Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
1- Hypothesis refers to
A. The outcome of an experiment
B. A conclusion drawn from an experiment
C. A form of bias in which the subject tries to outguess the experimenter
D. A tentative statement about the relationship
2- Statistics is used by researchers to
A. Analyze the empirical data collected in a study
B. Make their findings sound better
C. Operationally define their variables
D. Ensure the study comes out the way it was intended
3- A literature review requires
A. Planning
B. Good & clear writing
C. Lot of rewriting
D. All of the above
4- A literature review is based on the assumption that
A. Copy from the work of others
B. Knowledge accumulates and learns from the work of others
C. Knowledge disaccumulates
D. None of the above option
5- A theoretical framework
A. Elaborates the r/s among the variables
B. Explains the logic underlying these r/s
C. Describes the nature and direction of the r/s
D. All of the above
6- Which of the following statement is not true?
A. A research proposal is a document that presents a plan for a project
B. A research proposal shows that the researcher is capable of successfully conducting the proposed research project
C. A research proposal is an unorganized and unplanned project
D. A research proposal is just like a research report and written before the research project
7- Preliminary data collection is a part of the
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
A. Descriptive research
B. Exploratory research
C. Applied research
D. Explanatory research
8- Conducting surveys is the most common method of generating
A. Primary data
B. Secondary data
C. Qualitative data
D. None of the above
9- After identifying the important variables and establishing the logical reasoning in theoretical framework, the next step in the research process is
A. To conduct surveys
B. To generate the hypothesis
C. To focus group discussions
D. To use experiments in an investigation
10- The appropriate analytical technique is determined by
A. The research design
B. Nature of the data collected
C. Nature of the hypothesis
D. Both A & B
11- Personal interviews conducted in shopping malls are known as:
a. Mall interviews
b. Mall intercept interviews
c. Brief interviews
d. None of the given options
12-WATS lines provided by long distance telephone service at fixed rates. In this regard, WATS is the abbreviation of:
e. West Africa Theological Seminary
f. Washtenaw Area Transportation Study
g. Wide Area Telecommunications Service
h. World Air Transport Statistics
13-A list of questions which is handed over to the respondent, who reads the questions and records the answers himself is known as the:
i. Interview schedule
j. Questionnaire
k. Interview guide
l. All of the given options
14-One of the most critical stages in the survey research process is:
m. Research design
n. Questionnaire design
o. Interview design
p. Survey design
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
15-Question that consists of two or more questions joined together is called a:
q. Double barreled question
r. General question
s. Accurate question
t. Confusing question
16-The number of questionnaires returned or completed divided by the total number of eligible people who were contacted or asked to participate in the survey is called the:
u. Response rate
v. Participation rate
w. Inflation rate
x. None of the given options
17-To obtain the freest opinion of the respondent, when we ask general question before a specific question then this procedure is called as the:
y. Research technique
z. Qualitative technique
aa. Funnel technique
bb. Quantitative technique
18-A small scale trial run of a particular component is known as:
cc. Pilot testing
dd. Pre-testing
ee. Lab experiments
ff. Both A & B
18-Field testing of the questionnaire shows that:
gg. Respondents are willing to co-operate
hh. Respondents are not willing to co-operate
ii. Respondents do not like any participation
jj. All of the given options
19- Service evaluation of hotels and restaurants can be done by the:
kk. Self-administered questionnaires
ll. Office assistant
mm. Manager
nn. None of the given options
20- Service evaluation of hotels and restaurants can be done by the:
oo. Self-administered questionnaires
pp. Office assistant
qq. Manager
rr. None of the given options
21-Discrete variable is also called……….
- Categorical variable
- Discontinuous variable
- Both A & B
- None of the above
22-“Officers in my organization have higher than average level of commitment” Such a hypothesis is an example of……….
A. Descriptive Hypothesis
B. Directional Hypothesis
C. Relational Hypothesis
D. All of the above
23-‘Science’ refers to……….
A. A system for producing knowledge
B. The knowledge produced by a system
C. Both A & B
D. None of the above
24-Which one of the following is not a characteristic of scientific method?
- Deterministic
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
- Rationalism
- Empirical
- Abstraction
25-The theoretical framework discusses the interrelationships among the……….
A. Variables
B. Hypothesis
C. Concept
D. Theory
26-………research is based on naturalism.
A. Field research
B. Descriptive research
C. Basic research
D. Applied research
27-Personal interviews conducted in shopping malls are known as………
E. Mall interviews
F. Mall intercept interviews
G. Brief interviews
H. None of the given options
28- ……… is used to obtain the freest opinion of the respondent, by asking general question before a specific question.
I. Research technique
J. Qualitative technique
K. Funnel technique
L. Quantitative technique
29-In, ___________the interviewer and members jointly control the pace and direction of the interview.
M. Field interview
N. Telephonic interview
O. Both A and B
P. None of the given options
30-Randomization of test units is a part of ………
Q. Pretest
R. Posttest
S. Matching
T. Experiment
31- Rationalism is the application of which of the following?
A. Logic and arguments
B. Research solution
C. Reasoning
D. Previous findings
32- On which of the following, scientific knowledge mostly relies?
A. Logical understanding
B. Identification of events
C. Prior knowledge
D. All of the given options
33- Which of the following refers to research supported by measurable
evidence?
A. Opinion
B. Empiricism
C. Speculation
D. Rationalism
34-Research method is applicable in all of the following fields, EXCEPT;
A. Health care
B. Religion
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
C. Business
D. Government offices
35- All of the following are true statements about action research, EXCEPT;
A. Data are systematically analyzed
B. Data are collected systematically
C. Results are generalizable
D. Results are used to improve practice
36-Which of the following is characteristic of action research?
A. Variables are tightly controlled
B. Results are generalizable
C. Data are usually qualitative
D. Results demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships
37-If a researcher is studying the effect of using laptops in his classroom to ascertain their merit and worth; he is likely conducting which of the following types of research?
A. Experimental
B. Applied
C. Basic
D. Evaluation
38- Exploratory research addresses which of the following types of question?
A. If
B. How
C. Why
D. What
39- Which of the following is not the source for getting information for exploratory research?
A. Content analysis
B. Survey
C. Case study
D. Pilot study
40- Which of the following is the main quality of a good theory?
A. A theory that has survived attempts at falsification
B. A theory that is proven to be right
C. A theory that has been disproved
D. A theory that has been falsified
41- A variable that is presumed to cause a change in another variable is known as:
A. Discontinuous variable
B. Dependent variable
C. Independent variable
D. Intervening variable
42- Which of the following is the opposite of a variable?
A. An extraneous variable
B. A dependent variable
C. A data set
D. A constant
43- Which of the following is not a concept?
