Research Methodology

Q.1. Answer the following

1. Define Research and give classification.

A. Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to

increase our understanding of the phenomenon under study.

According to Redman Y Mory, Research is a systematized efforts to gain new

knowledge.

Research is classified as follows:

Descriptive Vs Analytical Research

Applied Vs Fundamental Research

Quantitative Vs Qualitative Research

Conceptual Vs Empirical Research

2. What do you mean by variable? List out various types of variable.

A. Variable is an object or event that can take on more than one form or value.
Variable is a measurable factor that can assume more than one value. Eg: Age,
income, gender, etc.

Types of research are:

Independent variables

Dependent variables

Controlled variables

Intervening variables

Extraneous variables

3. Explain the term Panel.

A. Group of people with certain qualifications, selected for a specific purpose

and limited time, and usually disbanded thereafter.
4. Explain various types of information.

A. Various types of information are as follows:

1. Facts
2. Quasi Facts
3. Awarness or penetration of information
4. Opinions
5. Attitudes
6. Future action plans
7. Reasons

5. Define scaling and state various types of scale.

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A. Scaling is th branch of measurement that involves the construction of an
instrument that associates qualitative constructs with quantitative metric units.
There are four type of scale:
1. Nominal scale.
2. Ordinal or rank scale.
3. Internal scale.
4. Ratio scale.
6. What is coding?

A. Coding is the procedure of classifying the answers to a question into meaningful

categories. The symbols used to indicate these categories are called codes. It is
necessary to carry out the subsequent operations of tabulating and analyzing data.

7. What is sampling error?

A. Sampling error is the gap between sample mean and population mean.
Sampling error occurs because of chance variation in the scientific selection of
sampling units. As a sample size increase sampling error decreases.

Q.2. a) Distinguish between scientific and non-scientific method.

A: The comparison between scientific method and non scientific method is as follow:
(a) Objectively
(b) Degree of Accuracy
(c) Continuing and exhaustive

(a) Objectively
Scientific method is more objective as compare to Non-Scientific
method.
(b) Degree of Accuracy
Scientific method ism more precise as compare to Non-
Scientific method.
(b) Continuing and Exhaustive
Scientific method takes existing knowledge which forms to be
continuous and unending.

b) Explain types of research design.

A: Types of resource design

Exploratory
Research Design
Cross sectional
studies
Research Descriptive Longitudinal
Design Research Design Studies

Causal Natural
Research Design Experiments

Controlled
Experiments
1. Exploratory research design
The exploratory research design is focus on the discovery of ideas. Exploration
is particularly useful when researchers useful when researchers lack a clear
idea of the problems they will meet during the study. When the researcher
dont know about the problems & to know the additional information.
The area of investigation may be so new or so vague that a researcher
needs to do an exploration just to learn something about the dilemma facing

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 the manager important variables may not be known or thoroughly defined
hypotheses for the research may be needed.
An exploratory study is generally based on the secondary data that are
readily available. It dose not have a formal and rigid design as the researcher
may have to change his focus or direction, depending on the availability of
new ideas and relationship among variables.
The design of exploratory studies is characterized by great flexibility
and ad hoc versatility. The researcher is invoked in investigating an area or
subject about which he or she is not sufficiently knowledgeable to have
formulated detailed research questions and to state hypotheses about it.
Exploratory dose not involve probability-sampling plans.
2. Descriptive research design:-
At the name it self revels that it is essentially a
research to describe some thing. It may also use
for predicting purposes.

->description of phenomena or characteristics associated with subject population.

