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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
1.​ Compare fundamental/basic research and applied research. Please give examples.
=>
Fundamental/basic research Applied research

Purpose: Purpose:
-​ Expand knowledge of processes -​ improve understanding of
of business and management. particular business or
-​ Result in universal principles management problems.
relating to the process and its -​ result in solution to problem.
relationship to outcomes. -​ new knowledge limited to
-​ findings of significance and problem.
value to society in general. -​ findings of practical relevance
and and value to manager(s) to
Explain: its purpose focusing on large organisation(s).
and base topic. It often explores topics
that have not been studied in-depth Explain: Applied research often builds
before, laying the groundwork for future on findings from basic research but can
detailed investigations. because it’s a also be conducted independently to
fundamental, It does not aim to provide address urgent or practical problems. Its
direct solutions but rather to establish topic focuses more on small details and
foundational understanding or guiding particular problems that appear under
principles, like an allowable range. the the basic topic, that’s why the outcomes
value of the outcomes of this research of this type of research usually have
can be used forever in any small topic solutions(new knowledge), but that
that be included under this basic/large solution only applies to the topic chosen
topic. in the research, we can’t use it to solve
other problems. And also, this type of
research can only be valuable to
people/managers/organisations who
have the exact same problem.

Context: Context:
-​ undertaken by people based in -​ undertaken by people in a
academia. variety of setting including
-​ choice of topic and objectives organisations and academia.
determined by the researcher. -​ objectives negotiated with
-​ flexible timescales. originator.
-​ tight timescales.
Explain: It’s large so of course it needs
flexible timescales. It’s likely academic Explain: It's particular problem so can
so the people based in academia. Its be organisations, and it’s small so tight
objective is to know, to understand so timescales. Its objective is to find out a
topic chosen by researcher. solution so the originator and the
researcher have to discuss.

Impact: Impact:
-​ initially academic community -​ initially policy and practice
and researcher. community and researcher.
-​ may also impact policy and -​ may also impact academia.
practice.
 Explain: If it’s big enough to impact
Explain: academia.

Ex:
Fundamental: Studying decision-making theory.
Applied: Improving sales through consumer behaviors analysis.

2.​ Compare quantitative research and qualitative research, please give examples.

Aspect Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

Definition A systematic investigation using A method of inquiry that seeks to

numerical data and statistical understand human experience,
methods to test hypotheses or meanings, and social contexts
examine relationships between through non-numerical data.
variables.

Purpose - Measure variables - Understand lived experiences

- Test hypotheses - Explore phenomena in-depth
- Predict outcomes - Generate theories or frameworks
- Generalize findings

Research Focused on "what," "how Focused on "why," "how," "in

Questions much," "how many," "to what what ways," "what does it
extent" mean"

Nature of Data Numerical, measurable (e.g., Non-numerical, descriptive (e.g.,

scores, rates, percentages) words, images, observations)

Data Collection - Structured surveys - In-depth interviews

Methods - Standardized questionnaires - Focus groups
- Laboratory experiments - Field notes/ethnography
- Structured observations - Unstructured or semi-structured
observations

Sample Size Large and representative; Small and purposive; chosen for
statistical generalization is the richness of detail and insight
goal

Research - Fixed and predetermined - Flexible and evolving

Design - Hypothesis-driven - Emergent design
- Often experimental or - Often interpretive or exploratory
correlational

Role of Detached, neutral observer; Active participant or empathetic

Researcher minimizes influence on the data listener; researcher may influence
or co-create meaning
 Data Analysis Statistical techniques (e.g., Thematic analysis, narrative
regression, ANOVA, t-tests) analysis, content analysis
Uses software like SPSS, R, Uses software like NVivo, Atlas.ti
Excel

Output Numbers, graphs, statistical Descriptions, quotes, stories,

tables themes
Results are often presented in Results often presented in
figures narrative form

Validity Internal and external validity Credibility, transferability,

Reliability is key dependability, confirmability

Generalizability High (if the sample is Low in a statistical sense; insights

representative and large enough) may be transferable in context

Time Frame Often shorter and more Can be time-consuming due to

structured depth and complexity

Examples - A study measuring how many - Interviews with teachers about

students pass a test after a new their experience using a new
teaching method is introduced curriculum
- A survey on customer - Observations of team dynamics
satisfaction with a new product in a start-up company

