Business Research Method & Project Work Solved Question paper 2022 RTU [Rabindranath Tagore University BCom 6th Sem]

Rabindranath Tagore University

Solved Question Paper 2022

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHOD & PROJECT WORK

(HONOURS)

Paper: 6-1

(Business Research Method)

Full Marks: 50

Time: 2 hours

The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions.

1.Choose the correct answer: 1x2=2

(i) A good research should be

(a) Systematic

(b) Logical

(c) Empirical

(d) All of the above

Ans: (d) All of the above

(ii) Which is the first step in conducting a research ?

(a) Research Design

(b) Collection of Data

(c)Research proposal

(d) Research Problem formulation

Ans: (d) Research Problem formulation.(The first step in conducting a research is to identify a research problem.)

2. Fill in the blanks: 1x2 = 2

(a) SPSS stands for Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

(b) Business Research means the discovery of new knowledge/concept in the field of business or commerce.

3. State True or False:    1×3=3

(a) Ho represents Null Hypothesis.

(b) It is desirable to check Plagiarism at the time of final submission of a Project/ Dissertation/Thesis.

(c) Normally Review of Literature is studied at the time of selection of a research topic.

Answers: 

(a) True. Ho represents the Null Hypothesis in statistical hypothesis testing. It is the assumption that there is no significant relationship or difference between variables.

(b) True. It is desirable to check plagiarism at the time of final submission of a project, dissertation, or thesis to ensure academic integrity and avoid any issues related to intellectual property rights. Plagiarism refers to the act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as one's own without proper attribution.

(c) False. Normally, the review of literature is conducted as a preliminary step before selecting a research topic. The purpose of the literature review is to familiarize oneself with existing knowledge, theories, and studies related to the research area of interest. It helps identify gaps in knowledge, refine research questions, and provide a theoretical foundation for the research study.

4.Answer any four:    2×4=8

(a) What do you mean by Research?

Research refers to a systematic and organized process of inquiry aimed at generating new knowledge, discovering or interpreting facts, solving problems, or improving existing theories and practices. It involves the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to answer research questions, test hypotheses, or achieve specific objectives.

(b) What is Population in Research?

In research, the population refers to the entire group of individuals, objects, or elements that share common characteristics and are the focus of the study. It is the larger group from which a sample is selected. The population represents the target group to which the research findings or conclusions will be generalized.

(c) Define a Hypothesis.

A hypothesis is a tentative statement or proposition that suggests a relationship between variables or predicts an outcome. It is an assumption or educated guess that guides the research and provides a basis for investigation. Hypotheses are formulated based on existing theories, observations, or previous research and are subjected to testing and analysis to determine their validity.

(d) Define Measurement.

Measurement refers to the process of assigning numerical values or labels to variables or characteristics of interest in a research study. It involves the use of specific instruments, scales, or procedures to quantify and collect data on variables. Measurement is crucial for obtaining objective and standardized data that can be analyzed and compared across different cases or groups.

(e) What do you mean by Research Gap?

Research gap refers to the existing knowledge void or lack of information within a particular field or topic of study. It represents an area or aspect that has not been sufficiently explored, researched, or addressed by previous studies or literature. Identifying research gaps is important as it provides a basis for formulating research questions, justifies the need for further investigation, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in a particular domain.

5.Write short notes on: (any three) 5×3=15

(a) Research Methodology

Ans:  Research Methodology:Research methodology refers to the systematic process and techniques employed to conduct research, ensuring that the study is valid, reliable, and yields meaningful results. It encompasses the overall approach, design, and procedures used in collecting and analyzing data.

Key components of research methodology include:

1. Research design: This involves selecting the appropriate approach or strategy for conducting the study, such as experimental, correlational, qualitative, or mixed-method designs. The research design guides data collection and analysis, addressing the research questions or hypotheses.

2. Data collection methods: Research methodology encompasses the selection and implementation of specific data collection techniques. These can include surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, or analysis of existing data. The chosen methods should align with the research objectives and enable the gathering of relevant and reliable data.

3. Sampling: Research methodology involves determining the target population, selecting a representative sample, and specifying the sampling technique. Proper sampling ensures that the findings can be generalized to the larger population with a certain level of confidence.

4. Data analysis: Research methodology includes the techniques and tools employed to analyze the collected data. This can involve statistical analysis, qualitative analysis, or a combination of both, depending on the research design and the nature of the data.

