TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT
Office of the Dean
Model Question By Sorry Gurudev
BBA / Sixth Semester / RCH 201: Business Research Methods
Note: These are for hint, you can write answer in your own words
Group A
Brief Answer Questions
1. Write down any two objectives of research.
The two objectives of research are:
One objective is to generate new knowledge or validate existing theories by conducting systematic investigations.
Another goal is to solve specific practical problems or inform policies to improve real-world situations
2. What do you mean by reliability?
Reliability refers to the consistency of a research method or measurement. A reliable method yields the same results when applied repeatedly under similar conditions, ensuring dependability.
3. Define mediating variable with example.
A mediating variable explains the relationship between an independent variable (cause) and a dependent variable (effect). Example: In studying the effect of education (independent) on income (dependent), "job opportunities" can serve as the mediating variable since education increases job opportunities, which in turn affects income.
4. Define the term theoretical framework.
The theoretical framework is a structure built upon existing theories, principles, and concepts to provide a lens through which a research problem is understood and analyzed. It helps guide the entire research process, from formulating hypotheses to interpreting results.
5. State type 1 error with an example.
A Type 1 error occurs when a researcher incorrectly rejects a true null hypothesis.
Example: Concluding that a new drug is effective against a disease when it actually has no effect.
6. Define face to face interview with example.
A face-to-face interview is a method of data collection where the interviewer and the respondent meet in person to discuss research questions. It is particularly effective for exploring complex issues or sensitive topics. Example: A business researcher conducts in-person interviews with employees to understand their job satisfaction and motivation.
7. Define applied research in your words.
Applied research aims to address specific practical problems by applying scientific methods to find solutions. Example: Developing a vaccine for a new disease is a form of applied research.
8. Why does literature essentials in research?
Literature review is essential as it provides a foundation for the research, helping to identify knowledge gaps, avoid duplication, and build on existing work. It also informs the research design and supports its validity.
9. What is research problem?
A research problem is a clearly defined issue or knowledge gap that a study seeks to explore, address, or solve. It acts as the driving force behind the research process.
10. What do you mean by Cohort study?
A cohort study is a type of observational research where a group of individuals sharing certain characteristics is tracked over time to study outcomes. Example: Tracking the health effects of smoking over several decades in a group of smokers.
Group B
Descriptive Answer Questions
11. What is data? What are the sources of data? Explain.
Data are the raw facts and figures collected through record, observations, interviews etc. It further refers to the information collected, observed, or generated to address specific research questions. This information can be quantitative (numeric data) or qualitative (non-numeric data). The sources of data can be broadly categorized into two types: primary data sources and secondary data sources.
Primary Data - The information collected directly by the researcher for a specific purpose or project. It is original and firsthand, obtained from sources such as interviews, surveys, experiments, or observations.
Sources and Methods:
o Surveys: Distributing questionnaires to gather quantitative data from a large group of respondents.
o Interviews: Conducting face-to-face, telephone, or online interviews to gain qualitative insights.
o Experiments: Performing controlled experiments to observe the outcomes of specific interventions.
o Observations: Recording behavior or events as they occur in their natural setting.
Example: Conducting surveys to gauge customer satisfaction with a newly launched product and gather specific feedback for improvements.
Secondary Data - The information that has already been collected and compiled by others for purposes other than the current research. This data is reused by researchers from existing sources such as books, reports, government records, or online databases.
Sources:
o Academic Journals: Peer-reviewed articles that provide in-depth studies on specific topics.
o Government Reports: Data published by government agencies on various aspects such as demographics, economic indicators, and consumer spending.
o Industry Analyses: Reports published by market research firms that analyze industry trends and competitive landscapes.
o Online Databases: Databases like PubMed, JSTOR, and Google Scholar that host a vast array of academic papers and reports.
Example: Using government reports to analyze historical consumer spending habits and predict future market trends.
Both types of data are crucial in research, with the choice depending on the study's objectives, resources, and time constraints. Primary data offers specificity and relevance, while secondary data is more readily available and cost-effective.
