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net

Prepared by: M. Khurram Siddiqui

MBA 3rd Semester (Finance)

Short Notes
Research Methods (STA 630)

Lesson No.1

Introduction, Definition, & Value of Research

Q what is research and what’s the value of research?

Solution
Research is something to do with the laboratory where scientists are apparently doing
some experiments / the process of finding solutions to a problem after through studying and
analyzing the situational factors. It is gathering information needed to answer a question, and
thereby help in solving a problem.
Value of Research_
The nature of research problems could vary. Problems may refer to some undesirable situation
or these may refer to simply a snooping of the research that may be agitating his or her mind.
For example, in a recent BA/BS examination of the Punjab University 67 percent of the students
failed. That is a colossal wastage of the resources, hence an undesirable situation that needs
research to find a solution. The researchers may come up with a variety of reasons that may
relate with the students, the teachers, the curricula, the availability of books, the examination
system, the family environment of the student, and many more. So a study may be carried out
diagnose the situation, and the recommendations to be applied to overcome the undesirable
situation of mass failure of students.
The value of research for policy makers, planners, business managers, and other stakeholders
is that it reduces uncertainty by providing information that improves the decision making
process. Decision making process associated with the development and implementation of a
strategy involves four interrelated stages,
 Identifying problems or opportunities
 Diagnosing and accessing problems or opportunities
 Selecting and implementing a course of action
 Evaluating the course of action

Lesson No.2

Scientific Method of Research & Its Special Features

What is Scientific method and write down its features or characteristics?
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Solution
Science is a way to produce knowledge, which is based on truth and attempts to be universal.
Science is a method or procedure to produce knowledge, which could be used for the solution
of problems as well as for the generation of universal theories, principles and laws through the
process of observation and re observation. Observation here means that scientists use “sensory
experiences” for the study of phenomenon. They not only do the observation of a phenomenon
but also repeat the observation several time because they want to definite and positive about
their findings, rather the results are organized, systematized, and made part of the existing body
of knowledge, all this procedure for the creation of knowledge is called “scientific method”.

Important Features or Characteristics of Scientific Method

Empirical_ Scientific method is concerned with the realities that are observable through
sensory experience and generates knowledge which verifiable by experience or observation.
Some of the realities could be observed directly but some are not observed directly but
researchers have designed ways to observe these indirectly.
Verifiable_ Knowledge observes through scientific method again verified by the same
researcher or other using senses to confirm, and place more faith and confidence in those
findings or conclusions, If similar findings emerge on the basis of data collected by other
researchers using the same method. They will gain confidence in the scientific nature of our
research.
Cumulative_ prior to the start of any study the researchers try to scan through literature and
see that their study is not a repetition in ignorance. Instead of reinvesting the wheel the
researchers take stock of the existing body of knowledge and create a linkage between the
present and previous body of knowledge has to be established and that is how the knowledge
accumulates.
Deterministic_ Science is based on the assumption that all events have antecedent causes
that are subject to identification and logical understanding. The scientific researchers try to
explain the emerging phenomenon by identifying its reasons. The researcher tries to narrow
down the large number of reasons which implies the explanation with the minimum number of
variables that are responsible for an undesirable situation in such a way some action could
taken.
Ethical and Ideological Objectivity_ The conclusions drawn though interpretation of the results
of data analysis should be objective that is they should be based on the facts of the finding
derived from actual data and not on our emotional values. Any interference of their personal
likings and dis liking in their research can contaminate the purity of data, which ultimately can
affect the predictions made by the researcher.
Statistical Generalization_ Generalizability refers to the scope of the research findings in one
organization setting to other settings. For wider Generalizability, the researcher sampling design
has to be logically developed and a number of other details in the data collection methods need
to be carefully followed. Here the use of statistics becomes very helpful in making
generalizations which is one of the goals of scientific method because it is a device for
comparing what is observed and what is logically expected.
Explanation_ Science is fundamentally a explanation activity and scientific explanation must
make sense.

Inductive Logic_ One starts from observed data and develops a generalization which explains
the relationships between the objects observed.
Deductive Logic_ One starts from some general law and applies it to a particular instance.
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Important features of scientific method say that there are two power bases of scientific
knowledge (i) Empiricism such as Sensory Experience or Observation and (ii) Rationalism such
as the logic explanations for regularity and then consequence ional argumentation for making
generalizations.

