it eliminates the need for interviewers, travel expenses, and
other associated costs. It allows researchers to reach a larger and more diverse
population at a lower cost.
Time-efficient: Internet-based questionnaires are quicker to administer and
process than personal interviews, as respondents can complete the survey at
their convenience, and the results can be collected and analyzed in real-time.
Large sample size: Online surveys can reach a much larger sample size than
personal interviews, making them ideal for studies that require a large and
diverse sample.
Reduced social desirability bias: Respondents may be more honest and
forthcoming with their responses in online surveys than in personal interviews,
where they may feel uncomfortable or pressured to give socially desirable
answers.
Anonymity: Respondents can remain anonymous when completing online
surveys, which can encourage more honest and open responses.
Consistency: Internet-based questionnaires can ensure that each respondent is
given the same questions and response options, eliminating interviewer bias
and ensuring consistency in data collection.
Convenience: Respondents can complete online surveys from any location, at
any time, which can increase participation rates and reduce non-response bias.
Flexibility: Online surveys can be designed with skip patterns, branching, and
conditional logic, allowing researchers to ask more complex questions and
collect more detailed responses than in personal interviews.
Despite the advantages, there are also some limitations to internet-based
questionnaires. One of the main limitations is the potential for selection bias,
as respondents who complete online surveys may not be representative of the
general population. Additionally, online surveys may not be suitable for certain
populations, such as older adults or those with limited access to the internet.
In conclusion, internet-based questionnaires offer several advantages over
personal interviewing, including cost-effectiveness, time-efficiency, large
sample size, reduced social desirability bias, anonymity, consistency,
convenience, and flexibility. However, researchers must be aware of the
limitations of this method and take steps to minimize potential biases and
ensure the quality and validity of the data collected.

What are the scientific differences between nominal, ordinal, interval and
ratio scale explain with all points covered in 400 words
Nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales are four types of measurement
scales used in research. Each scale has its unique characteristics and uses,
which are explained below:
Nominal Scale: The nominal scale is the simplest type of measurement scale,
which categorizes data into distinct categories or labels. The categories are
mutually exclusive and cannot be ranked or ordered. Examples of nominal
scales include gender, ethnicity, religion, and marital status.
Ordinal Scale: The ordinal scale ranks data in order of importance, but the
difference between the ranks is not equal. In other words, the intervals
between the categories are not standardized. Examples of ordinal scales
include educational level, income levels, and Likert scales in which respondents
rate their agreement on a scale of 1 to 5.
Interval Scale: The interval scale measures the distance between the values of
the variable in equal units, but it does not have a true zero point. The
difference between any two points on the scale is meaningful and can be
compared. An example of the interval scale is the Fahrenheit temperature
scale, where the difference between 40°F and 50°F is the same as the
difference between 70°F and 80°F.
Ratio Scale: The ratio scale is the most precise and informative measurement
scale, which has a true zero point and equal intervals between points. The ratio
scale allows for multiplication and division, which means that ratios can be
calculated. Examples of the ratio scale include weight, height, distance, and
time.
Each scale has its unique features and uses, which can affect the type of
statistical analysis that can be performed on the data. The table below
summarizes the differences between the four measurement scales:
Scale Description Example Arithmetic Operations
Nominal Categorizes data into distinct categories or labels Gender,
Religion, Marital status None
Ordinal Ranks data in order of importance, but the difference between
ranks is not equal Educational level, Income levels, Likert scales None
Interval Measures the distance between values in equal units, but does
not have a true zero point Temperature (Fahrenheit) Addition,
subtraction
Ratio Measures the distance between values in equal units and has a true zero
point Weight, Height, Distance, Time Multiplication, division
In conclusion, understanding the differences between nominal, ordinal,
interval, and ratio scales is essential when selecting appropriate statistical
methods for analyzing data. It is important to consider the level of
measurement when designing research studies and selecting appropriate
measurement tools.
Develop a questionnaire to determine how households plan to buy and
use major appliances. This questionnaire is to be used in national wide
study explain in 400 words
Introduction:
This questionnaire is designed to collect data on how households plan to buy
and use major appliances. Your responses will be used in a nationwide study to
help us understand the purchasing behavior and usage patterns of major
appliances in households across the country. Please answer all questions
honestly and to the best of your ability. Your responses will be kept
confidential and will be used for research purposes only.
Part 1: Demographic Information
What is your age?
What is your gender?
What is your educational level?
What is your household income?
Part 2: Purchase Behavior
5. Do you plan to purchase a major appliance in the next 6 months?
If yes, what type of appliance do you plan to purchase?
Which brands are you considering for your purchase?
Where do you plan to buy your appliance?
What factors are important to you when purchasing a major appliance? (Rank
in order of importance: Price, Brand, Features, Warranty, Energy Efficiency,
Other)
Part 3: Usage Patterns
10. How often do you use your major appliances? (Daily, Weekly, Monthly,
Rarely)
How long do you typically keep your major appliances before replacing them?
What is the main reason for replacing your major appliances? (Age,
Breakdown, Upgrade, Other)
How do you dispose of your old appliances? (Sell, Donate, Recycle, Other)
What are your energy usage habits when using your major appliances?
(Conservative, Moderate, High Usage)
Part 4: Conclusion
15. Is there anything else you would like to add about your purchasing
behavior or usage patterns of major appliances?
Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. Your responses
will be valuable in helping us understand the trends in major appliance
purchases and usage across households in the country.