A. Leadership
B. Total Quality Management
C. Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
D. Human Resource Management
44- Which of the following can best be described as a categorical variable?
A. Age
B. Annual income
C. Grade point average
D. Religion
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
45-“Income distribution of employees” in a specific organization is an example of which of following type of variable?
A. Discontinuous variable
B. Continuous variable
C. Dependent variable
D. Independent variable
46-“There is no relationship between higher motivation level and higher efficiency” is an example of which type of hypothesis?
A. Alternative
B. Null
C. Co relational
D. Research
47- Which of the following is not a role of hypothesis?
A. Guides the direction of the study
B. Determine feasibility of conducting the study
C. Identifies relevant and irrelevant facts
D. Provides framework for organizing the conclusions
48-Hypothesis test may also be called as:
A. Informal test
B. Significance test
C. Moderating test
D. T-test
49-Which type of review compares how different theories address an issue?
A. Context review
B. Integrated review
C. Theoretical review
D. Methodological review
50-After you locate a source, you should write down all details of the reference, EXCEPT;
A. Volumes
B. Titles
C. Price
D. Full names of the authors
51- ___________research is based on naturalism.
A. Field research
B. Descriptive research
C. Basic research
D. Applied research
52- Personal interviews conducted in shopping malls are known as_________
A. Mall interviews
B. Mall intercepts interviews
C. Brief interviews
D. None of the given options
53- ____________is used to obtain the freest opinion of the respondent, by asking
general question before a specific question.
A. Research technique
B. Qualitative technique
C. Funnel technique
D. Quantitative technique
54- In, ____________the interviewer and members jointly control the pace and
direction of the interview.
A. Field interview
B. Telephonic interview
C. Both A and B
D. None of the given options
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
55- Randomization of test units is a part of ______________
A. Pretest
B. Posttest
C. Matching
D. Experiment
56- Which one of the following sets is the measure of central tendency?
a. Mean, standard deviation, mode
b. Mean, median, standard deviation
c. Arithmetic mean, median, mode
d. Standard deviation, internal validity, mode
57- Internal validity refers to.
a. Researcher’s degree of confidence.
b. Generalisability
c. Operationalization
d. All of the above
58- How many times the students appear in the research class is the example of _________.
a. Intensity
b. Space
c. Frequency
d. Direction
59- Time consumed in mall intercept interview is .
a. High
b. Moderate
c. Low
d. Nil
60- Departmental stores selected to test a new merchandising display system is
the example of .
a. Quota sampling
b. Convenience sampling
c. Judgmental sampling
d. Purposive sampling
61- In ___________, the researcher attempts to control and/ or manipulate the variables in
the study.
1. Experiment
2. Hypothesis
3. Theoretical framework
4. Research design
62- In an experimental research study, the primary goal is to isolate and identify the effect
produced by the ____.
1. Dependent variable
2. Extraneous variable
3. Independent variable
4. Confounding variable
63- A measure is reliable if it provides consistent ___________.
1. Hypothesis
2. Results
3. Procedure
4. Sensitivity
64- The interview in which questions are already prepared is called ________.
1. Telephonic interview
2. Personal interview
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
3. Unstructured interview
4. Structured interview
65-The numerical description that describe sample may be expected to differ from those
that describe population because of random fluctuations inherent in sampling process.
1. Sampling design
2. Non-probability sampling
3. Sampling error
4. Probability sampling
66- In ______________ , each population element has a known and equal chance of
selection.
1. Purposive sampling
2. Quota sampling
3. Stratified sampling
4. Simple random sampling
67- ______ is the evidence that the instrument, techniques, or process used to measure
concept does indeed measure the intended concepts.
1. Reliability
2. Replicability
3. Scaling
4. Validity
68- A researcher is interested in studying why the “new math” of the 1960s failed. She interviews several teachers who used the new math during the 1960s. These teachers are considered as:
1. Primary sources
2. Secondary Sources
3. External critics
4. Internal critics
69- Which of the following is NOT true about stratified random sampling?
1. It involves a random selection process from identified subgroups
2. Proportions of groups in the sample must always match their population
proportions
3. Disproportional stratified random sampling is especially helpful for getting large
enough subgroup samples when subgroup comparisons are to be done
4. Proportional stratified random sampling yields a representative sample
70- Experimental design is the only appropriate design where_________ relationship can
be established.
1. Strong
2. Linear
3. Weak
4. Cause and Effect
71. Discrete variable is also called……….
- Categorical variable
- Discontinuous variable
- Both A & B
- None of the above
72.“Officers in my organization have higher than average level of commitment”
Such a hypothesis is an example of……….
E. Descriptive Hypothesis
F. Directional Hypothesis
G. Relational Hypothesis
H. All of the above
73.‘Science’ refers to……….
E. A system for producing knowledge
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
F. The knowledge produced by a system
G. Both A & B
H. None of the above
74.Which one of the following is not a characteristic of scientific method?
- Deterministic
- Rationalism
- Empirical
- Abstraction
73.The theoretical framework discusses the interrelationships among the……….
E. Variables
F. Hypothesis
G. Concept
H. Theory
74.………research is based on naturalism.
U. Field research
V. Descriptive research
W. Basic research
X. Applied research
75.Personal interviews conducted in shopping malls are known as………
Y. Mall interviews
Z. Mall intercept interviews
AA. Brief interviews
BB. None of the given options
76.……… is used to obtain the freest opinion of the respondent, by asking general question before a specific question.
CC. Research technique
DD. Qualitative technique
EE. Funnel technique
FF. Quantitative technique
77.In, ……… the interviewer and members jointly control the pace and direction of the interview.
GG.Field interview
HH. Telephonic interview
II. Both A and B
JJ. None of the given options
78.Randomization of test units is a part of ………
KK. Pretest
LL. Posttest
MM. Matching
NN. Experiment
79. In ___________, the researcher attempts to control and/ or manipulate the variables in the study.
1. Experiment
2. Hypothesis
3. Theoretical framework
4. Research design
80. In an experimental research study, the primary goal is to isolate and identify the effect produced by the ____.
1. Dependent variable
2. Extraneous variable
3. Independent variable
4. Confounding variable
81. A measure is reliable if it provides consistent ___________.
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
1. Hypothesis
2. Results
3. Procedure
4. Sensitivity
82. The interview in which questions are already prepared is called ________.
1. Telephonic interview
2. Personal interview
3. Unstructured interview
4. Structured interview
83. The numerical description that describe sample may be expected to differ from those that describe population because of random fluctuations inherent in sampling process.
1. Sampling design
2. Non-probability sampling
3. Sampling error
4. Probability sampling
84. In ______________ , each population element has a known and equal chance of
selection.
1. Purposive sampling
2. Quota sampling
3. Stratified sampling
4. Simple random sampling
85. ______ is the evidence that the instrument, techniques, or process used to measure concept does indeed measure the intended concepts.
