Business

Research
Methodology
 Introduction to Research:
Meaning, Characteristics, Objectives,
Motivation in Research, Types, Methods,
Significance, Process, Approaches, Criteria
of Good Research. Concept of theory,
Empiricism, Deductive & Inductive Theory,
Introduction to Ethics in Research,
Plagiarism, Limitations and Ethical Issues
in Research, Software for Detection of
Plagiarism, Plagiarism Level in National
and Internationa Publications, Problems
encountered by Researchers in India.

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 “
Research is Creating new
knowledge.
Research is turning the unknown
into reality.

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Meaning and Definition
▪ “The Application of the scientific method in searching for the
truth about business phenomena. These activities include defining
business opportunities and problems, generating and evaluating
ideas, monitoring performance, and understanding the business
processes”
▪ • The systematic collection and analysis of data with the objective
of finding answers to business problems.
▪ According to Robert Ross, “Research is essentially an
investigation, a recording and an analysis of evidence for the
purpose of gaining knowledge.” It can generally be defined as a
systematic method of finding solutions to problems.
 Introduction
Formation of research word:
The word research consists of two words, Re and Search.
Research = Re + Search
▪ ‘Re’ means, again and again and ‘search’ means to examine
closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe or to find out
something.
▪ The former as a prefix and latter as a verb.
▪ Together we describe in the form of a careful and systematic study
and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to make
5 a relationship of established facts or principles.
 Characteristics of Research
▪ The research essentially discovery of new knowledge
▪ • It is essentially an investigation.
▪ • Research is a process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting
information to answer questions.
▪ • It is based on observation or experimental evidences.
▪ • It learns more about things, people, and events.
▪ • It related with the solution of a problem.
▪ • A good research must be systematic, logical, empirical, verifiable and
Procedure followed in research must be sufficiently described.
▪ • It should be carefully recorded and reported.
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 Characteristics
▪ Empirical-Research based on direct experience
or observation by the researcher. Practical
experience without due regard to scientific
knowledge or theory.
▪ Based on the saying ‘I wont believe it unless I see
it for my self’.

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 ▪ Logical-Research is based on valid procedures
and principles. Scientific study is done in an
orderly manner.
▪ Cyclical- Research starts with a problem and
ends with a problem.

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 ▪ Analytical-utilizes proven, analytical procedure
in gathering data, whether historical, descriptive,
experimental, and case study.
▪ Data gathered focus on-
▪ Historical-past
▪ Descriptive-Present
▪ Experimental-future
▪ Case study-past, present and future
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 ▪ Critical-careful and precise judgment- precise
interpretation based on results.
▪ Methodical- using systematic methods and
procedure.
▪ Without bias
▪ Appropriate test should be used.

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 ▪ Replicability-Repeated to enable the researcher
to arrive at valid and conclusive results.
▪ more replications, more valid results.
▪ Replicability of the study-using the same
▪ Instrument, methods, procedure
▪ Eg, Laboratories

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 Purpose or Objectives of Research

Extends knowledge of Verifies and tests existing facts &

theory Finding solutions to problems
human beings, social life
and Environment
[
Reliable predictions of events yet Developing new concepts,
Unravels the mysteries of to happen tools and theories
nature
[

Analyze inter – relationships

Establishes Contributes to National
generalizations and Development
Data for rational decision making
general laws
 Research Scope in Different Areas:

▪ Production Management: Product development, Diversification, Launching new product, Product

Improvement, New investment, Utilizing technology
▪ Personnel management(Human resource Management): Job redesign, Organization restructuring,
Development of motivational strategies and organizational development
▪ Marketing Management: Choice and size of Target Market, Consumer behaviour in terms of attitudes,
lifestyle, influences, price policy, selection of channel of distribution, sales strategies, product mix,
promotional strategies
▪ Finance management: Portfolio management, distribution of dividend, capital rising, foreign exchange
▪ Materials Management: Selection of supplier, Negotiation strategies
▪ General Management: Developing standards, objectives, long term goals, growth strategies
▪ Business environment: Business competition, Customers, Products, Industry competition, Global
competition

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 Types of Research
▪ Types of Research Based on Outcome:
▪ Basic Research
▪ Applied Research

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 Basic Research
▪ A basic research definition is data collected to enhance knowledge.
▪ The main motivation is knowledge expansion. It is a non-commercial
research that doesn’t facilitate in creating or inventing anything. For example:
an experiment to determine a simple fact.
▪ a) Also called as the fundamental or the theoretical research.
▪ b) Basic and original.
▪ c) Can lead to the discovery of a new theory.
▪ d) Can result in the development or refinement of a theory that already exists.
▪ Basic research is driven purely by curiosity and a desire to expand our
knowledge.