->estimate of proportion of a population that have these characteristics.
->discovery of association among different variables (correlation study).
Decision makers. Descriptive studies can be divided into two broad
categories
A. cross sectional
B. longitudinal

A. CROSS SECTIONA:
The studies measure units samples of the population at one point.
A cross sectional studies are carried out once and represent a snapshot of
one point of time. A cross sectional study is concerned with a sample of
elements from a given population.
In multiple cross sectional design only one sample of respondents is drawn
from the target population, and information is obtained from this sample
only once.
In multiple cross sectional design, there are two or more samples of
responds, and
1. Field study:-
Includes depth study. Field study involves an-in depth study of
problem. Field studies are ex-post-facto scientific inquires that aim finding the
relation and inter relation among variables in a real world environment setting.
Example; reaction of India men towards branded reaction ready-to-wear suit
Strength: they are close to real life , and they cant be criticized on the ground
that they remote from real setting or are artificial.
Weakness: One of their major weakness is their ex-post facto character. As a
result interrelations among variables are weaker than they are in laboratory
experiments. A there are several variables affecting the response of interest,
such studies find it.
Field Survey: Large sample are a feature of the study field survey require good
knowledge like constructing a questionnaire sampling technique used act. Also
it is obvious that a sample survey needs less time than a census inquiry.
(b) Longitudinal Studies: longitudinal studies are repeated over an extended
period. Longitudinal studies involve panels. Panels are sample respondents
who provide information at regular interval over an extended period of time.
Tow type of panel:-
1. True panel :-
This involves repeat measurement of the same variables.

2. Omnibus panel :-
In ominous panel too a sample of elements being selected &
maintained but the info collected from the member variable.
Consumer attitude to words chine made product.
3. Causal research design :-
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 At name implies a casual design investigate the casual
& effect relationship between two or more variable.
(A) concomitant variable :-
A condition for inferring causality that requires
that the extent to which a cause x & effect y occur together as predicted by the
hypothesis under consideration.
(B) Time order of occurrence of variable :-
The time order of occurrence
condition states that the causing event must occur their before of
simultaneously with the effect it cant occur aster word it is possible for each
event in a relationship to be both a cause & an effect of the other event.
(C) elimination of other possible caudal factor:-
It means that the factor or
variable being investigated should be the only possible causal explanation in
other word when to or more cause of a given phenomenon have one only one
condition is common then that condition may be regarded as the causal.
Natural experiments
(1) Time series & trend analysis:-
In a time series design data are obtained from the
same sample or population at successive intervals time series data relate to the same
sample trend data relate to matched sample drawn from the population at successive
intervals.
(A) the one shot case study :-
The design is also known as the try out design it is
Simplest & can be shown symbolically as follows.
X O
Where x indicated the exposure a subject or group to an experimental treatment
whose effect is to be observed & o indicates the observation or measurement take on
the subject or group after am experimental treatment.
(B) Multiple time series:-
Another time series involves the control group
symbolically.
O1 O2 O3 X O4 O5 O6
O1 O2 O3 O4 O5 O6
It fails to control history & there may be certain
environmental changes in the later period which may affect the effectiveness
of result.
(2) Cross section designs
In the cross sectional design the effect of different levels of treatment are
measure on several groups at the same time. Symbolically a cross sectional design
may be shown as bellow:
X1 O1
X2 O2
X3 O3
X4 O4
The impact of varying levels of treatment is studied on the basis of the sales of the
product in different territories.
There may be some extraneous factor which may affect the sale in a
particular territory.
3. Combination of cross sectional & time series design:
O1 X O3
O2 O4
These design as the name implies, cross sectional
Time-series & cross-sectional design while there can be May variant a more
frequently use design is the ex-post-facto test control group.
2. Controlled experiment
(1) After only with control group
R X o1
R o2

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 It has been criticized on the ground that it does not concern itself with the
pretest. However, by avoiding the pre-test. The design provides control over the
testing & instrument effect.
(2) Before after with control group.
R o1 x o2
R o3 o4
As the two before measurements, o1&o3&the two after measurements o2 &
o4 are made at the same points in time the design is able to control history with the
help of this design, one can measure the effect of treatments in three ways o2-
o1,o2-o4 & (o2-o1)-(o4-o3)
(3) Four groups -six study design
The symbolically the design can be show as follows
R O1 X O2
R O3 O4
R X O5
R O6
The effect of treatment can be measured in several ways such as o2-o1, o4-
o2,o0-o5,o1-o3&(o1-o2)-(o4-o3) the after measurement can be show in a 2*n matrix
as follows.
No.x x
B. measurement taken o4 o2
No before measurement taken o6 o5
The difference between the rows must indicate the bases for estimating the
testing effect.