1. Reliability
2. Replicability
3. Scaling
4. Validity
86. A researcher is interested in studying why the “new math” of the 1960s failed. She interviews several teachers who used the new math during the 1960s. These teachers are considered as:
1. Primary sources
2. Secondary Sources
3. External critics
4. Internal critics
87. Which of the following is NOT true about stratified random sampling?
1. It involves a random selection process from identified subgroups
2. Proportions of groups in the sample must always match their population
proportions
3. Disproportional stratified random sampling is especially helpful for getting large
enough subgroup samples when subgroup comparisons are to be done
4. Proportional stratified random sampling yields a representative sample
88. Experimental design is the only appropriate design where_________ relationship can be established.
1. Strong
2. Linear
3. Weak
4. Cause and Effect
89. Rationalism is the application of which of the following?
A. Logic and arguments
B. Research solution
C. Reasoning
D. Previous findings
90. On which of the following, scientific knowledge mostly relies?
A. Logical understanding
B. Identification of events
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
C. Prior knowledge
D. All of the given options
91. Which of the following refers to research supported by measurable
evidence?
A. Opinion
B. Empiricism
C. Speculation
D. Rationalism
92. Research method is applicable in all of the following fields, EXCEPT;
A. Health care
B. Religion
C. Business
D. Government offices
93. All of the following are true statements about action research, EXCEPT;
A. Data are systematically analyzed
B. Data are collected systematically
C. Results are generalizable
D. Results are used to improve practice
94. Which of the following is characteristic of action research?
A. Variables are tightly controlled
B. Results are generalizable
C. Data are usually qualitative
D. Results demonstrate cause-and-effect relationship
95. If a researcher is studying the effect of using laptops in his classroom to
ascertain their merit and worth, he is likely conducting which of the
following types of research?
A. Experimental
B. Applied
C. Basic
D. Evaluation
96. Exploratory research addresses which of the following types of
question?
A. If
B. How
C. Why
D. What
97. Which of the following is not the source for getting information for
exploratory research?
A. Content analysis
B. Survey
C. Case study
D. Pilot study
98. Which of the following is the main quality of a good theory?
A. A theory that has survived attempts at falsification
B. A theory that is proven to be right
C. A theory that has been disproved
D. A theory that has been falsified
100. Which of the following is not a concept?
A. Leadership
B. Total Quality Management
C. Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
D. Human Resource Management
101. A variable that is presumed to cause a change in another variable is
known as:
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
A. Discontinuous variable
B. Dependent variable
C. Independent variable
D. Intervening variable
102. Which of the following is the opposite of a variable?
A. An extraneous variable
B. A dependent variable
C. A data set
D. A constant
103. Which of the following can best be described as a categorical
variable?
A. Age
B. Annual income
C. Grade point average
D. Religion
104. “Income distribution of employees” in a specific organization is an
example of which of following type of variable?
A. Discontinuous variable
B. Continuous variable
C. Dependent variable
D. Independent variable
105. “There is no relationship between higher motivation level and higher
efficiency” is an example of which type of hypothesis?
A. Alternative
B. Null
C. Correlational
D. Research
106. Which of the following is not a role of hypothesis?
A. Guides the direction of the study
B. Determine feasibility of conducting the study
C. Identifies relevant and irrelevant facts
D. Provides framework for organizing the conclusions
107. Which type of review compares how different theories address an issue?
A. Context review
B. Integrated review
C. Theoretical review
D. Methodological review
108. After you locate a source, you should write down all details of the
reference, EXCEPT;
A. Volumes
B. Titles
C. Price
D. Full names of the authors
109. What is the primary focus of establishment surveys in this case study?
A. Collect the data through past studies
B. Analyze the literature review
C. Using of quantitative techniques
D. Data collection through mail and Interview
110. Which one of following is generally common in establishment survey and household survey?
A. Cognitive recall
B. Homogenous respondents
C. Error free
D. Response burden
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
111. Which one of the following is not of important consideration in establishment survey while designing questionnaires?
A. Response burden
B. Professional terminology
C. Cognitive recall
D. Use of Records
112. Which of the following method of data collection is not discussed in the case study?
A. Questionnaires
B. Interviews
C. Mail survey
D. Observations
113. Which of the following sampling technique is used for Employee Turnover and Job Openings survey?
A. Simple random sampling
B. Cluster sampling
C. Stratified sampling
D. Convenience sampling
114. Which one of the following is the limitation of establishment survey in this case study?
A. Cost
B. Limited data
C. Unskilled interviewer
D. Small sample size
115. Which of the following is not the part of specific protocol of focus groups in ETJO?
A. Concept and indicators
B. Definition
C. Availability of records
D. Cognitive recall
116. Which of the following is the draw back of pretest interview in ETJO survey?
A. Small simple size
B. Non cooperative response
C. Probing
D. Questionnaire format
117. Which of the following method of data collection is not used in the case study?
A. Questionnaires
B. Focus groups
C. Correlational method
D. Secondary data
118. What is the basic purpose of ETJO survey?
A. To assess the feasibility of collecting job-vacancy and turnover data by
occupation
B. To analyze the problem of labor shortage
C. To assess the motivation level of employees
D. To analyze the factor contributing towards employee turnover
119. Which of the following is the basic purpose of pretest interview in this case study?
A. To identified the potential problem
B. To know the sample size
C. To develop the questionnaire
D. To use agency representative
120. Which one of the following sampling type is used in operations test to select the
units?
A. Simple random sampling
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
B. Cluster sampling
C. Quota sampling
D. Judgment sampling
121. Which of the following is the basic purpose of Response analysis survey in the case study?
A. To assess the quality of ETJO survey data
B. To know the sample size of ETJO survey data
C. To develop the questionnaire for ETJO
D. To use agency representative for ETJO
122. After Operation test, which of the following test findings were suggested by the
researcher?
A. Need of highly skilled and well trained interviewer
B. Sample size should be increased
C. A decent increase in survey budget
D. Focus group should be included
123. In which one of the following stage researcher consult the literature?
A. Operation test
B. Response analysis survey
C. Document design analysis
D. Pretest interviews
124. Which one of the following sampling type is used in Response analysis survey
(RAS)?
A. Simple random sampling
B. Cluster sampling
C. Quota sampling
D. Stratified sampling
125. Which one of the following could be helpful for minimizing the bias in this case
study?
A. Cognitive research
B. Focus group
C. Pretest Interview
D. Response analysis survey
126. Which one of the following is useful in assessing and clarifying concepts and
definitions at the beginning stages of questionnaire?
A. Operation test
B. Document design analysis
C. Focus group
D. Response analysis survey
127. Which one of the following can be more helpful than others in order to determine the exact source of measurement errors in establishment survey?