12. State the purposes of research proposal.
A research proposal is a formal, structured document that provides a comprehensive plan for a research project. It explains what the study intends to achieve, how it will be conducted, and why it is significant. The proposal serves as the foundation for the research process, showcasing the researcher’s understanding of the subject and ensuring the feasibility of the project. Below are the purposes/functions of a research proposal explained in detail :
1. Provide Information
The proposal communicates the goals, context, and relevance of the research to its intended audience, such as academic supervisors, funding agencies, or stakeholders. It answers critical questions about the research’s purpose and significance, helping the audience understand its contribution to the field.
2. Prepare Plan
A research proposal outlines a detailed roadmap for how the study will be conducted. It includes the research objectives, methodologies, data collection techniques, analysis methods, and timelines, ensuring that the project is organized and practical.
3. Justify Rationales
The proposal demonstrates why the research problem is important and how addressing it will contribute to knowledge or solve practical issues. It highlights the rationale behind choosing specific methods or approaches, ensuring their appropriateness for achieving the research objectives.
4. Form Base for Contract
The proposal acts as a formal agreement between the researcher and stakeholders, such as institutions or funding bodies, regarding the study’s execution and scope. It ensures mutual understanding and clarity on the expectations, deliverables, and responsibilities.
5. Establish Credibility
A well-crafted proposal highlights the researcher’s competence and expertise in the subject area. It demonstrates their knowledge of existing literature, understanding of the research problem, and ability to successfully execute the study.
In essence, the research proposal is a blueprint for the study, ensuring clarity, organization, and feasibility. It serves as a communication tool, a planning document, and an agreement between the researcher and stakeholders. A robust proposal reflects professionalism, commitment, and the potential impact of the research.
13. Differentiate between the term qualitative and quantitative research.
Both qualitative and quantitative research have their unique strengths and applications. While qualitative research excels in exploring complex, subjective phenomena, quantitative research is ideal for drawing objective, generalizable conclusions. They can also complement each other when used in a mixed-methods approach. |
14. What is research design? Explain any two types of research design.
Research design refers to the overall strategy or blueprint that outlines how a research study is to be conducted. It specifies the methods, procedures, and techniques used to collect, analyze, and interpret data to address the research objectives effectively. A well-structured research design ensures the validity, reliability, and accuracy of the study.
Types of Research Design: Explanation of Two Types
1. Descriptive Research Design:
o Purpose: This type of research design aims to describe characteristics or behaviors of a population or phenomenon without manipulating any variables. It provides a detailed picture of the subject under study.
o Key Features: It uses methods such as surveys, observations, and case studies. Descriptive research focuses on answering the “what” and “how” questions but does not establish causal relationships.
o Example: A study that surveys 1,000 people to determine their preferences for different brands of soft drinks is descriptive in nature.
2. Experimental Research Design:
o Purpose: Experimental design is used to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. It involves manipulating one variable (independent variable) to observe its impact on another (dependent variable) while keeping all other variables constant.
o Key Features: This type of design includes control groups, randomization, and hypothesis testing. It aims to test causal relationships systematically.
o Example: Testing the effectiveness of a new medication by administering it to one group (experimental group) and giving a placebo to another group (control group) under controlled conditions.
Research design serves as the backbone of a study, guiding researchers to achieve their objectives methodically. The choice of design depends on the nature of the research question and the goals of the study.
15. Define sampling. Discuss any two types of probability sampling techniques.
Sampling refers to the process of selecting a subset of individuals, items, or data points (known as a sample) from a larger population to study and draw conclusions about that population. It is used in research to make inferences, saving time and resources compared to studying the entire population.
Types of Probability Sampling Techniques
Probability sampling is a method where every individual in the population has a known, non-zero chance of being selected. Here are two commonly used types:
1. Simple Random Sampling: In this technique, each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Selection is purely random, often using random number generators or drawing lots.
o Advantages: It eliminates selection bias and is straightforward to implement.
o Example: Selecting 50 students at random from a university with 1,000 students to participate in a survey.
2. Stratified Sampling: The population is divided into subgroups or "strata" based on specific characteristics (e.g., age, gender, income), and random samples are taken from each stratum.
o Advantages: It ensures representation of all subgroups in the sample, improving the precision and reliability of results.
o Example: Dividing a population into male and female groups, then randomly selecting participants from each group proportionally.
