Que.

1 Define Research Problem and of formulating Research

Problem.?

Ans. A research problem is a statement that addresses a gap in

knowledge, a challenge or a contradiction in a particular field.
Scientists use research problems to identify and define the aim of
their study and analysis. You may decide to conduct research
based on a problem if you're interested in contributing to social or
scientific change or supplying additional knowledge to an existing
topic. A research problem may also help identify key concepts
and terms, overarching questions and variables associated with a
study.

Related: What Is Research Methodology? (Why It's Important

and Types)

Characteristics of an effective research problem

There are several factors that ensure a research problem is clear,

well-defined and easy to follow throughout the duration of a study.
Understanding these aspects of a research problem can help as
you identify and create your own. Some characteristics to
consider when aiming to define a research problem include:

 Reflecting on issues or required knowledge in a particular

field prior to conducting a study
 Ensuring that the topic you aim to examine has a sufficient
amount of relevant data
 Relying on reputable evidence and data and disregarding
information that you can't verify
 Remaining practical, manageable and communicative with
researchers involved in data collection and analysis
 Adhering strictly to a budget and timeline

Related: 19 Types of Research (With Definitions and

Examples)
3 types of research problems

Here are three types of research problems that can help you
decide on the best format to use:

1. Theoretical research problems

Theoretical research problems allow you to contribute to the

overall information and knowledge in an area of study. These
kinds of research problems are exploratory and provide basic
definitions of a problem's overarching nature or areas of
informational gaps. Theoretical research problems can address
contradictions between two or more perspectives or address an
unresolved question. Researchers develop their hypotheses for
these problems according to a particular theory, typically
stemming from social philosophy. For example, Albert Einstein's
theory of relativity began as a theoretical research problem before
he eventually proved it in the early 20th century.

2. Applied research problems

Applied research problems, or nonsystematic problems, involve

the practical use of theoretical knowledge, meaning that scholars
may use a particular theoretical framework to gain information. It
also includes an exploratory hypothesis and tests to verify the
accuracy of the hypothesis. Social scientists typically use applied
research problems in studies where the objective is to provide
practical and applicable solutions to help specific individuals and
groups if they encounter challenges. For example, a marketing
company may define an applied research problem of how to
better market its services to a particular audience.

3. Action research problems

Similar to applied research problems, action research problems

also aim to provide solutions for problems but are typically more
time-sensitive in nature. Action research problems can also be
one component of a larger reflective process that combines
ongoing research, analysis and action. Researchers develop and
implement a research strategy to create innovative solutions and
discoveries as soon as possible. For example, an action research
problem in education might include finding a solution for a district-
wide problem impeding student success. This may include school
staff members working together and using district-wide action
research data to find a solution.

Related: What Are Problem-Solving Skills? Definitions and

Examples

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Que.2. Explain Sampling and types of sampling.

Ans. Sampling is an essential part of any research project. The
right sampling method can make or break the validity of your
research, and it’s essential to choose the right method for your
specific question. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of
the most popular sampling methods and provide real-world
examples of how they can be used to gather accurate and reliable
data.

LEARN ABOUT: Research Process Steps

From simple random sampling to complex stratified sampling,

we’ll explore each method’s pros, cons, and best practices. So,
whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting your
journey, this article is a must-read for anyone looking to master
sampling methods. Let’s get started!

Content Index

1. What is sampling?
2. Types of sampling: sampling methods
3. Types of probability sampling with examples:
4. Uses of probability sampling
5. Types of non-probability sampling with examples
6. Uses of non-probability sampling
7. How do you decide on the type of sampling to use?
8. Difference between probability sampling and non-
probability sampling methods
9. Conclusion
What is sampling?
Sampling is a technique of selecting individual members or a
subset of the population to make statistical inferences from them
and estimate the characteristics of the whole population. Different
sampling methods are widely used by researchers in market
research so that they do not need to research the entire
population to collect actionable insights.
It is also a time-convenient and cost-effective method and hence
forms the basis of any research design. Sampling techniques can
be used in research survey software for optimum derivation.

For example, suppose a drug manufacturer would like to

research the adverse side effects of a drug on the country’s
population. In that case, it is almost impossible to conduct a
research study that involves everyone. In this case, the
researcher decides on a sample of people from
each demographic and then researches them, giving him/her
indicative feedback on the drug’s behavior.

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Types of sampling: sampling methods

Sampling in market action research is of two types – probability
sampling and non-probability sampling. Let’s take a closer look at
these two methods of sampling.

1. Probability sampling: Probability sampling is a sampling

technique where a researcher selects a few criteria and
chooses members of a population randomly. All the
members have an equal opportunity to participate in the
sample with this selection parameter.
2. Non-probability sampling: In non-probability sampling, the
researcher randomly chooses members for research. This
sampling method is not a fixed or predefined selection
process. This makes it difficult for all population elements to
have equal opportunities to be included in a sample.

This blog discusses the various probability and non-probability

sampling methods you can implement in any market
research study.
 LEARN ABOUT: Survey Sampling

Types of probability sampling with examples:

Probability sampling is a technique in which researchers choose
samples from a larger population based on the theory of
probability. This sampling method considers every member of the
population and forms samples based on a fixed process.

