BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

❖ What is research? Explain different steps of business research.

Research is the systematic process of gathering and analyzing information to answer questions,
solve problems, or make informed decisions. Business research specifically involves the study of
business-related issues, such as market trends, customer behavior, product development, or
organizational strategies.

The different steps of business research methodology can vary depending on the specific research
question and approach, but some common steps are:

1. Defining the research problem: This involves identifying the research question, defining
the scope and objectives of the research, and setting criteria for the study.
2. Reviewing the literature: This step involves a comprehensive review of existing literature
and relevant studies to identify gaps in knowledge and inform the development of hypotheses
or research questions.
3. Developing a research design: This involves identifying the type of research design to be
used, such as surveys, experiments, case studies, or observational studies, and selecting
appropriate research methods and tools.
4. Collecting data: This involves gathering relevant data through various methods such as
surveys, interviews, observation, or experiments.
5. Analysing the data: This step involves cleaning, processing, and analyzing the data to
identify patterns, trends, relationships, and insights.
6. Interpreting and presenting the results: This involves interpreting the findings, drawing
conclusions, and presenting the results in a clear and concise manner through various formats
such as reports, presentations, or visualizations.
7. Drawing conclusions and making recommendations: This final step involves drawing
conclusions from the research results, making recommendations based on the findings, and
identifying areas for future research.

Overall, business research methodology is a rigorous and iterative process that involves careful
planning, data collection, analysis, and interpretation to inform decision-making and drive business
success.

❖ Explain the concept of hypothesis testing with an example.

Hypothesis testing is an important statistical technique used in business research to test a hypothesis
or claim about a population based on sample data. Hypotheses can be tested for a wide variety of
business research questions, such as the effect of advertising on sales, the impact of employee
training on productivity, or the correlation between customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Let's consider an example where a business wants to determine whether a new marketing campaign
will lead to an increase in sales. The hypothesis to be tested is that the marketing campaign will
result in higher sales. To test this hypothesis, the company would collect sales data for a specified

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period before and after the marketing campaign, and compare the sales figures to determine if there
has been a statistically significant increase.

The first step in hypothesis testing is to define the null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis. The
null hypothesis is a statement that there is no effect or difference, while the alternative hypothesis is
the opposite of the null hypothesis. In this example, the null hypothesis would be that the marketing
campaign has no effect on sales, while the alternative hypothesis would be that the marketing
campaign does have a positive effect on sales.

The next step is to set a significance level, typically 0.05 or 0.01, which is the probability of
rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true. The chosen significance level determines the threshold
for the p-value, which is the probability of observing a test statistic as extreme or more extreme
than the one calculated, assuming the null hypothesis is true.

The third step is to choose an appropriate statistical test, which depends on the type of data being
analyzed and the research question. For this example, a t-test would be an appropriate test to
determine if there is a statistically significant difference in sales before and after the marketing
campaign.

Finally, the test statistic and p-value are calculated based on the sample data, and compared to the
significance level. If the p-value is less than the significance level, the null hypothesis can be
rejected, and the conclusion would be that the marketing campaign has had a significant positive
effect on sales. If the p-value is greater than the significance level, the null hypothesis cannot be
rejected, and it would be concluded that there is not enough evidence to suggest that the marketing
campaign has had a significant effect on sales.

In conclusion, hypothesis testing is a powerful tool in business research methodology, allowing

businesses to test their assumptions and make data-driven decisions based on statistical evidence.

❖ What is Research problem? How do select the research problem. Explain the
steps and illustrate the answer.

Research problem refers to a situation, difficulty, or challenge that a researcher wishes to

investigate or solve through research. A well-formulated research problem serves as the foundation
of a research study and guides the entire research process. It is crucial to select a research problem
that is important, relevant, and feasible to research.

The process of selecting a research problem can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Identify a general area of interest: The first step is to identify a broad area of research that
aligns with your academic or professional interests. This could be based on your personal
experience, observation, or existing literature in your field of study.
2. Review the literature: Once you have identified a general area of interest, you should
conduct a thorough review of the literature to identify gaps or limitations in existing research.
This will help you to identify potential research questions or problems that have not yet been
explored.