✅ Objectivity ✅ Rich, detailed insights

✅ Replicability ✅ Flexibility
Strengths

✅ Large-scale data ✅ Captures human experience

✅ Clear comparisons ✅ Context-sensitive
❌ Can miss context or nuance ❌ Time-intensive
❌ Doesn’t capture deep human ❌ May be harder to generalize
Limitations

❌ Subjective interpretation can

❌ Limited if questions are poorly
emotions or motivations
vary
designed

When to Use - When you want to test a theory - When you want to explore new
or hypothesis or complex phenomena
- When numbers are needed to - When you need to understand
support decisions people’s experiences, values, or
- In large-scale evaluations or cultures
predictions - When flexibility and open-ended
discovery are essential

3.​ Compare probability sampling and non-probability sampling, discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of these techniques, please provide examples.
=>
Aspect Probability Sampling Non-Probability
Sampling

Definition Every unit in the population Not all units have a

has a known, often equal, known or equal
chance of being selected chance of being
selected

Sampling Yes No
Frame
Required

Selection Random and objective Non-random and

Method based on judgment or
convenience

Main Goal To generalize findings to the To gain detailed

entire population understanding or
insights

Use in Yes No
Statistical
Inference

Generaliza High, if sampling is done Limited, depends on

bility correctly context and reasoning

Common Surveys, experiments, Case studies,

Use Cases population-level studies qualitative research,
pilot testing

Bias Risk Low High

Time and More time-consuming and Quicker and more

Cost costly cost-effective

A-Probability

Type Description Example

Simple Every member has an equal Randomly select 100

Random chance of selection students from a list of
Sampling 1,000

Systemati Select every kth item from a Choose every 10th

c list person from a customer
Sampling list
Stratified Divide population into Separate employees by
Sampling subgroups, sample department and sample
randomly within each from each

Cluster Randomly select entire Randomly pick 5 schools

Sampling groups and sample within and survey all teachers
them in each
B-Non-probability

Type Description Example

Convenie Select the easiest people Ask people in a coffee

nce to access shop to take a survey
Sampling

Purposive Select based on specific Interview only senior

Sampling characteristics or criteria managers for leadership
research

Snowball Use referrals from Study hidden

Sampling participants to find others communities by referrals
(e.g. drug users)

Quota Ensure representation by Interview 10 men and 10

Sampling filling quotas (e.g., age, women aged 20–30
gender)

Self-Selec Let people volunteer to Post a public survey link

tion participate online and let people opt
Sampling in
Pros and Cons

C Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling

r
i
t
e
r
i
a
 P - Enables statistical analysis - Faster and easier to conduct
r and inference - More cost-effective
o - Results are generalizable to - Suitable for qualitative and
s the population exploratory research
- Reduces bias through - Useful when the population is
random selection hard to reach or undefined
- Higher validity if sampling is - Allows researcher to focus on
done properly specific cases
- More reliable and objective
results

C - Requires a complete - High risk of bias due to

o sampling frame (population subjective selection
n list) - Not suitable for statistical
s - Can be time-consuming and generalization
expensive - Often lacks reliability due to
- May not be practical for limited sample control
small or exploratory studies - Might not represent the
- Needs trained personnel population as a whole
and strict method

4.​ What are the different types of scale used in research?

Nominal = Just names or labels, no ordering. (e.g., Blood type A, B, AB, O)​

Ordinal = Order matters, but gaps between ranks are unknown. (e.g., 1st place, 2nd
place)​

Interval = Order + equal gaps, but no absolute zero. (e.g., 30°C is not "twice as hot"
as 15°C)​

Ratio = Order + equal gaps + absolute zero, allowing full math operations. (e.g., 10
kg is exactly half of 20 kg)

Feature Nominal scale Ordinal scale Interval scale Ratio scale

Description Used for Categorizes Ordered Highest level:

labeling or with a categories like interval
categorizing meaningful where the scale but with
data without order, but the difference a true zero
any order. differences between point, meaning
Cannot between values is ratios are
perform categories are meaningful meaningful.
mathematical not equal. and equal, but Can add,
operations. Limited no true zero subtract,
statistical point. Can multiply,
analysis. add/subtract divide.
 but no ratios.

