BUSINESS RESEARCH
UNIT II
PLANNING OF
RESEARCH AND RESEARCH PROCESS
Planning of research
means deciding the question to be studied, setting the objectives of the study
and determining the means of achieving those objectives. Planning research
refers to determining, in advance, various steps to be followed in a research.
1. Identifying,
Evaluating and Formulating the Research Problems-:
After creating interest
in a research work, a researcher has to think about formulating the problem
related to his research work. Choosing a correct problem for study is the most important
step in the entire research process. After selecting the problem, the
researcher has to formulate the problem.
2. Extensive Literature
Survey:-
Before formulating the
research it is desirable that researcher examines all available literature,
both conceptual and empirical. The conceptual literature is one which deals
with concepts and theories. Empirical literature is that which contains studies
made earlier and so it consists of many facts and figures observed in the
earlier studies.
3. Writing a Primary
Synopsis:-
After formulating the
problems a brief summary of it should be written down. A research worker has to
write a synopsis of the topic selected for research work mentioning the summary
of what is going to be done under his research.
4. Identifying and
Labeling Variables: -
In any research the
problem under study deals with relation between variables. The variables whose
change has affected the other variable, is called independent variable.
Therefore there is a
cause and effect relation between the variables. The research problem must be
formulated in such a manner that it highlights the nature, extent and
implications of relation existing between the variables. It is only through this
process of establishing the effective relation between variables that
meaningful conclusions are derived from the study.
5. Setting Up Of
Hypothesis: -
Specification of
working hypothesis is a basic step in the research process. A hypothesis is a tentative
conclusion logically drawn. The research work is conducted to test the truth of
this hypothesis.
6. Preparing the
Research Design:-
A research design is a
plan that specifies the sources and types of information relevant to the
research problem. It is a strategy which approach will be used for gathering
and analyzing the data. It includes the time and cost budgets since most
studies are done under these two constraints. A research design provides a rational
approach to research enabling one to decide in advance what to do, how to do,
in investigating the subjects.
7. Determining the
Sample Design:-
A sample design is a
definite plan determined before any data are actually collected for obtaining a
sample from a given universe.Sample design refers to the technique or the procedure
which the researcher would adopt in selecting some sampling units from the universe
for drawing inferences about the universe. If the proper procedure is followed
to select the sample, definitely the sample will give all dependable
information.
8. Collecting of Data:
-
There are several ways
of collecting the appropriate data. Some of the methods of collecting primary
data are (1) Observation method. (2) Direct personal interview method. (3) Telephone
interview method. (4) Questionnaire method. (5) Schedule method. A choice of one
of these methods.
9. Execution of the
Project: -
The researcher has to
see that the project is executed in a systematic manner and in time. He should
make necessary preparations for successful conduct of the project.
10. Processing,
Analysis and Interpretation of Data by Statistical Methods: - The
processing of data consists of classification, tabulation and coding. By
classification and tabulation the unwieldy data can be condense into few manageable
and purposeful groups and tables so that further analysis becomes simple.
Coding converts the data into symbols and small figures so that the data can be
dealt with in an easy manner. Editing improves the quality of the data since it
is at this stage that data which is irrelevant can be dropped.
Analysis and
interpretation of data results in observation, analysis, conclusion, induction and
deduction. For this various statistical measures are computed.
11. Testing of
Hypothesis: - Depending upon the nature of data and
conclusions to be arrived one or two of these tests can be applied. Testing of
hypothesis will results in either accepting or rejecting the hypothesis.
Testing of hypothesis may prove or disprove a theory and a theory facilitates
formulating of a further hypothesis. Testing of hypothesis will result in
contribution to existing theory or the generation of a new theory.
12. Preparation of the
Report or Thesis:-
A report is a detailed
description of what has been done and how it has been done with respect to a
particular area or topic. The report should contain the preliminary section,
the main body and the end matter. The preliminary section contains only titles,
data, acknowledgement foreword and table of contents. The important section of
a report is its main body. It carries introduction, methodology, and statements
of findings, conclusions and recommendations. The end matter includes appendix,
literature selected and bibliography.
The appendix includes
letters, questions or other tools used. Bibliography is the list of books,
journals. Reports, bulletins etc. used for reference.
Selection and
Formulation of Research Problems
Research Problem
Problem means a
question or an issue to be examined. A research problem refers to some kind of problem
which a researcher experiences or observes in the context of either a
theoretical or practical situation. The researcher has to find out suitable
course of action by which the objective can be attained optimally in the
context of given environment. Thus, selection of research problem has high
value to the society and the researcher must be able to identify those problems
that need an urgent solution.
Requisites or
Characteristics of a Good Research Problem
clear and unambiguous
logical and
systematic
empirical
relation between
variables
verifiable
interesting
Various Aspects of a
Research Problem
For an effective
formulation of the problem following aspects of the problem are to be
considered by the researcher.
• Definition of the
problem: - Before one takes up a problem for the study one needs to define
it properly. The issues for inquiry are to be identified clearly and specified
in details. If any existing theoretical framework is tested, the particular
theorem or theories must be identified.
Similarly if there are
any assumptions made and terms used the meaning of them must be made clear. As
far as possible the statement of the problem should not give any scope for
ambiguity.
• Scope of the
problem: - The research scholar has to fix up the four walls of the study.
The researcher must identify which of the aspects he is trying to prove. Taking
the example of sickness he should specify. (1) Whether his study extends to all
types of small scale industries, or limited to only few of them. (2) Whether
the study is limited to find cause for sickness or also to prescribe certain
prescriptions etc.
• Justification of
the problem: - Many a time research studies are put to the test of justification
or relevance. In the scientific curiosity of the problems, th problem that
needs urgent solution must be given preference.