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 3. Formulate a research question: Based on the literature review, you can formulate a
research question that defines the focus and scope of your research. The research question
should be specific, clear, and answerable through empirical research.
4. Refine the research question: After formulating a research question, you should refine it by
breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This will help you to develop a more
detailed research plan and determine the appropriate research methods and data analysis
techniques.
5. Evaluate the feasibility: Before finalizing your research problem, you should evaluate its
feasibility in terms of time, resources, and ethical considerations. This will help you to
determine whether the research problem is realistic and feasible to research within the
available constraints.

For example, let's consider a research problem in the field of marketing. Suppose a researcher is
interested in exploring the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies in increasing customer
engagement and loyalty for small businesses. The steps for selecting this research problem could be
as follows:

1. Identify a general area of interest: The researcher is interested in marketing and has a
particular interest in the use of digital marketing strategies.
2. Review the literature: The researcher conducts a review of the literature and identifies a gap
in the research on the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies for small businesses.
3. Formulate a research question: Based on the literature review, the researcher formulates
the research question: "How effective are digital marketing strategies in increasing customer
engagement and loyalty for small businesses?"
4. Refine the research question: The researcher breaks down the research question into
smaller parts, such as the specific digital marketing strategies to be analyzed and the
customer engagement and loyalty metrics to be used.
5. Evaluate the feasibility: The researcher evaluates the feasibility of the research problem in
terms of available resources and ethical considerations, and determines that it is realistic and
feasible to research within the available constraints.

In conclusion, selecting a research problem is an important step in the research process, and
involves identifying a relevant, feasible, and answerable research question. Following the steps
outlined above can help ensure that the research problem is well-formulated and appropriate for the
research study.

❖ Explain the types of research with their merits and demerits.

Research can be classified into different types based on its purpose, scope, and methodology. The
main types of research include:

1. Descriptive research: This type of research aims to describe the characteristics of a

population, phenomenon, or situation. It is often used to generate hypotheses for further
research. The merits of descriptive research are that it provides a comprehensive overview of
the research topic, and is relatively easy and inexpensive to conduct. The main demerit of
descriptive research is that it does not provide causal explanations or test hypotheses.
2. Exploratory research: This type of research aims to explore a research problem in depth,
and generate new ideas or insights. It is often used in situations where little is known about a
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 topic. The merits of exploratory research are that it provides a deep understanding of the
research topic, and can lead to the discovery of new research questions. The main demerit of
exploratory research is that it is often qualitative in nature, and can be time-consuming and
costly.
3. Correlational research: This type of research aims to identify the relationship between two
or more variables. It is often used to test hypotheses about the strength and direction of a
relationship between variables. The merits of correlational research are that it is relatively
easy to conduct, and can identify important relationships between variables. The main
demerit of correlational research is that it does not establish causality, and other variables
may be influencing the observed relationship.
4. Causal research: This type of research aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships
between variables. It is often used to test hypotheses about the effect of an independent
variable on a dependent variable. The merits of causal research are that it can provide strong
evidence of causality, and can guide policy and decision-making. The main demerit of causal
research is that it can be difficult and expensive to conduct, and ethical considerations may
limit the ability to manipulate variables.
5. Experimental research: This type of research involves the manipulation of one or more
independent variables, and the measurement of their effects on one or more dependent
variables. It is often used to establish cause-and-effect relationships. The merits of
experimental research are that it provides strong evidence of causality, and can control for
extraneous variables. The main demerit of experimental research is that it can be expensive
and time-consuming to conduct, and may not be applicable to real-world settings.

In conclusion, the choice of research type depends on the research question, purpose, and scope.
Each type of research has its own merits and demerits, and it is important to carefully consider the
strengths and limitations of each type when designing a research study.

