No.

of Printed Pages : 4 MEC 109-

MASTER'S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

Term-End Examination
N-
■0 December, 2018
Ir)
MEC-109 : RESEARCH METHODS IN
ECONOMICS

Time : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 100

Note : Attempt questions froin each section as per instructions.

SECTION-A
Attempt any two questions from this section in
about 700 words each : 2x20=40
1. Is Karl Popper's work a sophisticated version of
Hypothesisism ? Why is his theory called
Hypothetico-Deductivism ?

2. What is the advantage of classifying national level

data ? Distinguish between National Industrial
Classification (NIC) and National Classification
of Occupations (NCO).

3. Distinguish between Random and Non-Random

Sampling techniques. Discuss the procedure for
drawing sample by the method of Simple Random
Sampling.

4. Explain the Range Equalisation method of Index

Construction. How are weights assigned to
variables under this method ?

MEC-109 1 P.T.O.
 SECTION - B
Attempt any five questions from this section in
about 400 words each : 5x12=60
5. What do you mean by hypothesis ? Is it necessary
to formulate hypothesis in every research study
in social sciences ?

6. How is Atkinson's index an improvement over

Dalton's Index for measuring inequality ?

7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of

content analysis in research ?

8. How is random sampling procedure helpful in

making unbiased estimation ? Illustrate with the
help of an example.

9. What is auto-correlation ? How is it detected ?

What are the remedial measures to handle
auto-correlation ?

10." How is correspondence analysis useful in

research ? How does it help in dimensionality
reduction ?

11. Distinguish between any three of the following :

(a) Sampling and Non-sampling errors
(b) Research Design and Research Methods
(c) Purposive and Snowball Sampling
(d) Logical Truth and Material Truth

MEC-109
 6363
No. of Printed Pages : 6 1 MEC-1091
MASTER'S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

Term-End Examination, 2019

MEC-109 : RESEARCH METHODS IN ECONOMICS

Time : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 100

Note : Attempt questions from each section as per instructions

given.

SECTION-A

Note : Attempt any two questions from this section in aboUt

700 words each : [2x20=40]

1. State the various constituents of Research Methodology.

How does the knowledge of research perspectives help
a researcher to undertake research studies in social
sciences ?

2. What are the important elements of critical theory

paradigm ? State the difference between critical theory
framework and post-positivist framework.

3. How is mono-method research distinct from mixed

methods research ? State the various forms of mixed

mEc-109/7500 ( I ) 11111111111111 1111111111 1111

 methods research 2 Give rationale for mixed methods
research.

4. What is participatory research ? Discuss the various

methods of participatory research used in social
sciences.

SECTION-B

Note : Attempt any five questions from this section in about

400 words each : [5x12=601

5. Explain the concept of correspondence analysis (CA).

Discuss the special feature of CA technique.

6. In addition to CSO, which other agencies bring out the

data on macro economic aggregates ? Briefly discuss
the main features and applications of such data.

7. What do you mean by the term 'Research design' ?

Discuss the elements of research design for descriptive
and diagnostic research studies.

8. Distinguith between random sample survey and non-

random sample survey. Which crucial points are taken
into consideration while making choice between these
two sampling methods ?
MEC-109/7500 ( 2)
9. What is multi-collinearity ? What are its consequences ?
How would you detect multi-collinearity ?

10. Discuss the various positive measures of inequality.

11. State the difference between logical truth and material

truth. What are the sources of deductive fallacies ?

12. Distinguish between any three of the following :

(i) Sampling and Non-sampling errors

(ii) Falsification and Verification

(iii) Abduction and Retroduction

(iv) Realism and Antirealism

(v) Ordinal scale and Ratio scale of measurement

MEC-109/7500 (3) [P.T.O.]

No. of Printed Pages : 4 MEC-109

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

Term-End Examination
February, 2021

MEC-109 : RESEARCH METHODS IN ECONOMICS

Time : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 100

Note : Attempt questions from each section as per
instructions.

SECTION A
Attempt any two questions from this section in about
700 words each. 220=40
1. What are the aims of science ? Discuss the
features of ‘induction’ as a method of science.
2. What is Simple Random Sampling with
Replacement (SRSWR) ? State the operational
procedure for selection of the sample by
SRSWR. How will you evaluate the precision of
Estimators ?
3. What is multicollinearity ? How will you detect
it ? What are its consequences ? Give illustration
in support of your answer.
4. What do you mean by cluster analysis ? Explain
the steps involved in carrying out cluster
analysis.

MEC-109 1 P.T.O.
 SECTION B
Attempt any five questions from this section in about
400 words each. 512=60

5. Discuss the various methods of data collection

and data analysis for carrying out participatory
research.

6. How is Action research distinct from Pure

research ? State the various principles guiding
Action research.