5. Ethical considerations: Research methodology includes ethical guidelines and principles that ensure the protection of participants' rights, privacy, and well-being. Ethical research practices involve informed consent, confidentiality, voluntary participation, and minimizing potential harm to participants.

(b) Ethics in Research

Ans: Ethics in Research:Ethics in research refers to the moral principles and guidelines that govern the conduct of research involving human subjects or animals. It ensures that research is carried out in a responsible and ethical manner, prioritizing the well-being and rights of participants.

Key aspects of ethics in research include:

1. Informed consent: Researchers must obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring they understand the purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits of the study. Participants should have the freedom to voluntarily participate or withdraw from the research at any time.

2. Confidentiality and privacy: Researchers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of participants' personal information and ensuring privacy during data collection, analysis, and reporting. Identifiable data should be protected and disclosed only as required by law or with the participant's consent.

3. Minimizing harm: Researchers should minimize any potential physical, psychological, or social harm to participants. They must conduct a risk-benefit analysis and take appropriate measures to protect participants' well-being throughout the research process.

4. Integrity and honesty: Researchers should adhere to principles of integrity, honesty, and transparency. They should accurately report the methods, findings, and limitations of their research, avoiding fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism.

5. Institutional review and oversight: Research involving human subjects should undergo ethical review by an institutional review board or ethics committee. These bodies assess the research proposal's ethical implications, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and guidelines.

Adhering to ethical principles in research helps build trust, ensures the integrity of the research process, and protects the rights and welfare of participants. It is crucial for maintaining the credibility and validity of research findings and upholding ethical standards in the scientific community.

(c) Questionnaire

Ans:  Questionnaire: A questionnaire is a data collection tool used in research that consists of a set of structured questions designed to gather information from respondents. It is a popular method for collecting primary data, particularly for surveys and quantitative research studies. 

Key points about questionnaires include:

1. Structure: Questionnaires are typically organized with a series of questions that cover various topics or aspects related to the research objectives. The questions can be closed-ended (with predefined response options) or open-ended (allowing respondents to provide detailed answers).

2. Standardization: Questionnaires aim to ensure consistency and comparability by using standardized questions and response formats. This allows for easy data entry and analysis, as well as comparison across different respondents or groups.

3. Objectivity: Questionnaires are designed to be objective, minimizing any bias that may influence respondents' answers. Questions are formulated in a clear and unbiased manner to obtain accurate and reliable data.

4. Versatility: Questionnaires can be administered through various means, including paper-based surveys, online surveys, or interviews conducted in person or over the phone. This versatility enables researchers to reach a wide range of participants and collect data efficiently. 

(d) Project Report writing

Ans:  Project Report Writing: Project report writing refers to the process of documenting and presenting the findings, analysis, and outcomes of a research project or study. It is a comprehensive report that provides a detailed account of the research process, methodology, results, and conclusions.

Key aspects of project report writing include:

1. Structure: A project report typically follows a specific structure, including an introduction, literature review, research methodology, findings, analysis, discussion, and conclusion. Each section serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall report.

2. Clarity and coherence: Project reports should be written in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that the information is organized and presented in a logical sequence. It should be easy to understand and follow for readers.

3. Objectivity and accuracy: Project reports should be based on factual information and objective analysis. Researchers should accurately represent the research process, data collection methods, and findings without any bias or subjective interpretations.

4. Visual aids: Project reports may include tables, charts, graphs, and other visual aids to present data and findings effectively. Visual aids enhance understanding and provide a visual representation of complex information.

5. Recommendations and implications: Project reports often include recommendations based on the research findings. These recommendations suggest practical implications and potential actions that can be taken based on the research outcomes.

(e) Chi-squared Test or ANOVA Table

Ans: Chi-squared Test or ANOVA Table: Chi-squared test and ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) table are statistical tools used in data analysis to assess relationships or differences between variables. They are commonly used in quantitative research studies to analyze categorical or continuous data, respectively.

Key points about Chi-squared test and ANOVA table include:

1. Chi-squared test: The chi-squared test is used to determine if there is a significant association between two categorical variables. It compares observed frequencies with expected frequencies and calculates a chi-squared statistic. The test helps researchers understand whether the observed relationship is statistically significant or due to chance.