Categorization Yes Yes Yes Yes

Order/Ranking No Yes Yes Yes

Equal intervals No No Yes Yes

True zero No No No Yes

point

5.​ Please compare simple random sampling and systematic random sampling.

Aspect Simple Random Systematic Random

Sampling (SRS) Sampling

Samplin Each individual is selected Individuals are selected at

g randomly without any order regular intervals after a
Process or pattern. random start.

Bias Less likely to introduce Can introduce bias if

bias as it's purely random. there's a pattern in the
population matching the
interval.

Practica Can be time-consuming More efficient and easier

lity and impractical for large to implement for large
populations. populations.

Impleme Needs a complete list of Requires an ordered list

ntation the population and random and a sampling interval but
selection tools (e.g., is simpler once the starting
random number point is determined.
generators).

6.​ What is stratified random sampling? Please compare stratified random sampling and cluster
random sampling.

Aspect Stratified Random Cluster Random Sampling

Sampling

What Dividing the population Dividing the population into

is it? into groups based on a clusters, usually by location or
characteristic. group.
 How Random samples are Randomly select clusters, and
are taken from each group. everyone in the chosen clusters
sample is included.
s
selecte
d?

Goal Make sure every group Make the process easier and
(strata) is represented. cheaper by selecting whole
groups.

Best When you want to When it’s hard to reach

for make sure different everyone in the population, like
groups are if they're spread out in different
represented. areas.

Cost Can be more Cheaper and easier, but may

expensive and not represent all groups well.
complex.

Examp Dividing by age, Dividing by schools or

le gender, income, etc., neighborhoods, and sampling
and sampling from whole schools or areas.
each group.

7.​ Please discuss the benefits and limitations of close-ended questions.

Close-ended Questions

Definition: Close-ended questions are questions where respondents choose an answer

from a set list of predefined options. Examples include multiple choice, yes/no, or Likert
scale questions (e.g., “Do you like this product? Yes / No”).

Benefits of Close-ended Questions:

●​ Easier to Analyze: Since the answers are predefined, they can be easily quantified
and analyzed statistically. For example, responses can be counted, categorized, and
turned into percentages.​

●​ Faster for Respondents: Respondents can quickly choose an option, which makes
these types of questions faster to answer compared to open-ended questions.​

●​ Consistency: Close-ended questions ensure that everyone answers the same way,
which reduces the variability in responses. This can be helpful in maintaining the
consistency of data.​

●​ Clear and Focused: These questions typically target a specific aspect of the subject,
making it clear what information is being sought. They are often used when precise,
 structured data is required.​

Limitations of Close-ended Questions:

●​ Limited Responses: Respondents can only select from the options provided, which
may not fully capture their opinion or experience.​

●​ Risk of Misinterpretation: Sometimes, the available answers might not match a

respondent’s exact opinion or situation, leading to frustration or misinterpretation.​

●​ Less Detailed Information: Because respondents can't explain their thoughts, you
miss out on the richness and depth of understanding that open-ended questions can
provide.

8.​ Please discuss the benefits and limitations of open-ended questions.

Open-ended Questions

Definition: Open-ended questions are questions that allow respondents to answer in their
own words, without predefined options. Examples include, “What do you think about the new
product?” or “How did you feel about the event?”

Benefits of Open-ended Questions:

●​ Rich and Detailed Responses: These questions allow respondents to provide more
nuanced and in-depth answers, which can give valuable insights that you might not
have considered.​

●​ Flexibility: Respondents can express their opinions in their own words, which makes
it easier to capture a range of perspectives and experiences.​

●​ Uncover New Insights: Since there are no predefined choices, respondents can
bring up unexpected ideas or issues that you might not have anticipated.​

●​ No Limitation in Response: Unlike close-ended questions, there's no restriction to

the answers, meaning people can explain their thoughts fully.​

Limitations of Open-ended Questions:

●​ Time-consuming for Respondents: Open-ended questions require more effort to

answer, which may make respondents less likely to answer them or take too long to
respond.​

●​ Difficult to Analyze: The responses are often unstructured and can vary greatly,
making it difficult to analyze or categorize the data. You may need to manually code
 or interpret responses, which can be time-consuming.​

●​ Potential for Irrelevant Answers: Because respondents are not restricted, they
might provide irrelevant or off-topic responses, which can make data analysis more
challenging.​

●​ Inconsistent Data: Responses can vary widely, and it may be difficult to compare or
aggregate answers from different people.​

9.​ Please discuss the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of survey research.