Q.2. a) Distinguish between primary data and secondary data.

A. difference between primary data and secondary data are:

Primary data Secondary data

1 There are original data gathered by the
researcher for the project at a hand.
2 It is the source which originate in time
data
3 They are more complete and accurate.
4 It relates specifically to the problem at
hand.
5 The main disadvantage is the cost and
time required to collect them.
6 Sources are:
Internal: Personal interview
External: Retailer, customer, competitors.
7 It is accumulated to meet up the research
objective of the subsisting project.
8 It shows latest information.
1 They are the data already existing in the
file or in other form gathered for any
other project.
2 It is the source that secure the data from
the original source.
3 They may be inaccurate. Unsatisfactory as
per situation.
4 They are called historical data.
5 It is cheaper and fast.
6 Sources are:
Internal: Include company records
External: Libraries, trade associations,
government publications.
7 It was collected to convene the
requirement of various research
objectives.
8 It lacks aptness.

b) Explain various steps involved in research design.

A. Steps in the Research Design Process

Step 1: Define the Research Problem

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Problem definition is the most critical part of the research process. Research
problem definition involves specifying the information needed by management.
Unless the problem is properly defined, the information produced by the research
process is unlikely to have any value. Coca-Cola Company researchers utilized a very
sound research design to collect information on taste preferences. Unfortunately
for Coca-Cola, taste preferences are only part of what drives the soft drink purchase
decision.
Research problem definition involves four interrelated steps: (1) management
problem / opportunity clarification, (2) situation analysis, (3) model development, and
(4) specification of information requirements.
The basis goal of problem clarification is to ensure that the decision makers initial
description of the management decision is accurate and reflects the appropriate area
of concern for research. If the wrong management problem is translated into a
research problem, the probability of providing management with useful information is
low.

Situation Analysis
The situation analysis focuses on the variables that have produced the stated
management problem or opportunity. The factors that have led to the
problem/opportunity manifestations and the factors that have led to managements
concern should be isolated.
A situation analysis of the retail trade outflow problem revealed, among other things,
that (1) the local population had grown 25 percent over the previous five years, (2)
buying power per capita appeared to be growing at the national rate of 3 percent a
year, and (3) local retail sales of nongrocery items had increased approximately 20
percent over the past five years. Thus, the local retailers sales are clearly not keeping
pace with the potential in the area.

Step 2: Estimate the Value of the Information

A decision maker normally approaches a problem with some information. If the
problem is, say, whether a new product should be introduced, enough information will
normally have been accumulated through past experience with other decisions
concerning the introduction of new products and from various other sources to allow
some preliminary judgments to be formed about the desirability of introducing the
product in question. There will rarely be sufficient confidence in these judgments that
additional information relevant to the decision would not be accepted if it were
available without cost or delay. There might be enough confidence, however, that
there would be an unwillingness to pay very much or wait very long for the added
information.

Step 3: Select the Data Collection Approach

There are three basic data collection approaches in marketing research: (1) secondary
data, (2) survey data, and (3) experimental data. Secondary data were collected for
some purpose other than helping to solve the current problem, whereas primary data
are collected expressly to help solve the problem at hand.

Step 4: Select the Measurement Technique

There are four basic measurement techniques used in marketing research: (1)
questionnaires, (2) attitude scales, (3) observation, and (4) depth interviews and
projective techniques.