A. Focus group
B. Operation test
C. Response analysis survey
D. Document design analysis
Identify the ‘True’ and ‘False’ statements. (05)
(1) Review of literature shows the incredibility of the body of knowledge and identifies the points at which the researcher made the research area ambiguous and unclear. (False)
(2) The literature survey provides a solid foundation for developing the theoretical framework. (True)
(3) The hypothesis should not only be specific to a place and situation but also these should be narrowed down with respect to its operation. (True )
(4) A cohort analysis is similar to cross-sectional research. (False)
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
(5) A literature review does not consider the prior studies, their agreements or disagreements in the field. (False)
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(1) Research hypothesis is formulated by the researcher which suggests the nature of relationship i.e. the direction of relationship.
(2) Correlational hypothesis merely states that the variables occur together and does not imply that one causes the other.
(3) Longitudinal type of research examine feature of any unit at more than one time.
(4) Historical review traces the development of an idea or shows how a particular issue or theory has evolved over time.
(5) Discontinuous variable is also known as discrete/ categorical/ classificatory variable.
6. Validity problems occur when the researcher’s theoretical definition does not
match that of the government agency or organization that collected the
information.
7. Reliability problems occur when official definition or the method of collecting
Information changes over time.
8. Secondary data refer to information gathered by someone other than the
researcher conducting the present study.
9. Experiments are best for topics where the researcher controls a situation and
manipulates an Independent variable.
10. A social indicator is any measure of wellbeing used in policy.
11.Two power bases of scientific knowledge are Empiricism and Rationalism
12.Action research is a type of Applied research
13.Three types of longitudinal research are time series, panel, and cohort
14.The research proposal is just like a research report, but it is written before the research project begins.
15.Natural science concepts are often expressed in symbolic forms.
16.The double blind experiment is designed to control experimenter expectancy.
17.Pilot testing is also called pre-testing.
18.The totality, out of which sample is drawn is referred to as population.
19.The physical setting of the interview creates Situational bias.
20.Probing is the verbal prompts made by field worker.
Long Questions:
Q1. Write any five similarities of Historical-Comparative research and Field
research?
Answer:
1. Both H-C research and field research recognize that the researcher’s point of view
is an avoidable part of research. Both involve interpretation, which introduce the
interpreter’s location in time, place, and world-view.
2. Both field and H-C research examine a great diversity of data. In both the
research becomes immersed in data to gain an emphatic understanding of events
and people.
3. Both field and H-C research often use grounded theory (theory usually emerges
during the process of data collection.)
4. Both field and H-C research involves a type of translation. The researcher’s
meaning system usually differs from that of people he or she studies, but he or she
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
tries to penetrate and understand their point of view.
5. Both field and H-C research focus on action, process, and sequence and see time
process as essential.
6. Generalization and theory are limited in field and H-C research.
Q2. How quantitative and qualitative techniques are applied in Historical-
Comparative research.
Answer:
Quantitative approach
The quantitative techniques with some minor adjustment can be applied to study the past
or other cultures.
􀂃 The researcher can focus on the issue in one society, few societies or multiple
societies.
􀂃 The researcher can focus on the issue in one time in the past or examine the issue
across many years/periods in the past.
􀂃 The researcher can focus on the issue in the present or a recent past period.
ô€‚ƒ The researcher’s analysis could be based primarily on quantitative data or
qualitative data.
Qualitative approach
􀂃 The researcher must be able to take on, mentally, the circumstances, views, and
feelings of those being studied to interpret their action appropriately.
􀂃 The historical-comparative research must find patterns among the voluminous
details describing the subject matter of study.
Question # 01
How do concrete and abstract concepts differ? Give example.
(Marks: 04)
Solution:
Concrete Concepts:
Concrete ones refer to straightforward physical objects or familiar experiences.
Abstract concepts:
Abstract concepts refer to ideas that have a scattered meaning or an indirect expression Abstraction is a thought process wherein ideas are distanced from objects.
The difference between concrete and abstract concepts can be expressed with some characterizations like,
- Abstract concepts have only relational properties while concrete concepts have some fundamental properties.
- Abstract concepts are universals and concrete concepts are particulars.
- Abstract concepts are sets (generalized) and concrete concepts are individuals (specified).
- Concrete concepts are known by observation whereas abstract concepts are known in some other way, e.g., by abstraction, by intuition, etc
Example
Print Media (Abstract)
Publication
News Paper
Daily Dawn (Concrete)
Question # 02
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
Given the situation below, Discuss with reason into which category they fall
- According to the purpose of doing research and
- The uses of research
(Marks: 03, 03)
Scenario 1:
Reasons for Absenteeism
A university professor wanted to analyze in depth the reasons for absenteeism of employees in organizations. Fortunately, a company within 20 miles of the campus employed her as a consultant to study that very issue.
Solution:
- According to the purpose of doing research :
It is Explanatory research as the purpose is to find out the reasons for a phenomenon i.e. absenteeism of employees in organizations. Research seeks to determine the answers to why question about a specific behavior.
- According to the uses of research:
It is applied research since, the problem is being faced by an organization and the research is called upon to solve it.
Scenario 2:
Effects of Nasal Spray on Flu
A research scientist surveys 1,000 employees in different organizational settings to study the efficacy of several types of nasal sprays in controlling the flu virus. He subsequently publishes his findings in a highly respected medical journal.
Solution:
- According to the purpose of doing research :
It is Descriptive research, as, the research question only finds out the special effects of several types of nasal sprays in controlling the flu virus in different organizational settings. It is to find out the relationship among the substances under study.
- According to the uses of research:
It is a Basic research since the underlying purpose is to expand the frontier of knowledge
.
Question#01:
Why turn over is high in some organizations?
As per above given query, explain the following components of Theoretical frame work; (Marks: 10)
i) Develop an inventory of variables (min. five variables required)
ii) Specify direction of relationship
iii) Give clear explanation why you should expect the proposed relationship exists
iv) Make an inventory of propositions
Ans:
i) Develop an inventory of variables
Salary Package is low, Inflexibility in working hours, Low decentralization (participation in decision making), Lack of other benefits (bonus, appraisals, conveyance facilities, etc), Poor working ambiance
ii) Specify direction of relationship
a) Between salary & turn-over negative relationship exists
b) Between flexible working hours & turn-over negative relationship exists
c) Between decentralization & turn-over negative relationship exists
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
d) Between extra benefits & turn-over negative relationship exists
e) Between ambiance & turn-over negative relationship exists
iii) Give clear explanation why you should expect the proposed relationship exists?
a) Between salary & turn-over negative relationship exists because in current era a good salary package has more attraction for employees to remain in the same organization. So organizations that keep themselves up-dated with privileged market salary packages usually have low turn over ratio.
b) Between flexible working hours & turn-over negative relationship exists because flexibility in working hours give some relaxation to employees especially in case when their targets are not achieved due to a reason able fact.
c) Between decentralization & turn-over negative relationship exists because participation in decision making raise confidence of employee and motivation level. So, organization have more decentralized system face low turn-over ratio.
d) Between extra benefits & turn-over negative relationship exists. The organizations offer different packages like bonuses, conveyance facilities etc, such organizations have more satisfies employees and low turn over.
e) Between ambiance & turn-over negative relationship exists. Working ambiance does matter a lot. Good ambiance that help in releasing working stress increase the employee motivation and interest in doing job well.