Characteristics of Survey Research

●​ Structured Data Collection: Survey research involves collecting data from a group
of people (sample) using structured instruments, such as questionnaires or
interviews.​

●​ Quantitative and Qualitative Data

●​ Large Sample Size​

●​ Standardized Procedures: All respondents are asked the same questions in the
same way, ensuring consistency across responses.​

●​ Self-Report: Participants provide their own answers based on their knowledge,

attitudes, or experiences.​

Advantages of Survey Research

●​ Cost-Effective: Surveys, particularly online or telephone surveys, can be conducted

at relatively low costs, especially with large sample sizes.​

●​ Large Sample Size

●​ Standardized Responses: Since all participants answer the same questions in the
same format, it reduces interviewer bias and ensures consistency in data collection.​

●​ Ease of Data Analysis: Especially in close-ended questions, responses can be

easily coded, quantified, and analyzed using statistical methods.​

●​ Versatility: Surveys can be used to collect data on a wide variety of topics, from
opinions and attitudes to behaviors and experiences.​
 Disadvantages of Survey Research

●​ Response Bias: Respondents might not provide accurate or honest answers,

particularly with sensitive questions, leading to bias.​

●​ Low Response Rates: Surveys, particularly those administered via email or mail,
can suffer from low response rates, which can affect the representativeness of the
sample.​

●​ Limited Depth: Close-ended questions, while easy to analyze, do not provide much
detail.
●​ Misinterpretation: Respondents may misunderstand questions, leading to
inaccurate responses, particularly in poorly designed surveys.​

●​ Lack of Context: Surveys can fail to capture the full context of an individual’s
experiences or opinions, especially when there is no opportunity for clarification or
follow-up.

10.​What is causal research? Please discuss its advantages and disadvantages.

What is Causal Research?

Causal research, also known as experimental research, is used to determine whether one
variable causes an effect on another. Researchers manipulate one or more independent
variables to observe their effect on a dependent variable, while controlling for other factors.

Advantages of Causal Research

1.​ Establishes Cause-and-Effect Relationships: It helps determine if one variable

directly influences another, unlike correlational studies.​

2.​ Control Over Variables: Researchers can manipulate variables and control
extraneous factors, ensuring the observed effects are due to the manipulated
variables.​

3.​ High Internal Validity: Random assignment to groups increases confidence that the
results are not influenced by confounding variables.​

4.​ Predictive Power: Once a cause-and-effect relationship is established, future

outcomes can be predicted.​
 Disadvantages of Causal Research

1.​ Ethical Issues: Manipulating variables can sometimes raise ethical concerns,
especially in studies involving human participants.​

2.​ Artificiality: Controlled environments may not reflect real-world conditions, affecting
the generalizability of the results.​

3.​ Cost and Time: Experimental designs can be expensive and time-consuming,
especially for large samples.​

4.​ Limited Variables: Some variables can't be manipulated due to practical or ethical
constraints.​

5.​ Complexity: Experimental designs are complex and require careful planning and
execution to avoid errors.​

11.​Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using questionnaires as a data collection

method.

Advantages of Using Questionnaires

●​ Cost-Effective: Questionnaires are inexpensive, especially when distributed online

or by mail.​

●​ Time-Saving: They allow researchers to collect data from a large number of people
quickly.​

●​ Standardized Responses: Every participant answers the same questions, making

data easy to compare and analyze.​

●​ Anonymity Encouraged: Participants may feel more comfortable giving honest

answers when their identity is protected.​

●​ Wide Reach: Questionnaires can easily reach participants across different

geographic areas.​

Disadvantages of Using Questionnaires

●​ Low Response Rates: Many people may ignore or forget to complete

questionnaires, reducing the sample size.​
 ●​ Misunderstandings: Participants might misinterpret questions without a researcher
present to clarify.​

●​ Limited Depth: Questionnaires (especially close-ended ones) may not capture

detailed or complex opinions.​

●​ Risk of Inaccurate Answers: Participants may rush through, give socially desirable
answers, or not take the questionnaire seriously.​

●​ Not Suitable for All Topics: Some sensitive or emotional topics may need
face-to-face interviews for better understanding.