P ri mar y Me as ur e men t Tech n i qu es

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I. Questionnaire a formalized instrument for asking information directly from a
respondent concerning behavior, demographic characteristics, level of knowledge,
and/or attitudes, beliefs, and feelings.
II. Attitude Scales a formalized instrument for eliciting self-reports of beliefs and
feelings concerning an object(s).
A. Rating Scales require the respondent to place the object being rated at some point
along a numerically valued continuum or in one of a numerically ordered series of
categories.
B. Composite Scales require the respondents to express a degree of belief
concerning various attributes of the object such that the attitude can be inferred from
the pattern of responses.
C. Perceptual maps derive the components or characteristics an individual uses in
comparing similar objects and provide a score for each object on each characteristic.
D. Conjoint analysis derive the value an individual assigns to various attributes of a
product.
I. Observation the direct examination of behavior, the results of behavior, or
physiological changes.
II. Projective Techniques and Depth Interview designed to gather information that
respondents are either unable or unwilling to provide in response to direct
questioning.
A. Projective Techniques allow respondents to project or express their own feelings
as a characteristic of someone or something else.
B. Depth Interviews allow individuals to express themselves without any fear of
disapproval, dispute, or advice from the interviewer.

Step 5: Select the Sample

Most marketing studies involve a sample or subgroup of the total population relevant
to the problem, rather than a census of the entire group.

Step 6: Select the Model of Analysis

It is imperative that the researcher select the analytic techniques prior to collecting the
data. Once the analytic techniques are selected, the researcher should generate
fictional responses (dummy data) to the measurement instrument. These dummy data
are then analyzed by the analytic techniques selected to ensure that the results of this
analysis will provide the information required by the problem at hand.

Step 7: Evaluate the Ethics of the Research

It is essential that marketing researchers restrict their research activities to practices
that are ethically sound. Ethically sound research considers the interests of the general
public, the respondents, the client and the research profession as well as those of the
researcher.

Step 8: Estimate Time and Financial Requirements

The program evaluation review technique (PERT) coupled with the critical path
method (CPM) offers a useful aid for estimating the resources needed for a project
and clarifying the planning and control process. PERT involves dividing the total
research project into its smallest component activities, determining the sequence in
which these activities must be performed, and attaching a time estimate for each
activity. These activities and time estimates are presented in the form of a
flow chart that allow a visual inspection of the overall process. The time estimates
allow one to determine the critical path through the chart that series of activities
whose delay will hold up the completion of the project.

Step 9: Prepare the Research Proposal

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The research design process provides the researcher with a blueprint, or guide, for
conducting and controlling the research project. The blueprint is written in the form of
a research proposal. A written research proposal should precede any research project.

Q.3. a) Explain the term Data. What points should be considered by the
researcher before using secondary data?

A. Data: Data refers to a collection of natural phenomena descriptors including

the results of experience, observation or experiment, or a set of premises. This may
consist of numbers, words or images, particularly as measurements or observations of
a set of variables.

The points to be considered by the researcher before using secondary data are:

Availability: The first and foremost requirement is that secondary data must be
available for us. At times, one may find that secondary data are not available
on a problem at hand. In such cases there is no alternative but to take recourse
to the collection of primary data.

Relevance: Relevance means that the data available must fit the requirements
of the problem at hand. This would cover several aspects.

The unit of measurements should be the same as that in the research

problem

The concepts used should be the same as are imagined in the problem

Another pertinent issue is that the data should not be obsolete.

Accuracy: This would not only enable the researcher to get core
comprehensive information but would also indicate the context in which data
have been collected, the procedure followed and the extent of care exercised in
their collection.

Sufficiency: Finally the data should be sufficient. If the data are inadequate,
then compliance with the preceding requirements will be in vain.

b) Explain the field experiments of collecting primary data.

Ans: Field experiments:

Studies which are carried out in the natural environment be that a hospital, a
school, or the street, are known as field studies or field experiments. In field
experiments the researcher is testing hypotheses in a similar way to the way it
would be done in the laboratory. The main difference is that many of the
extraneous variables the researcher would be able to control in the laboratory are
not able to be controlled in the field.
Field experiments are those that are conducted in real world with the subjects
who are unaware of their participation. That is natural setting is the base of field
research experiments.
Merits of Field experiments:
1. Real life conditions: the field experiments are conducted under real life
conditions and not under artificial situations.
2. Wider and large participation: under field experimentation, the setting allows
maximum number of participants so that the findings are put to more rigorous
conditions.