Experimental Design_ A study design in which the researcher might create An artificial setting,
control some variables and manipulates the independent variable to establish cause-and-effect
relationship is called Experimental Design.

Lesson No. 3
Classification of Research

What is exploratory research and write down goals of this research and also write about
sources used by exploratory research for collection of information?
Solution
If the issue was new or the researcher has written little on it, you began at the
beginning, this is called “exploratory research”.
Its may be the first stage in a sequence studies, and useful preliminary step for new
researcher’s. Exploratory research rarely yields definitive answers. It addresses the “what”
question i.e. what is this social activity really about, and difficult to conduct because there are
few guidelines to follow.

Goals of Exploratory Research

 Develop well grounded picture of the situation.
 Determine the feasibility of conducting the study.
 Become more familiar with the facts, setting, and concerns.
 Formulate questions and refine issues for more systematic inquiry.
 Develop tentative theories, generate new ideas.

Exploratory Research used following sources / tools for collecting information.

 Experience Surveys. In experience survey the researcher tries to contact individuals who
are knowledgeable about a particular research problem.
 Secondary Data Analysis. Another economical and quick source of background
information is secondary data analysis. It is preliminary review of data collected for
another purpose to clarify issues in the early stages of a research effort.
 Case Studies. The purpose of case study is to obtain information from one or a few
situations that are similar to the researcher’s problem situation.
 Pilot Studies. A pilot study implies that some aspect of the research is done on a small
scale.
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What is Descriptive Research and write down its goals and also write its sources for
collection of data.
Solution
A research that presents a picture of specific details of a situation, social setting, or
relationship is called “descriptive research”.
The major purpose of descriptive research is to describe characteristics of a population or
phenomenon, and seeks to determine the answers to who, what, when, where, and how
question. For examples labor force surveys, population census, and educational census. It
offers to the researcher a profile or description of relevant aspects of the phenomenon.

Goals of Descriptive Research

 Clarify sequence, set of stages.
 Present background information.
 Give a verbal or numerical picture of the situation.
 Create a set of categories or classify the information.
 Focus on who, what, when, where, and how, but not why?

Descriptive Research used following sources / tools for collecting information.

 Data Gathering Techniques like Surveys.
 Field Research
 Content Analysis.

What is explanatory research and write down its goals?

Solution.
When we encounter an issue that is already known and have a description of it, we
might begin to wonder why things are the way they are. The desire to know “why” to explain is
the purpose of explanatory. It builds on exploratory research and descriptive research and looks
for causes and reasons. For example why parents abuses their children.

 Explain things not just reporting such as “Why”?

 Elaborate and enrich a theory’s explanation.
 Determine which of several explanations is best.
 Advance knowledge about underlying process.
 Build and elaborate or enrich a theory’s predictions or principle.

Types of Applied Research

Major types of applied research used by practitioners are

 Action Research_ The applied research that treats knowledge as a form of power and
abolishes the line between research and social action is called “action research”. It
incorporates ordinary or popular knowledge like it focuses on power with a goal of
empowerment seeks to increase awareness and tied directly to political action. Action
researchers assume that knowledge develops from experience, particularly the
experience of social political action.
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 Impact Assessment Research_ its purpose is to estimate the likely consequences /
assessment of a planned change and making choices among alternative policies. Such
as assessment of Basha dam on the environment.
 Evaluation Research_ it addresses the question “did it work”, the process of
establishing value judgment based on evidence about the achievement of the goals of a
program. It measures the effectiveness of a program or policy and uses several research
techniques like survey, field research. Two types of evaluation research are
o Formative Evaluation Research_ It is built in monitoring or continuous feedback
on a program used for program management.
o Summative Evaluation Research_ Looks at final program outcomes

Compared Basic Research with Applied Research?

Solution

1. Basic Research_ The scientific community is the primary consumer of basic

research.
Applied Research_ The consumers of applied research findings are practitioners
such as teachers, counselors, and caseworkers etc.
2. Basic Research_ basic researchers emphasize high standards and try to conduct
near perfect research.
Applied Research_ Applied researcher make more trade offs.
3. Basic Research_ High standards applied
Applied Research_ Quick and dirty may not meet high standards.
4. Basic Research_ Logic and rigorous research design
Applied Research_ Apply to areas of interest of sponsors
5. Basic Research_ Success results published impact on other scientists.
Applied Research_ Success results are used by sponsors.

