NAME TAMANNA RASTOGI

ROLL NO. 2314511771

PROGRAM BACHELOR OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
SEMESTER III
COURSE NAME RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
COURSE CODE DBB2103
 SET-1

ANSWER 1 -: Research is the systematic process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting

information to solve a problem or answer specific questions. It involves identifying a research
question or issue, collecting data through various methods, analyzing the data, and drawing
conclusions that helps inform decision-making.
To illustrate the research process, let’s make a market research problem as an example: a
company wants to introduce a new product and needs to understand customer preferences. The
research process would unfold in the following steps -:
1. Problem Definition
The first step in any research is clearly defining the problem or question. For an example,
the problem could be: “what are the key preferences and purchasing behaviors of target
customers in relation to similar products?”

2. Literature review
Before collecting primary data, researchers often review existing studies, reports, and
other secondary data that could provide insights into the market. This step helps frame the
research problem and avoid duplicating effort.

3. Research design
At this stage, researches decide on the method of data collection. For market research,
this could involve either qualitative methods (like focus groups and interviews) or
quantitative methods (like surveys and questionnaires). The design phase also involves
selecting a targeting audience (demographic, geographic, etc.), choosing sampling
methods, and determining the tools or instruments needed to collected data.

4. Data collection
Once the research design is ready, the next step is gathering the necessary data. For our
market research problem, this could involve conducting surveys with potential customers
to understand their preference, holding focus group discussions to probe deeper into
customer motivations, or collecting sales data from retail stores. It’s important to ensure
that the data is reliable and representative of the target market.

5. Data analysis
After collecting the data, it must be analyzed to uncover trends, patterns, and insights. In
the case of quantitative data, statistical tools could be used to identify trends and
preferences. For qualitative data, thematic analysis might be conducted to explore
common themes that emerge in the discussions.
 6. Interpretation and conclusion
Once the data is analyzed, the research team interprets the result in the context of the
original research problem. For instance, they might find that a specific feature is highly
valued by customers, or that competitors’ products are priced too high. This helps in
making informed decisions about product development, pricing strategies, or marketing
efforts.

7. Report writing and presentation

The final step involves compiling the findings into a clear report or presentation for
stakeholders. This includes not only the analysis but also recommendations based on the
research findings, helping the company take actionable steps.
In conclusion, the research problem is a methodical approach that ensures decisions are based on
reliable data, minimizing risks and maximizing chances of success.

ANSWER 2 -: A research design is a structured plan or framework that outlines how a research
study will be conducted. It includes the methods and procedures for collecting, analyzing, and
interpreting data. The design serves as a guide to ensure the research is systematic, valid, and
reliable. It encompasses key elements such as the research question, hypothesis, study
population, sampling methods, data collection tools, and analysis techniques. Research designs
can be broadly categorized into 3 types -: exploratory, descriptive, and experimental with each
serving different purposes. Exploratory designs are used to new areas or ideas, descriptive
designs aim to describe characteristics or phenomena, and experimental designs involve
manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationship. A well-thought-out research
design helps minimize biases, ensures consistency, and enhances the credibility of the findings,
making it crucial for achieving meaningful results.
The different types of research designs are -:
1. Exploratory research design – this design is used when the research problem is not well
defined, and the aim is to explore new areas or gather preliminary information.
 Example 1 – A researcher studying consumer behavior in a new market segment
might conduct focus groups or in-depth interviews to identify potential trends or
issues, which can then inform further research.
 Example 2 – In medical research, exploratory studies might look into the potential
link between a newly discovered virus and its impact on human health, without
fully knowing the mechanisms yet.

2. Descriptive research design – descriptive research is used to describe characteristics of a

phenomenon or the relationship between variables. It doesn’t manipulate variables but
rather observes and records them as they occur naturally.
 Example 1 – A researcher examining the demographic characteristics of people
using public transportation in a city, such as age, income, and frequency of use.
  Example 2 – A survey on the levels of customer satisfaction in a particular
company, were respondents’ rates various aspects of service quality.

3. Experimental research design – experimental research aims to establish cause-and-effect

relationships by manipulating one or more independent variables and observing their
effects on dependent variables.
 Example 1 – A clinical trial testing a new drug, where participants are randomly
assigned to either a treatment group or a control group to measure the drug’s
effectiveness compared to a placebo.
 Example 2 – A psychological study where researchers manipulate the level of
stress in participants and observe its effect on cognitive performance.
Each research design serves a distinct purpose with exploratory studies aiming to discover new
insights, descriptive research capturing patterns, and experimental research determining casual
links between variables.

