RESEARCH

APTITUDE:

Opening a Window
to a Fascinating
World

By Miss. Lynessa Lynette Linson

 MEANING OF RESEARCH
WHY:
❑Creation of new knowledge
WHAT YOU DO: ❑Verify existing knowledge
❑Test a hypothesis
❑Intellectual inquiry ❑Establish facts/ reach new
❑Systematic investigation conclusions
❑Logical, unbiased search ❑Describe/Explain/Predict/
❑Organised study Control Observed
Phenomenon
❑Solution to a Problem
❑Quest towards truth
Which of the following statements regarding the meaning of research are correct?
A. Research refers to a series of systematic activity or activities undertaken to find out the
solution of a problem
B. It is a systematic, logical and an unbiased process wherein verification of hypothesis, data
analysis, interpretation and formation of principles can be done
C. It is an intellectual enquiry or a quest towards truth
D. It leads to enhancement of knowledge

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(a) A, B and C
(b) B, C and D
(c) A, C and D
(d) A, B, C and D

Answer: A, B, C and D
What is the main objective of research?
(a)To review the literature
(b)To summarize what is already known
(c)To get an academic degree
(d)To discover new facts or to make fresh interpretation of known facts

Answer: To discover new facts or to make fresh interpretation of known facts

 Objectivity Without any bias; Unaffected by researcher’s
Characteristics own attitude

Produces consistent results when repeated;

Reliability Verifiability

Research Validity
Accuracy of procedure/tests/instruments;
Internal Validity= Credibility;
External Validity= Generalizability
Definite procedure; Each step should follow the
of

Systematic other

Findings from one study can lead to new

Cyclical questions or areas of exploration

Logical Guided by the rules of logical reasoning

Ability of a study's findings to be independently

Replicable reproduced by other researchers
 TYPES OF RESEARCH

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH:
EX-POST FACTO RESEARCH:
▪ Observational or Correlational
Studies (What is? Or What
▪ Conducted after a
was?)
phenomenon has occurred
▪ Surveys and Fact-finding
▪ Non-experimental (Non-
inquiries
manipulated variables)
▪ Might be cross sectional or
▪ Examples:
longitudinal
a) Psychological impact of 9/11
▪ Examples:
on First Responders
a) Social Media usage patterns
b) The effects of childhood
among Adolescents
bullying on adult mental
b) Consumer Spending Patterns
health
during Recessions
 HISTORICAL RESEARCH:
▪ Describe/Understand Past events
▪ Rely on original documents, eye-
witness accounts, artifacts etc.
▪ Offer explanations/insights/
perspectives on the past
▪ Examples:
a) The Impact of the Irish Potato
Famine on Irish Immigration to
the United States during the
mid-19th century
b) The Role of the Versailles Treaty
in the Outbreak of World War II
ANALYTICAL RESEARCH:
▪ Critical and in-depth examination
of a subject, problem, or
phenomenon.
▪ Use of facts or information
already available
▪ Examples:
a) Analyzing the cause of
unemployment in urban areas
b) Analyzing the impact of
commute on employee
productivity
 EXPLORATORY RESEARCH:
▪ Exploration of an area where
little is known
▪ Aim to identify potential
connections/variables and
generate ideas
▪ Examples:
a) Virtual Reality as a Tool for
Pain Management in Pediatric
Healthcare
b) Algorithmic Trading and
Machine Learning in High-
Frequency Trading
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH:
▪ Seeks to uncover cause and effect
relationship
▪ Conducted in controlled
environment
▪ Examples:
a) The efficacy of a new medicine
in lowering blood pressure
b) The impact of environmental
factors on plant growth
 FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH / BASIC RESEARCH/ PURE RESEARCH:

▪ Main purpose is to add to the stock of existing knowledge; Done for the sake of
knowledge
▪ No practical applications
▪ Examples: Origins of Life, Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, Mathematical Proofs,
Historical Linguistics