Lesson No. 4

Theory and Research

 Role of Theory_

Theory as a Orientation_ theory plays as a role of orientation because a major
function of a theoretical system is that it narrows the range of facts to be studied.
Suppose any phenomenon or object may be studied in many different ways.
Each science and specialization within a broader field abstracts from reality and
broad orientation of each field then focuses upon limited range of things while
ignoring or making assumptions about others.
Theory as a conceptualization and classification _ each science is organized
by a structure of concepts, which refer to major processes and objects to be
studied. As a consequence, a major task in any science is the development of
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classification, a structure of concepts, and an increasing precise set of definitions
for these terms.
Theory as a summarizing role_ A further task which theory performs is to
summarize concisely what is already known about the object of study. These
summaries may be divided into two simple categories (i) Empirical Generalization
and (ii) systems of relationships between propositions.
Theory as a predicts facts_ If the theory summarizes facts and states a general
uniformity beyond the immediate observations, it also becomes a prediction of
facts which have several component.
Theory as a point’s gaps in knowledge_ Since theory summarizes the known
and predicts facts which have not been observed, it must also point to areas
which have not yet been explored. Theory also points to gaps of a more basic
kind, while these gaps are being filled, and changes in the conceptual scheme
usually occur.

 Propositions_ proposition are statements concerned with the logical

relationships among concepts. A proposition explains the logical linkage among
certain concepts by asserting a universal connection between concepts.
 Theory Development_ is essentially a process of describing phenomena at
increasingly higher levels of abstraction. Theorist translates their
conceptualization of reality into abstract ideas. Thus theory deals with
obstruction.
 What is expansion_ the expansion is the whole process through which the
phenomenon emerges, and we would like to understand the process to reach
prediction.
 Theory_ Theory is a coherent set of general propositions, used as principles of
explanations of the apparent relationship of certain observed phenomena

Lesson No. 5

Concepts

Concept
A concept is a generalized idea about a class of objects, attributes, occurrences, or
processes that has been given a name. In other words a concept is an idea expressed as a
symbol or in words.

Degree of Abstraction
“The organization of concepts in sequence from the most concrete and
individual to the most general indicates the degree of abstraction”. Moving up the ladder of
abstraction, the basic concept becomes more abstract, wider in scope, and less amenable to
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measurement. The scientific researcher operates at two levels of concepts and on the empirical
level of variables. At the empirical level we experience reality and this is we observe objects or
events.

Importance of concepts
Social sciences concepts form a specialized language, or jargon.
Specialists use jargon as a short hand way to communicate with one another. Most fields have
their own jargon like Physicians, Lawyers, Engineers, and Mechanics etc. all have specialized
language and use their jargon to refer to the ideas and objects with which they work. Special
problems grow out of the need for concept precision and inventiveness and vague meanings
attached to a concept create problems of measurement. Therefore, not only the construction of
concepts is necessary but also these should be precise and the researchers should have some
agreement to its meaning.
Identification of concepts is necessary because we use concepts in hypothesis formulation and
one of the characteristics of a good hypothesis that it should be conceptually clear.

Dictionary Definition
Conceptual Definition
Conceptual definitions are a definition in abstract,
theoretical terms. It refers to other ideas or constructs. It involves thinking carefully, observing
directly, consulting with others, and trying possible definitions. Conceptual definitions are linked
to theoretical frameworks and to value positions. Some constructs are highly abstract and
complex and contain lower level concepts within them, and which can be made even more
specific. Other concepts are concrete and simple. For example construct such as age is easier
to define than is a complex abstract concept such as morale.

Operational Definition
In research we must measure concepts which require a rigorous definition
and construct a concept must be made operational in order to be measured. An operational
definition gives meaning to “a concept by specifying the activities or operations necessary to
measure it and specifies what must be done to measure the concept under investigation”.
Operation definition also called a working definition stated in terms of specific testing or
measurement criteria. So, in operational definition we must specify concrete indicators that can
be observed / measured.

Lesson No. 6

Variables and Types of Variables

What is variable?