❖ Write short notes on:

o unit of analysis
o construct

1. Unit of Analysis: The unit of analysis refers to the entity or level of observation in a research
study. It is the primary focus of the research question and analysis. The unit of analysis can be
an individual, a group, an organization, a community, or any other social or physical entity.
For example, in a study of academic achievement, the unit of analysis could be individual
students, classrooms, schools, or school districts. Selecting the appropriate unit of analysis is
important because it can influence the interpretation of the research findings.

2. Construct: A construct is an abstract concept that is not directly observable but is inferred
from observable indicators. Constructs are often used in social science research to measure or
operationalize variables. For example, in a study of job satisfaction, the construct of job
satisfaction may be operationalized through a survey that measures specific indicators such as
pay, benefits, and work-life balance. Constructs are often defined through a process of
conceptualization and operationalization, and they can be used to test hypotheses and make
predictions about behavior or attitudes. It is important to ensure that constructs are valid and
reliable measures of the underlying concept.
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 ❖ Why are data sources so important in the health sciences? What are
important criteria for finding good data?

In the health sciences, data sources are important because they provide the information needed to
study and understand health-related issues. Good data is crucial for making informed decisions
about health policies, interventions, and practices.

There are several reasons why data sources are so important in the health sciences, including:

1. Identifying health problems: Good data can help to identify patterns and trends in health
issues and disease prevalence, which can then be used to inform public health policies and
programs.
2. Measuring health outcomes: Data can be used to measure the effectiveness of health
interventions and treatments, and to assess health outcomes and quality of life.
3. Supporting research: Data is the foundation of scientific research in the health sciences, and
is essential for advancing knowledge and understanding of health-related issues.
4. Monitoring and evaluating health systems: Data can be used to monitor and evaluate the
performance of health systems, including hospitals, clinics, and other health facilities.

When it comes to finding good data, there are several important criteria to consider, including:

1. Relevance: Data should be relevant to the research question or problem being studied.
2. Accuracy: Data should be accurate and free from errors or biases.
3. Completeness: Data should be complete and comprehensive, with no missing or incomplete
information.
4. Reliability: Data should be reliable and consistent over time and across different sources.
5. Validity: Data should be valid and measure what it is intended to measure.
6. Timeliness: Data should be up-to-date and timely.

In addition, it is important to consider the source of the data, as well as any ethical or legal issues
related to its collection and use. Ultimately, finding good data requires careful planning and
consideration of the specific research question or problem being studied.

❖ Explain the procedures involved in construction of Questionnaire.

A questionnaire is a research instrument used to collect data from respondents through a

standardized set of questions. It is an important tool in business research for collecting data from a
large number of respondents efficiently and effectively. The following are the general procedures
involved in constructing a questionnaire:

1. Define the research objectives: The first step is to define the research objectives and the
information that needs to be collected. This will help in determining the types of questions
that should be included in the questionnaire.
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 2. Determine the target population: The next step is to determine the target population, i.e.,
the group of individuals who will be the respondents to the questionnaire.
3. Develop the question content: This involves developing the questions that will be included
in the questionnaire. Questions should be clear, concise, and relevant to the research
objectives.
4. Choose the question format: There are several types of questions that can be included in a
questionnaire, including open-ended questions, closed-ended questions, and rating scales.
The format of the questions will depend on the type of information that needs to be collected
and the research objectives.
5. Design the layout of the questionnaire: The layout of the questionnaire is also an important
consideration. The questions should be organized in a logical and easy-to-follow order, and
the font, spacing, and formatting should be consistent throughout the questionnaire.
6. Pretest the questionnaire: Before administering the questionnaire to the target population, it
is important to pretest the questionnaire with a small sample of respondents. This will help to
identify any potential problems or issues with the questionnaire, such as unclear or confusing
questions.
7. Finalize the questionnaire: Based on the results of the pretest, the questionnaire can be
revised and finalized for administration to the target population.

In summary, the procedures involved in constructing a questionnaire include defining the research
objectives, determining the target population, developing the question content, choosing the
question format, designing the layout of the questionnaire, pretesting the questionnaire, and
finalizing the questionnaire for administration to the target population.

❖ What Are the Different Methods of Data Collection?