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 ▪ A study looking at how alcohol consumption impacts the
brain.
▪ A study to discover the components making up human
DNA.
▪ A study accessing whether stress levels make people more
aggressive.
▪ A study looking to see if gender stereotypes lead to
depression.

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 A study at how family environment
influences the socialisation of child.

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 A study accessing whether stress levels make
people more aggressive.

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 Applied research
▪ Applied research focuses on analyzing and solving real-life
▪ problems. This type refers to the study that helps solve practical problems using
scientific methods. Studies play an important role in solving issues that impact the
overall wellbeing of humans. For example: finding a specific cure for a disease.
▪ i. Based on the concept of the pure research.
▪ ii. Is problem oriented
▪ iii. Helps in finding results or solutions for real life problems.
▪ iv. Provides evidence of usefulness to society.
▪ v. Helps in testing empirical content of a theory.
▪ vi. Utilizes and helps in developing the techniques that can be used for basic research.
▪ vii. Helps in testing the validity of a theory but under some conditions.
▪ viii. Provides data that can lead to the acceleration of the process of generalization

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 ▪ Applied research “aims at finding a solution for an
immediate problem facing a society, or an
industrial/business organization.
▫ Example: Why have sales decreased during the last quarter?
▫ Finding solution for real-life problem
▫ Address a specific business decision for a specific firm or
organization
▫ Problem-oriented and Action oriented

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 Why have sales decreased during the last quarter?

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 ▪ An example of Applied research is the application of x-
rays in medicine. In the late 1800's, Wilhelm Rontgen
discovered the way to produce x-rays with the help of a
cathode ray. He found out that this new ray could go
through the body. Realizing this, Rontgen believed that x-
rays would be very helpful in diagnosing and determining
disease and injury in the body.

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 ▪ Types of Research Based on Purpose
▪ 1. Descriptive Research
▪ 2. Exploratory Research

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 ▪ Descriptive Research: Descriptive research is research used to
“describe” a situation, subject, behaviour, or phenomenon. It
is used to answer questions of who, what, when, where, and
how associated with a particular research question or
problem. Descriptive studies are often described as studies that
are concerned with finding out “what is”. It attempts to gather
quantifiable information that can be used to statistically analyze a
target audience or a particular subject. Description research is
used to observe and describe a research subject or problem
without influencing or manipulating the variables in any way.
Hence, these studies are really correlation or observational, and
not truly experimental. This type of research is conclusive in
nature, rather than exploratory. Descriptive research is used
30 extensively in social science, psychology and educational
 Descriptive research
▪ Descriptive research is undertaken to describe the situation,
community, phenomenon, outcome or programme.
▪ Eg Census
▪ The findings of descriptive studies are largely of a
diagnostic nature i.e., the studies indicate the existing
symptoms of a particular situations without establishing the
causality of the relationship.

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 ▫ Example: Viewing of TV channels, its variation
with age, income level, profession of respondents
▫ Fact-finding investigation
▫ Describes characteristics of objects, people, groups,
organizations, or environment; tries to a paint a
picture of a given situation.

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 ▪ It is closely linked with historical, ex-post facto
and analytical research. The main purpose of
descriptive research is description of the state of
affairs which exists at present.
▪ (i) Historical research:- As we discussed earlier,
historical research is linked with descriptive
research. Historical research usually focuses on
the historical aspect of the problem.
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 ▪ Ex-post facto Research:- It deals with non-
manipulated variables of a phenomenon.
▪ It is a systematic empirical inquiry which is based
on the analytical examination of dependent and
independent variables. In ex-post facto research
there is very little control on the behaviour of
independent variables.
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 ▪ Analytical research:- Under this method, the researcher
uses the information which is already available. It attempts
to make critical evaluation of the given material.
▪ Eg:
▪ How can the number of complaints made by customers be
reduced?
▪ How can the absentee rate among employees be reduced?
▪ Why is the introduction of empowerment seen as a threat
by departmental managers?
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 ▪ Exploratory Research: Exploratory research is a
preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem about which
the researcher has little or no knowledge. It involves a
literature search or conducting focus group interviews. The
exploratory of new phenomena in this way may help the
researchers need for better understanding may test the
feasibility of a more extensive study or determine the best
methods to be used in a subsequent study. Exploratory
means which are not known to us before but has existence.
If anything discover or unearth or unveil that thing then it
will be exploratory research.
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 Exploratory Research
▪ Exploratory research is used principally to gain a
deeper understanding of something.
▪ Loosely structured