Question#02:
What is meant by a Research Proposal? Explain briefly. Also mention at what time a research proposal is submitted? (Marks: 05)
Note: (Copied data from hand outs will not be appreciated)
Ans:
A research proposal is a document that plans how and in which manner a research will be conducted. Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews. Such proposals must offer convincing support for your research topic. It means the topic/issue for which research study is being proposed should be sound enough to conduct a worthy research. The proposal must describe a detailed methodology for conducting the research i.e. which tools are going to be used in your research.
More over when writing a proposal it is well to assume that reader of your proposal is interested to find out the answer of these questions;
- What do you want to do, how much will it cost, and how much time will it take?
- What has already been done in the area of your project?
- How do you plan to do it?
- How will the results be evaluated?
A good proposal is that which well defines these questions and convinces the reader that research on specified issue is needed to conduct. So, the research proposal is submitted before starting the research project because in this you plan how the data will be collected and analyzed.
Q. Explain the difference between these terms with one example of each.
i. Population and target population
ii. Sampling unit and observation unit
iii. Parameter and statistic
i. Population and Target Population.
Population refers to the entire group of people, events or things of interest that the
researcher wishes to investigate.
Target population is the complete group of specific population elements relevant to the
research project.
Example
Suppose a researcher wants to investigate the productivity of employees working in
multinationals in Pakistan.
All the employees working in multinational will be the population.
The researcher wants to investigate the productivity of employees working in
multinational in FMCG sector in Pakistan.
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
All the employees working in multinationals in FMCG sector in Pakistan will be the
target population.
ii. Sampling Unit and Observation Unit
A sampling unit is that element or set of elements considered for selection in some stage
of sampling.
An observation unit is an element or aggregation of elements from which the
information is collected.
Example
In the above example the researcher selects employees from three FMCG multinationals
(Procter and Gamble, Unilever and Nestle) for data collection. Among these employees
he selected First Line Managers for collecting the data. Among all First Line Manager he
selects 40 Line managers for data collection.
In this example the employees from three FMCGs (Procter and Gamble, Unilever and
Nestle) are the primary sampling unit, all the First Line managers are the secondary/ final
sampling unit and the selected First Line managers are the observation unit.
iii. Parameter and Statistics
A parameter is the summary description of a given variable in a population while
Statistic is the summary description of a given variable in a survey sample.
Example
In the above example the mean productivity of all the employees working in the
multinational is the Parameter and the mean productivity of the First Line managers from
those the researcher collected the data is the Statistics.
Q: Define Research? Discuss the special features of Scientific method of Research?
Solution:
Definition of Research:
Research is an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions by gathering the needed information. General image of the research is that it has something to do with the laboratory where scientists are supposedly doing some experiments. Research is simply the process of finding solutions to a problem after thorough study and analysis of the situational factors. In research, we try to follow a system or a procedure in an organized manner. It is all the more necessary in case we want to repeat the study, or somebody else wants to verify our findings. In the latter case the other person has to follow the same procedure that we followed. Hence not only we have to do the study in a systematic manner but also that system should be known to others.
Special Features of Scientific Method of Research:
The Scientific method of Research is a procedure to produce knowledge and to discover the principles & laws in this universe.
Special Features of Scientific Method of Research are as follows:
1. Empirical
Scientific method is concerned with the realities that are observable through “sensory experiences.” It generates knowledge which is verifiable by experience or observation. Some of the realities could be directly observed, like the number of students present in the class and how many of them are male and how many female. The same students have attitudes, values, motivations, aspirations, and commitments. These are also realities which cannot be observed directly, but the researchers have designed ways to observe these indirectly. Any reality that cannot be put to “sensory experience” directly or indirectly (existence of heaven, the Day of Judgment, life hereafter, God’s rewards for good deeds) does not fall within the domain of scientific method.
2. Verifiable
Observations made through scientific method are to be verified again by using the senses to confirm or refute the previous findings. Such confirmations may have to be made by the same researcher or others. We will place more faith and credence in those findings and conclusions if similar findings emerge on the basis of data collected by other researchers using the same methods. To the extent that it does happen (i.e. the results are replicated or repeated) we will gain confidence in the scientific nature of our research. Replicability, in this way, is an important characteristic of scientific method. Hence revelations and intuitions are out of the domain of scientific method.
3. Cumulative
Prior to the start of any study the researchers try to scan through the literature and see that their study is not a repetition in ignorance. Instead of reinventing the wheel the researchers take stock of the existing body of knowledge and try to build on it. Also the researchers do
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
not leave their research findings into scattered bits and pieces. Facts and figures are to be provided with language and thereby inferences drawn. The results are to be organized and systematized. Nevertheless, we don’t want to leave our studies as stand alone. A linkage between the present and the previous body of knowledge has to be established, and that is how the knowledge accumulates.
4. Deterministic
Science is based on the assumption that all events have antecedent causes that are subject to identification and logical understanding. For the scientist, nothing “just happens” – it happens for a reason. The scientific researchers try to explain the emerging phenomenon by identifying its causes. Of the identified causes which ones can be the most important? For example, in the 2006 BA/BS examination of the Punjab University 67 percent of the students failed. What could be the determinants of such a mass failure of students? The researcher may try to explain this phenomenon and come up with variety of reasons which may pertain to students, teachers, administration, curriculum, books, examination system, and so on. Looking into such a large number of reasons may be highly cumbersome model for problem solution. It might be appropriate to tell, of all these factors which one is the most important. The researcher tries to narrow down the number of reasons in such a way that some action could taken.
5. Ethical and Ideological Neutrality
The conclusions drawn through interpretation of the results of data analysis should be objective; that is, they should be based on the facts of the findings derived from actual data, and not on our own subjective or emotional values. For instance, if we had a hypothesis that stated that greater participation in decision making will increase organizational commitment, and this was not supported by the results, it makes no sense if the researcher continues to argue that increased opportunities for employee participation would still help. Such an argument would be based, not on the factual, data based research findings, but on the subjective opinion of the researcher. If this was the conviction of the researcher all along, then there was no need to do the research in the first place. Researchers are human beings, having individual ideologies, religious affiliations, cultural differences which can influence the research findings. Any interference of their personal likings and dis-likings in their research can contaminate the purity of the data, which ultimately can affect the predictions made by the researcher. Therefore, one of the important characteristics of scientific method is to follow the principle of objectivity, uphold neutrality, and present the results in an unbiased manner.