7. How does the knowledge of research

perspectives help a researcher to undertake
research studies in social sciences ?

8. Distinguish between any two of the following :

(a) Research design and Research methods
(b) Time-series data and Cross-sectional data
(c) Interval scale and Ratio scale
(d) Critical research and Applied research

9. What is Composite Index ? Explain the various

steps involved in construction of composite
indices.

10. What is Goodness of Fit ? Explain its importance

in interpretation of regression results.

11. Distinguish between Mono-method research and

Mixed methods research. Give rationale for
mixed methods research.

MEC-109 2
No. of Printed Pages : 4 MEC-109

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

Term-End Examination
December, 2021

MEC-109 : RESEARCH METHODS IN ECONOMICS

Time : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 100
Note : Attempt questions from each section as per
instructions.

SECTION A
Attempt any two questions from this section in about
700 words each. 220=40
1. What are the aims and methods of science as
cognitive enterprise ? Examine the central
tenets of positivist philosophy in this regard.
2. Distinguish between stratified sampling and
cluster sampling. Explain the operational
procedure for selection of sample by cluster
sampling. How will you evaluate the precision
of estimators from cluster sampling ?
3. What is the difference between positive
measures and normative measures of
inequality ? Explain with illustration the
computation device of Gini index to measure the
income inequality.
4. What is participatory research ? Explain the
various tools used to collect data in participatory
research.

MEC-109 1 P.T.O.
 SECTION B
Attempt any five questions from this section in about
400 words each. 512=60
5. In what way does the review of literature help a
researcher ?
6. Discuss the essential features of critical theory
paradigm.
7. What is cluster analysis ? Discuss the steps and
algorithm involved in cluster analysis.
8. Differentiate between any three of the following :
(a) Interval scale and Ratio scale of
measurement
(b) Research design and Research methods
(c) Abduction and Retroduction
(d) Verification and Confirmation
(e) Quantitative research and Qualitative
research
9. State the assumptions of classical linear
regression model. What are the implications of
multi-collinearity ? How will you detect it ?
10. Distinguish between quantitative research and
qualitative research. State the various steps
involved in carrying out qualitative research in
social sciences.
11. Identify the major sources of data on national
income and its related macro-economic
aggregates. How is this data useful for the
evaluation of the performance of Indian
economy ?

MEC-109 2
No. of Printed Pages : 7 MEC-109

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

(MEC)
Term-End Examination
December, 2022
MEC-109 : RESEARCH METHODS IN ECONOMICS

Time : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 100

Note : Attempt questions from each Section as per

instructions given.

Section—A
Note : Answer any two questions from this Section
in about 700 words each. 2×20=40

1. Discuss the various steps involved in research

process with illustrations.

2. Give an overview of structural equation

modeling. When is this approach adopted ?

3. Which research strategies are suitable for

qualitative research ? Discuss the methodology
of critical theory paradigm.

P. T. O.
 [2] MEC-109

4. Describe the major trade and finance related

data available in RBI Handbook of Statistics on
the Indian Economy.
Section—B
Note : Answer any five questions from this Section
in about 400 words each. 12×5=60

5. What are the important points to be kept in

mind while developing categories in content
analysis ?

6. Identify sources of data for informal sector and

health sector in India.

7. Explain two-step cluster analysis as a non-

hierarchical approach.

8. Explain the Hirschman-Herfindahl Index as a

positive measure of inequality.

9. Differentiate between comparative and non-

comparative scaling techniques with
illustrations.

10. Discuss how the coefficient of determination

and analysis of variance enhance research
insights in a multi-variate regression model.
 [3] MEC-109

11. How is a representative sample drawn from a

population using stratified random sampling ?

12. Distinguish between any three of the

following :
(i) Quantitative and Qualitative variables
(ii) Popper’s and Kuhn’s perspective on
essence of science
(iii) Time series data and Cross-sectional data
(iv) Autocorrelation and Heteroscedasticity
(v) Advanced estimates and Revised estimates
of GDP

P. T. O.
No. of Printed Pages : 4 MEC-1091

MASTER'S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

Term-End Examination
C
June, 2018

MEC-109 : RESEARCH METHODS IN

ECONOMICS
Time : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 100
Note : Attempt questions from each section as per instructions.

SECTION - A
Attempt any two questions from this section in
about 700 words each : 2x20=40
1. What is scientific explanation ? Is Hypothetico-
Deductive model of scientific method superior to
Inductivist model ? Give reasons in support of
your answer.

2. What is participatory research ? Discuss the case

study as a method of participatory research. Give
illustration in support of your answer.

3. How is the critical theory paradigm different

interpretative paradigm ? Discuss the
methodology followed in the studies conducted
under critical theory paradigm.

4. Distinguish between monomethod research and

mixed methods research. State the various forms
of mixed method research with illustrations.