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 ▪ Types of Research Based on Process
▪ 1. Quantitative Research
▪ 2. Qualitative Research

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 ▪ Quantitative Research: Quantitative research is defined as the
systematic investigation of phenomena by gathering quantifiable
data and performing statistical, mathematical or computational
techniques. Quantitative research gathers information from
existing and potential customers using sampling methods and
sending out online surveys, online polls, questionnaires etc., the
results of which can be depicted in the form of numerical. Aliaga
and Gunderson (2000), describes what we mean by quantitative
research methods very well: Quantitative research is ‘Explaining
phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analyzed using
mathematically based methods (in particular statistics)’.
Therefore, as quantitative research is essentially about collecting
numerical data to explain a particular phenomenon, particular
questions seem immediately suited to being answered using
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quantitative methods.
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 ▪ Quantitative research: Descriptive research is a
quantitative research method that attempts to
collect quantifiable information for statistical
analysis of the population sample. It is a popular
market research tool that allows us to collect and
describe the demographic segment's nature.

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 ▪ There are four main types of Quantitative research:
Descriptive, Correlational, Causal-Comparative/Quasi-
Experimental, and Experimental Research. attempts to
establish cause- effect relationships among the variables.
These types of design are very similar to true experiments,
but with some key differences.
▪ Quasi-experimental designs are often used in educational
research since students and teachers are not typically able
to be randomly assigned to districts, schools, or classrooms
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for research purposes.
 ▪ Qualitative Research:
▪ Qualitative research involves looking in-depth at non-
numerical data. This is a method of inquiry employed in
many different academic disciplines, traditionally in social
sciences, but also in market research and further contexts.
In the handbook of qualitative research Denzin and Lincoln
(2005) describe qualitative research as involving “… an
interpretive naturalistic approach to the world. This means
that qualitative researchers study things in their natural
settings, attempting to make sense of or interpret
phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them.”
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 ▪ Methods of qualitative approach include.
▪ 1) Focus group:- In a focus group, a researcher brings together a
number of subjects to discuss on the topic of interest. Size of the
group is generally small so that members can express themselves
openly.
▪ 2) In-depth interviews:- Another method of qualitative research is
an in-depth interview in which data is collected on the basis of
face to face interview.
▪ 3) Direct observation:- In this method, the data is collected by an
external observer on the basis of his/her observation.
▪ 4) Ethnography:- it is the process of observation of people or a
culture in a natural setting. It studies the culture (beliefs,
49 language, values etc.) of a distinct group within the society.
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 Field Research

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 ▪ Field research is used in a wide range of
disciplines, including biology, economics,
sociology, anthropology, and earth and
atmospheric sciences. Since researchers get to
observe their subjects in their own setting, they
can achieve more accurate and detailed data.

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 ▪ Biologists conduct field research to observe how
animals interact with their environments.
▪ Geologists collect lava samples to analyze how
volcanoes work and predict future eruptions.

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 Empirical Research
▪ This type of research relies solely on evidence obtained through
observation or scientific data collection methods.
▪ Because most people today only believe in their experiences,
empirical research is increasingly becoming important.
▪ For instance, empirical research is used by pharmaceutical companies
to test specific drugs. This is done by administering the drug on an
experimental group, while giving a placebo to the control group. This
is done to prove theories about the proposed drug and check its
efficacy. This is the most crucial way in which leading evidence for
54 various drugs have been found for many years.
▪ An empirical research study can also be carried out to determine the effects of a
new drug on specific groups of people. The researcher may expose the research
subjects to controlled quantities of the drug and observe research subjects to
controlled quantities of the drug and observe the effects over a specific period of
time in order to gather empirical data.
▪ Another example of empirical research is measuring the levels of noise pollution
found in an urban area to determine the average levels of sound exposure
experienced by its inhabitants. Here, the researcher may have to administer
questionnaires or carry out a survey in order to gather relevant data based on the
experiences of the research subjects.