12.​Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of exploratory research

Advantages of Exploratory Research

●​ Helps Define Problems Clearly:​

Exploratory research is great for understanding a problem better when it is still
unclear. It helps researchers know what questions to ask in future studies.​

●​ Flexible and Open-Ended:​

Researchers can adjust their approach as they learn more. There are no strict rules,
which allows for creativity and deeper insights.​

●​ Cost-Effective (Usually):​
Because it often uses simple methods like interviews, small surveys, or focus
groups, exploratory research can be cheaper than large, formal studies.​

●​ Good for Generating Ideas:​

It helps researchers discover new trends, ideas, and opportunities that they might
not have thought of before.​

Disadvantages of Exploratory Research

●​ Cannot Give Final Answers:​

It only gives an initial understanding. Researchers still need further (descriptive or
causal) research to confirm findings.​

●​ Limited Sample Size:​

Because it often involves small groups, the results might not represent the whole
population.​

●​ Subjective Results:​
Data collected can be influenced by personal opinions, which makes it harder to
 generalize to everyone.​

●​ Can Be Misleading:​
If not careful, researchers might wrongly assume early findings are correct without
deeper study.​

13.​What is the research process? Discuss basic steps in a research process, give examples.

What is the Research Process?

The research process is a structured and logical sequence of steps that researchers
follow to systematically investigate a problem, collect relevant information, analyze it,
and draw meaningful conclusions.​
This process ensures that research is objective, consistent, and scientifically valid,
leading to reliable knowledge or solutions to problems.

Basic Steps in the Research Process

1. Identifying and Defining the Research Problem

The first and most critical step is to clearly identify a specific problem or question that
needs to be studied.​
A well-defined problem sets the direction for the entire research project.

Example: A university wants to explore why student enrollment in a particular

program has decreased.

2. Review of Literature

The researcher conducts a comprehensive review of existing studies, theories, and

findings related to the topic.​
This helps to understand what has already been discovered, identify gaps, and avoid
duplication.

Example: Reviewing past research on factors influencing student enrollment

choices.

3. Formulating Hypotheses or Research Objectives

Based on the problem and the literature review, the researcher formulates clear
hypotheses (predictions) or objectives (what the study aims to discover or achieve).
 Example: Hypothesis — "Tuition fees are a significant factor influencing
enrollment rates."

4. Designing the Research Methodology

The researcher decides how the study will be conducted. This includes choosing between
quantitative or qualitative methods, determining the research design (e.g., survey,
experiment, case study), selecting the population and sampling technique, and preparing
tools for data collection.

Example: Using a structured questionnaire to survey 400 current and former

students.

5. Collecting Data

In this step, the researcher gathers the actual data according to the planned method.
Accuracy and consistency are crucial to ensure data quality.

Example: Distributing online surveys and conducting interviews with selected

students.

6. Analyzing Data

The collected data is organized, coded, and analyzed using appropriate statistical or
qualitative methods. The aim is to identify patterns, relationships, or trends relevant to
the research questions.

Example: Using SPSS software to run regression analysis and determine the
impact of tuition fees on enrollment.

7. Interpreting and Reporting Findings

The researcher interprets the results in relation to the hypotheses or objectives. This step
involves discussing the implications of the findings, acknowledging limitations, and
suggesting areas for future research.

Example: Finding that both tuition cost and program reputation significantly
affect enrollment decisions.

8. Drawing Conclusions and Making Recommendations

Finally, based on the interpretation, the researcher draws conclusions and, where
appropriate, makes recommendations for practical action or further investigation.

Example: Suggesting that the university considers scholarship programs and

marketing improvements.
 Summary of the Research Process Flow
Research Problem → Literature Review → Hypothesis/Objectives → Research
Design → Data Collection → Data Analysis → Interpretation → Conclusion &
Recommendations

14.​What is an interview survey? Please discuss the benefits and limitations of this method.

What is an Interview Survey?