16. What is research interview? Discuss about personal and telephone interview in brief.
A research interview is a qualitative data collection method in which the interviewer interacts with respondents to gather detailed information, insights, or opinions about a specific topic. The goal of a research interview is to explore participants' experiences, perceptions, or knowledge in depth. It can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured based on the research objectives.
Types of Research Interviews: Personal and Telephone Interviews
1. Personal Interview: A face-to-face interview conducted in person where the interviewer and respondent interact directly.
o Advantages:
§ Enables the interviewer to observe non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, which provide additional insights.
§ Builds rapport and encourages more detailed responses.
o Disadvantages:
§ It can be time-consuming and costly, especially for large sample sizes or geographically dispersed respondents.
o Example: Conducting in-person interviews with students to understand their learning experiences during the pandemic.
2. Telephone Interview: An interview conducted over the phone where the interviewer asks questions and records the respondent's answers.
o Advantages:
§ Cost-effective and time-efficient, especially for geographically distant respondents.
§ Provides convenience for both the interviewer and respondent.
o Disadvantages:
§ Limited ability to observe non-verbal cues.
§ Risk of lower engagement or distractions due to the lack of physical presence.
o Example: Calling patients to gather feedback about healthcare services received during a hospital stay.
Both types of interviews are valuable tools in research, and the choice between them depends on the research objectives, resources, and practicality.
17. Differentiate parametric and non-parametric tests.
Parametric and Non-Parametric Tests are two major categories of statistical methods. The major differences between these are:
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Group C
Analytical Answer Questions
18. Define the term research report. Write the contents of reports format.
A research report is a structured document that systematically presents the details, findings, and significance of a research study. It comprises three main sections: Preliminary Part, Body of the Report, and Supplementary Section. Here is a detailed explanation of these sections:
1. Preliminary Part
The preliminary part forms the foundation of the report by providing introductory and organizational details. It includes the following components:
· a. Title Page: The title page acts as the cover of the report. It includes the title of the research, the name of the researcher(s), institutional affiliation, and the date of submission. The content is centered on the page to give a formal and balanced look.
· b. Recommendation Sheet: Found in academic or formal reports, this page contains a statement recommending the report for approval. It is signed by the research advisor or committee members.
· c. Viva Voce Sheet: This page documents the oral defense of the research report, listing the names of committee members who evaluated the researcher. It includes their signatures and the date of the viva voce.
· d. Acknowledgement: This section expresses gratitude to individuals or organizations that contributed to the research. It is written respectfully, thanking supervisors, advisors, peers, or funding agencies.
· e. Executive Summary: A concise overview of the report, summarizing the objectives, methodology, key findings, and implications in about 250–300 words. It provides a snapshot of the entire research.
· f. Table of Contents: A comprehensive list of sections and subsections of the report, including corresponding page numbers. It enables readers to navigate the document with ease.
· g. List of Tables and Figures: A dedicated page listing all tables and figures in the report. Each entry includes the title of the table/figure and the page number where it appears.
2. Body of the Report
This section contains the core content of the research, presented in a systematic and logical structure:
· a. Introduction: Sets the stage for the research by outlining the topic, objectives, and significance of the study. It provides the background of the study and highlights the research problem or gap.
· b. Review of Literature: Summarizes existing studies related to the topic, identifies gaps in current research, and explains how the proposed study addresses these gaps.
· c. Research Methodology: Details how the research was conducted, including:
o Research design (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods).
o Sampling techniques and sample size.
o Data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews).
o Data analysis techniques.
· d. Data Presentation and Analysis: Presents the collected data clearly using tables, charts, or graphs. It also includes detailed analysis and interpretation of the data in relation to the research objectives.
· e. Summary and Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings of the study and discusses their implications. It also provides recommendations or suggestions for future research.
3. Supplementary Section
This section supports the main content by including additional materials and references:
· a. References: A list of all sources cited in the report, formatted in a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). It ensures credibility and proper acknowledgment of previous work.
· b. Bibliography: A broader list including all sources consulted during the research, even if not directly cited in the text. It serves as additional reading material for interested readers.
· c. Appendix: Contains supplementary materials like raw data, questionnaires, interview transcripts, or detailed calculations. Each item is labeled (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B) for easy referencing.