ANSWER 3 -: The sampling method in business research plays a crucial role in ensuring the
reliability and accuracy of the findings. It involves selecting a representative group from a larger
population to draw conclusions that can be generalized. Choosing the right sampling method
helps reduce bias and ensures the sample mirrors the characteristics of the population. Common
methods include random sampling, where every individual has an equal chance of being
selected, and stratified sampling, which ensures specific sub-groups are accurately represented. A
well-chosen sampling method also impact the study’s cost and efficiency – using a sample rather
than surveying an entire population saves time and resources. Furthermore, it influences the level
of precision and confidence in the research results. Inadequate or poorly chosen sampling can
lead to misleading conclusions, which can affect business decisions and strategies. Thus,
selecting the appropriate sampling method is crucial for obtaining valid, actionable insights.
Probability and non-probability sampling are two main approaches used in research, with key
differences in how samples are selected and their implications for the validity of the results.
Probability Sampling – in probability sampling, each individual in the population has a known,
non-zero chance of being selected, allowing for the results to be generalized to the entire
population. Common techniques include –
1. Simple random sampling – Every member of the population has an equal chance of being
selected.
For example – randomly selecting 100 people from a customer list.

2. Stratified sampling – The population is divided into subgroups (strata), and random
samples are drawn from each subgroup
For example – selecting equal numbers from different age groups for a survey on
customer preferences.
 3. Cluster sampling – The population is divided into clusters, and entire clusters are
randomly selected.
For example - randomly selecting a few cities and surveying all residents within those
cities.
Non-probability sampling - In non-probability sampling, not every member has an equal chance
of being selected, which may introduce bias. It is often more convenient but less generalizable.
Common techniques include-
1. Convenience sampling – Participants are selected based on their ease of access.
For example – surveying passersby in a shopping mall.

2. Judegemnetal (purposive) sampling – The researcher selects participants based on

specific characteristics or expertise.
For example – interviewing industry experts for insights into market trends.

3. Quota sampling – A sample is selected to reflect certain characteristics, but the selection
within those categories is non-random.
For example – selecting a specific number of people based on their age group.
In summary, probability sampling allows for greater generalizability, while non-probability
sampling may be more practical but introduces potential bias.
 SET-2
ANSWER 1 -: Primary and secondary methods of data collection are both essential in research,
but they serve different purposes and are used in various situations. Primary data collection is
used when researchers need firsthand, original information directly related to their study. This
method is often used in surveys, experiments, or interviews. For example, a company conducting
a customer satisfaction survey would collect primary data to directly understand their consumers’
preferences and behaviors.
Secondary data collection involves existing information from sources like books, research
papers, or governments reports. This method is ideal when researchers need to review existing
trends, validate hypotheses, or gather background information quickly and cost effectively. For
instance, a study on climate change might use secondary data from previous scientific studies
and reports to analyze patterns over time.
In essence, primary data is used when original, specific information is required, while secondary
data is useful for broad background knowledge or historical comparisons.
Primary data collection involves gathering firsthand information directly from sources, ensuring
it is specific to the research topic. Several methods of collecting primary data are -:
1. Surveys/questionnaires – This method involves distributing structured questionnaires to
participants to gather specific information. Surveys are efficient for collecting data from a
large group, and they can conduct in person, over the phone, or online.
For example, a company conducting a market research survey to understand customer
preferences on a new product would use this method.

2. Interviews – Interviews allow for in-depth exploration of topics by asking participants

open-ended questions. Interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured,
depending on the research needs.
For instance, a researcher studying employee satisfaction might conduct one-on-one
interviews to gather detailed insights into work culture.

3. Focus groups – In a focus groups, a small group of participants discusses a specific topic
under the guidance of a moderator. This method is useful for gaining diverse perspectives
on a subject and generating ideas.
For example, a company testing a new advertisement might gather a focus group to
understand their reactions to the campaign.

4. Experiments – In experimental research, researchers manipulate one or more variables to

observe their effect on other variables. This method is used primarily in scientific,
medical, or psychological research.
For example, a researcher might conduct a controlled experiment to study how different
teaching methods impact student performance.
 5. Observations – This method involves directly observing subjects in their natural
environment without interference. Observations can be either structured or unstructured.
For instance, a sociologist might observe public behavior in a city to study social
interactions.
Each of these methods is chosen based on the nature of the research, the type of data needed, and
the resources available.