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 Methods of collecting data in
empirical research
▪ Survey/ Questionnaire
▪ Experiment- Empirical data can also be collected by carrying out an
experiment. An experiment is a controlled simulation in which one or more
of the research variables is manipulated using a set of interconnected
processes in order to confirm or refute the research hypotheses.
▪ Case Study-It involves sifting through and analyzing relevant cases and
real-life experiences about the research subject or research variables in
order to discover in-depth information that can serve as empirical data.
▪ Observation-the researcher to study the behaviors of research variables in
their natural environments in order to gather relevant information that can
serve as empirical data.
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 On the Basis of Logic
▪ Inductive Approach
▪ Deductive Approach

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 Deductive Approach:-
▪ It is also known as general to a specific approach. In
the deductive approach, we start from theory and try
to prove it with the help of information available to
us. Steps regarding the deductive approach involve
the following:
▪ 1) Formulate the hypothesis bases on the theory
▪ 2) Collection of data to test the hypothesis
▪ 3) Make a decision regarding acceptance or rejection
of the hypothesis.

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 Inductive Approach
▪ It is also known as the bottom-up approach. In
this approach, we move from specific to general.
It starts with specific observations and ends with
generalizing theory. Steps regarding inductive
approach include the following.
▪ 1) Observation
▪ 2) Make a search
▪ 3) Make a generalization
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 Other Types of Research
▪ Correlational Research:- It is established to
discover the interdependence between two
aspects of a situation, which means one variable
does not affect the other variable in any way.
▪ Causal Research

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 ▪ Experimental research:- It establishes cause and
effect relationships. The fundamental feature of
such research is that there is the possibility of
exercising control over independent variable. It
identifies variables that change the dependent
variable.

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 A glimpse at the following Research
Studies
▪ From each of the following illustrations of management
dilemmas, we can abstract the essence of research. How is
it carried out? What can It do? What should it not be
expected to do?
▪ Read and think about the possible range of situations for
conducting research, and try answering these questions:
▪ 1. What is the decision making dilemma facing the
manager?
▪ What must the researcher accomplish?
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 Classic Toys
▪ You work for Classic Toys, a corporataion that is considering the
acquisition of a Toy manufacturer. The senior vice president for
development asks you to head a task force to investigate six companies that
are the potential candidates. You assemble a team composed of
representatives from the relevant functional areas. Pertinent data are
collected from public sources because of the sensitive nature of the project.
You examine all of the following: Company annual reports; articles in
business journals, trade magazines, and newspapers, financial analysts
assessments; and company advertisements. The team members then
develop summary profiles of candidate firms based on the characterstics
gleaned from the sources. The final report highlights the opportunities and
problems that acquisition of the target firm would bring to all areas of the
business.
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 MoreCoatings
▪ MoreCoatings, a paint manufacturer, is having trouble maintaining profits. The owner believes
inventory management is a weak area of the company’s operations. In this industry, many paint
colors, types of paint, and container sizes make it easy for a firm to accumulate large inventories
and still be unable to fill customer orders. You look into the present warehousing and shipping
operations and find excessive sales losses and delivery delays becuase of out-of-stock conditions.
An informal poll of customers confirms your impression. You suspect the present inventory
database and reporting system do not provide prompt, usable information needed for appropriate
production decisions.
▪ Based on this supposition, you familiarize yourself with the latest inventory management
techniques. You ask the warehouse manager to take an inventory, and you review the incoming
orders for the last year. In addition, the owner shows you the production runs of the last year and
his method for assessing the need for a particular color or paint type. By modelling the last year of
business using production, order, and inventory management techniques, you choose the method
that provides the best theoritical profit. you run a pilot line using the new control methodology.
After two months, the data show a much lower inventory and a higher order fulfilment rate. You
recommend that the owner adopts the new inventory method.
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 Research Methods Vs Research Methodology-
▪ Research methods- All those methods/techniques that are used for
conduction of research i.e. the methods which are used by the researcher
during the course of studying his research problem are termed as research
methods, e.g. making observations, recording data, instruments used,
technique of processing data etc
▪ • Research Methodology- It is the blue print of research. It explains how
research is done scientifically or way to finding answers to research
questions , the various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in
studying his research problem along with the logic behind them. The scope
of research methodology is wider than that of research methods, e.g. Why
hypotheses constructing, testing methods etc
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 Research Process