Variable is central idea in research. Simply defined, variable is concept that varies. There are
two types of concepts, (i) those that refer to a fixed phenomenon, and (ii) those that vary in
quantity, intensity, or amount. The second type of concept and measures of the concept are
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variables. A variable is defined as anything that varies or changes in value. Variables take on
two or more value. Because variable represents a quality that can exhibit differences in value,
usually magnitude or strength, and also variable generally is anything that may assume different
numerical or categories values.
Types of Variable

 Continuous Variables_ If the value of a variable can be divided into fractions then it is
called “continuous Variable”. Such variable can take infinite numbers of values. Income,
Temperature, Age, or a test score are the examples of continuous variable. These
variables may take on values within a given range or in some cases an infinite set.
 Discontinuous Variables_ Any variables that has a limited number of distinct values
and which cannot be divided into fractions is called “discontinuous variables”. It is also
called categorical, classificatory, and discrete variable. Some variables have only two
values, reflecting the presence or absence of a property, like employed or unemployed,
male or female have only two values and it referred to as dichotomous.
 Dependent Variable_ The cause variable or the one that identifies forces or conditions
that act on something else is called “Dependent Variable”. Dependent variables
“depends on” the causes and also referred to as “Criterion Variable”. In statistical
analysis dependent variable identified by the symbol (Y). The stock market price of the
product is the example of dependent variable.
 Independent Variables_ The variable that is the effect or the result or outcome of
another variable is called “independent variable”. It is also called outcome or effect
variable. The independent variable is “independent of” prior causes that act on it. In
statistical analysis independent variable identified by the symbol (X). The success of the
new product is the example of independent variable.
 Moderating Variables_ A variable that has a strong contingent effect on the dependent
and independent variables relationship is called “moderating variables”. That is, the
presence of 3rd variable modifies original relationship between the dependent and
independent variable. For example a strong relationship has been observed between the
quality of a library facility (X) and performance of the student (Y).
 Intervening Variables
A basic casual relationship requires only independent and dependent variable. A third
type of variable, “the intervening variable”, appears in more complex casual relationship.
It comes between independent and dependent variables and shows the link or
mechanism between them. In sense, the intervening variable acts as a dependent
variable with respect to independent variable and acts as an independent variable
toward the dependent variable.
 Extraneous Variables
An almost infinite number of extraneous variables exist that might conceivably affect a
given relationship. Such variables have to be identified by the researcher. In order to
indentify the true relationship between the independent and dependent variables, the
effect of the extraneous variables may have to be controlled. Confounding factors is
another name used for extraneous variable.

Lesson No. 7
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Hypothesis Testing and Characteristics

Hypothesis
A hypothesis may be defined as “a logically speculation relationship between two or
more variables, expressed in the form of a testable statement is called “Hypothesis”.
Relationship is proposed by using a strong logical argumentation and may be part of theoretical
framework of the study.

Types of Hypothesis

 Descriptive Hypothesis_ Descriptive hypothesis contains only one variable thereby it is

called as univariate hypothesis. It is typically state the existence, size, form, or
distribution of some variable. For example what is the level of job commitment of the
officers in my organization?
 Relational Hypothesis_ these are the propositions that describe a relationship between
two variables. The relationship could be directional or non directional, positive or
negative, and causal or simply Correlational. The directional hypothesis is the one in
which the direction of the relationship has been specified. The non directional
hypothesis is the one in which the direction of the relationship has not been specified.
Correlational Hypothesis simply state that the variables occur together in some
specified manner without implying that one causes the other. For example level of
commitment of the officers is positively associated with their level of efficiency.
Explanatory / Causes Hypothesis implies 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, therefore researchers may have to identify other possible causes
and control their effect in case the casual effect of independent variable has to be
determined on the dependent variable and possible in an experimental design of
research.
 Null Hypothesis_ It is used for testing the hypothesis formulated researcher. The null
hypotheses 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
Ho= the relationship between the level of job commitment and the level of efficiency is
zero.
The two variables are independent of each other.
Experts recommended that we test out hypothesis indirectly by testing the null
hypothesis. The rejection of the null hypothesis leads to the acceptance of the
alternative hypothesis.
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 Alternative Hypothesis_ The alternative hypothesis simply states that there is a
relationship between the variables under study. Alternative hypothesis symbolically
denoted as “H1”. For example
H1= there is a relationship between the level of job commitment of the officers and their
level of efficiency.
 Research Hypothesis_ Research hypothesis is the actual hypothesis formulated by the
researcher which may also suggest the nature of relationship.