2. ANOVA table: ANOVA table is used to analyze the differences between means across two or more groups or conditions. It assesses the variability within and between groups and calculates the F-statistic. ANOVA is used to determine if there are significant differences among the group means.

Both chi-squared test and ANOVA table are widely used statistical techniques that provide valuable insights into the relationships, differences, and significance levels in data analysis. They help researchers draw meaningful conclusions from their data and make statistical inferences about the population under study.

6. Answer any two:     10×2=20

(a) What do you mean by Data Analysis? Explain the various sources of collecting Primary Data.    4+6=10

Ans:  Data analysis refers to the process of examining, cleaning, transforming, and interpreting data in order to derive meaningful insights and draw conclusions. It involves organizing and analyzing data to identify patterns, relationships, trends, and associations that can inform decision-making and address research objectives.

Sources of collecting primary data:

1. Surveys: Surveys involve collecting data by directly asking questions to individuals or organizations. This can be done through questionnaires, interviews (face-to-face, telephone, or online), or self-administered surveys. Surveys allow researchers to gather a wide range of information, including opinions, attitudes, preferences, and behaviors.

2. Observations: Observations involve systematically watching and recording behaviors, events, or phenomena. Researchers can collect primary data by observing individuals, groups, or environments. This method is particularly useful for studying human behavior, interactions, and naturalistic settings.

3. Experiments: Experiments involve manipulating variables under controlled conditions to observe the effects and gather data. Researchers can collect primary data by conducting experiments in laboratory settings or real-world contexts. This method allows for the investigation of cause-and-effect relationships.

4. Interviews: Interviews involve direct interactions between the researcher and the participant, where the researcher asks questions and collects responses. Interviews can be structured (with pre-determined questions) or unstructured (allowing for open-ended discussions). This method provides in-depth insights into individuals' experiences, perspectives, and motivations.

5. Focus groups: Focus groups involve bringing together a small group of individuals to discuss specific topics or issues. Researchers facilitate group discussions, encouraging participants to share their opinions and experiences. Focus groups provide qualitative data and generate rich insights through group dynamics and interactions.

6. Case studies: Case studies involve in-depth investigation and analysis of a specific individual, group, organization, or phenomenon. Researchers collect primary data through multiple methods, including interviews, observations, and document analysis. Case studies provide detailed and context-specific information.

These sources of primary data collection offer different approaches to gathering information, each with its own strengths and limitations. Researchers choose the most appropriate method based on the research objectives, nature of the study, available resources, and the type of data needed to answer research questions effectively.

(b) What is a Sample? Why Sampling is required in Research ? Write its five advantages.    2+3+5=10

Ans: A sample refers to a subset of individuals, items, or units selected from a larger population. In research, sampling is the process of selecting and studying a representative group of participants or elements from the target population. 

Sampling is required in research for several reasons:

1. Practicality: Research often involves studying large populations that are impractical or impossible to investigate in their entirety. Sampling allows researchers to study a smaller subset of the population while still drawing valid conclusions.

2. Cost-effectiveness: Conducting research on an entire population can be time-consuming and expensive. Sampling reduces the cost and resources required for data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

3. Feasibility: In some cases, the target population may be difficult to access due to logistical or geographical constraints. Sampling provides a manageable and accessible group for study.

4. Time efficiency: Sampling allows researchers to collect data efficiently by focusing on a smaller group. This enables timely completion of research projects and facilitates quicker analysis and reporting of results.

5. Generalizability: Well-designed sampling techniques ensure that the selected sample is representative of the target population. Findings from the sample can be generalized to the larger population with an acceptable level of confidence.

Advantages of sampling in research:

1. Increased efficiency: Sampling reduces the time and effort required to collect data by focusing on a subset of the population, allowing researchers to study more cases within a limited timeframe.

2. Cost savings: Sampling is more cost-effective than conducting research on an entire population, as it reduces expenses associated with data collection, recruitment, and analysis.

3. Manageability: Working with a smaller sample allows researchers to more effectively handle and analyze data, reducing the complexity and improving the quality of the research process.

4. Representativeness: Properly conducted sampling ensures that the selected sample accurately represents the characteristics of the target population. This enhances the external validity of the research, allowing for generalization of findings.

5. Ethical considerations: Sampling reduces the burden on potential participants by selecting a representative sample from the population, rather than involving every individual. This helps to protect participants' rights and privacy while still achieving research objectives.