19. State and explain the features of scientific research.
Scientific research is a specific type of research that follows the scientific method to investigate natural phenomena. It involves formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results to draw conclusions. Following are the major features of scientific research:
1. Every Research Has a Certain Objective
Research is always conducted with a specific goal in mind. This objective guides the entire research process, from the formulation of the research question to the interpretation of the results. For example, a company might conduct research to understand customer satisfaction levels with a new product. The objective is to gather insights that can help improve the product and enhance customer satisfaction.
2. Research is directed towards the Solution of a Problem
Research aims to address specific problems or questions. By systematically investigating these issues, researchers can develop solutions or recommendations. For instance, a business might research why sales have declined in a particular region. The goal is to identify the underlying causes and develop strategies to boost sales.
3. Research is Systematic
Research follows a structured and organized approach. This systematic process ensures that the investigation is thorough and reliable. It involves clearly defined steps, such as identifying the problem, reviewing the literature, collecting data, analyzing the data, and drawing conclusions. This systematic approach helps ensure that the research is comprehensive and credible.
4. Research is Logical
Research is based on logical reasoning and follows a rational process. Researchers use logical methods to design their studies, analyze data, and draw conclusions. This logical approach ensures that the findings are valid and can be trusted. For example, a researcher might use statistical analysis to determine if there is a significant relationship between two variables.
5. Research is Replicable
One of the key features of research is that it can be replicated by other researchers. Replicability ensures that the findings are reliable and not just a result of chance. When research is replicable, other researchers can follow the same methods and obtain similar results, which strengthens the validity of the findings. For example, if a study on the effectiveness of a new drug is replicable, other researchers can conduct the same study and confirm the results.
6. Research is Ethical
Ethical considerations are fundamental to research. Researchers must conduct their studies with integrity, respect for participants, and adherence to ethical guidelines. This includes obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and avoiding harm to participants. Ethical research builds trust and credibility in the research community and society at large.
20. Explain the need of theoretical framework in research.
A theoretical framework in research is a structure of concepts, theories, and assumptions that guides the study by providing a foundation for understanding the research problem and its variables. It acts as a blueprint, linking existing knowledge to the research objectives, and is essential for ensuring a study’s coherence and scientific validity. The need for a theoretical framework is evident in its multiple roles, explained below:
· Provides direction and focus:
A theoretical framework defines the study’s scope by identifying key concepts and relationships. For example, in a study on Nepal Telecom’s customer satisfaction, it might focus on CSR dimensions like ethical and philanthropic activities, steering the research away from unrelated factors and keeping it purposeful.
· Establishes a basis for hypotheses:
It uses existing theories to formulate testable assumptions. If prior studies link ethical CSR to satisfaction, the framework supports hypotheses like “Ethical CSR increases customer satisfaction,” giving the research a solid starting point rooted in evidence.
· Facilitates variable identification:
The framework clarifies independent variables (e.g., CSR types), dependent variables (e.g., satisfaction), and moderators (e.g., subscriber age). This ensures the study’s design is structured and variables are logically connected, avoiding confusion.
· Enhances credibility and justification:
By anchoring the study in established theories, it shows how the research builds on prior knowledge. Citing CSR theories, for instance, justifies focusing on ethical over legal dimensions, making the study credible to academic audiences.
· Aids interpretation of findings:
It offers a lens to analyze results, connecting them to theory. If data shows ethical CSR boosts satisfaction, the framework explains this through concepts of social accountability, adding depth and meaning to conclusions.
In conclusion, a theoretical framework is vital for systematic, credible research. It guides the process, grounds it in theory, and ensures meaningful outcomes, preventing aimless or unsupported studies.
21. What do you mean by data analysis? What processes would you follow while processing the data? Explain.
Data analysis is the systematic process of examining, cleaning, transforming, and interpreting raw data to extract meaningful insights, identify patterns, and support decision-making. It involves applying statistical and logical techniques to describe, summarize, and evaluate data, making it a critical step in research to answer questions or test hypotheses. According to research methodology, data analysis turns complex data into understandable conclusions, ensuring accuracy and relevance in findings.
The process of data analysis involves several structured steps, as outlined below:
1. Data Collection: The first step is gathering relevant data from primary sources (e.g., surveys, interviews) or secondary sources (e.g., reports, databases). For example, in a study of customer satisfaction, data might be collected via questionnaires from Nepal Telecom subscribers.