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 3. There is no need to create artificial conditions: creation of artificial conditions
is a costly affair. It is alike shooting a scene for a film open door which is more
natural and not really costly,.
4. Benefits of variable observations: the units or subjects are not constantly
observed so that each time same results are not repeated. The business
variables are constantly changing. That makes the experimenter to change his
stand each time to the changing conditions as it is impossible to control them.

Demerits of field experiments:

1. Time consuming exercise: conducting experiments in field setting is a time
consuming affair. The experimenter may not be able to test his finding in
time and report to the user. Time dimension is very important in business
foe time is more than money.
2. Experiments are not widely acceptable: field setting experiments do not
allow standard or conditions rigidly followed. Therefore reliability of
results is doubtful.
3. Field experiments are not possible without quantification: in a dynamic
field like marketing, there are many variables which cannot be quantified
are not subject to accurate measurements in terms of results.

Q.3. a) Explain the sources available for gathering secondary data.

A. Sources of secondary data are:

1. Internal data sources:

a. Accounting Records: Accounting records generate a good deal of data.

As profits are based on sales, sales invoice is a good source. Normally a sales invoice
includes name and address of the customer, items ordered, quantities and qualities
shipped, discount allowed, price charged, total amount of sales and the data of sales.
Such information can be extremely useful in undertaking a detailed analysis of sales
by product, customer, industry, geographic area, sales territory and sales
representative.

b. Sales and marketing reports. These can include such things as:
Type of product/service purchased
Type of end-user/industry segment
Method of payment
Product or product line
Sales territory
Salesperson
Date of purchase
Amount of purchase
Price
Application by product
Location of end-user
c. Internal Expert opinion: Experts working in the company can also be a good
source of internal data. Executives working as product manager, marketing research
managers, public relations personnel and advertising personnel have specialized
knowledge relevant to marketing problem.

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 d. Miscellaneous reports. These can include such things as inventory reports,
service calls, number (qualifications and compensation) of staff, production and R&D
reports. Also the companys business plan and customer calls (complaints) log can be
useful sources of information.

2. External Data Sources:

a. Government Publications: A large bulk of secondary data useful to a

marketing researcher is found in various government publications. The Registrar
General of India conducts a population census throughout the country every 10 years
and brings out demographic data in voluminous reports. The Central Statistical
Organization brings out statistic of national income. The Director of Commercial
Intelligence, Government of India brings out monthly statistics of the foreign trade of
India. Some other official publications included are: Reserved Bank of India Bulletin,
Currency and Finance Report, Agricultural situation in India, The Indian Labor
Journal, etc.

b. Non-Government Publications: There are number of private organizations

which brings out statistics in one form or another on a periodical basis. Various
Industry and Trade Associations are important. Another source of information is the
stock exchange directories, the Market Research and Statistical Bureau, etc. Besides
industry associations several chambers of commerce are also a source.

c. Syndicated Services: Syndicated services are provided by certain

organizations, which collect and tabulate marketing information on a continuing
basis. Reports based on marketing information collected by such organizations are
sent periodically to clients who are subscribers. Syndicated services are normally
designed to suit the requirements of many individuals or firms. Such services are
particularly useful in the spheres of TV viewing, magazine, readership and the
movement of consumer goods through retail outlets.

d. International Institutions Publication: There are several international

organizations that publish statistics in their respective areas. Some of these
organizations publish data on India among with that of other countries. Bank,
economic reviews, university research reports, journals and articles are all useful
sources to contact.

e. Libraries: There are two types of libraries- public library and private
libraries. Private libraries are those which are maintained by some business firms.
Public libraries are maintained by the government that can be utilized by any research
from general public.

f. Business Firms: Researcher depends on certain business firms for some

necessary information. Business reports are sometimes of great value of the
researchers. Researcher can collect information from bank and insurance companies
on request.

g. Consumer Research Services: Usage and attitude studies, Brand image and
positioning research, New product development research, Advertising research,
Product testing, Simulated test marketing, Market estimation and forecasting, market
modeling, customized panel research, etc.

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b) Explain various methods of observation and applicability of observation
method.