Data collection is an important process in research, as it provides the information needed to answer
research questions and test hypotheses. There are several methods of data collection that can be
used, depending on the research objectives, the type of data needed, and the resources available.
Here are some of the most common methods of data collection:

1. Surveys: Surveys are a common method of data collection in business research. They
involve collecting data from a large number of respondents using a standardized set of
questions.
2. Interviews: Interviews are a method of data collection that involves asking questions to
individual respondents in a face-to-face setting. Interviews can be structured or unstructured,
and can be conducted in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing.
3. Focus groups: Focus groups are a method of data collection that involves bringing together a
small group of people to discuss a specific topic or issue. Focus groups are typically
moderated by a trained facilitator and can provide valuable insights into the attitudes,
opinions, and perceptions of a particular group of people.
4. Observation: Observation is a method of data collection that involves directly observing
people, events, or behaviors. It can be used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data
and is often used in studies of human behavior.
5. Experiments: Experiments are a method of data collection that involves manipulating one or
more variables to determine their effect on a particular outcome. Experiments can be

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 conducted in a laboratory setting or in the field and are often used in studies of cause-and-
effect relationships.
6. Case studies: Case studies are a method of data collection that involves in-depth analysis of
a particular case or situation. They are often used to study complex issues or phenomena and
can provide detailed insights into the factors that contribute to specific outcomes.
7. Secondary data analysis: Secondary data analysis involves using existing data sources, such
as government statistics, medical records, or survey data, to answer research questions. This
can be a cost-effective method of data collection, but it is important to ensure that the data is
relevant, accurate, and reliable.

In conclusion, the methods of data collection used in business research will depend on the research
objectives and the type of data needed. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, and
researchers must carefully consider the trade-offs involved in choosing a particular method of data
collection.

❖ Explain Focused Group Discussions. What is the function of a focus group?

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of focus groups.

A focused group discussion (FGD) is a research technique that involves a group of people, usually
between 6 to 12, who come together to discuss a particular topic or issue. The purpose of an FGD is
to elicit in-depth insights and opinions from participants in a way that is interactive and
collaborative.

The function of a focus group is to provide qualitative data that can be used to better understand the
attitudes, beliefs, motivations, and perceptions of a particular group of people. Focus groups are
often used in market research, social science research, and health research, among other fields.
They can be used to explore a variety of topics, including customer preferences, product design,
health behaviors, and social attitudes.

Advantages of focus groups:

1. Interactive: Focus groups provide an interactive environment where participants can engage
with each other and share ideas and opinions. This can lead to a rich and diverse range of
data that is difficult to obtain through other research methods.
2. Flexibility: Focus groups can be adapted to suit a range of research questions and can be
tailored to specific populations.
3. In-depth data: Focus groups can provide in-depth data that can be used to gain a deeper
understanding of the motivations and attitudes of participants.
4. Cost-effective: Compared to other research methods, such as one-on-one interviews, focus
groups can be a cost-effective way to obtain data from a large number of participants.

Disadvantages of focus groups:

1. Group dynamics: The group dynamic can sometimes lead to groupthink, where participants
conform to the opinions of the group rather than expressing their own views.
2. Limited generalizability: The results of focus groups may not be generalizable to other
populations or settings.
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 3. Moderator bias: The role of the moderator can sometimes bias the data, as they may
influence the direction of the discussion or interpret the data in a particular way.
4. Limited control: Focus groups can be difficult to control, as participants may diverge from
the topic or discussion may get sidetracked.

In conclusion, focus groups can be a valuable research tool for gathering in-depth, qualitative data
from participants. However, they also have some limitations that should be taken into account when
designing a research study. A well-conducted focus group with an experienced moderator can
provide valuable insights that can help researchers better understand the attitudes and opinions of
their target population.

❖ Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data.

Qualitative and quantitative data are two types of data that are commonly used in research.
Qualitative data is descriptive data that is often obtained through observation or interviews, and it
focuses on the subjective experience of the participant. Quantitative data, on the other hand, is
numerical data that can be measured and analyzed using statistical methods.