In summary, sampling is a vital component of research methodology that allows researchers to study a representative subset of a population efficiently and cost-effectively. It enhances generalizability, feasibility, and ethical considerations while providing several advantages such as increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved manageability of data.

(c)Write various steps of an ideal Research Design. Also explain five features of good Research Design.   5+5=10

Ans: The steps of an ideal research design can vary depending on the nature of the study and the specific research methodology being employed. However, the following are some general steps that are typically involved in developing a research design:

1. Identify the research problem: Clearly define the research problem or objective that the study aims to address. This involves identifying gaps in existing knowledge, formulating research questions or hypotheses, and setting specific objectives.

2. Review existing literature: Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature to understand the current state of knowledge on the topic. This helps to identify gaps, establish theoretical foundations, and determine the most appropriate research methodology.

3. Determine the research design: Select the most appropriate research design based on the research objectives, nature of the problem, available resources, and feasibility. Common research designs include experimental, correlational, descriptive, or qualitative designs.

4. Define the sample and sampling technique: Determine the target population and select a suitable sampling technique to obtain a representative sample. Consider factors such as sample size, sampling method (random, stratified, etc.), and any inclusion or exclusion criteria.

5. Collect data: Determine the data collection methods and tools based on the research design. This may involve surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, or analysis of existing data. Develop protocols and instruments for data collection.

6. Analyze data: Apply appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques to analyze the collected data. This may involve descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, content analysis, thematic analysis, or other methods based on the research questions.

7. Interpret and report findings: Interpret the results of the data analysis in the context of the research objectives. Draw conclusions, discuss implications, and relate findings to existing theories or literature. Prepare a comprehensive research report or publication.

The Following are the  five features of a good research design:

1. Clarity and focus: A good research design clearly defines the research problem and objectives, ensuring that the study remains focused and relevant. It provides a clear roadmap for addressing the research questions or hypotheses.

2. Validity: A good research design ensures the validity of the findings by employing appropriate methodologies, data collection tools, and sampling techniques. It minimizes biases and allows for reliable and accurate measurement of variables.

3. Reliability: A good research design promotes reliability by using standardized procedures and protocols for data collection and analysis. It enables the study to be replicated or repeated by other researchers to validate the findings.

4. Feasibility: A good research design takes into account practical considerations such as available resources, time constraints, and ethical considerations. It is realistic and achievable within the given constraints.

5. Generalizability: A good research design considers the potential generalizability of the findings beyond the study sample or context. It aims to obtain results that can be applicable to a broader population or similar settings, enhancing the external validity of the study.

(d) Distinguish between Questionnaire and Schedule. 10

Ans: Questionnaire and schedule are both methods used in research and data collection, but they differ in their structure and purpose.

1. Structure:

- Questionnaire: A questionnaire consists of a set of pre-determined questions presented to respondents. It can be in written or electronic format, with respondents providing their answers by selecting options or writing responses.

- Schedule: A schedule is a structured form or document used to collect specific information from individuals or organizations. It includes a predefined set of questions or fields that need to be completed.

2. Purpose:

- Questionnaire: Questionnaires are commonly used to gather data from a large number of respondents. They aim to obtain information on opinions, attitudes, behaviors, and demographic details. Questionnaires are more flexible and allow for a wider range of responses.

- Schedule: Schedules are often used to collect detailed and specific information from selected individuals or organizations. They are commonly employed in surveys, censuses, or research studies that require standardized data collection. Schedules provide a standardized format for collecting data, ensuring consistency in responses.

3. Administration:

- Questionnaire: Questionnaires can be self-administered by respondents or completed in person during interviews. They can be distributed through various means such as mail, online platforms, or handouts.

- Schedule: Schedules are usually administered through personal interviews or by trained enumerators who assist respondents in filling out the forms. They require direct interaction between the interviewer and the respondent.

4. Flexibility:

- Questionnaire: Questionnaires offer greater flexibility in terms of response options and the ability to include open-ended questions. They allow respondents to provide more detailed explanations and opinions.

- Schedule: Schedules are generally more rigid and structured, with limited response options. They focus on obtaining specific information required for analysis and may not allow for extensive elaboration by respondents.

In summary, questionnaires are flexible, self-administered tools used to gather information from a large number of respondents, while schedules are structured forms designed to collect specific data from selected individuals or organizations through direct interaction.

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Also Read: Business Reasearch method & Project Work Question Paper 2022