ACTION RESEARCH:
APPLIED RESEARCH:
▪ Done to solve immediate
▪ Done to solve a specific,
problems in specific contexts
practical problem
(Local applicability)
▪ Can be used for policy
▪ Cyclical: Plan, Act, Observe,
formulation or administration
Repeat
▪ Examples: Improving crop yield
▪ Examples: Streamline
in agriculture, Optimizing
production in a company,
supply chain logistics for retail
Improve attendance in a school

DEDUCTIVE RESEARCH:
▪ General to specific approach
▪ Start with a general
theory/hypothesis and test
it through specific data
▪ Examples:
a) Does increase in interest
rates lead to decrease in
consumer spending?
b) Does the presence of CCTV
cameras in public places
reduce crime rates?
INDUCTIVE RESEARCH:
▪ Specific to General approach
▪ A pattern is noticed in
phenomenon that is
occurring and
generalizations are made
▪ Examples:
a) Analysing a collection of
artwork from an era to
identify recurring themes,
styles etc.
b) Examining data on a
disease outbreak in a
region to identify patterns
and trends
 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH:
▪ Involves collection of numerical data
▪ Usage of statistical tools for data analysis
▪ Examples: Impact of Oil prices on stock market returns of BRICS Nations,
Impact of family income on student grades

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH:
▪ Non-numeric data such as images, text, audio or observation to uncover rich
insights
▪ Emphasises on contextual understanding with small, purposive sample
▪ Examples: Studying an indigenous tribe’s cultural practices and social
structure, Exploring the experiences of marginalised communities, Sentiment
analysis of impact of tweets on stock prices

MIXED METHOD RESEARCH:

▪ Combination of quantitative and qualitative methods of research
▪ Allows Triangulation: Use of results from one set of data to corroborate those
from another type of data
▪ Example: Combining test scores and student interviews to evaluate a new
curriculum
 EMPIRICAL RESEARCH:
CONCEPTUAL
RESEARCH: ▪ Data-driven research
resulting in conclusions
▪ Used by philosophers that are capable of
and thinkers to develop being verified
new concepts/ideas ▪ Researcher collects
▪ Abstract theories data to prove or
development or disprove a formulated
refinement hypothesis
▪ Examples: Karl Marx's ▪ Examples: Fleming's
Theory of Historical Discovery of Penicillin,
Materialism, Jean Hubble's Observations
Piaget's Theory of of an Expanding
Cognitive Development Universe
Ex Post Facto research means:
(a)The research is carried out after the incident
(b)The research is carried out prior to the incident
(c)The research is carried out along with the happening of an incident
(d)The research is carried out keeping in mind the possibilities of an
incident

Answer: The research is carried out after the incident

Action research means:
(a)A longitudinal research
(b)An applied research
(c)A research initiated to solve an immediate problem
(d)A research with socio-economic objectives

Answer: A research initiated to solve an immediate problem

Nine year olds are taller than seven year olds. This is an example of a
reference drawn from:
(a)Vertical study
(b)Cross-sectional study
(c)Time series study
(d)Experimental study

Answer: Cross-sectional study

The research that aims at immediate application is:
(a)Action research
(b)Empirical research
(c)Conceptual research
(d)Fundamental research

Answer: Action research

Newton gave three basic laws of motion. This research is categorized
as:
(a)Descriptive research
(b)Sample survey
(c)Fundamental research
(d)Applied research

Answer: Fundamental research

Which among the following provides the strongest evidence of cause-
and-effect relationship between independent and dependent
variables?
(a)Experimental approach
(b)Correlational approach
(c)Non-experimental approach
(d)Descriptive statistics

Answer: Experimental approach

Which of the sets of activities best indicate the cyclic nature of
action research strategy?
(a)Reflect, Observe, Plan, Act
(b)Observe, Act, Reflect, Plan
(c)Act, Plan, Observe, Reflect
(d)Plan, Act, Observe, Reflect

Answer: (d) Plan, Act, Observe, Reflect

The principal of a school conducts an interview session of teachers
and students with a view to explore the possibility of their enhanced
participation in school programmes. This endeavour may be related
to which type of research?
(a)Evaluation research
(b)Fundamental research
(c)Action research
(d)Applied research