Some of the key differences between qualitative and quantitative data are:

1. Data type: Qualitative data is non-numerical, while quantitative data is numerical.

2. Data collection: Qualitative data is usually collected through interviews, observations, and
open-ended surveys, while quantitative data is usually collected through standardized
surveys, experiments, and other structured methods.
3. Analysis: Qualitative data is analyzed through coding and identifying patterns, while
quantitative data is analyzed using statistical methods.
4. Generalizability: Qualitative data is generally not generalizable to a larger population, while
quantitative data can be analyzed and generalized to a larger population.
5. Objectivity: Qualitative data is often subjective and influenced by the researcher's
interpretation, while quantitative data is objective and less influenced by researcher bias.

Qualitative and quantitative data can complement each other in research. Qualitative data can be
used to generate hypotheses, while quantitative data can be used to test those hypotheses. By using
both types of data, researchers can gain a more complete understanding of a research question or
problem.

❖ Describe various types of scaling. What are the advantages and

disadvantages of each scale.

Scaling is the process of assigning numbers or other symbols to represent the properties of a
concept. Different types of scales are used in research, and each has its own advantages and
disadvantages. Some of the common types of scaling are:

• Nominal scale: This type of scale is used to categorize data into mutually exclusive groups.
Examples of nominal scale include gender, race, and nationality. The advantage of a nominal
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 scale is that it is easy to use and understand. The disadvantage is that it doesn't provide any
information on the degree of difference between categories.
• Ordinal scale: This type of scale is used to rank data in a particular order, but the distance
between the ranks is not defined. Examples of ordinal scale include ranks, scores, and
ratings. The advantage of an ordinal scale is that it is easy to use and analyze. The
disadvantage is that it doesn't provide information on the degree of difference between
categories.
• Interval scale: This type of scale is used to measure data with equal intervals between the
values, but it doesn't have a true zero point. Examples of interval scale include temperature
and time. The advantage of an interval scale is that it can be used for statistical analysis. The
disadvantage is that it doesn't have a true zero point, so the ratios cannot be calculated.
• Ratio scale: This type of scale is used to measure data with equal intervals and a true zero
point. Examples of ratio scale include weight, height, and income. The advantage of a ratio
scale is that it provides the most information and can be used for statistical analysis. The
disadvantage is that it is difficult to construct and interpret.

❖ Explain the concept of likert scale and semantic scale.

• Likert scale: This is a type of rating scale that is commonly used in surveys and
questionnaires. It consists of a statement or question followed by a range of responses,
usually from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree". Respondents are asked to indicate the
extent to which they agree or disagree with the statement. The advantage of a Likert scale is
that it is easy to administer and analyze. The disadvantage is that it may be subject to social
desirability bias.
• Semantic differential scale: This is a type of rating scale that is used to measure attitudes
and opinions. It consists of a series of bipolar adjectives, such as "good" and "bad", "happy"
and "sad", or "expensive" and "cheap". Respondents are asked to rate the concept being
measured on a scale that ranges from one bipolar adjective to the other. The advantage of a
semantic differential scale is that it is easy to use and analyze. The disadvantage is that the
results may be affected by cultural and language differences.

❖ What is research design? Explain features, objectives and methods used in di

fferent research design.
Research design refers to the plan and structure of a research study that outlines how data will be
collected, analyzed, and interpreted. A well-designed research study can provide meaningful and
reliable results, while a poorly designed study can produce inaccurate or misleading findings.

Features of research design include:

1. Purpose: The purpose of the research study is clearly defined and stated.
2. Data collection methods: The methods and procedures used to collect data are well-defined
and appropriate for the research questions.
3. Sampling: The sample population is well-defined and appropriate for the research questions.

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 4. Data analysis methods: The methods and procedures used to analyze the data are
appropriate and statistically valid.
5. Research questions and hypotheses: The research questions or hypotheses are clearly stated
and logically connected to the study's purpose.