▪ The Research Process is a process of multiple

scientific steps in conducting the research work.
Each step is interlinked with other steps. The
process starts with the research problem at first.
Then it advances in the next steps sequentially.
▪ Generally, a researcher conducts research work
within seven steps.
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 Steps of the research process
▪ Research process consists of series of actions or
steps necessary to effectively carry out research
and the desired sequencing of these steps.

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 Step 1: Identify and defining the
Research Problem
▪ In the research process, the first and the foremost step
happens to be that of selecting and properly defining a
research problem.
▪ A researcher must find the problem and formulate it so that
it becomes susceptible to research.
▪ Like a medical doctor, a researcher must examine all the
symptoms(presented to him or observed by him)
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concerning a problem before he can diagnose correctly.
 ▪ To define a problem correctly, a researcher must know: what a problem is?
▪ A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty which a researcher
experience and wants to obtain a solution of it.
▪ Formulating a problem is the most difficult task although it may not appear so.
▪ Followed points must be kept in mind before selecting the problem:
▪ a) Subject which has been overdone should not be normally chosen, as it is
difficult to throw a new light on it.
▪ b) Controversial problem should not be chosen by an average researcher.
▪ c) Too narrow or too vague problem should be avoided.
▪ d) The subject selected for research should be familiar and feasible so that the
related materials are within one’s reach.
▪ e) The importance of the subject, qualification and training of researcher, time
factor, cost; such factors should be considered.
▪ f) Selection of a problem should be preceded by a preliminary study.
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 Technique involved in Defining a Problem:
▪ Formulation of Research Question:
▪ Step 1: Selection of a Research Area: Formulating of research problem begins with selection of a broad research topic from personal
experience, literature, previous research and theories in which the researcher is interested.
▪ Step 2: Dissect broad areas into subareas: The subject area chosen by the researcher may be broad in that case needs to dissect it into
small areas or topics.
▪ Step 3: Focus on and selecting an area of interest: In this step, researcher may choose one or two areas of his interest, because it is not
possible to study many areas altogether. Rest subareas in which a researcher do not have any interest and subsequently focus on the
area you are passionate about.
▪ Step 4: Identifying the gaps and raising research questions: Within an area, list all the questions the researcher wants to find answers
to.
▪ Step 5: Formulation of broad objectives: objectives grow out of the questions.
▪ Step 6: Assessing and reviewing objectives: As researcher narrows the research problem, the specific identification of study
population is crucial in order to select the appropriate respondents.
▪ Main Considerations in Selecting a Research Problem
▪ You can find innumerable research problems in any area. Obviously, you cannot study all the problems.
▪ 1. Interest 2. Manageable magnitude 3. Concept measurement 4. Level of expertise 5. Relevance 6. Availability of data
▪ 7. Ethical issues
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 ▪ Objectives are the goals you set out to attain in your study.
▪ They inform a reader what you want to attain through the tudy. Each
objective should contain only one aspect of the tudy. Objective must
contain the main associations and relationships that you seek to
discover or establish.
▪ The objectives should start with words such as
▪  ‘To determine’,
▪  ‘To find out’,
▪  ‘To ascertain’,
▪  “To describe ‘
▪  “To measure’,
▪  ‘To explore’ etc
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 Step 2: Review the Literature
▪ Once the research problem is identified and defined, the next step is to
review the existing research. The researcher must learn more about the topic
under investigation. To do this, the researcher must review the literature
related to the research problem. Academic Journals, conference
proceedings, government reports, books etc., must be tapped depending on
the nature of the problem.
▪ This step provides foundational knowledge about the problem area. The
review of literature also educates the researcher about what studies have
been conducted in the past, how these studies were conducted, and the
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conclusions in the problem area.
 Step 3: Formulating a Hypothesis
▪ After Reviewing the literature, researchers should state in clear terms the working
hypothesis or hypothesis. Hypothesis is a tentative assumption made about the solution of
a problem. Hypothesis formulation is a very important step as it provides the focal point
for research. They will affect the manner in which tests are to be conducted.
▪ In this step, the researcher makes the problem precise.
▪ • The research work is topic focused and refined.
▪ • Then the researcher steps forward to how the problem would be approached? The nature
of the research problem can decide to formulate a definite hypothesis.
▪ • A hypothesis is tested. Effective research work formulates a hypothesis in such a way
that collected factual data will provide evidence that either supports or disproves them.
Formulation of Hypothesis in Research will make you more expert.
▪ • In the end, the hypothesis turns into a practical theory.