Answer: Action research

Which of the following is not a critical feature of qualitative research?
(a)Actual settings are the direct source of data
(b)Data takes the form of words or pictures
(c)Seeking to establish relationships among measured social facts
(d)Researcher becomes immersed in the situation, present or past
related to the phenomenon

Answer: Seeking to establish relationships among measured social facts

A teacher proposes to find out the effect of praise and encouragement
during a teaching-learning session based on Skinner’s theory of
reinforcement. What type of research will it belong to?
(a)Fundamental research
(b)Evaluative research
(c)Action research
(d)Applied research

Answer: Applied research

Which of the following research types focuses on ameliorating the
prevailing situations?
(a)Fundamental Research
(b)Applied Research
(c)Action Research
(d)Experimental Research

Answer: Action Research

Controlled group condition is applied in:
(a)Survey research
(b)Historical research
(c)Experimental research
(d)Descriptive research

Answer: Experimental research

A researcher attempts to evaluate the effect of method of feeding on
anxiety-proneness of children. Which method of research would be
most appropriate for this?
(a)Case study method
(b)Experimental method
(c)Ex-post-facto method
(d)Survey method

Answer: Ex-post-facto method

The research stream of immediate application is:
(a)Conceptual research
(b)Action research
(c)Fundamental research
(d)Empirical research

Answer: Action research

The conclusions/findings of which type of research cannot be
generalized to other situations?
(a)Historical research
(b)Descriptive research
(c)Experimental research
(d)Causal comparative research

Answer: Historical research

In which of the following research methods, process of hypothesis testing
optimally safeguards the role of extraneous variables?
(a)Ex-post-Facto method
(b)Experimental method
(c)Historical method
(d)Descriptive survey method

Answer: Experimental method

A researcher intends to explore the effect of possible factors for the
organization of effective mid-day meal interventions. Which research
method will be most appropriate for the study?
(a)Historical method
(b)Descriptive survey method
(c)Experimental method
(d)Ex-post-facto method

Answer: Ex-post-facto method

Below are given two sets. Match the two sets and indicate your answer by selecting the
correct code:
Set I (Research Method) Set II (Data Collection Tools)
A. Experimental Method i. Using primary and secondary sources
B: Ex post-facto Method ii. Questionnaire
C: Descriptive survey Method iii. Standardized tests
D: Historical Method iv. Typical characteristics tests

Codes:
A B C D
(a) ii i iii iv
(b) iii iv ii i
(c) ii iii i iv
(d) ii iv iii i

Answer: b
 POSITIVISM AND POST-POSITIVISTIC APPROACH TO RESEARCH

POSITIVISM POST-POSITIVISM
Believes in the existence of an external, Allows for subjectivity and interpretation
objective truth.

Holds that knowledge can be gained Recognizes that knowledge is influenced

through the scientific method (Empirical by the researcher's perspective and that
observation, measurement and hypothesis multiple valid interpretations of reality
verification) are possible

Typically employs quantitative methods Values mixed methods

STEPS IN THE PROCESS OF RESEARCH
 ❑Identification of a broad area of interest
❑Divide the broad area into subareas
❑Select an area of interest
❑Identify a Research Gap

STEP 1: ❑Main Considerations in selecting a research

Formulating problem:
the 1. Interest
Research 2. Manageable magnitude
Problem 3. Concept measurement
4. Level of expertise
5. Relevance
6. Availability of data
7. Ethical issues
 ❑Get acquainted with the existing body of
knowledge in the area of interest

❑Brings better clarity and focus on the research

STEP 2: problem
Literature
Review ❑Helps improve the research methodology

❑Enables the development of a theoretical and

conceptual framework
Building on
existing
literature
insights

RESEARCH
GAP
 ❑ Research objectives should be precise and specific
Example: To analyse the impact of social media reviews on
purchase intention of Gen Z consumers in the cosmetic industry