Objectives of research design include:

1. To ensure that the research study is valid and reliable.

2. To ensure that the research study is feasible and can be carried out in a reasonable time and
within budget.
3. To minimize the chances of researcher bias and errors.
4. To ensure that the research study can be replicated by other researchers.
5. To ensure that the research study can provide meaningful and useful results.

Methods used in different research designs include:

1. Experimental design: A research design in which one or more variables are manipulated to
test cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
2. Quasi-experimental design: A research design that lacks random assignment of subjects to
treatment groups, but includes a comparison group.
3. Correlational design: A research design that examines the relationship between two or more
variables, but does not establish cause and effect relationships.
4. Descriptive design: A research design that aims to describe and interpret the characteristics
of a particular group or phenomenon.
5. Exploratory design: A research design that seeks to explore a research topic to gain a better
understanding of it.

❖ Describe the probability and non- probability sampling techniques.

Sampling is the process of selecting a representative group from the population of interest for the
purpose of making inferences about that population. There are two main types of sampling
techniques: probability sampling and non-probability sampling.

Probability Sampling Techniques:

1. Simple random sampling: This is a method where each member of the population has an
equal chance of being selected. This is done by using a random number generator to select
the sample.
2. Stratified random sampling: In this method, the population is divided into subgroups or
strata, and random samples are taken from each stratum.
3. Systematic sampling: This method involves selecting every nth member of the population to
be included in the sample.
4. Cluster sampling: This method involves dividing the population into clusters, and then
selecting a random sample of clusters to be included in the study.

Probability sampling techniques are preferred in research as they provide an unbiased

representation of the population of interest.

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Non-probability Sampling Techniques:

1. Convenience sampling: This method involves selecting participants who are easy to reach
or who are available at the time of the study.
2. Snowball sampling: In this method, participants are asked to recruit other participants from
their social network.
3. Purposive sampling: This method involves selecting participants based on specific criteria,
such as age or gender.
4. Quota sampling: This method involves selecting a sample that matches certain
characteristics of the population, such as gender, race, or age.

Non-probability sampling techniques are generally less reliable than probability sampling
techniques, as they may not provide an accurate representation of the population of interest. They
are often used in exploratory research, where the goal is to gain an initial understanding of a topic,
rather than to generalize findings to the wider population.

In summary, both probability and non-probability sampling techniques have their advantages and
disadvantages. Researchers need to carefully consider their research objectives, population of
interest, and available resources before choosing a sampling technique.

❖ Write short notes on: a) student t test b) chi-square test c} normal

distribution

Short notes on:

a) Student t-test:

The t-test is a statistical test used to compare the means of two independent samples. It is used to
determine whether the difference between the means of the two samples is significant or due to
chance. The t-test is widely used in social sciences, psychology, and other research fields. The t-test
can be either one-tailed or two-tailed depending on the research hypothesis. The advantages of the
t-test include its simplicity, ease of calculation, and suitability for small sample sizes. However, the
t-test assumes that the data are normally distributed and that the variances of the two samples are
equal.

b) Chi-square test:

The chi-square test is a statistical test used to determine whether the observed data differs
significantly from the expected data. It is used to test the independence or association between two
categorical variables. The chi-square test is widely used in social sciences, public health, and other
research fields. The advantages of the chi-square test include its simplicity, ease of calculation, and
ability to handle large sample sizes. However, the chi-square test assumes that the expected
frequencies are not too small and that the data are randomly selected.

c) Normal distribution:

Normal distribution, also known as Gaussian distribution, is a statistical distribution that represents
the probability distribution of a continuous variable. It is characterized by a bell-shaped curve that
is symmetric around the mean. The normal distribution is widely used in statistical inference and
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hypothesis testing. The advantages of normal distribution include its mathematical properties and
applicability to a wide range of phenomena. However, not all data follow a normal distribution, and
non-normal data may require non-parametric statistical tests.

❖ Discuss the steps that a researcher needs to follow to formulate a good

research report. Do the criteria become different for different kinds of
reports ? Explain.