An interview survey is a data collection method where a researcher (interviewer)
directly asks questions to a participant (respondent) and records their answers.​
It can be conducted face-to-face, over the telephone, or even via video calls.​
Interview surveys can be structured (with fixed questions), semi-structured (some
flexibility), or unstructured (open conversation).

Benefits of Interview Surveys

●​ High Response Rate: People are more likely to complete an interview than a written
survey.​

●​ Clarification Possible: Interviewers can explain or rephrase questions if the

respondent does not understand.​

●​ Rich, Detailed Information: Interviews allow for in-depth responses, especially

when participants elaborate on their answers.​

●​ Flexibility: Interviewers can adjust the order of questions and explore interesting
topics that come up during the conversation.​

●​ Observation Opportunity: In face-to-face interviews, researchers can also observe

non-verbal cues (like body language and tone).​

Limitations of Interview Surveys

 ●​ Time-Consuming: Conducting interviews, especially one-on-one, can take a lot of
time.​

●​ Expensive: It often requires more resources (money, trained staff, travel costs) than
written surveys.​

●​ Risk of Interviewer Bias: The interviewer's behavior, tone, or wording may

influence the participant's answers.​

●​ Limited Anonymity: Participants might withhold true opinions if they feel

uncomfortable or judged.​

●​ Data Analysis Complexity: Open-ended responses can be harder to organize and

analyze compared to simple survey data.

15.​What is a research hypothesis, and how does it relate to research questions?

What is a Research Hypothesis?

In research methodology, a research hypothesis is a logical supposition or educated
guess about the relationship between two or more variables.​
It is formulated based on existing theories, previous studies, or observations and is then
tested through data collection and analysis. A hypothesis provides a direction for the study
and offers a basis for establishing the design and procedures.

In simple terms, the hypothesis translates the research problem into a clear, testable
statement that predicts an expected outcome.

A good research hypothesis must be:

●​ Clear and precise.​

●​ Capable of being tested.​

●​ Stated in simple terms.​

●​ Consistent with existing knowledge.​

●​ Limited in scope and specific.​

▶ Example: "There is a positive relationship between employee motivation and productivity."

 Relationship Between Research
Hypothesis and Research Questions
●​ Research questions are broad inquiries framed to guide the study, identifying
what the researcher wants to explore.​

●​ Research hypotheses are specific predictions developed from the research

questions, stating what the researcher expects to find.​

In the research process:

1.​ The research question defines the area of interest or problem to be studied.​

2.​ The hypothesis refines this question into a precise statement that can be empirically
tested.​

▶ Example:

●​ Research Question: Does training influence employee performance?​

●​ Research Hypothesis: Employees who receive regular training perform better than
those who do not.​

Thus, the research hypothesis acts as a bridge between the research questions and the
data collection/analysis.

Summary
Aspect Research Question Research Hypothesis

Purpose Identifies the problem/issue to Predicts a relationship or outcome

explore

Nature Broad, open-ended Specific, testable

Exampl Does exercise improve mental People who exercise regularly have lower
e health? levels of depression.

16.​Explain research motivations, research questions and research objectives. Why are they
important?
Research Motivations, Research
Questions, and Research Objectives
1. Research Motivations

Research motivations refer to the underlying reasons or driving forces that inspire a
researcher to conduct a study.​
They answer the question: "Why is this research important?"​
Motivations can come from:

●​ A personal interest in a topic,​

●​ A gap in existing knowledge,​

●​ A social or practical problem needing solutions,​

●​ A desire to challenge existing theories,​

●​ Or the need to explore new opportunities (such as market trends, new

technologies, etc.).​

▶ Example: A researcher notices that many small businesses fail within the first year and
wants to investigate why.

2. Research Questions

Research questions define what exactly the researcher wants to find out.​
They are clear, focused, and specific questions that guide the entire study.​
Good research questions are:

●​ Answerable through data collection and analysis,​

●​ Focused enough to be studied within the available time and resources,​

●​ Relevant to the field of study.​

▶ Example:​
"What are the key factors contributing to the failure of small businesses in their first year?"