❑ Types of Variables:
a) Independent Variable: Presumed to be the cause of another
b) Dependent Variable: Outcome/ Response/ Effect
c) Mediator Variables: Establish the link between IV and DV
STEP 3:
Formulation Tissue Lung
Smoking
of Damage Cancer
Objectives
Independent Mediator Dependent
variable variable variable

d) Extraneous Variables: Compete with IV in explaining DV

Example, Age/ Gender/Genetic Predisposition/ Dietary
Habits/Occupational Exposure etc.
A scale is a tool to measure a particular concept.
 VARIABLE MEASUREMENT SCALES
1. NOMINAL SCALE:
✓ Classificatory Scale
✓ Variable with more than one sub-
category
✓ Example: Gender, Marital Status,
Blood Type
4. RATIO SCALE
✓ Combines properties of nominal,
ordinal and interval scale
✓ Has a fixed starting point
✓ Zero = Absence of thing being
measured
✓ Example: Age, Weight, Distance,
Volume, Speed
2. ORDINAL OR RANKING SCALE:
✓ Ranks sub-groups in order
✓ Example: Education level, Socio-
economic status, Hierarchy of
Job Positions, Grading in
academics
3. INTERVAL SCALE:
✓ All characteristics of ordinal scale
✓ Arbitrary starting and terminating
points
✓ Example: Temperature, 24 Hour
Clock
✓ Zero does not indicate absence of
thing being measured
 TYPES OF ATTITUDINAL SCALE

LIKERT SCALE: Respondents indicate their level of agreement or disagreement

on a set of response options.
Example: “I believe that listening to music is crucial for my mental health.”

Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

THURSTON SCALE: Designed to capture an individual's attitude or trait by

presenting a set of items

GUTTMAN SCALE: Involves a series of items, and a respondent's agreement with one
item implies agreement with all previous items
 ❑ Hypothesis: Idea which has not yet been proved/Educated
Guess or Prediction
❑ It is a tentative proposition

❑ Null Hypothesis:
✓ Statement of no effect, no difference, or no relationship
between two variables
✓ Example: Ho: Employee happiness has no impact on Employee
STEP 4:
Productivity.
Formulation
of ❑ Alternative Hypothesis (Researcher’s Hypothesis):
Hypothesis ✓ Counters the Null Hypothesis
✓ Represents the assertion of a change, effect, or difference
✓ Example: H1:Employee happiness has an impact on Employee
Productivity.

❑ Only the Null Hypothesis can be tested

❑ If the Null Hypothesis is rejected, the Alternative Hypothesis is
accepted
Which of the following is an initial mandatory requirement for
pursuing research?
(a)Developing a research design
(b)Formulating a research question
(c)Deciding about the data analysis procedure
(d)Formulating a research hypothesis

Answer: Formulating a research question

The exercise of reviewing the relevant literature is most closely related
for which one of the following?
(a)For analysing quantitative data
(b)Formulating research problems
(c)Generalization of the findings
(d)In drawing a sample for the study

Answer: Formulating research problems

Research problem is selected from the stand point of:
(a)Researcher’s interest
(b)Financial support
(c)Social relevance
(d)Availability of relevant literature

Answer: Social relevance

The depth of any research can be judged by:
(a)Title of the research
(b)Objectives of the research
(c)Total expenditure on the research
(d)Duration of the research

Answer: Objectives of the research

With what name an attribute like height, weight or happiness that is
measurable and that is assigned with changing values be called?
(a)Variable
(b)Statistics
(c)Sample
(d)Heuristic

Answer: Variable
The variable which impacts the relationship between an independent
variable and a dependent variable is known as:
(a)Antecedent variable
(b)Precedent variable
(c)Predictor variable
(d)Control variable

Answer: Control variable

Match List I with List II:
List I (Variable) List II (Characteristics)
A. Independent I. Can be used to divide subjects into specific categories
B. Dependent II. Cannot be divided into subparts
C. Control III. Represents the cause
D. Discrete IV. The variable that is affected

(a)A – I, B – II, C-III, D- IV

(b)A – II, B – III, C-IV, D – I
(c)A – III, B – IV, C – I, D –II
(d)A – IV, B – I, C –II, D –III

Answer: A – III, B – IV, C – I, D –II

A hypothesis is a:
(a)Law
(b)Canon
(c)Postulate
(d)Supposition

Answer: Supposition
A working hypothesis is:
(a)A proven hypothesis for an argument
(b)Not required to be tested
(c)A provisionally accepted hypothesis for further research
(d)A scientific theory