A research report is a comprehensive document that outlines the entire research process, including
the research question, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion. The following are the
steps that a researcher needs to follow to formulate a good research report:

1. Introduction: The introduction sets the tone for the entire research report. It should provide
a brief overview of the research problem, research question, and the purpose of the study.
2. Literature Review: The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing
research on the topic. The researcher should review relevant studies and provide a critical
analysis of the literature.
3. Methodology: The methodology section should outline the research design, data collection
methods, and the analysis techniques used. It should also provide an explanation of the
sample selection and ethical considerations.
4. Results: This section should provide a detailed analysis of the data collected during the
study. The results should be presented in a clear and concise manner, and the researcher
should use graphs, tables, and charts to illustrate the findings.
5. Conclusion: The conclusion should provide a summary of the study's findings and their
implications. The researcher should also highlight the study's limitations and suggest avenues
for future research.

The criteria for a good research report are generally the same, regardless of the type of report.
However, different types of reports may have additional requirements. For example, an academic
research report may need to conform to specific formatting and referencing guidelines.

In summary, a good research report requires careful planning and execution. The report should be
well-written, informative, and present the findings in a clear and concise manner. The researcher
should also take into account any specific requirements for the type of report they are creating.

❖ What are different types of research report?

There are several types of research reports, and each type serves a specific purpose. Some of the
most common types of research reports are:

1. Basic Research Report: This report presents the findings of research that is conducted to
enhance knowledge and understanding of a specific phenomenon. The purpose of basic
research is to explore, develop, and test theories.
2. Applied Research Report: This type of research report focuses on solving specific problems
or meeting specific objectives. The findings of applied research are generally used to develop
practical solutions.
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 3. Technical Research Report: This type of research report is used to communicate the details
of a technical project, such as a feasibility study or engineering design.
4. Case Study Report: This type of research report presents a detailed examination of a
specific case or example. The purpose of a case study report is to understand the complexities
and unique features of a particular situation.
5. Survey Research Report: This report presents the findings of research that involves the
collection of data through surveys or questionnaires. The purpose of survey research is to
collect data on opinions, attitudes, behaviors, and preferences.
6. Experimental Research Report: This report presents the findings of research that is
conducted in a controlled environment to test a hypothesis. The purpose of experimental
research is to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
7. Review Research Report: This type of research report provides a critical analysis of the
existing research on a specific topic. The purpose of a review research report is to synthesize
the existing literature and identify gaps in knowledge.

The type of research report selected will depend on the research question, the research objectives,
and the intended audience. It is important to select the appropriate type of report to effectively
communicate the findings of the research.

❖ Write short notes on: a) literature survey b) main text

a) Literature Survey:

A literature survey is an essential component of any research study. It involves a thorough review
and analysis of existing literature relevant to the research question. The main purpose of a literature
survey is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge on the
research topic, identify gaps in knowledge, and establish a conceptual framework for the research
study. The literature survey typically involves a review of both primary and secondary sources,
including academic journals, books, and other relevant literature. The researcher should critically
evaluate and synthesize the findings of the literature survey to develop a research question,
hypothesis, and research design.

b) Main Text:

The main text of a research report includes the primary content of the research study. It typically
includes the following components:

• Introduction: This section provides an overview of the research question, background

information on the topic, and the rationale for the study.
• Literature Review: This section provides a detailed review and analysis of the existing
literature on the research topic.
• Methodology: This section outlines the research design, data collection methods, and data
analysis techniques used in the study.
• Results: This section presents the findings of the study in a clear and concise manner,
including tables, figures, and charts.
• Discussion: This section interprets and explains the results of the study in relation to the
research question, hypothesis, and literature review. It also identifies limitations and suggests
areas for future research.
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 • Conclusion: This section summarizes the main findings of the study and provides
recommendations for future research and practice.
• References: This section lists all the sources cited in the study.

The main text of a research report should be well-organized, logically structured, and clearly
written. It should also be supported by relevant evidence and data.

❖ What are the characteristics of good research report.