What is research hypothesis? What are the good qualities of a hypothesis?

Give one example of a hypothesis? explain in 500 words

Research hypothesis is a statement that predicts or suggests a relationship

between two or more variables. In other words, it is an educated guess or
assumption made by a researcher about the outcome of a study. The purpose
of the hypothesis is to guide the research process and to test the relationship
between variables to determine whether or not the hypothesis is supported or
rejected.
Good qualities of a hypothesis include:
Testable: A good hypothesis should be able to be tested through empirical
observation or experimentation.
Clear and concise: The hypothesis should be clear and concise, stating the
relationship between variables in a simple, direct manner.
Specific: The hypothesis should be specific enough to be able to be tested and
not too broad or vague.
Falsifiable: A good hypothesis should be falsifiable, meaning that it can be
proven false if the evidence does not support it.
Relevant: The hypothesis should be relevant to the research question and
based on existing knowledge or theory.
Example of a hypothesis:
Research question: Does exercise improve memory retention?
Hypothesis: Regular exercise improves memory retention in individuals.
Explanation: The hypothesis suggests a relationship between exercise and
memory retention. It predicts that individuals who engage in regular exercise
will have improved memory retention compared to those who do not exercise
regularly. The hypothesis is testable through empirical observation or
experimentation, it is clear and concise, specific, falsifiable, and relevant to the
research question.
To test this hypothesis, a researcher could design an experiment where they
randomly assign participants to an exercise group or a control group. The
exercise group would engage in regular exercise, while the control group
would not. After a certain period, both groups would be tested on their
memory retention abilities, and the results would be compared to determine
whether or not the hypothesis is supported or rejected.
In conclusion, a research hypothesis is an essential part of the research process
as it guides the study and predicts the relationship between variables. A good
hypothesis should be testable, clear and concise, specific, falsifiable, and
relevant to the research question.
Prepare a research proposal on Pune based households about their interest
in home gardening explain it in 500 words and cover all points
Title: Exploring the interest of Pune-based households in home gardening