Answer: A provisionally accepted hypothesis for further research

“Male and female students perform equally well in a numerical aptitude
test”. This statement indicates a:
(a)Research hypothesis
(b)Null hypothesis
(c)Directional hypothesis
(d)Statistical hypothesis

Answer: Null hypothesis

Which of the following statements is true in the context of the testing of
a hypothesis?
(a)It is only the alternative hypothesis that can be tested
(b)It is only the null hypothesis that can be tested
(c)Both the alternative and null hypothesis can be tested
(d)Both the alternative and the null hypothesis cannot be tested

Answer: It is only the null hypothesis that can be tested

Identify the incorrect statement:
(a)A hypothesis is made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting
point for further investigation
(b)A hypothesis is a basis for reasoning without any assumption of its
truth
(c)Hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon
(d)Scientific hypothesis is a scientific theory

Answer: Scientific hypothesis is a scientific theory

A thesis statement is:
(a)An observation
(b)A fact
(c)An assertion
(d)A discussion

Answer: An assertion
In a research on the effect of child-rearing practices on stress-proneness
of children in completing school projects, the hypothesis formulated is
that ‘child-rearing practices do influence stress-proneness’. At the data-
analysis stage, a null hypothesis is advanced to find out the tenability of
research hypothesis. On the basis of the evidence available, the null
hypothesis is rejected at 0.01 level of significance. What decision may be
warranted in respect of the research hypothesis?
(a)The research hypothesis will also be rejected
(b)The research hypothesis will be accepted
(c)Both the research hypothesis and the null hypothesis will be rejected
(d)No decision can be taken in respect of the research hypothesis

Answer: The research hypothesis will be accepted

 ❑Research Design is the Roadmap/ Plan/
Structure/ Strategy for investigation

❑Blueprint for Research

❑It details the Method, Procedure, Analysis

STEP 5: techniques, Time and Cost for research
Research
Design ❑Involves consideration of:
a) Objectives of the study
b) Selection of method of data collection
c) Source of information – sample design
d) Tools for data collection
e) Data analysis – quantitative/ qualitative
 A.PRIMARY DATA: First hand sources, original
data

- Interviews, Surveys, Observations, Eyewitness

accounts
STEP 6:
Development
of Data
Collection
Instrument
B. SECONDARY DATA: Data collected for some
other purpose by some other person

- Government statistics, Financial Sources,

Previous research, Biography
 PROBABILITY SAMPLING
Simple Random Sampling
(Lottery/chits/random number
generator)
Systematic Sampling
(Every nth unit – Every 10th
customer at a store)
STEP 7: Stratified Sampling
Sample (Stratify into FY, SY, TY and
Design then use random sampling)
Cluster Sampling
(Divide into clusters, randomly
choose a cluster and all units
from cluster included)
Multi Stage Sampling
(First Cluster – Then Strata –
Then Units)
NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING
Quota Sampling
(Divide sample into subgroups
and select individuals until
quota is met)
Convenience Sampling
(Most readily available)
Purposive/Judgment
Sampling
(Based on researcher’s
judgment)
Expert Sampling
(Specifically choose experts)
Snowball Sampling
(Initial contacts refer other
people)
 ❑Provides a detailed description of the proposed
STEP 8: research
Writing a
Research ❑Includes benefits of research, Need, Data types
Proposal and means, Analysis methods and source of
funds
 ❑Choice between Observation/ Personal
interviews/Telephonic interviews/ Mailed
STEP 9: Data questionnaire/ Schedules etc
Collection
❑Should balance Cost, Time and Accuracy
What is a Research Design?
(a)A way of conducting research that is not grounded in theory
(b)The choice between using qualitative or quantitative methods
(c)The style in which you present your research findings, example a
graph
(d)A framework for every stage of the collection and analysis of data