ANSWER 2 -: A questionnaire is a research tool used to gather information from individuals or

groups by asking a series of questions. It can be in various formats such as written surveys,
online forms, or interviews. The purpose of a questionnaire is to collect data on specific topics,
opinions, behaviors or experiences in a structured way.
The questions in a questionnaire can be open-ended where respondents provide their own
answers, or close-ended, where respondents choose from pre-defined options, such as multiple
choice or Likert scale responses. The design of the questionnaire depends on the objectives of the
research and the type of data needed. Well-designed questionnaires are clear, concise, and
unbiased to ensure that the responses are reliable and valid. They are commonly used in fields
such as market, research, social studies, customer feedback, and academic research to make
informed decisions based on the collected data.
Designing a questionnaire to assess customer satisfaction for a product involves several key steps
to ensure that it gathers relevant and reliable data. Below is the breakdown of process -:
1. Define the objective
Clearly define the goals of the questionnaire. In this case, the objective is to assess customer
satisfaction with a product, identifying areas such as quality, usability, price, and customer
service.
2. Identify the target audience
Determine who will be surveyed – existing customers who have purchased the product
recently. This help tailor questions to those who have firsthand experience with the product.
3. Choose the types of questions
Decide between closed-ended or open-ended questions
 Closed-ended questions are easier to analyze and include options like Likert scales
(e.g., 1-5 satisfaction rating) or multiple choice-questions.
 Open-ended questions allow for more detailed, qualitative feedback (e.g., “what do
you like most about the product”).

4. Focus on key aspects of satisfaction

Identify the core areas to evaluate
 Product quality - durability, performance, design.
 Price – perceived value for money.
 Customer service – responsiveness and helpfulness.
 Usability – ease of use and functionality.

5. Develop clear, concise questions

Ensure questions are specific, simple, and unbiased to avoid confusion or leading responses.
For example, instead of asking “don’t you think the product is amazing?”, ask “how satisfied
are you with the product’s performance?”
6. Pre-test the questionnaire
Before launching the survey widely, test it with a small group to identify any issues with
wording or question clarity.
7. Distribute and collect responses
Distribute the questionnaire through the appropriate channels (email, online survey, etc.) to
the target audience and collect the data.
8. Analyze the data
After gathering responses, analyze the data to identify trends, strengths and areas for
improvement, which can guide future product developments or customer service strategies.

ANSWER 3 (a)-: A hypothesis is a testable statement or prediction about the relationship

between two or more variables. It is a key component of scientific research and serves as the
foundation for experimentation and data analysis. A hypothesis provides direction to the
research process and can either be supported or refuted through empirical evidence.
There are several types of hypotheses –
1. Null hypothesis ( H 0 ¿ – This suggest that there is no effect or relationship between the
variables. It acts as a baseline to test the validity of the alternative hypothesis. For
example, “There is no significant difference between group A and group B.”

2. Alternative hypothesis ( H 1 ¿ – This posits that there is an effect or a relationship between

the variables. It is what the researcher seeks to prove or support. For example, “There is a
significant difference between group A and group B”

3. Directional hypothesis – This specifies the direction of the expected relationship or effect
between variables. For instance, “Increased study times leads to higher test scores.”
 4. Non-directional hypothesis – This does not predict the direction but only that a
relationship exists. For example, “There is a difference in test scores between group A
and group B.
These types of hypotheses help guide the design of experiments and statistical testing, ensuring
clear, objective conclusions from research data.
(b) -: A research report is a structured document that presents research findings clearly and
logically. Its structure typically includes several key actions –
1. Title page – This includes the reports title, author(s), institutional affiliation, and date of
submission.

2. Abstract – A brief summary of the entire report, including the purpose, methodology,
findings, and conclusions, usually within 200-300 words.

3. Introduction – The introduction sets the context for the research, outlines the problem
states the research question, and explains the report’s purpose and significance.

4. Literature review – This section surveys existing research relevant to the topic,
highlighting gaps or areas needing further investigation.

5. Methodology – Here, the research design, data collection methods, and analysis
techniques are described in detail, enabling replication of the study.

6. Results – This section presents the findings of the study, often with tables, figures, or
graphs to support the analysis.

7. Discussion – Interprets the result, explains their implications, and compares them to
previous research.

8. Conclusion – Summarizes the research findings and their potential impact, along with
recommendations for further studies.

9. References – A list of all sources cited in the report, formatted according to a specific
citation style.

10. Appendices – Additional material such as raw data, questionnaires, or extended tables
that supports the research.
This structure ensures clarity and allows readers to follow the research process and findings
easily.