3. Research Objectives
 Research objectives are specific goals that the researcher aims to achieve during the
study.​
They are derived from the research questions and explain what actions the researcher will
take to answer those questions.​
Objectives should be:

●​ Clear, concise, and measurable,​

●​ Often divided into main objectives (overall goals) and specific objectives (detailed
steps).​

▶ Example:

●​ Main Objective: To identify the major causes of small business failures.​

●​ Specific Objectives:​

○​ To assess the role of financial management in business survival,​

○​ To analyze the impact of marketing strategies on business success,​

○​ To evaluate the influence of leadership skills.​

Why Are They Important?

●​ Research motivations ensure that the study has purpose and relevance. Without
strong motivation, research can be aimless and uninspiring.​

●​ Research questions help focus the study, narrow the scope, and guide the
methodology. They prevent the research from being too broad or vague.​

●​ Research objectives provide a clear roadmap for the study. They organize the
research activities and allow for evaluation of whether the research has been
successful.​

Together, motivations, questions, and objectives form the foundation of a good research
project. They ensure that the study is meaningful, structured, and achievable.

17.​What are the strengths and weaknesses of using interviews as a data collection method?

Strengths of Using Interviews:

1.​ In-depth and Detailed Information:​

○​ Interviews provide an opportunity to gather rich, qualitative data. The

open-ended nature of many interview questions allows participants to express
their thoughts, experiences, and feelings in depth.​

○​ Example: A researcher studying customer satisfaction can get detailed

feedback on specific aspects of service from customers.​

2.​ Clarification and Follow-up:​

○​ The interviewer can clarify questions if the participant doesn’t understand

them and can probe deeper for more detailed responses, leading to clearer
and more comprehensive data.​

○​ Example: If a participant provides a vague answer, the interviewer can ask

follow-up questions to get a clearer understanding.​

3.​ Flexibility:​

○​ Interviews allow for flexibility in the questioning process. Interviewers can

adjust questions based on the conversation or the participant’s responses,
allowing for more spontaneous and insightful discussions.​

○​ Example: If the interviewee brings up a new, relevant topic, the interviewer

can explore it immediately.​

4.​ High Response Rate:​

○​ Interviews typically have higher response rates compared to surveys,

especially if conducted in-person. The interviewer can build rapport with the
participant, making them feel comfortable to share more.​

○​ Example: In-depth interviews with industry experts may yield more

meaningful insights than a general survey.​

5.​ Non-Verbal Cues:​

○​ In face-to-face or video interviews, the interviewer can observe body

language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, which provide additional
context to the responses.​

○​ Example: If a participant hesitates or shows discomfort when discussing a

particular topic, the interviewer can address it directly.​
Weaknesses of Using Interviews:

1.​ Time-Consuming:​

○​ Interviews can be time-consuming, both in terms of conducting and

analyzing the data. Each interview might last anywhere from 30 minutes to
several hours, and transcribing the interviews can also take considerable
time.​

○​ Example: Conducting 50 in-depth interviews for a research project would

take a significant amount of time to complete.​

2.​ Costly:​

○​ The resources required for conducting interviews—such as interviewer time,

travel, and recording equipment—can make it a more expensive data
collection method compared to surveys or online questionnaires.​

○​ Example: If the research is international, travel and logistics can add

substantial costs.​

3.​ Interviewer Bias:​

○​ The way an interviewer asks questions, their tone, and their body language
may influence the participant's responses, leading to interviewer bias.
This can affect the reliability of the data.​

○​ Example: If an interviewer unconsciously shows approval or disapproval of

an answer, the participant may alter their responses accordingly.​

4.​ Limited Sample Size:​

○​ Interviews typically involve a smaller sample size compared to other

methods like surveys, which limits the generalizability of the findings.​

○​ Example: A qualitative study with 20 interviews may provide deep insights,

but its findings may not represent the larger population.​

5.​ Ethical Issues:​

○​ In some cases, interviews may raise ethical concerns, especially when

sensitive topics are involved. For example, participants may feel
uncomfortable sharing personal information, or the interviewer may
unintentionally invade their privacy.​

○​ Example: An interview about traumatic experiences may cause emotional

distress to participants.​
 6.​ Data Analysis Complexity:​

○​ Analyzing qualitative data from interviews can be complex and subjective.