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 ▪ What is hypothesis?
▪ A hypothesis is a tentative statement of a proposition which the
researcher seeks to prove. As a researcher, we do not know the exact
truth but have a hunch about the outcome and thus, we make some
prediction about the outcome. This hunch or prediction about the
outcome is called hypothesis. It can also be termed as an educated
guess or assumption about some phenomenon. This assumption is
tested by collecting information that will enable us to conclude if our
hunch was right.
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 ▪ The hypothesis test finally will decide whether it is true
or rejected.
▪ So, to clarify a hypothesis is a statement about the
relationship between two or more variables. The
researcher set out the variables to prove or disprove.
▪ Hypothesis essentially includes three elements. For
example
▪ 1. Variables
▪ 2. Population
▪ 3. Relationship between variables.
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 ▪ Example of Hypothesis
▪ 1. Rewards increase reading achievements
▪ 2. Rewards decrease reading achievements
▪ 3. Or rewards have no effect on reading achievements
▪ In the above examples- variables are- Rewards &
Achievements.

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 Step 4: Research Design
▪ Research Design actually provides insights into “how” to
conduct research using a particular Research Methodology.
▪ Basically, every researcher has a list of research questions
that need to be assessed that can be done with research
design.

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 ▪ The design Decision happens to be in respect of:
▪ a) What is the study about?
▪ b) Why is the study being made?
▪ c) Where will the study be conducted?
▪ d) What type of data is required?
▪ e) Where can the required data be found?
▪ f) What period of time will the study include?
▪ g) What will be the sample design?
▪ h) What technique of data collection will be used?
▪ i) How will the data be analysed?
▪ j) In what style the report will be prepared?
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 ▪ Research purposes may be grouped into four categories
▪ a. Exploration,
▪ b. Description,
▪ c. Diagnosis, and
▪ d. Experimentation.
▪ The types of research design. It broadly can categorize into the following three
types.
▪ 1. Exploratory Research Design, also termed as formulative research studies.
▪ 2. Descriptive and Diagnostic Research Design
▪ 3. Explanatory Research Design
▪ In addition, there are:
▪ 1. Case Study
▪ 2. Survey
94 ▪ 3. Experiment research design.
 ▪ Choose your research design as per your research question
or problem and research objectives. Suppose the research
title is “Impacts of daily use of Facebook have on the
study attention of under-20s.” Your research method
would be either qualitative or quantitative or a
combination of both methods.

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 Step 5: Carry out the Research Process
▪ While the research design is decided, then the researcher collects data, records information.
▪ This includes:
▪ COLLECTING DATA
▪ There are various alternatives available to collect relevant data. The researcher should select one
method of collecting data taking into account the nature of investigation, scope and objective of
inquiry, financial cost, availability of time and the desired accuracy.
▪ In case of a survey, data can be collected by any one or more of the following ways.
▪ 1. By observation: This entails the collection of information by the way of the investigator's own
observation without interviewing the respondents. The information obtained relates to the current
happenings. This method is very expensive and the information gathered in such a manner is
limited. This method is not suitable for research where large samples are required as is the case
with quantitative research.