A. Various methods of observation are as follows:

1. Structured-Unstructured observation: Structured observation is used when the

researcher problem has been formulated precisely and the observation have been told
specifically what is to be observed. They may be given a simple form to record their
observations. Unstructured observation implies that observers are free to observe
whatever they think is relevant and important. While structured observations are free
from subjective bias, unstructured observations are subject to this limitation.

2. Disguised-undisguised: The subjects do not know that they are being observed in
case of disguised observation. In some cases it may be made by the observer by
posing as one of the shoppers who are being observed. It may be difficult to
completely disguise an observation, through this apart; it poses an ethical question of
its desirability when those who are being observed are kept in the dark.

3. Observation under natural setting laboratory setting: observations in field studies

in their natural setting and are therefore undertaken in extremely realistic conditions.
Sometimes an experimental manipulation may be introduced in a field study.
Observational studies in laboratory settings have certain advantages over field studies.
They enable the collection of data promptly and economically and in addition, permit
the use of more objective measurements.

4. Direct Indirect observation: In direct observation the event or the behavior of a

person is observed as it occurs. In contrast indirect implies that record of past
behavior is observed.

5.Human Mechanical Observation: Another way of classifying observation is whether

they are made manually or by machines. Most of the studies in marketing research
based on human observation wherein trained observers are required to observe and
faithfully record their observation.

In some cases mechanical devices such as eye cameras and audio meters are used for
observation.

Q.4. Write short note

1) Telephone interview.

A: Telephonic interview:-
Under this method , the researcher establishes the
contact trough telephone. In this interview the investigator ask selective question
and it must be brief, simple to the point and non-confidential. Telephone
interview are easy to administrator and allow data will be collected quickly at a
relatively low cost. The interview can clarify the questions.
Advantages of self administered survey are:
1) It is economical: it is the speediest method of data collection where up to date
information is got at telephone call without waste of time just sitting in the office.

2) Unbiased data: normally respondents are more frank on telephone than in person.
They arre not influenced by family members and friends as telephone conversion is
considered to be private affair.

3) Best method to elicit information from specific group: when the respondents are
belonging to higher socio-economic classes, it is really very difficult to get
personal appointment.

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 4) Quick response is possible: as the respondent is caught on phone with the prior
appointment the information is available within a few minutes.

2) Personal interview:

A: Personal interview:-
Personal interview is the process of communication where face to
face contact between the investigator and respondent is established. It is the conservation
arrange for the purpose of obtaining views of respondent on the topic of inters to the
interviewer.
Merits:
1) It is Superior method: Personal interview method is superior to mail and
telephonic interview method because it has two special features of its own:
answer is got only on asking and personal observation.
2) Maximum information is sought: Maximum and accurate information can be
elicited by the investigator because, he can explain each question in person and
this enables the respondents to answer the questions only after understanding.
3) Regulation of interview: in personal interview the investigator being an active
participant can control the interview to his advantage and to the convenience of
the respondents by directing, guiding and supervising the respondents.
4) Greater degree of accuracy: the research results can be projected to the relevant
universe or population with greater degree of accuracy because the researches
can procure good deal of information from horses mouth of different
dimensions.
Demerits:
1) It is expensive method: this method works out costly because of varieties of
expenses incurred on sampling, questionnaire, interviewing, recruiting- training
and controlling investigators, paying for their services.
2) More administrative problem: personal interview method involves more
administrative problems because of wider organizational paraphernalia selection,
training and control of personnel both research and non research.
3) Biased information: the investigators may not get accurate and unbiased
information though it is possible to get maximum information. It is likely to be
biased as the investigator plays more active role in explaining ht questions; he
may get answers only to the key questions and the rest he may manage as per his
sweet will and caprice.
4) Time consuming method: it is not only expensive in terms of talent and in terms
of talent and treasure but in terms of time. Survey research is not a straight jacket
formula. Once the research problem is identified the researcher is to design
questionnaire collect the data either higher himself or his team of investigator
analyze the data and interpret.

Q.4. a) Compare Census and Sample Survey.

A. Census:

All items in any field of inquiry constitute a universe or population. A

complete enumeration of all item in the population is known as census inquiry.

- When all items are covered high accuracy is obtained.