2. Data Organization: Once collected, data must be organized for analysis. This includes sorting data into categories (e.g., by CSR dimensions like ethical or economic) and arranging it in tables or spreadsheets to make it manageable and accessible.
3. Data Cleaning: This step ensures data accuracy by removing errors, duplicates, or incomplete entries. For instance, if a survey response is missing, it’s either corrected or excluded to avoid skewing results. Cleaning enhances the reliability of the analysis.
4. Data Transformation: Raw data is converted into a suitable format for analysis. This may involve coding responses (e.g., assigning numerical values to "satisfied" or "dissatisfied") or normalizing data to redact (e.g., converting text responses into quantifiable scores). Transformation prepares data for statistical tools.
5. Data Analysis: This core step applies techniques like descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, median) to summarize data, or inferential statistics (e.g., t-tests) to test hypotheses. For example, analyzing Nepal Telecom’s CSR data might use regression to assess impact on satisfaction.
6. Interpretation and Reporting: Finally, results are interpreted to draw conclusions (e.g., ethical CSR boosts satisfaction) and presented in reports with visuals like graphs or charts. This step connects findings to research objectives, ensuring actionable insights.
These processes ensure data is systematically processed, from collection to interpretation, providing valid and reliable outcomes. Each step builds on the previous one, making data analysis a robust tool for research and decision-making.
Group "D"
Comprehensive Answer Questions/Case Study:
1. Read the following study carefully and answer the questions that follow:
A research paper aimed to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility activities on the customer satisfaction level of Nepal Telecom, the leading telephone and mobile service provider in Nepal. The study is focused to examine the impact of the four domination of corporate social responsibility (CSR) that is a self-regulating business model which helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. The four domination of CRS are legal, ethical, economic, and philanthropic on satisfaction of NTC customers during the period Jan-March 2017 through a questionnaire survey on the 200 subscribers of the three colleges of Kathmandu. The study found that ethical and philanthropic significant and positive impact on customer satisfaction, legal CSR made no contribution to customer satisfaction and economic CSR showed a negative impact on satisfaction of NTC customer.
Questions:
a. Write the two research questions based on the above study.
l How do the four dimensions of CSR (legal, ethical, economic, philanthropic) influence customer satisfaction among Nepal Telecom subscribers?
l Which specific CSR dimensions have a significant positive or negative impact on customer satisfaction at Nepal Telecom?
b. Which research design is used in this study? And why?
The study uses a descriptive research design. This is evident from its focus on describing the relationship between CSR dimensions and customer satisfaction using a questionnaire survey among 200 subscribers. Descriptive design aims to systematically observe and measure variables without manipulating them, which fits this study’s approach of collecting data at a specific time (Jan-March 2017) to assess existing customer perceptions.
Why: It’s suitable because the study seeks to identify and quantify the impact of CSR activities on satisfaction (e.g., ethical CSR’s positive effect) rather than establishing causality or experimenting with variables, making descriptive design appropriate over exploratory or experimental designs.
c. Draw theoretical framework with dependent, independent and moderating variables.
Theoretical Framework:
· Dependent Variable: Customer Satisfaction (level of satisfaction among NTC subscribers).
· Independent Variables:
o Legal CSR (compliance with laws).
o Ethical CSR (moral business practices).
o Economic CSR (profit-focused activities).
o Philanthropic CSR (community contributions).
· Moderating Variable: Subscriber Demographics (e.g., age, education level of college students), as these may influence how CSR impacts satisfaction.
The dependent variable is the outcome (customer satisfaction), influenced by independent variables (four CSR dimensions). A moderating variable (demographics) is inferred as it could affect the relationship, given the college student sample. For 5 marks, a simple framework with a brief note is sufficient, focusing on clarity.
d. Develop research hypothesis.
l H1: Ethical CSR activities have a significant positive impact on customer satisfaction among Nepal Telecom subscribers.
l H2: Philanthropic CSR activities have a significant positive impact on customer satisfaction among Nepal Telecom subscribers.
l H3: Legal CSR activities have no significant impact on customer satisfaction among Nepal Telecom subscribers.
l H4: Economic CSR activities have a significant negative impact on customer satisfaction among Nepal Telecom subscribers.
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