Lesson No. 8

Review of Literature

 Goals of a literature Review

To demonstrate a familiarity with a body of knowledge and establish

credibility_ A good review increases a reader’s confidence in the researcher’s
professional competency, ability, and background, also tells that the researcher
knows the research in an area and the major issues.
To know the path of prior research and how a current research project is
linked to it_ A good review places a research project in a context and
demonstrates its importance by making connections to a body of knowledge and
also indicates the direction, ability, and background of research.
To integrate and summarize what is known in an area_ A good review points
out areas where prior studies agree, where they disagree, where major questions
remain and pulls together and produces different results, and also indicates the
direction for future research. No wastage of effort.
To learn from others and stimulate new ideas_ A good review identifies blind
alleys and suggest hypotheses for replication and tells procedures, techniques,
and research design. Also tells what others have found so that a researcher can
benefit from the others efforts.
Identification of Variables _ A good review identified different important
variables that are likely to influence the problem situation are not left out of the
study.
Helps in developing theoretical framework_ A good review may be provide a
ready made theoretical model of research.

 Types of Reviews

Self Study Review_ It increases the reader’s confidence and demonstrates

familiarity with an area is rarely published but it often is part of an educational
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program. It giving to others confidence in a reviewers command of field, and is a
side benefit that building the reviewers self confidence.
Context Review_ It places a specific project in the big picture and one of the
goals of review is creating a link to a developing body of knowledge. This is a
background or context review. It introduces the rest of a research and
establishes the significance of a research question and also tells how a project
fits into the big picture.
Historical Review_ It traces the development of an idea or shows how a
particular issue or theory has evolved over time. Researchers conduct historical
review only on the most important ideas in a filed.
Theoretical Review_ It presents different theories that assert to explain the
same thing, then how well each accounts for findings. Researcher’s also use it to
integrate two theories. It sometimes forms a hybrid or the historical theoretical
review.
Methodological Review_ In it researcher’s evaluates the methodological
strength of past studies. It describes conflicting results and shows how different
research designs, samples, measures and so on account for different results.

Lesson No. 18
Criteria for Good Measurement
 Validity_ Validity is the ability of an instrument to measure what it is supposed to
measure.
 Content Validity_ The content validity of a measuring instrument is the extent to
which it provides adequate coverage of the investigative questions guiding the
study. If the instrument contains a representative sample of the universe of
subject matter of interest, then the content validity is good.

Lesson No. 19
Research Design

 Research Design
A research design is a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for
collection and analyzing the data. It is a strategy or blueprint that plans the action
for carrying through the research project data and It also involves a series of
rational decision making choices depending upon the various options available to
the researcher’s. Broadly it is composed of different elements like,
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 Different Elements of Research Design

Purpose of Study_ From the perspective of purpose of the study, a research

can be exploratory, descriptive and explanatory. Beyond the exploratory stage
now we are entering into the formal stage of delineate the plan for data
collection, data processing, and data analysis. If the research is concerned with
finding out who, what, where, when, or how much, then the study is descriptive.
If it is concerned with learning why, that is how one variable produces changes in
another it is causal. If we try to explain relationship among variables then the
study is explanatory.
Unit of Analysis_ The unit of analysis refers to the level of aggregation of the
data collected during the subsequent data analysis stage. Units of analysis in a
study are typically also the units of observation. If the researcher is interested in
studying two person interactions, then several two person groups known as
dyads will become the unit of analysis. If the problem statement is related to
group effectiveness, the unit of analysis would be at group level. If we compare
different departments in the organization, then data analysis will be done at the
department level.
Time Dimension_ When we make the observations more or less at one time or
over a long period, former called as Cross Sectional studies and the latter as
longitudinal studies. Cross Sectional Studies_ is carried out once and
represents a snapshot of one point in time and data are collected just once, over
a period of days or weeks or months in order to answer the research question.
Longitudinal Studies_ are representing over an extended period and it can
track changes over time. It can be panel studies and cohort studies.
Research control of Variables_ In terms of researcher’s ability to manipulate
variables, we can differentiate between experimental and ex facto design.
Experimental Design_ In an experiment the researcher attempts to control and /
or manipulate the variables in the study. Experimental design is appropriate
when one wish to discover certain variables produce effects in other variables
and provides the most powerful support possible for hypothesis of causation. It
can be contrived and non contrived. Ex Facto Design_ Investigators have no
control over the variables in the sense of being able to manipulate them? They
can only report what has happened or what is happening. Survey research is an
example of such study.
Choice of Research Design_ They could be number of ways to collect the data
depending upon whether the study is quantitative or qualitative, descriptive or
explanatory, cross sectional or longitudinal, and contrived or non contrived, the
researcher decides about the mode of observation.
Sampling Design_ The basic idea of sampling is that by selecting some of the
elements in population, we may draw conclusions about the entire population.
Sampling has its own advantages and disadvantages, and depending upon the
nature of the study the researcher’s decides about sampling design.
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Field Data Collection_ Depending upon the mode of observation, the
researcher will outline the procedure for field operations.
Data Processing and Data Analysis_ In the research design the researcher is
require telling how the data shall be processed and analysis plans explicated. In
case the qualitative data are to be quantifies the procedures should be spelled
out.