Unlike quantitative data, qualitative data doesn’t have clear metrics, which
can make it harder to analyze and interpret consistently.​

○​ Example: Analyzing responses to open-ended interview questions often

requires categorization, coding, and interpretation, which can introduce
researcher bias.​

Conclusion:

While interviews are a powerful tool for collecting in-depth, qualitative data, they come with
challenges such as time constraints, cost, and potential biases. The key to effective
interviews is careful planning, such as preparing interview guides, ensuring training for
interviewers to minimize bias, and structuring the analysis process effectively to extract
meaningful insights.

18.​Name and elaborate four types of non-probability sampling.

1. Convenience Sampling
Convenience sampling involves selecting individuals or items that are most accessible to the
researcher. It’s a quick and straightforward method, often used for preliminary research or
studies with limited resources.

Let’s say you want to survey smartphone usage in a busy city center. So, you approach
people passing by, collecting responses from those readily available. While convenient, this
method may not represent the broader population’s smartphone habits, as it primarily
captures the views of urban dwellers.

2. Judgmental Sampling
Judgmental sampling relies on the researcher’s expertise to select specific individuals or
items based on their knowledge of the population. It is subjective and can be influenced by
the researcher’s biases.

Consider a marketing expert analyzing consumer preferences for a new product. Using their
expertise, they select specific focus groups based on age, income, and shopping behavior.
By choosing participants relevant to the study, the expert gains insights tailored to the target
market, albeit with the risk of personal bias influencing the selection.

3. Quota Sampling
 Quota sampling divides the population into subgroups or quotas based on specific
characteristics such as age, gender, or occupation. Researchers then select samples from
each quota, ensuring proportional representation from different segments.

For instance, if you divide the population into age brackets and select respondents from
each category until quotas are met, it makes the findings more comprehensive.

4. Purposive Sampling
Purposive sampling involves selecting specific individuals or items for a particular purpose,
often due to their expertise or unique characteristics. Researchers choose samples
deliberately to meet the study’s objectives.

5. Snowball Sampling
Snowball sampling is commonly used when studying hard-to-reach or hidden populations. It
starts with an initial participant who refers to other potential participants, creating a ‘snowball’
effect. This method helps researchers access populations that are not easily accessible.

19.​Please explain different types of variables in research, give examples.

Types of Variables

1.​ Independent and Dependent Variables​

○​ Independent Variable (IV): The variable that is manipulated or categorized to

observe its effect on the dependent variable. It is considered the cause or
predictor.​
ex: Amount of study time (manipulated by the researcher)
○​ Dependent Variable (DV): The outcome or response that is measured to
assess the effect of the independent variable. It is considered the effect or
criterion.​
ex: Test scores (measured after studying)
○​ Example: In a study examining the effect of anxiety levels on pain medication
responsiveness, anxiety level is the IV, and responsiveness to medication is
the DV.​

2.​ Active and Attribute Variables​

○​ Active Variables: Variables that can be manipulated by the researcher.​

ex: Type of exercise program assigned to participants (e.g., yoga vs. running)
○​ Attribute Variables: Variables that cannot be manipulated and are inherent
characteristics of the subjects, such as age, gender, or blood type.​
ex: Participant's blood type (A, B, AB, O)
○​ Note: An active variable in one study could be an attribute variable in another,
depending on the research design.​
3.​ Continuous, Discrete, and Categorical Variables​

○​ Continuous Variables: Variables that can take on an infinite number of

values within a given range. Examples include weight and temperature.​
ex: Height (e.g., 170.2 cm, 170.3 cm)
○​ Discrete Variables: Variables that have a finite number of distinct values,
often counted in whole numbers, such as the number of children.​
ex: Number of siblings (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3)
○​ Categorical Variables: Variables that represent categories or groups without
a natural order, such as blood type or marital status.​
ex: Favorite color (e.g., red, blue, green)
4.​ Extraneous Variables​

○​ Variables that are not of primary interest but could influence the outcome of
the study if not controlled. These can introduce bias or confounding effects.​
ex: Room temperature during a memory experiment could affect performance
if not controlled.
5.​ Demographic Variables​

○​ Variables that describe the characteristics of the study population, such as

age, gender, education level, and socioeconomic status. These are often
used to describe the sample and analyze subgroup differences.​
ex: Age, gender, educational level, and income of survey participants.​