• Feasibility of the
problem: - Although a problem needs urgent attention and is justifiable in several
respects, one has to consider the feasibility of the same. Feasibility means
the possibility of conducting the study successfully. The elements of time,
data, Cost is to be taken into consideration before a topic is selected for
study.
• Originality of the
problem: - In social sciences, particularly in commerce and management, there
is no systematic compilation of the works already done or on hand. Two people
may be doing a work more or less on similar topic. In such situations it is not
advisable to continue work in the same manner. What is advisable is that, each
of them should try to focus on different aspects, so that they could enrich the
field of knowledge with their studies. Another problem faced by a researcher is
that a problem which he intends to do is already worked out.
Should he repeat the
same or not? This depends upon the situation or circumstances which engage his
attention.
Defining and
Formulating a Research Problem
A research is to be
defined along with the bounds in which it is to be studied. Therefore defining
a problem involves the task of laying down boundaries within which a researcher
shall study the problem with a predetermined objective in view. Defining a
research problem and clearly is a crucial part of a research study and must in
no case be accomplished hurriedly.
Steps for Defining and
Formulating a Research Problem
(1) Stating the problem
in a general way: - The researcher should state the problem in general terms,
keeping in view either some practical concern or some scientific or
intellectual interest.
Often the guides put
forth the problem in general terms and researcher narrows down the problem and
phrase the problem in operational terms. The problem stated generally may contain
various ambiguities which must be resolved by proper thinking and rethinking
over the problem. There are two ways of stating a problem by way of posing
questions and by way of making statements.
(2) Understanding the
nature of the problem: - For understanding the nature of the problem in a better
way, the researcher has to hold discussions with those who have Knowledge of
the problem.
(3) Surveying the
available literature: - This is necessary because only through such a survey, a
researcher can understand the relevant theories, reports etc.studies on related
problems are useful for knowing the type of difficulties that may encounter in
the present study.
(4) Developing the ideas through discussions:
- A researcher must discuss his problem with his colleagues and those who have
enough experience in the same area or in working on similar problems. People
with experience can enlighten the researcher on various aspects of his study.
(5) Rephrasing the
research problem: - A researcher must rephrase the research problems into a working
proposition. The researcher puts the research problem in as specific terms as
possible so that it may become operationally viable and may help in the
development of working hypothesis.
Terms defined
Relevant Variables
A variable is a
measurable concept such as height, age, income etc. it takes quantitative values.
It may vary from individuals to individuals or groups to groups. When there are
two variables in a study such that the values of one variable change in
response to the change in the values of the other variable, then the former is
said to be depending variable and latter is said to be independent variable. A
variable may be discrete or continuous. When a variable assumes only certain
specified values in an interval, it is called discrete variable. But a
continuous variable is one which can assume any number of values in an
interval.
Extraneous variables: Besides
the independent variable, a dependent variable can be influenced by other
variables, which are not part of the study. They are called extraneous
variable. They are variables working from outside.
Unit of analysis: A
variable can be measured and analyzed by statistical units. The statistical
units used for analysis and interpretation are known as units of analysis.
Rations percentages, coefficients etc are such units. They can be used for the
purpose of comparison.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis is a
tentative statement showing the relationship between two or more variables, the
reliability and validity of which is to be tested and verified. It expresses
the nature and degree of relationship between variables. Hypotheses are -
• Assumptions
• Tentative statements
• Propositions
• Answering the
questions
• Proposed solution to
a problem
• Statements which are
to be tested
• To be accepted of
rejected
• To be verified
empirically on the basis of sample
Why Hypothesis
• Gives the direction
of research
• Specifies the sources
of data
• Determines the data
needs
• Type of research
• Appropriate
techniques of research
• Contributes to the
development of theory
Role of Hypothesis
• It guides the direction
of the study
• It identifies facts
that are relevant and those that are not
• It suggests which
form of research design is likely to be most appropriate
• It provides a frame
work for organising the conclusions that result
Sources of Hypothesis
• Observation –based on
the behavior pattern
• Relation between
price and demand is hypothesized,
• the sales and ad may
be hypothesized
• Analogies casual
observations in nature
• Poor people buy more
lottery
• Intuitions and
personal experiences –
• The story of Newton
and falling of apple,
• The wisdom of Budha
under the banyan tree
• A sparking in our
mind at particular occasions
• Findings of studies
• State of Knowledge –
the theorems may be modified
• Culture –castes,
beliefs, habits, behavior
• Contribution of
research – the rejection of certain hypothesis may lead to further research
• Theory –large
concerns earn more profit, return on capital is an index of business success
Different Types of
Hypothesis
Descriptive Hypothesis –
Describing the characteristics of a variable (may be an object, person, organisation,
event, and situation)
• Eg. Employment
opportunity of commerce graduates is more than the arts students.
Relational Hypothesis –
Establishes relationship between two variables. It may be positive, negative or
nil relationship.
• Eg. High income leads
to high savings
Causal Hypothesis –
The change in one variable leads to change in another variable i.e. Dependent and
independent variables, one variable is a cause and the other one is the effect
Statistical Hypothesis –
association or difference between two variables are hypothesized
Null Hypothesis –
it points out there is no difference between two populations in respect of same
property.
Alternative Hypothesis-
when
we reject the null hypothesis, we accept another hypothesis known as alternate
hypothesis.
Working Hypothesis
Complex Hypothesis
How to test
• State the two
hypotheses - null and alternative
• Decide the test
statistic t, Z, F, Chi-square
• Fix the level of
significance
• Make the computations
• Take the decision
• Type 1 error and Type
11 error
• Degree of freedom (based
on probability, distribution)
No comments:
Post a Comment