 Steps in conducting Survey Research

Develop the Survey Instrument_ The researcher’s develops an instrument like a

survey questionnaire or interview schedule that researcher’s uses to measure variables.
Respondents read the questions themselves and mark answers on a questionnaire or a
set of questions read to the respondent by an interviewer, who also records the
responses. To simplify the discussion, we will use only the term questionnaires.
Plan how to record data_ When preparing the questionnaire, the researcher thinks
ahead to how will record and organize data for analysis.
Decide on target population, get sampling frame, decide on sample size, and
select the sample.
Locate Respondents_ The researcher locates sampled respondents in person, by
telephone, or by mail who given information and instructions on completing the
questionnaire or interview.
Describe methods and findings in research report, present findings to others for
analysis and evaluation.

Lesson No. 20
Survey Research

 Personal Interview_ A personal interview is a two way conversation initiated by an

interviewer to obtain information from a respondent and differences in the role of the
interviewer and the respondent are pronounced. Personal may take place in a factory, in
a homeowner’s doorway, in an executive’s office, in a shopping mall or in other settings.
Advantages of Personal Interview
The opportunities for feedback_ Personal interviews allow for feedback. The
interviewer provides feedback in clarifying any questions an employee. At the
conclusion of the interview, respondent given additional information concerning
the purpose of the study.
Probing Complex Question_ An important characteristic of personal interview
is the opportunity to follow up by probing. Probing becomes the more important
when the questions don’t have structured response categories. The complex
question that cannot easily be asked in telephone or mail surveys can be
handled by skillful interviewers.
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Length of Interview_ If the researcher objective requires an extremely lengthy
questionnaire, personal interviews may be the only alternative.
Proposed and Visual Aids_ Interviewing respondents face to face allows an
investigator to show them a new product sample, a sketch of proposed office, or
some other visual aid. The respondents can even taste samples of different
products and can give their evaluations.
High Participation Rate_ In personal interviews there is a higher rate of
participation rate of the respondents compared with mail surveys and telephone
interviews. While some people are reluctant to participate in a survey, the
presence of an interviewer generally increases the percentages of people willing
to complete the interview. Most people enjoy sharing information and insights
with friendly and sympathetic interviewers.
Non Literates can Participate in Study_ Nice the respondent has neither to read
nor to write, therefore, an illiterate person can also take part in the survey study.
Computer Assistant Personal Interviewing_ With the use of modern
technology the responses of the respondent can be entered into a portable
microcomputer to reduce error and cost.
Disadvantages of Personal Interview

High Cost_ Personal interviews are generally more expensive than mail,
internet, and telephone surveys because the training of the field interviewers,
supervision, and other logistical support cost may add up the total cost of the
study. People usually estimate the cost of personal interviews is usually 15 times
higher than the mail survey.
Lack of Secrecy of Respondent_ Because the respondent in a personal
interview is not unknown therefore he or she may be reluctant to provide
confidential information to another person.
Callbacks_ When the person selected to be in the sample cannot be contacted
on the first visit, a systematic procedure is normally initiated to callback at
another time which is a labor intensive work and definitely increases the cost.
Interviewer Influence_ There is some evidence that the demographic
characteristics of the interviewer influence respondents’ answers.
No Opportunity to Consult_ The interview may take place anywhere, place of
work, in the shopping mall, and at home the respondent may be unable to
consult record, in case he or she has to do so for any specific question.
Some Neighborhoods are Difficult to Visit_ Due to security reasons some
neighborhoods may not allow outsiders to enter the permission.