MEC-109 1 P.T.O.
 SECTION - B
Answer any five questions from this section in
about 400 words each : 5x12=60
5. How does knowledge of theoretical perspectives
help a researcher to undertake research ?
Illustrate.

6. Which research strategy is appropriate for

Interpretivism ? Why ? Give examples from social
science disciplines.

7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of

measuring Likert Type Scale data ? Is it of relevant
to Economics ?

8. What is the significance of ANOVA (Analysis of

Variance) in research on consumer behaviour ?

9. How does Gini Index measure dispersion in

inequality ? Give example from rural income
survey.

10. What are the common issues faced when using

structural Equation Modelling technique ?

11. Distinguish between any three of the following :

(a) Theoretical and applied research
(b) Case study and large scale survey
(c) Manifest Content Analysis and Latent
Content Analysis
(d) Population census and Economic census

MEC-109 2
 No. of Printed Pages : 6 IMEC-109I

MASTER'S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

Term-End Examination, 2019

MEC-109 : RESEARCH METHODS IN ECONOMICS

Time : 3 Hours Maximum Marks :100

Note : Attempt questions from each section as per instructions.

SECTION A -

Attempt any two questions from this section in about 700

words each : [2x20=40]

1. 'Mixed-method design by integrating quantitative and

qualitative approach has emerged as an approach to
social enquiry.' Explain the typical characteristics of
approaches used under mfixed-methods design.

2. Explain the nature and types of data used in social

science research. Discuss the various methods of
analysis of quantitative data.

3. How do scaling techniques help in data classification ?

Explain the Likert Type Scale using a suitable example.

4. Identify the major sources of data of India's stock

markets, mutual funds, banking and interest-rates.
MEC-109 ( 1 ) [P.T.O.]
 SECTION-B

Attempt any five questions from this section in about

[5x12=60]
400 words each :

5. Explain the meaning of composite index. What points

should be kept in mind when choosing a variable for
composite index ?

6. What is the significance of normality assumption in a

Classical Normal Regression model ? Why it holds
importance in sample research ?

7. How is Elliot's Action Research model similar to Kemmis

and Mc Taggart's Spiral model ?

8. What are the problems encountered if inequality is

calculated using range-based measures ?

9. How is canonical correlation analysis different from

simple correlation analysis ? Explain with illustrations.

10. How is participatory research reflexive, flexible and

iterative ?

11. Distinguish between any three of the following :

(a) Parameter and Statistic

MEC-109 (2)
 (b) Post-positivism and Interpretivism

(c) Quota sampling and snowball sampling method.

(d) R2 and adjusted R 2

MEC-109 (3) [P.1'.0.1

No. of Printed Pages : 4 MEC-109
MASTER'S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS
Term-End Examination

MEC-109 : RESEARCH METHODS IN ECONOMICS

Time : 3 Hours] (Maximum Marks : 100

Note: Attempt questions from each Section as per

instructions given.

Section-A
Note: Answer any two questions from this Scction in about
700 words each. 2x20=40
1. Distinguish between Research Methodology and
Research Methods. Explain in what way review of
literature helps in conducting a research study.
2 What is 'paradigm'? Do you think that normal
science is a highly tradition found activity? Give
reasons in support of your answer.
3. What do you mean by the term 'Composite Index'?
State the various steps involved in construction of
composite index.
4. What is content analysis? Discuss its various
approaches.
Section-B
Note: Answer any five questions from this Section in about
400 words each. 5x12=60
5. What is cluster analysis? Explain the application
of two step duster analysis. What are its
advantages?
6. Give an account of the features of estimates of
National Income and its components released by
CSO.
7. What is research design? Discuss the elements
of research design for experimental studies.
8. What do you understand by 'Sampling Frame'?
List the various stages involved in planning and
organising a survey.
9. State the various functional forms of regression
model. Which functional form of regression model
would you like to use to estimate India's rate of
growth of per capita income?
10. Discuss the computational method of Gini Index
as a measure of inequality.
11. How can one test the precision and reliability of
results in sampling theory?
12. Distinguish between any three of the following:
(i) Parameter and Statistics
(ii) R2 and adjusted R 2
(iii) Quota sampling and snowball sampling
(iv) Research design and research method
(v) Ratio scale and interval scale of measurement
 [2] MEC-109

2. What is the operational procedure to draw the

No. of Printed Pages : 8 MEC-109
sample by stratified sampling ? How will you
M. A. (ECONOMICS) (MEC)
judge whether the estimates of sample

Term-End Examination drawn through stratified samples are

June, 2021 unbiased ?

MEC-109 : RESEARCH METHODS
3. What is content analysis ? Explain with
IN ECONOMICS
examples the various steps involved in content
Time : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 100
analysis.
Note : Attempt questions from each Section as per

instructions given. 4. State the various types of data that are used in

carrying out research on industrial policy.