- Detailed information of respondent.

- Requires preparation of questionnaire, evaluation, relevance of secondary data,

skilled researcher, deal of time, money and energy

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 - Great deal of difficulty because of resource involved.

Sample:

A sample survey is a survey where a few number of sample are selected from
universe and they represent the whole population.

- As few items are taken, it becomes less expensive

- Saves time and energy

- The survey of sample would be misleading and conclusion would not be

arrived

- Researcher has short time which may not prove useful.

b) Explain sampling process.

A: Following are the steps in sampling process

Define target population: Sampling design begins by specifying target

population. Target population is collection of elements that posses the
information for which the researcher is searching.

Identifying sample frame: A Sample frame is a representation of elements in

the target population Eg: Tele phone directory.

Specifying sampling unit: Sampling unit is the basic unit containing elements
of the target population.

Specifying sampling method: It indicates how sample units are selected. One
of the most important decisions is to decide whether the sample will be
probability sample or non probability sample.

Determine sample size; It refers to the no. of elements to be included in the

study.

Execute sampling process: After selection of the execution of sampling

process is required.

c) Discuss any one attitude scale.

A: (1)Nominal scale: Nominal scales are more widely used than any other scale for
research in social science. In such a scale the numbers serve as labels to identify
persons, object or events. It simply implies classification of items into two categories.
In nominal scale the only operation involved is counting of number in each group.
Advantage:
It is useful in preliminary or exploratory stage of the research.
It is useful to know broad dimension of certain criteria.
Limitation:
There is no rank order.
NO mathematical operation.
It is unsuitable for determining the relationship.

Q. 5. a) Explain data processing cycle.

b) Explain any one probability and non-probability design.

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A. Probability design:

Simple random sampling: Simple random sampling is the simplest type of

sampling in which we draw a sample of size n in such a way that each of N members
of population has the same chance of being included in the sample.

Most frequently used method for simple random sampling is the random number
table. Other method is not so much practical but it can also be used. Suppose in a
class 100 students are there out of which 10 students needs to be selected randomly
we can select in an order of ID like 6, 16,,96.

Simple Random sampling in practice:

1. When a small sample is needed from the list of sample frame.

2. The cost per interview is practically independent of the location of the sample
item.

Non Probability design

Convenience: Researcher has freedom to choose whomever they find thus the
name is convenience. Sometimes called grab of opportunity sampling this is the
method of choosing items arbitrarily and in an unstructured manner from the frame.
Though almost impossible to treat rigorously it is the method most comm0only
employed in many practical situations. In social science research, snowball sampling
is a similar technique where existing study subjects are used to recruit more subjects
in to sample.

c) What do you mean by Statistical estimation?

A. Statistical estimation involves the estimation of parameters for a population

from a sample. This can be illustrated best by examples. Suppose a department store
is interested in setting up a branch in the suburbs of a metropolitan city and would
like it to be situated in a locality where the average income of the inhabitants is more
than the national average. It will be too expensive apart from being extremely time
consuming, to contact each household in that locality to find out its income and then
to compute the average income of households. In such a case a sample of households
is chosen, these households are contacted and the sample average income is
computed. This sample average is then taken as an estimate of the average income of
households in that locality.

Apart from knowing the average household income in the locality the
department store may be interested in knowing the variability of the incomes. This
would give it some idea of the price range of the products it should sell. Since it does
not know the dispersion in the household incomes in the population it may use the
sample standard deviation instead.

In both these examples a sample value has been used as an estimate of the
population parameter. In the first example the sample mean is used as an estimator of
the population mean. In the second example, the sample standard deviation is used as
an estimator of the population standard deviation.

A point estimate is a single number estimate and is the simplest to calculate.

However it will be only by chance that such a point estimate will be the same as the
population parameter. This is because a number of samples of a given size can be
drawn from the same population and these samples will give different point estimates

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of a true population parameter. This poses a problem as to how one can ensure a good
estimator.