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 ▪ Types of Observations
▪ a) Structured – for descriptive research
▪ b) Unstructured – for exploratory research
▪ c) Participant observation
▪ d) Non-participant observation
▪ e) Disguised observation

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 ▪ 2. Personal interviews: The investigator follows a
structured approach and the questions are preconceived.
Here, the output also depends upon the ability of the
interviewer to a large extent.
▪ 3. Telephonic interviews: This method of collecting
information involves contacting the respondents on
telephone itself. It is used when the survey has to be
accomplished in a very limited time.
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 ▪ Questionnaires: Questionnaires are mailed to the respondents with a
request to return after completing the same. It is the most commonly
used method in economic and business surveys. A pilot study may be
conducted for testing the questionnaire to check its appropriateness for
the purpose.
▪ Types:
▪ a) Closed-ended questionnaire b). Open-ended questionnaire(c)
Combined questionnaire
▪ 5. Schedules: In this method, the enumerators are specially appointed
and trained for gathering information. Schedules consist of relevant
questions. The enumerators visit respondents with these schedules.
Schedules are filled up by the enumerators on the basis of replies given
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by the respondents.
 Step 6-PROCESSING AND ANALYSING
DATA

▪ After collection, the next step is to analyse it. It requires a

number of closely related operations, such as
establishment of categories.
▪ The large data should be condensed into a few manageable
groups and tables for further analysis. This is done with the
help of classification of data into more relevant, purposeful
and usable categories.

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 Step 7: Reporting Research
Findings

▪ The final step of the research process outline is to report the

research findings.
▪ Describe the significance of the research study. Work out
how do they relate to the previous research findings. Usually,
the research report published as a journal article or book.
This is the last stage in terms of the individual research
project. Mostly, a research report discusses questions that
remained unanswered & suggest further research in the
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future in general.
 Significance of Research
▪ To support government policies ….NEP,
Industrial policies, Agricultural policies.
▪ Allocation of national resources……Vaccinations
▪ Economic structure…….
▪ Social welfare and progress…..minorities,
Economically backwards.

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 Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presenting the words, ideas,
images, sounds, or the creative expression of
others as your own.

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 Excuses
Everyone does it!
It’s okay if
I don’t get caught!

This assignment
I was too busy to
was BORING!
write that paper!
(Job, big game, too much homework!)
I’ve got to get
into a
My teachers certain college.!
expect My parents
too much! expect “A”s!
 Plagiarism is a serious offense and can lead to failing grades or

suspension from school.

▪ The consequences are not worth the

risks! Is your academic
▪ It is only right to give credit to authors reputation valuable
to you?
whose ideas you use
▪ Citing makes it possible for your readers
to locate your source
▪ Cheating is unethical behavior
 Tips to avoid plagiarism
▪ Take careful notes
▪ Distinguish then between
your ideas and sources
▪ you are unlikely to
remember after all your
research
▪ unintentional plagiarism.
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▪ Quote and cite phrases,
sentences, and paragraphs
taken directly from the
original source.
▪ Quote and cite statistics,
charts, graphs and drawings
taken directly from the
original source.
▪ When you paraphrase or
summarize, give credit to
the original author.
 Tips to avoid Plagiarism
▪ WHEN IN DOUBT CITE
▪ IF YOU ARE NOT SURE THAT IT IS
COMMON KNOWLEDGE ‘CITE’
▪ IF YOU ARE DIRECTLY QUOTING ‘CITE’
▪ IF YOU PUT THE IDEA IN YOUR OWN
WORDS ‘CITE’

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 When you need not cite
Except –

▫ When you use your own words

▫ When the fact used is common knowledge.
What makes it “common knowledge”?
If you can find the same information in at
least 3
different sources, you don’t have to cite it.
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 Types of Plagiarism
▪ Intentional
1. Copying a friend’s work.
▪ Unintentional
2. Buying or borrowing
papers. ▫ Careless paraphrasing
3. Cutting and pasting ▫ Poor documentation or cite
blocks of text from properly
electronic sources without ▫ Failure to use your own
giving credit. “voice” to present
4. Media “borrowing”without information or ideas
documentation or citation.

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 Three ways to incorporate Source
into your paper
▪ Direct Quotation

▪ Paraphrase

▪ Summary

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 Quotation
Quotations are the exact words of an author,
copied directly from a source, word for word.
Quotations must be cited!

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 Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s
words or ideas into your own words.

Although you are using your own words, the ideas

are taken from someone else and must be cited
on your Works-Cited page.

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 Paraphrasing
▪ Paraphrasing is not simply rearranging or
rewording an original passage.
▪ You have to understand what the author is saying
and write the ideas entirely in your own words.

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 The difference between Paraphrase
and summary
▪ paraphrase ▪ Summary
▪ A restatement of a text or ▪ Presenting the substance in
passage in another form or a condensed form; concise:
other words, often to clarify a summary review.
meaning.