6. Statistical Generalization
Generalisability refers to the scope of the research findings in one organizational setting to other settings. Obviously, the wider the range of applicability of the solutions generated by research, the more useful the research is to users. For instance, if a researcher’s findings that participation in decision making enhances organizational commitment are found to be true in a variety of manufacturing, industrial, and service organizations, and not merely in the particular organization studied by the researcher, the generalisability of the findings to other organizational settings is enhanced. The more generalizable the research, the greater its usefulness and value.
For wider generalisability, the research sampling design has to be logically developed. Here the use of statistics is very helpful. Statistics is device for comparing what is observed and what is logically expected. The use of statistics becomes helpful in making generalizations, which is one of the goals of scientific method.
7. Rationalism
Science is fundamentally a rational activity, and the scientific explanation must make sense. Religion may rest on revelations, custom, or traditions, gambling on faith, but science must rest on logical reason. There are two distinct logical systems important to the scientific quest, referred to as deductive logic and inductive logic.
Q: Define Hypothesis? What are different types of hypothesis? Explain.
Solution:
Definition of Hypothesis:
A proposition that can be verified to determine its reality is a hypothesis. A hypothesis may be defined as a logically conjectured relationship between two or more variables, expressed in the form of a testable statement. Relationship is proposed by using a strong logical argumentation. This logical relationship may be part of theoretical framework of the study.
For example,
- Officers in my organization have higher than average level of commitment (variable).
- Level of job commitment of the officers is associated with their level of efficiency.
- Level of job commitment of the officers is positively associated with their level of efficiency.
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
- The higher the level of job commitment of the officers the lower their level of absenteeism.
Types of Hypothesis:
There are different types of hypothesis which are as follows.
1-Descriptive Hypothesis
Descriptive hypothesis contains only one variable thereby it is also called as univariate hypothesis. Descriptive hypotheses typically state the existence, size, form, or distribution of some variable. The first hypothesis contains only one variable. It only shows the distribution of the level of commitment among the officers of the organization which is higher than average. Such a hypothesis is an example of a Descriptive Hypothesis.
2- Relational Hypothesis
These are the propositions that describe a relationship between two variables. The relationship could be non-directional or directional, positive or negative, causal or simply correlational.
While stating the relationship between the two variables, if the terms of positive, negative, more than, or less than are used then such hypotheses are directional because the direction of the relationship between the variables (positive/negative) has been indicated. These hypotheses are relational as well as directional. The directional hypothesis is the one in which the direction of the relationship has been specified.
Non-directional hypothesis is the one in which the direction of the association has not been specified. The relationship may be very strong but whether it is positive or negative has not been postulated.
Correlational hypotheses state merely that the variables occur together in some specified manner without implying that one causes the other. Such weak claims are often made when we believe that there are more basic causal forces that affect both variables. For example:
Level of job commitment of the officers is positively associated with their level of efficiency.
Explanatory (causal) hypotheses imply the existence of, or a change in, one variable causes or leads to a change in the other variable. This brings in the notions of independent and the dependent variables. Cause means to “help make happen.” So the independent variable may not be the sole reason for the existence of, or change in the dependent variable.
3- Null Hypothesis
It is used for testing the hypothesis formulated by the researcher. Researchers treat evidence that supports a hypothesis differently from the evidence that opposes it. They give negative evidence more importance than to the positive one. It is because the negative evidence tarnishes the hypothesis. It shows that the predictions made by the hypothesis are wrong. The null hypothesis simply states that there is no relationship between the variables or the relationship between the variables is “zero.” That is how symbolically null hypothesis is denoted as “H0”. For example:
H0 = There is no relationship between the level of job commitment and the level of efficiency. Or
H0 = The relationship between level of job commitment and the level of efficiency is zero. Or the two variables are independent of each other.
It does not take into consideration the direction of association (i.e. H0 is non directional), which may be a second step in testing the hypothesis.
4- Alternative Hypothesis
The alternative (to the null) hypothesis simply states that there is a relationship between the variables under study. In our example it could be: there is a relationship between the level of job commitment and the level of efficiency. Not only there is an association between the two variables under study but also the relationship is perfect which is indicated by the number “1”. Thereby the alternative hypothesis is symbolically denoted as “H1”. It can be written like this:
H1: There is a relationship between the level of job commitment of the officers and their level of efficiency.
5- Research Hypothesis
Research hypothesis is the actual hypothesis formulated by the researcher which may also suggest the nature of relationship i.e. the direction of relationship. In our example it could be:
Level of job commitment of the officers is positively associated with their level of efficiency.
Q: Ahmad is the manager of a restaurant; he wants to see his staff cooperative and hardworking but his staff is not working well according to his will. He decided to give the incentives in order to motivate and encourage them but his policy did not work effectively. There can be many factors behind this behavior of staff that needs to be researched. For this purpose, he appoints you as a researcher and asks you to discover those factors and submit a report to him. How you will undertake this kind of
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
research and what steps you will choose to make a report about the behavior of the staff?
Solution:
The manager of the restaurant appoints me as a researcher to find out the factors behind the staff behavior. I will take the following steps in order to undertake this research and to make a report. These steps are as follows:
STEP 1: To Select the topic of research:
First of all I will select the topic which is a general area of study or issue. The topic in this research is the factors behind the staff behavior. A topic appears to be too broad for conducting research. The specific issues that need to be researched within the situation may not be identified at this stage. I will try to analyze the problems currently existing in the restaurant that needs to be solved and the areas that a manager believes need to be improved in the restaurant (improving the existing policies). Then I will develop some research questions that a basic researcher wants to answer empirically.
STEP 2: Preliminary Data Collection or to Explore different areas from where I can get information related to the restaurant and staff behavior:
After selecting the topic, I will collect data from different sources. This step may be considered as part of the exploratory research. An exploration typically begins with a search for published data and studies. Such sources can provide secondary data which becomes part of the background information (about the restaurant & groups of people). Some secondary sources of data are statistical bulletins, government publications, information published or unpublished, case studies, online data, web sites, and the Internet from where I can get information. In addition, information can also be collected from the people who are well informed about the staff and restaurant, especially those who have clearly stated positions on controversial aspects of the problem. In certain situations, I will also focus on group discussions with the staff of the restaurant. Such discussions can help me in the identification of factors and having clarification of their behavior.