Lesson No. 21
Intercept Interviews in Mall and other High Traffic Areas
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 Telephone Interviewing _ Telephone interviewing has been a main stay of commercial
survey research and the quality of data obtained by telephone may be comparable to
that collected in personal interview. Telephone survey provides representative samples
of general population in most industrialized countries.

Strengths of Telephone Interviewing

 High Speed_ The speed of data collection is a major advantage of telephone
interviewing, whereas data collection with mail or personal interview can take several
weeks. When the interviewer enters the respondents’ answers directly into a computer
system, data processing can be done even faster.
 Save Cost_ As the cost of personal interview continues to increase, telephone
interviews are becoming relatively inexpensive, estimated 25% less than personal
interview.
 Callbacks_ An unanswered call a respondent who is not at home requires a callback.
Telephone callbacks are substantially easier and less expensive than personal interview
callbacks.
 Better Access too hard to Reach Respondents_ Some people don’t want to go for
person to person interviewing and may be reluctant to visit certain neighborhoods,
especially in the evening, so, telephone interviewing overcomes such problems.
 Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing_ Responses can be directly entered into
computer file to reduce error and cost.

Weaknesses of Telephone Interviewing

 Absences of Face to Face Contact_ Telephone interviews are more impersonal than
face to face interviews. Absence of face to face contact can be a liability. The interviewer
and the respondents don’t see each other what they are doing.
 Response Rate is lower than personal interviews_ Some individuals refuse to
participate in telephone interviews. So, response rate in telephone interviews is lower
than personal interviews.
 Lack of Visual Medium_ Researcher requiring visual material cannot be conducted by
phone.
 Limited Duration_ Length of interview limited. Respondents may hang up when they
feel spent up.
 Distracting Physical Environment_ Multiple phones distract the interview situation
which may affect the quality of the data.

Mali Questionnaire_ A mail survey is a self administered questionnaire sent to respondents

through the mail. This paper and pencil method has several advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Mail Questionnaire
 Geographic Flexibility_ Mail questionnaires can reach a geographically dispersed
sample separately and at a reasonably low cost because interviewers are not required.
Respondent’s those who are difficult to reach can be contacted more easily by mail.
 Sample Accessibility_ Researchers can contact participants who may otherwise be
inaccessible. But researchers can often access these special participants by mail or
computer.
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 Self Administrated Questionnaires
 Save Cost_ Mail questionnaires are relatively economical compared to personal
interviews and telephone surveys. However, these may not be so cheap.
 Standard Questions_ Mail questionnaires are highly standardized, and the questions
are quite structured.

Disadvantages of Mail Questionnaires

 Low Response Rate_ Mail Questionnaire has very low rate of return of the filled
questionnaires.
 Low Completion Rate_ There are chances that respondents leave many questions as
unanswered, either because they did not understand the question.
 Increases Cost_ The researcher keeps on waiting for the return. When enough
response is not there, then the reminders are sent. With the reminders copies of the
questionnaires are sent then all this adds to the cost of the study.

Lesson No. 22
Self Administered Questionnaires

 Cover Letter_ The cover letter that convoys the questionnaire or is printed on the first
page of the questionnaires is an important means of inducing a reader to complete and
return the questionnaire. A personalized cover letter addressed to a specific individual
show the respondent that he or she is important and individually typed letter on letter
head versus printed form is an important element in increasing the response rate in mail
surveys.
 Follow Up_ Follow up implies the communication of the message to respondents
through different means of the return of questionnaire. A follow up may include a
duplicate questionnaire or may merely reminder to return the original questionnaire.
Multiple contacts almost always increase response rates.
 Money Helps_ The respondent’s motivation for returning a questionnaire may be
increased by offering monetary incentives or premiums, such as pens, lottery tickets,
and variety of premiums. Money incentive works for all income categories.
 Survey Sponsorship_ Sponsorship of the study makes a difference for motivation the
respondents to return the questionnaires. It depends up the goodwill of the sponsoring
agency that can activate or deactivate the respondent to fill the questionnaire and return
it. Sponsorship by well known and prestigious organization such as universities or
government agencies may significantly influence response rates.
 Interesting Questions_ In the topic of research certain interesting question can be
added to the questionnaire, perhaps in the beginning to stimulate the respondent’s
interest and to induce cooperation.
 Benefits of Email Surveys_ include speed of distribution, lower distribution, processing
cost, faster turnaround time, more flexibility, and less handling of paper questionnaires.