Answer:A framework for every stage of the collection and analysis of

data
Which of the following sampling methods is based on probability?
(a)Convenience sampling
(b)Quota sampling
(c)Judgement sampling
(d)Stratified sampling

Answer: Stratified sampling

Which one of the following is a non-probability sampling?
(a)Simple random
(b)Purposive
(c)Systematic
(d)Stratified

Answer: Purposive
Which one of the following is a non-probability sampling
method?
(a)Simple random sampling
(b)Stratified sampling
(c)Cluster sampling
(d)Quota sampling

Answer: Quota sampling

Which of the following sampling techniques in research imply
randomization and equal probability of drawing the units?
A. Quota Sampling
B.Snowball Sampling
C.Stratified Sampling
D.Dimensional Sampling
E.Cluster Sampling

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(a)A and B only
(b)B and C only
(c)C and E only
(d)D and E only

Answer: C and E only

When a research problem is related to heterogeneous population, the most
suitable sampling method is:
(a)Cluster Sampling
(b)Stratified Sampling
(c)Convenient Sampling
(d)Lottery Method

Answer: Stratified Sampling

Sampling error decreases with the
(a)Decrease in sample size
(b)Increase in sample size
(c)Process of randomization
(d)Process of analysis

Answer: Increase in sample size

 ❑Classification of Data, Tabulation

❑Analysis:
1) Descriptive Statistics
STEP 10: 2) Correlation Analysis
Processing 3) Regression Analysis
and
Analysing ❑Hypothesis Testing:
Data 1) t-test
2) F-test
3) ANOVA
4) Chi-square
 PARAMETRIC TESTS NON-PARAMETRIC TESTS

Assume a normal distribution of Used when distribution is not

values (bell shaped curve) normal or not known or when
sample is too small (less than 30)

Require smaller sample size as they Used when Parametric Tests cannot
are more powerful be performed

Used for Interval or Ratio scale Used for Nominal or Ordinal scale

Used for Quantitative Data Used for Qualitative Data

t Test, Z test, ANOVA, F Test Chi-square, U test, H test

 PARAMETRIC TESTS

Z Test:
▪ Is the sample
mean different
from known
Student’s t Test: population ANOVA:
▪ Compares the mean? ▪ Compares the
means of two ▪ Is the female means of 2 or
groups birth ratio in a more groups
▪ Math scores hospital 0.50 as ▪ Uses F statistic:
among boys and assumed? Checks if
girls, Returns of variances of
two portfolios, samples are
Level of equal
pollutants in two
cities
 NON-PARAMETRIC TESTS

Mann Whitney Chi-Square Test:

U Test:
▪ Used when t ▪ Test of Independence: Is there a
Test significant association between
assumptions two categorical variables?
not met ▪ Is there an association between
gender and choice of
smartphone?

▪ Goodness of Fit Test: Is the

Kruskal Wallis
observed distribution as per a
H Test:
theoretical model?
▪ Used when
▪ Is the distribution of student’s
ANOVA
preferred smartphone brand in
assumptions
my school the same as a
not met
national survey?
Which among the following is an example of a descriptive statistic?
(a)Chi-square
(b)Regression
(c)Standard deviation
(d)t-statistic

Answer: Standard deviation

Which one of the following is not a non-parametric test?
(a)t-test
(b)Sign test
(c)Chi-square test
(d)Run test

Answer: t-test
If a researcher has to compare the means across three groups
quantitatively, which among the following will be the most appropriate
statistical technique for this purpose?
(a)Correlation analysis
(b)Regression analysis
(c)Ch-Square test
(d)Analysis of Variance

Answer: Analysis of Variance

 ❑Title Page

❑Table of Contents, List of Tables, Acknowledgement

❑Chapter 1: Theoretical Framework and Literature

Review

STEP 11: ❑Chapter 2: Research Design

Writing a
Research ❑Chapter 3: Data Analysis and Interpretation
Report
❑Chapter 4: Summary Findings, Conclusions and
Recommendations