Q. 5. a) Explain types of question.

A. Types of questions are as follows:

1. Open ended questions: these are questions where respondents are free to
answer in their own words.

2. Close ended question: it present a set of fixed alternative from which proper
alternative can be chosen.

3. Dichotomous: structured questions with only two response answer or

alternative.

4. Direct and indirect questions: direct question is one which can be asked and
can be answered directly. Question carries a very clear indication such
question can be answered exactly and easily as it is free from ambiguity. While
indirect question are asked indirectly to allow respondent gazing and perceives
the situation differently as per personality characteristic.

5. Scale type question: Scale type question are very popular in conducting
marketing research. Respondent are given the range of categories in which to
express their opinion. Scale is used to measure level or degree of attitudes or
agreed upon opinion.

6. Descriptive question: Descriptive question can be attended by descriptive

answer. It needs the detailed explanation. At the end of every descriptive
question adequate space has been given to write the answer.

7. Short question: Short question can be answered just by writhing words.

Question may be lengthy but can be answered by one or more words.

8. Rank order list: Here the respondents are asked to rank options from the most
important to the least important option.

9. Check list: Such question involves more option and can be answered by
selecting one or more options.

10. Multichotomous: Such types of questions involves more options may be 5 or

more and respondent are asked to select anyone by tick mark. They are not
required to write any word.

b) Prepare a questionnaire on consumer attitude regarding e-banking.

A: Questionnaire

1. Personal Details:
a. Name: _______________________
b. Age: _______
c. Occupation: ________________
2. Do you have a bank account?
Yes No
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 3. Which type of bank account do you have?
a. Saving
b. Current
c. Others ________________________
4. In which bank do you have an account?
a. SBI
b. BOB
c. ICICI
d. Others ________________________
5. Are you aware of E-banking facility provided by your bank?
a. Yes
b. No
6. Do you use e-banking service?
a. Yes
b. No
7. For what purpose do you transact mostly?
a. Personnel
b. Business
c. Others ___________________
8. Do you find e-banking safe and time saving?
a. Yes
b. No
9. What are the transactions you conduct through e-banking
a. Withdrawl
b. Deposit
c. Balance enquiry
d. Others _____________________
10. Do you prefer e-banking rather than traditional banking?
a. Yes
b. No

Q.6. Write notes

1) Audience for research report

A. The first point to be considered while writing a research report is that for whom
the research is going to be prepared. So the language, style, size etc. of the research
report should be according to the audiences. The respondents of the research report
will be of different backgrounds. It is therefore necessary to understand who can be
the possible respondents.

Audience of
research
report

General
Client Researchers
Public

Client: Clients are those persons who refer the research report for solving any
problems in the organization. For e.g.: marketing manager may feel the need of
studying the buying behavior of the customers.

Researcher: The researcher will keep one or two master copies for reference. This
copies can be prepared in technical or classical language of business research.

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General Public: Apart from clients and researchers, the research report can also be
read by the general public. It can be for various reasons, it can be usefull for students,
lecturers, etc.

2) Measures of central tendency

A: The principal measure of central tendency is the arithmetic mean, the median, and
the mode.
The arithmetic mean should be used In case of itervalled or ratio-scaled data.
It is obtained by adding the observation and dividing the sum by the number of
observation.
o In case of a frequency distribution the arithmetic mean is obtained by the
following steps:

The mid-point of each class interval or category is multiplied by

the number of observation the class interval.

The resultant values are summed up.

The total thus obtained is divided by the total number of

observation.

o The median I measure of the central item when all the items in a series are
arranged either in ascending or descending order of magnitude.

o The mode is another measure of location of a frequency distribution. It is the

value at the point around which the items are most heavily concentrated.

3) Format of research report.

Sr.no Description
A Preliminaries
1 Title page
2 Acknowledgement
3 Declaration
4 Table of content
5 List of tables(if any)
6 List of figure(if any)
7 Executive summary
B Textual Body/Main body
1 Introduction-about study
2 Review of related literature
3 Research Methodology
4 Data collection and analysis/ interpretation of data
5 Conclusion and suggestion
C Reference

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1 Bibliography
2 Appendix( if any)
3 Glossary(if any)

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