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 Internet Surveys_ An internet survey is a self administrated questionnaires posted on a
web site. Respondents provide answers to question displayed on screen by highlighting
a phrase, clicking an icon, or keying in an answer.

Advantages of Internet Surveys

 Speed and Cost Effective_ Internet survey allow the marketers to reach a large
audience, to personalize the individual messages, and to secure confidential
answers quickly and cost effective because computer to computer self administrated
questionnaires eliminated the cost of paper, postage, data entry, and other
administrative costs.
 Visual Appeal and Interactivity_ Internet surveys can be interactive because the
researcher can use more sophisticated lines of questioning based on the
respondents prior answers and excellent medium fort like presentation of visual
materials, such as photographs, advertisements, and movie trailers.
 Callbacks_ When the sample for internet survey is drawn from a consumer panel, it
is easy to recontact those who have not yet completed the questionnaire.
 Accurate Real Time Data Capture_ Accurate real time data capture allows for real
time data analysis. A researcher can review up to the minute sample size counts and
tabulation data from an internet survey in real time.
 Response Rate_ Response rate can be increased by sending email friendly
reminders.

Disadvantages of Internet Surveys

 All People Cannot Participate_ Many people in the general public cannot access to
internet and all people with internet access don’t have the same level of technology.
Many lack powerful computer or software that is compatible with advanced features
programmed into many internet questionnaires. Some individuals have minimum
computer skills and may not know how to navigate through and provide answers to
internet questionnaires.
 No Physical Incentive_ Unlike mail or internet surveys don’t offer the opportunity to
send a physical incentive to the respondent.

Lesson No. 23
Tools for Data Collection

 Tools For Data Collection_ Broadly there are three tools for data collection as part of
communication surveys. These are
 Interview Schedule_ Interview schedule is predesigned list of question used for
communication with the respondent. In case of interview schedule, the list of questions
remains in the hands of the interviewer, he asks questions from the respondent, and
gets his or her responses and recorded it.
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 Questionnaire_ Questionnaire is also a predesigned list of questions used for
communication with the respondent. Questionnaire is also a list of questions, which
handed over to the respondent, who reads the questions and records the answers
himself.
 Interview Guide_ It is a list of topics that are to be covered during the course of
interview. Interview guide is used for purposes for an in depth interviewing. In interview
guide questions on the topics are formulated on the spot and most of the questions are
open ended.

Guidelines for Questionnaire Design_ Questionnaire design is one of the most critical stages
in the survey research process. While common sense and good grammar is required in the art
of questionnaire design. Further proper wording the questionnaire is crucial, as some problems
may be minimized or avoided altogether if a skilled researcher composes the questions. A good
questionnaire forms an integrated whole.
 Questionnaire Relevancy_ A questionnaire is relevant if the information that is needed
to solve the problem is obtained. Asking the wrong or irrelevant question is a pitfall to be
avoided. If the task is to pinpoint compensation.
 Questionnaire Accuracy_ Accuracy means that the information is reliable and valid.
Obtaining accurate information from respondents is strongly influenced by the
researcher’s ability to design a questionnaire that facilities recall and that will motivate
the respondent to cooperate. Therefore avoid jargon, slang, and abbreviations and
words used in the questionnaire should be readily understandable to all respondent.
 Avoid Double Barreled Question_ Make each question about one and only one. A
double barreled question consists of two or more questions joined together and makes
the respondent’s answer unclear.
 Avoid Leading Questions_ Make respondent’s feel that all responses are legitimate.
Don’t le them aware of an answer that the researcher wants. A leading question is the
one that leads the respondent’s to choose one response over another by its wording.
 Use Filter Question_ Filter Question is that question which screens out respondent’s
not qualified to answer a second question. Filter questions minimizes the chances of
asking questions that are inapplicable.
 Layout of the Questionnaire_ Good layout and physical attractiveness is crucial in
mail, internet, and other self administrated questionnaires. There are two format or
layout issues (i) the overall physical layout of the questionnaire and (ii) the format of
questions and responses.