❑Bibliography

❑Appendices
The format of thesis writing is the same as in
(a)Preparation of a research paper/article
(b)Writing of a seminar presentation
(c)A research dissertation
(d)Presenting a workshop/conference paper

Answer: A research dissertation

A research paper:
(a)Is a compilation of information on a topic
(b)Contains original research as deemed by the author
(c)Contains peer-reviewed original research or evaluation of research
conducted by others
(d)Can be published in more than one journal

Answer: Contains peer-reviewed original research or evaluation of research

conducted by others
Which sequence of research steps is logical in the list given below?
(a) Problem formulation, Analysis, Development of research design, Hypothesis
making, Collection of data, Arriving at generalizations and conclusions
(b) Development of Research design, Hypothesis making, Problem formulation, Data
analysis, Arriving at conclusions and data collection
(c) Problem formulation, Hypothesis making, Development of a research design,
Collection of data, Data analysis and formulation of generalizations and
conclusions
(d) Problem formulation, Deciding about the sample and data collection tools,
Formulation of hypothesis, Collection and interpretation of research evidence

Answer: (c) Problem formulation, Hypothesis making, Development of a research

design, Collection of data, Data analysis and formulation of generalizations and
conclusions
Which of the following sequences of research steps is nearer to scientific method?
(a) Suggested solution of the problem, Deducing the consequences of the solution, Perceiving
the problem situation, Location of the difficulty and testing the solution
(b) Perceiving the problem situation, Locating the actual problem and its definition,
Hypothesizing, Deducing the consequences of the suggested solution and Testing the
hypothesis in action
(c) Defining a problem, Identifying the causes of the problem, Defining a population, Drawing a
sample, Collecting data and Analysing results
(d) Identifying causal factors, Defining the problem, Developing a hypothesis, Selecting a
sample, Collecting data and arriving at generalizations and conclusions

Answer: (b) Perceiving the problem situation, Locating the actual problem and its definition,
Hypothesizing, Deducing the consequences of the suggested solution and Testing the
hypothesis in action
In a Ph.D. thesis which one of the following is the correct sequence for showing the
scheme of Chapterization?
(a) Survey of related studies, Introduction, Design of the study, Data Analysis and
interpretation, Conclusion and generalisations, suggested further study, References,
Appendix
(b) Introduction, Design of study, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Generalisations,
Conclusion and Survey of related studies and suggestions for further research,
References and Appendix
(c) Introduction, Survey of related studies, Design of study, Data presentation, Analysis
and Interpretation, Formulation of conclusions and generalisations, Suggestions for
further research, References and Appendix
(d) Survey of related studies, References, Introduction, Design of the study, Data analysis
and interpretation, Conclusions and generalisations, Suggestions for further research,
Appendix

Answer: (c) Introduction, Survey of related studies, Design of study, Data presentation,
Analysis and Interpretation, Formulation of conclusions and generalisations, Suggestions
for further research, References and Appendix
In finalising a thesis writing format, which of the following would form
part of the supplementary pages?
(a)List of tables and figures
(b)Table of contents
(c)Conclusions of the study
(d)Bibliography and Appendices

Answer: Bibliography and Appendices

Formats and Styles of Referencing

Modern Language Association

American Psychological
Association
Key Terms Used:

❑Ibid: It is used to reference the same source that was cited in the
immediately preceding footnote or endnote.

❑op.cit. : It is used to refer to a previously cited work (often a book) but

not necessarily the most recent citation.

❑Loc.cit : It is used to reference a previously cited source when you're

not only referring to the same work but also the same page within that
work.

❑et. al: Used when referring to a number of people

When two or more successive footnotes refer to the same work, which
one of the following expressions is used?
(a)ibid
(b)et. al
(c)op.cit:
(d)loc.cit.