A good research report is essential for communicating the findings and conclusions of a research
study to a wider audience, including researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The following are
the characteristics of a good research report:

1. Clarity and organization: A good research report should be well-organized, with a clear
and concise structure that is easy to follow. It should be written in a language that is easily
understood by the target audience.
2. Objectivity: A good research report should present the research findings in an unbiased and
objective manner. It should not be influenced by the researcher's personal biases or opinions.
3. Validity and reliability: A good research report should be based on valid and reliable data.
The research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques used in the study
should be rigorous and scientifically sound.
4. Relevance: A good research report should be relevant to the research question and the target
audience. The findings should be useful and applicable to the real world.
5. Conciseness: A good research report should be concise and to the point, avoiding
unnecessary repetition and verbosity.
6. Citations and references: A good research report should include proper citations and
references for all sources used in the study, following a recognized citation style.
7. Ethical considerations: A good research report should address any ethical considerations
related to the study, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and data protection.

Overall, a good research report should be well-written, informative, and provide an accurate and
comprehensive account of the research study.

❖ Explain the concept of Research ethics.

Research ethics refers to the principles, guidelines, and standards that guide the conduct of research
involving human subjects or animals. The purpose of research ethics is to protect the rights and
welfare of research participants, maintain scientific integrity, and promote transparency and
accountability in research.

Research ethics covers a wide range of issues, including:

1. Informed consent: Researchers must obtain the voluntary and informed consent of research
participants, which involves providing them with information about the research study, its

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 risks and benefits, and allowing them to make an informed decision about whether to
participate.
2. Confidentiality and privacy: Researchers must protect the confidentiality and privacy of
research participants, ensuring that their personal information is kept secure and not disclosed
without their consent.
3. Risk and benefit assessment: Researchers must carefully assess the risks and benefits of the
research study, taking into account the potential harm to participants and the potential
benefits of the research.
4. Fair treatment: Researchers must treat research participants fairly and without
discrimination, ensuring that they are not exploited or subjected to unfair treatment.
5. Scientific integrity: Researchers must adhere to scientific standards of integrity, avoiding
research misconduct such as plagiarism, falsification of data, and other unethical practices.
6. Social responsibility: Researchers must consider the potential impact of their research on
society and the environment, taking into account ethical, legal, and social implications.
7. Animal welfare: Researchers must follow ethical guidelines and standards for the use of
animals in research, ensuring that animals are treated humanely and with respect.

Overall, research ethics is essential for ensuring the protection and welfare of research participants,
promoting scientific integrity, and upholding ethical standards in research.

• Difference between:

1. Write short note on Citation

2. Descriptive and Analytical Research
3. Applied and Fundamental Research
4. Conclusive and Exploratory Research
5. Conceptual and Empirical Research
6. Annexure and Appendix
7. Reference and Bibliograph
8. Qualitative and Quantitative Research

1. Write short note on Citation

Citation is the process of acknowledging and giving credit to the sources of information and ideas
used in research, writing, or other forms of scholarly work. It is an essential element of academic
writing, which allows the reader to verify the claims made by the author and locate the original
sources of the information.

Citations can take various forms, depending on the style guide or citation format used, such as
APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, etc. Generally, a citation should include the author's name, the title
of the work, the publication date, and the source (e.g., journal, book, website, etc.). In-text citations
are used within the body of the text, while a reference list, works cited page, or bibliography is used
at the end of the document to provide a full list of sources used.

Citations serve several purposes in academic writing, such as:

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 1. Establishing credibility and authority by demonstrating that the author has done extensive
research and consulted various sources.
2. Allowing readers to follow up on the sources used in the work and explore the topic in more
detail.
3. Providing evidence to support the author's arguments and claims.
4. Avoiding plagiarism by giving proper credit to the original authors and avoiding the
misappropriation of ideas and information.

In summary, citation is an essential part of academic writing that helps to give credit to sources and
ensure the integrity of the research.

2. Descriptive and Analytical Research

3. Applied and Fundamental Research

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 4. Conclusive and Exploratory Research

5. Conceptual and Empirical Research

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 6. Annexure and Appendix

7. Reference and Bibliograph

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 8. Qualitative and Quantitative Research

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