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 ▪ https://m.youtube.com/watch?
v=Hx0HCh8mll0&feature=emb_rel_end

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 How to prevent Plagiarism
▪ All you need to do is:
▪ Take notes—put in your own words.
▪ If you do copy words, put “ ” around them and footnote
whose words they are.
▪ Keep track of EVERY resource you use!
▪ Cite all of your sources at the end of your work.

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 ▪ https://www.turnitin.com/static/plagiarism-
spectrum/

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 Research Ethics
▪ Research ethics are moral principles that guide
researchers to conduct and report research
without deception or intention to harm the
participants of the study or members of the
society as a whole, whether knowingly or
unknowingly.

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 Issues relating with gaining access
▪ Your ability to obtain both primary and secondary data will
depend on gaining access to sources where there is a
choice. It depends on research questions, related objectives
and research design.
▪ FIRST LEVEL IS PHYSICAL ACCESS
▪ SECOND LEVEL IS COGNITIVE ACCESS
▪ Personal Access, Continued Access
▪ Access is strategically related to the success of your
questionnaire.
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 General Ethical issues
▪ Privacy of possible and actual participants
▪ voluntary nature of participation and the right to withdraw
partially or completely from the process
▪ Maintenance of the confidentiality of data provided by
individuals
▪ Reactions of participants to the way in which you seek to
collect data, including embarrassment, stress, discomfort,
pain and harm.

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 Ethics and the Sponsor
▪ Confidentialty:
▪ Some sponsors wish to undertake research
without revealing themselves. They have a right
to several types of confidentiality.
▪ like Sponsor Nondisclosure
▪ Purpose Nondisclosure
▪ Findings Nondisclosure
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 ▪ Sponsor nondisclosure:
▪ Due to the sensitive nature of the management dilemma or the research
question, sponsors may hire an outside consulting.
▪ Purpose Nondisclosure:
▪ It involves protecting the purpose of the study or its details. Eg. testing
a new idea not yet patented so dont want competitors to know.
▪ Eg., the sponsor contemplating a new public sock offering,in which
advance disclosure is
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 Sponsors ethics
▪ Ocassionally, research specialists may be asked by sponsors to
participate in unethical behaviour.
▪ Violating participant confidentiality
▪ Changing or creating false data to meet a desired objectives
▪ Changing data presentations or interpretatins
▪ Interpreting data from a biased perspective.
▪ Omitting sections of data analysis and conclusions
▪ Making recommendations beyond the scope of the data collected.

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 Concept
▪ A concept is a generally accepted collection of
meanings or characteristics associated with
certain events, objects, conditions, situations, and
behaviours.

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 Constructs

▪ Concepts have progressive levels of abstraction-

that is the degree to which the concept does or
does not have something objective to refer to .
Eg. Table is an objective concept. We can point to
a table and we have images and characteristics of
all tables.

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 ▪ An abstraction like personality is much more
difficult to visualise. They are called constructs.

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 Concepts and constructs are easily confused

▪ Heather is a human resource analyst at CadSoft, an

architectural software company that employs technical
writers to write product manuals, and she is analyzing task
attributes of a job in need of redesign. She knows the job
description for technical writer consists of three
components:presentation quality, language skill, and job
interest. Her job analysis reveals even more characteristics.

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 Theory
▪ A Theory is a set of systematically interrelated
concepts, definitions, and propositions that are
advanced to explain and predict
phenomena(facts). In this sense, we have many
theories and use them continually to explain or
predict what goes on around us. To the degree
that our theories are sound and fit the situation,
we are successful in our explanations and
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predictions.
 Examples of theory

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 Models
▪ A model is defined here as a representation of a
system that is constructed to study some aspect of
that system or the system as a whole.
▪ Models differ from theories in that a theories role
is explanation where as a model’s role is
representation.

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 ▪ Models are developed through the use of
inductive and deductive reasoning.
▪ Models are an important means of advancing
theories and aiding decision makers.

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 Problems of Researchers in India
▪ Lack of Scientific Training
▪ Lack of Confidence
▪ Insufficient Interaction
▪ Lack of Code of Conduct
▪ Inadequate Assistance
▪ Improper Library Management
▪ High Cost of Publishing
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