Section—A
What are the major sources of data on the
Note : Attempt any two questions from this Section

in about 700 words each. 20 each levels of industrial employment ? Which

of the sources will you use for analysis of

1. What are the aims of Science ? How is Science as
industrial development of backward
knowledge seeking activity objective, rational and

progressive ? districts ?

P. T. O.
 [3] MEC-109 [4] MEC-109

Section—B 9. Explain the various forms of regression model.

Note : Attempt any five questions from this Section Give illustration.

in about 400 words each. 12 each

10. How is mono method research distinct from

5. In what way does the review of literature help a mixed methods research ? Give rationale for

researcher in carrying out research ? mixed methods research.

6. Distinguish between quantitative research and

11. Enlist the various methods of sampling used in
qualitative research. Which major tools will you
participatory research.
apply to analyse qualitative data ?

7. Distinguish between any two of the following :

(i) Research methodology and Research

methods

(ii) Parameter and Statistic

(iii) Nominal scale and Ordinal scale

(iv) R2 and adjusted R2

8. What is Gini Ratio ? How is Gini Ratio different

from other measures of dispersion ?

P. T. O.
No. of Printed Pages : 8 MEC-109

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

Term-End Examination
June, 2022

MEC-109 : RESEARCH METHODS IN ECONOMICS

Time : 3 hours Maximum Marks : 100

Note : Attempt questions from each section as per

instructions.

SECTION A

Attempt any two questions from this section in about

700 words each. 220=40

1. What are the aims and methods of science ?

Explain the differences between inductive model
and hypothetica deductive model as
knowledge-seeking activity.

2. State the various methods used in collection of

data in social sciences. Explain the operational
procedure for selection of sample by Simple
Random Sampling With Replacement
(SRSWR). How will you evaluate the precision
of estimates from SRSWR samples ?

MEC-109 1 P.T.O.
3. Discuss the various steps involved in
construction of composite indices. How will you
handle the problem of missing data and outliers
in construction of composite indices ?

4. Discuss the concept and types of content

analysis. Identify the areas of social sciences
where content analysis can be used.

MEC-109 2
 SECTION B

Attempt any five questions from this section in about

400 words each. 512=60

5. What is hypothesis ? Is it necessary to formulate

hypothesis in all types of research ? Give
reasons.

6. Discuss the important features of interpretative

paradigm.

7. What is Correspondence Analysis (CA) ? Discuss

the features and applications of CA in social
science research.

8. Distinguish between any three of the following :

(a) Ontology and Epistemology
(b) Research Methodology and Research
Methods
(c) Nominal and Ordinal Scale of Measurement
(d) Sampling and Non-sampling Errors
(e) Induction and Deduction

9. State the assumptions of classical linear

regression model. What are the implications of
the presence of autocorrelation ? How will you
detect it ?

MEC-109 3 P.T.O.
10. What is the distinction between explanatory
research and descriptive research ? State the
various steps involved in carrying out
descriptive research in social sciences.

11. Identify the major sources of data on industries.

How is this data useful for researchers ?

MEC-109 4
No. of Printed Pages : 7 MEC-109

MASTER’S DEGREE IN ECONOMICS

Term-End Examination
June, 2023
MEC-109 : RESEARCH METHODS IN ECONOMICS

Time : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 100

Note : Attempt questions from each Section as per

instructions given.

Section—A

Note : Answer any two questions from this

Section in about 700 words each. 2×20=40

1. What is the role of philosophical perspectives in

guiding research methodology of a study ?
Discuss in detail with an suitable example.

2. What are the criticisms of Hypothetico-

Deductive model to the structure of a theory ?
Discuss.

P. T. O.
 [2] MEC-109

3. Explain research design for a mixed-method

research with an example.

4. How is canonical Correlation Analysis a

generalization of Multiple Regression Analysis ?
Explain.

Section—B

Note : Answer any five questions from this

Section in about 400 words each. 5×12=60

5. Discuss the criteria for evaluating

measurements in research.

6. Discuss how Sen’s inequality index is a

generalization of Atkinson’s index.

7. State the data sources of National Income and

its related aggregates.

8. Which quantitative methods can be used for

reduction of dimensionality ? Briefly discuss
any two.

9. Using a suitable example, discuss the

advantages and disadvantages of Action
Research.
 [3] MEC-109

10. Which method is practically more reliable

among participant and non-participant
observations ? Give reasons in support of your
answer.

11. Outline the steps for constructing a composite

index using Range Equalisation method.

12. Differentiate between any three of the

following :

(i) Descriptive and Explanatory Research

(ii) Census and Sample

(iii) Semi-log and Reciprocal models

(iv) Narratives and Oral History

(v) Retroduction and Abduction

P. T. O.