For example, in a population of 1000 members, every member

will have a 1/1000 chance of being selected to be a part of a
sample. Probability sampling eliminates sampling bias in the
population and allows all members to be included in the sample.

Que.3. Explain any two types of Research.

Ans. Types of research methods

There are many types of research methods that professionals

might use to conduct studies. Here are some common types of
research methods, including best practices and the situations in
which they're most effective:

Observation

Experimenters record what they see participants doing or saying

during observational studies. These types of studies might include
role-playing or watching the participants and waiting for a certain
behavior to occur. For example, a researcher might set out drinks
on the table and tell participants they can have a drink once they
finish a task. The researcher would then watch to see how many
participants finish the task before they grab a drink.

A modified form of observational study is the longitudinal

observational study. Researchers track the same participants in
longitudinal observational studies for months or years and study
multiple data points. This method is useful when researchers
need a large pool of data to study or if the study is dependent on
tracking information over time. Researchers might not want to use
observational studies if they do not have a lot of time to invest in
their study.

Questionnaires and surveys

Questionnaires and surveys ask the same questions to a large

group of individuals. These questions are typically used to
measure quantitative data. Researchers translate the survey
answers into numerical data so they can look for patterns. These
questions could include something as simple are counting the
number of employees at a company who prefer the color red to
more complex data patterns, like studying the percentage of
employees who preferred the color red and were also born in
January.

Questionnaires can be a good way to quickly secure a high

number of participants. People who do not have time for longer
interview sessions can easily take a questionnaire on-site or
return it in the mail later. However, mail-in surveys and
questionnaires can have a low response rate, and participants
might skip questions or answer them incorrectly. Researchers
who elect to use this method should make considerations for
potential gaps in the data due to human error in the survey
completion.

Related: Research Skills: Definition and Examples

Interviews

Researchers have a written list of questions for their subjects

during interviews, creating a very structured research setting. The
researcher could also only have one question arranged, allowing
the subject to speak and expand on the topic from there. You
might hold interviews over the phone, via digital messaging or in
person. Analysts can use interviews during qualitative or
quantitative research projects.

During an interview, it's helpful to have two researchers. You

might have one researcher take notes on a participant's
responses while the other researcher watches the participant for
nonverbal cues. If only one researcher is available, then getting
permission to record the interview can be helpful—this ensures
that the single researcher can watch the subject for nonverbal
cues and is not hindered by excessive note-taking. A researcher
might not want to use this method if they are working alone and
cannot record the process.

Related: What Is a Research Interview? (And How To

Conduct One)

Focus groups and case studies

In a focus group, researchers gather participants together and ask

questions of the group. Researchers might observe a focus group
and take notes on the session, or they can operate as the group's
facilitator. As with interviews, researchers can record focus
groups for further review and analysis.

In a case study, researchers study one central case of a person

or a small group. Researchers might also make a case study of
data from previous focus groups. Some researchers use the
words "focus group" or "case study" interchangeably when
studying a small group. Both focus groups and case studies are
qualitative research methods, recording information rather than
numerical data.

Researchers can hold focus groups and case studies on many

topics, including public health, food preferences or even
entertainment options. Researchers might want to use this
method if they are looking for a very descriptive dataset to
examine. However, you might not want to use a focus group or a
case study if you need a broader scope of data to analyze.

Experiments

Experiments involve testing a theory in a lab environment, in a

controlled area or with willing study participants in different
environments. You might ask participants to complete tests
verbally, on paper or on a computer. Some experiments could
involve multiple simulations.

For example, a researcher might give a cognitive test to a patient,

but the actual test is evaluating how the patient performs when
the room's temperature is colder or hotter than it was to begin
with. Experiments are usually quantitative studies, recording
numerical or statistical data.

There are many methods of completing experiments, so these

can be easy to administer to participants. Best practices for this
method include having simple instructions and easily replicated
experiments. Participants might need to complete tests on
computers, so researchers should ensure test-takers need no
prior knowledge of computers to complete these types of tests.

You might not want to use experiments as a method if your

directions for participants are not clear. Clear instructions allow
participants to move through the experiment confidently and
accurately, allowing for a more consistent collection of data.

Related: What Is Quantitative Analysis?

Secondary data analysis

Secondary data analysis, also known as archival study, is

studying and assessing research that already exists. If the
archival works include letters, diaries or emails, this is a
qualitative study. If the archival files are numerical data, like
accounting reports, that would be a quantitative study.

This research method can be much more expedient than other

research methods because it involves using research that's
already been completed. Researchers might want to use this
method because it can be much more cost-effective, and you
could find multiple sources for your analysis. However, you'll want
to ensure that the data is timely, specific to your study's needs
and unbiased for it to be most useful.

Related: Types of Research: Definitions and Examples

Mixed methods

Mixed methods can be a combination of multiple types of

research methods. The researcher might combine observations
with focus groups or interviews. The selected combination
depends on what the researcher is studying and which research
methods are best suited for their tasks. Best practices for utilizing
mixed methods include picking two complementary research
methods, such as starting with a focus group and then using the
focus group data to develop and conduct an experiment.

You might not want to use mixed methods if this approach could
unnecessarily complicate the research. For example, if your
mixed methods are surveys and secondary data analysis, these
two methods could unnecessarily complicate the study if the sets
of information are not relevant to one another.