STEP 3: Problem Definition
After having discussions with the professionals as well as with the staff to whom the issue relates, and the review of literature, now I will be in a position to narrow down from its original broad base and define the factors clearly. Translate the broad issue into a research question. As part of the applied research convert the management dilemma into a management question, and then on to research question that fits the need to resolve the dilemma. The symptoms of a problem might help tracing the real problem. For example in this research, the productivity decline of workers is an issue. The manager has tried to solve it by the provision of incentives but his policy did not work. I will find the possible factors like the morale and motivation of the workers having some other antecedents.
STEP 4: To develop the Theoretical Framework
Consultations with the informants and professionals, and the review of literature will help me in the identification of different factors that are considered to be relevant. Now I will need to make a logical relationship among several factors identified. This will help in the delineation of the theoretical framework. The theoretical framework discusses the interrelationships among the variables that are deemed to be integral to the dynamics of the situation being investigated. Developing such a conceptual framework helps to postulate or hypothesize and test certain relationships.
STEP 5: To Generate the Hypotheses
Once I have identified the important variables relevant to an issue and established the logical reasoning in the theoretical framework, I will be in a position to test whether the relationships that have been theorized do in fact hold true. By testing these relationships scientifically, I will obtain reliable information to determine the relationship among the variables. The results of these tests offer part of the answers to the formulated research questions, whether these relate basic research or to applied research.
STEP 6: To make a Research Design
Research design is a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for collecting and analyzing the needed information. It is a framework or the blueprint that plans the action for research project. The objectives of the study determined during the early stages of the research are included in the design to ensure that the information collected is appropriate for solving the problem. It is very important to specify the sources of information, and the research method or technique (survey or experiment, for example) to be followed in the study. Broadly there are six basic research methods for descriptive and causal research: surveys, experiments, observation, communication analysis (content analysis), case study, focus group discussion.
STEP 7: Data Collection, Data Processing, and Analysis
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
Data collection is integral part of the research design; Data collection is determined by the research technique selected for the project. Data can be collected in a variety of ways, in different settings – field or lab – and from different sources. It could include interviews – face to face interviews, telephone interviews, computer-assisted interviews, and interviews through electronic media; questionnaires that either personally administered, sent through mail, or electronically administered; observation of individuals and events which could be participant or non participant. Once the fieldwork has been completed, the data must be converted into a format that will answer the research questions and help testing the hypotheses. The computer can help in making tables and the application of different statistics.
STEP 8: Testing the Hypotheses; Answering the Research Questions
The analysis and interpretation of the data shall be the means to testing the formulated hypotheses as well as finding answers to the research questions. In case of applied research, the research should be helpful in finding solutions to the problems of the organization or society. Making recommendations may also be part of this process.
STEP 9: Report Writing
The research report should communicate the research findings effectively. All too often the report is a complicated statement of the study’s technical aspects and sophisticated research methods. The report has to be presented in the format as it may have been part of the terms of reference if it is a sponsored study. I will write the basic factors behind the staff behavior in my report and I will also give some suggestions to the manager to motivate the staff so that they can work efficiently.
Q: Define the measure that is used by the researcher in order to capture the intensity, direction, level, or potency of a variable construct. Also describes the different types of that measure.
Solution:
The measure that is used by the researcher in order to capture the intensity, direction, level, or potency of a variable construct:
A scale is a measure in which a researcher captures the intensity, direction, level, or potency of a variable construct. It arranges responses or observations on a continuum or in series of categories. A scale can use a single indicator or multiple indicators.
An index is a measure in which a researcher adds or combines several distinct indicators of a construct into a single score. The composite scores is often a simple sum of the multiple indicators. Indexes are often measured at the interval or ratio level.
Researchers sometimes combine the features of scales and indexes in a single measure. This is common when a researcher has a several indicators that are scales (i.e. that measure intensity or direction). The researcher then adds these indicators together to yield a single score, thereby creating an index.
The different types of that measure:
A scale refers to any series of items that are arranged progressively according to value or magnitude, into which an item can be placed according to its quantification. In other words, a scale is a continuous spectrum or series of categories.
It is traditional to classify scales of measurement on the basis of the mathematical comparisons that are allowable with these scales. Four types of scales are nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.
Nominal Scale
A nominal scale is the one in which the numbers or letters assigned to objects serve as labels for identification or classification. This measurement scale is the simplest type. With nominal data, we are collecting information on a variable that naturally or by design can be grouped into two or more categories that are mutually exclusive, and collectively exhaustive.
Nominal scales are the least powerful of the four scales. They suggest no order or distance relationship and have no arithmetic origin. Nevertheless, if no other scale can be used, one can almost always one set of properties into a set of equivalent classes.
Ordinal Scale
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
Ordinal scales include the characteristics of the nominal scale plus an indicator of order. If a is greater than b and b is greater than c, then a is greater than c. The use of ordinal scale implies a statement of “greater than” or “less than” without stating how much greater or less. Other descriptors can be: “superior to,” “happier than,” “poorer than,” or “above.”
Interval Scale
Interval scales have the power of nominal and ordinal scales plus one additional strength: they incorporate the concept of equality of interval (the distance between 1 and 2 equals the distance between 2 and 3). For example, the elapsed time between 3 and 6 A. M. equals the time between 4 and 7 A. M. One cannot say, however, 6 A.M. is twice as late as 3 A.M. because “zero time” is an arbitrary origin. In the consumer price index, if the base year is 1983, the price level during 1983 will be set arbitrarily as 100. Although this is an equal interval measurement scale, the zero point is arbitrary.
Ratio Scale
Ratio scales incorporate all the powers of the previous scales plus the provision for absolute zero or origin. Ratio data represent the actual amounts of variable. Measures of physical dimensions such as weight, height, distance, and area are the examples. The absolute zero represents a point on the scale where there is an absence of the given attribute. If we hear that a person has zero amount of money, we understand the zero value of the amount.
Q: (a) Define the Probability & non-Probability sampling.
Solution (a):
Probability Sampling:
In probability sampling, every element in the population has a known nonzero probability of selection. The simple random is the best known probability sample, in which each member of the population has an equal probability of being selected.
Non-Probability Sampling:
In non-probability sampling the probability of any particular element of the population being chosen is unknown. The selection of units in non-probability sampling is quite arbitrary, as researchers rely heavily on personal judgment.
(b) “Snowball sampling is also known as network, chain referral or reputational sampling.” Comment on this statement.
Solution (b):
Snowball sampling:
Snowball sampling is also called network, chain referral, or reputational sampling. It is a method for identifying and sampling cases in the network. It is based on an analogy to a snowball, which begins small but becomes larger as it is rolled on wet snow and picks up additional snow. It begins with one or a few people or cases and spreads out on the basis of links to the initial cases.