Introduction:
Home gardening is a popular activity that is gaining more attention from
people living in urban areas. It not only helps in creating a green and healthy
environment but also provides fresh produce and reduces the carbon
footprint. The aim of this study is to explore the interest of Pune-based
households in home gardening and their level of involvement in this activity.
Research question:
What is the level of interest of Pune-based households in home gardening, and
what are the factors that influence their involvement in this activity?
Objectives:
To determine the level of interest of Pune-based households in home
gardening.
To identify the factors that influence their involvement in home gardening.
To determine the types of plants and vegetables that are commonly grown in
Pune-based households.
To suggest measures to increase the involvement of households in home
gardening.
Methodology:
The research design will be a cross-sectional survey using a structured
questionnaire. The study will be conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a
pilot study will be conducted with 50 households to test the validity and
reliability of the questionnaire. In the second phase, the actual survey will be
conducted with 500 households in Pune. The sample will be selected using a
simple random sampling technique. Data will be collected using face-to-face
interviews with the respondents, and the survey will take approximately 20-30
minutes to complete.
Data analysis:
The collected data will be analyzed using both descriptive and inferential
statistics. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the data and to
identify the frequency distribution of the responses. Inferential statistics will
be used to identify the significant relationship between the variables and to
test the hypotheses. The statistical software SPSS will be used to analyze the
data.
Expected outcomes:
The study is expected to provide insights into the interest of Pune-based
households in home gardening and the factors that influence their
involvement in this activity. The study will help to identify the types of plants
and vegetables that are commonly grown in Pune-based households. The
study will also suggest measures to increase the involvement of households in
home gardening.
Conclusion:
The study is significant as it will provide information on the interest of Pune-
based households in home gardening and their level of involvement in this
activity. The study will contribute to the knowledge on the factors that
influence the involvement of households in home gardening. The findings of
the study will be useful for policymakers and urban planners to promote home
gardening as a sustainable and healthy activity.
List and scrutinize any four probability sampling methods with their relative
merits and drawbacks.
Probability sampling methods are used to select a sample from a population
using a random process, where each member of the population has an equal
chance of being selected for the sample. Here are four types of probability
sampling methods with their relative merits and drawbacks:
Simple Random Sampling:
Simple Random Sampling is a method where every member of the population
has an equal chance of being selected. A random number generator is used to
select the sample. The merits and drawbacks of this method are:
Merits:
Easy to understand and implement
Each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected
Drawbacks:
It may not be representative of the population if the sample size is small
It may not be feasible if the population is large
Stratified Sampling:
Stratified Sampling is a method where the population is divided into strata
based on some characteristic, and a random sample is taken from each
stratum. The merits and drawbacks of this method are:
Merits:
It ensures that each stratum is represented in the sample
It may improve the precision of the estimate by reducing the variability within
each stratum
Drawbacks:
It may be more complex and time-consuming to implement than simple
random sampling
It may require prior knowledge of the population characteristics to define the
strata, which may not always be available
Cluster Sampling:
Cluster Sampling is a method where the population is divided into clusters, and
a random sample of clusters is taken. The merits and drawbacks of this method
are:
Merits:
It may be more feasible than simple random sampling if the population is
geographically dispersed or if the cost of sampling is high
It may provide a representative sample if the clusters are homogeneous
Drawbacks:
It may introduce a higher level of sampling error than other methods if the
clusters are heterogeneous
It may require a larger sample size than simple random sampling to achieve the
same level of precision
Systematic Sampling:
Systematic Sampling is a method where a random starting point is selected,
and then every nth member of the population is selected for the sample. The
merits and drawbacks of this method are:
Merits:
It may be easier and more convenient to implement than simple random
sampling
It may be less subject to bias than other methods if there is a regular pattern in
the population
Drawbacks:
It may introduce bias if there is a regular pattern in the population that is not
aligned with the sampling interval
It may be less representative of the population than other methods if the
population is not homogeneous.
Develop suitable sample design for the following situation.
i) To study work-life balance of working women in IT-Industry of
Pune. [5]
ii) To study employee satisfaction among the employees of small scale
company of 100 employees about employee welfare policies. explain it in 500
words and cover all points
i) To study work-life balance of working women in IT-Industry of Pune:

The suitable sample design for this situation is a stratified random sampling
technique. The population is working women in the IT industry of Pune. The
strata could be based on different companies or sectors within the IT industry.
The sample size will depend on the number of strata identified and the
proportion of women in each stratum. The sample size could be determined
using a formula or by using a confidence interval approach.

In each stratum, a random sample of women will be selected based on the

proportion of women in that stratum. The selected women will be contacted
through their company or work email and invited to participate in the study.
The participants will be assured of confidentiality, and their data will be kept
anonymous.

ii) To study employee satisfaction among the employees of a small scale

company of 100 employees about employee welfare policies:

The suitable sample design for this situation is a simple random sampling
technique. The population is the employees of a small scale company of 100
employees. The sample size will be determined using a confidence interval
approach. The desired level of precision and confidence level will be used to
determine the sample size.
From the list of employees, a random sample of employees will be selected
using a random number generator. The selected employees will be contacted
and invited to participate in the study. The participants will be assured of
confidentiality, and their data will be kept anonymous.

In both situations, it is important to ensure that the sample is representative of

the population and free from any biases. The sampling technique should be
appropriate to the research question and provide reliable and valid results.
Additionally, the ethical concerns of informed consent and confidentiality
should be addressed in the sample design.