Answer: ibid
 APPLICATION OF ICT IN RESEARCH

Literature Review:
Data Collection:
✓ Shodhganga
✓ Google Forms, Data Analysis:
✓ Google Scholar
Qualtrics, Survey ✓ Microsoft Excel
✓ Web of Science,
Monkey ✓ SPSS
Scopus, PubMed
✓ R Software
✓ Python
✓ MATLAB
✓ Tableau
✓ Stata
✓ NVivo
Plagiarism Checker:
Reference
✓ Turnitin,
Management Tools:
Grammarly,
✓ Zotero, Mendeley
PaperRater
Which among the following is a software for the analysis of
qualitative data?
(a)NVivo
(b)R
(c)SPSS
(d)TATA

Answer: NVivo
 Workshop:

Involves
Seminar:
practicing
Conference: new skills
Presentation
Symposium: under the
Wider by experts to
watchful
spectrum of a small
Specialists eyes of the
ideas and group of
deliver short instructor
issues audience
addresses
Hands-on
Shared Form of
training
interest academic
instruction
Brief,
intensive
course
Workshops are meant for:
(a)Giving lectures
(b)Multiple target groups
(c)Showcasing new theories
(d)Hands on training/ experience

Answer: Hands on training/ experience

A workshop is:
(a)A conference for discussion on a topic
(b)A meeting for discussion on a topic
(c)A class at a college or university in which a teacher and the students
discuss a topic
(d)A brief intensive course for a small group emphasizing the development of
a skill or technique for solving a specific problem

Answer: A brief intensive course for a small group emphasizing the

development of a skill or technique for solving a specific problem
In which of the following arrangements a wider spectrum of ideas
and issues may be made possible?
(a)Research Article
(b)Workshop mode
(c)Conference
(d)Symposium

Answer: Conference
When academicians are called to deliver lectures or presentations to an
audience on certain topics or a set of topics of educational nature, it is
called:
(a)Training Programme
(b)Seminar
(c)Workshop
(d)Symposium

Answer: Seminar
 i-10 index:
Impact Factor: h index:
Indicates the
Measure Measures both number of
reflecting the the productivity academic
average number and the impact publications an
of citations to of the published author has
recent articles work of a written that
published in the scientist or a have at least ten
journal scholar citations from
others.
Which one of the following is an indication of the quality of a research
journal?
(a)Impact factor
(b)h-index
(c)g-index
(d)i10-index

Answer: Impact factor

 RESEARCH ETHICS

Related to Researcher:

✓ Avoiding bias
Related to
✓ Deliberately using
Participants:
highly biased
sample/methodology
✓ Informed consent
✓ Incorrect reporting
✓ No possibility of
✓ Incorrect use of
causing harm to
information
participants
✓ Falsification
✓ Confidentiality
✓ Plagiarism
✓ Multiple authorship
✓ Duplicate publication
Which of the following belongs to the category of good research ethics?
(a)Publishing the same paper in two research journals without telling the
editors
(b)Conducting a review of literature that acknowledges the contributions
of other people in the relevant field or relevant prior work
(c)Trimming outliers from a data set without discussing your reasons in a
research paper
(d)Including a colleague as an author on a research paper in return for a
favour even though the colleague did not make a serious contribution
to the paper

Answer: Conducting a review of literature that acknowledges the

contributions of other people in the relevant field or relevant prior work
Research ethics do not include:
(a)Honesty
(b)Subjectivity
(c)Integrity
(d)Objectivity

Answer: Subjectivity
The problem of ‘research ethics’ is concerned with which aspect of
research activities?
(a)Following the prescribed format of a thesis
(b)Data analysis through qualitative or quantitative techniques
(c)Defining the population of research
(d)Evidence based research reporting

Answer: Evidence based research reporting

Ethical norms in research do not involve guidelines for:
(a)Thesis format
(b)Copyright
(c)Patenting policy
(d)Data sharing policies

Answer: Thesis format

Which of the following is susceptible to the issue of research ethics?
(a)Inaccurate application of statistical techniques
(b)Faulty research design
(c)Choice of sampling technique
(d)Reporting of research finding

Answer: Reporting of research finding

Research ethics has a direct connection more often with which stages of
research?
(a)Defining and delimiting the scope of research
(b)Problem formulation and reporting of research findings
(c)Defining the population and deciding the sampling technique for
research
(d)Deciding about the statistical techniques and data analysis

Answer: Problem formulation and reporting of research findings