This design has been found quite useful where respondents are difficult to identify and are best located through referral networks. In the initial stage of snowball sampling, individuals are discovered and may or may not be selected through probability methods. This group is then used to locate others who possess similar characteristics and who, in turn, identify others. The “snowball” gather subjects as it rolls along.
Example:
For example, a researcher examines friendship networks among teenagers in a community. He or she begins with three teenagers who do not know each other. Each teen names four close friends. The researcher then goes to the four friends and asks each to name four close friends, then goes to those four and does the same thing again, and so forth. Before long, a large number of people are involved. Each person in the sample is directly or indirectly tied to the original teenagers, and several people may have named the same person. The researcher eventually stops, either because no new names are given, indicating a closed network, or because the network is so large that it is at thee limit of what he or she can study.
(c)The purpose of cluster sampling is to sample economically while retaining the characteristics of a probability sample. At the same time, cluster sampling addresses two major problems. Discuss those problems.
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
Solution (c):
The purpose of cluster sampling is to sample economically while retaining the characteristics of a probability sample. At the same time, Cluster sampling addresses following two problems:
- Researchers lack a good sampling frame for a dispersed population and the cost to reach a sampled element is very high. A cluster is unit that contains final sampling elements but can be treated temporarily as a sampling element itself. A researcher first samples cluster, each of which contains elements, then draws a second sample from within the clusters selected in the first stage of sampling. In other words, the researcher randomly samples clusters, and then randomly samples elements from within the selected clusters. He or she can create a good sampling frame of clusters, even if it is impossible to create one for sampling elements. Once the researcher gets a sample of clusters, creating a sampling frame for elements within each cluster becomes more manageable.
- A second advantage for geographically dispersed populations is that elements within each cluster are physically closer to each other. This may produce a savings in locating or reaching each element.
Q: Briefly discuss the steps that are involved in conducting an experiment.
Solution:
Steps in Conducting an Experiment
Broadly there are about 12 steps in conducting an experiment, which are as below:
- Make a hypothesis that is appropriate for experimental research.
- Decide about an experimental design that will test the hypothesis within practical limitations.
- Decide how to create a situation that induces the independent variable.
- Develop a valid and reliable measure of the dependent variable.
- Set up an experimental setting and conduct a pilot test of the treatment and dependent variable measures.
- Locate appropriate subjects or cases.
- Randomly assign subjects to groups and give careful instructions.
- Gather data for the pretest measure of the dependent variable for all groups.
- Introduce the treatment to the experimental group only (or to the relevant groups if there are multiple experimental groups) and monitor all groups.
- Gather data for posttest measure of the dependent variable.
- Debrief the subjects by informing them of the true purpose and reasons for the experiment. Ask subjects what they thought was occurring.
- Examine data collected and make comparisons between different groups. Where appropriate, use statistics and graphs to determine whether or not the hypothesis is supported.
Q. Classify this research on the basis of:
i. Purpose of doing research.
ii. The use of research
iii. Time dimension in research
Justify your answer.
Answer:
i. It is an exploratory research. Because it was a new issue and no research was made on it before. The researchers had limited amount of information on this issue and this research provided bases for many other studies.
ii. It is a basic research because it provides knowledge generated to understand a phenomenon of interest to the researcher.
iii. It is a longitudinal research because it examines the employees at more than one time. The research is spread upon 1927 to 1932. A group of 6 women was selected for 5 years so it can be further classified as Panel study.
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
Q. Identify these variables used in the experiment:
i. Dependent variables
ii. Independent variables
iii. Extraneous variables
Justify your answer.
Answer:
i. The variable that is the result of another variable(s) is called a dependent variable. Productivity of the employees is the dependent variable in this case. Because it depends on many other independent variables.
ii. The variable that causes the dependent variable is called independent variable. It is a cause variable. In our example light illumination, rest breaks, duration of work hours, temperature, food, wages and humidity are independent variables because they affect productivity.
iii. Extraneous variables are factors other than the independent variable that could result in changes in the dependent variable. In an experiment, these factors should be controlled so that they are constant in all conditions. If they are not well-controlled, then they result in possible alternative explanations (other than changes in the independent variable) that could account for the changes observed in the dependent variable. Possible extraneous variables in this research can be knowledge of the employees that they are being observed (when employees know that they are being watched, they tend to modify their behavior), special attention paid to them, supervisor’s style, etc.
Q: What do you understand by the term “concepts are an abstraction of reality”? Explain with the help of an example.
Answer: Concepts are the terms and terminologies used by researchers as means of communication. They are expressed in words, letters, signs and symbols that refer to various events or objects. Abstraction simply means “generalization.” In research methods, we use this term “concepts are an abstraction of reality”. It means that we pick up concepts from observed reality and goes on to the abstraction level. It is a level at which objects and events are expressed in more generalized form.
For example Toyota is a concept, its abstraction is a car and its further abstraction would be motor vehicles. We have changed the simple concept (Toyota) into an abstraction (motor vehicles) which is a more generalized term.
Q: Join the options in column A with appropriate options given in column B. Identify the variables and give reasons for your choice.
| Column A | Column B |
| (a) Two men and three women were seriously injured in a road accident 25 km away from Lahore. | (i) Intervening variable |
| (b) Out break of Malaria in the city increased the consumption of mosquito repellents. | (ii) Independent and dependent variable |
| (c) Distance learning system increased the literacy level in the country. | (iii)Continuous and discontinuous variable |
Answer:
| Column A | Column B |
| (a) | (iii) |
| (b) | (ii) |
| (c) | (i) |
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
Identification of Variables:
(a) Men and Women are the example of discontinuous variables and the distance of 25 km is an example of continuous variable.
(b) ‘Out break of malaria’ is the independent variable and ‘increase in the purchase of mosquito repellents’ is dependent variable.
(c) There is a clear indication of many intervening variable such as flexible timing, low fees, low transportation cost, easy access to get education especially for far off areas.
Reasons:
(a) Discontinuous variable has limited number of distinct values which can not be divided into fractions, so male/female or men/women are discontinuous variables. Continuous variable can take infinite number of values and can be divided into fractions, so the distance is continuous variable as it can take any value e.g. 35km, 55.5 km etc.
(b) Independent variables are those variables which identifies forces or conditions that act on something. Malaria is the independent variable as it is causing change in other variable. Dependent variables are the effect or result of another variable. Their occurrence is dependent upon the occurrence of another variable. Increase in the consumption of mosquito repellents is an outcome of increasingly spreading Malaria disease.
(c) Intervening variables are those variables that come between independent and dependent variables and shows a link or mechanism between them. Distance learning (independent variable) has increased the literacy level (dependent variable) and there are other intervening variables which are supporting this relationship e.g. flexible timing, low fees, low transportation cost, easy access to get education especially for far off areas.
