Divyansh Khandelwal
BBA SEM.-4
SEC.-A
ENROLL. NO.- 220010201029
DSC2701 Assignment-2
A1. Meaning of Measurement in Research: Measurement in research refers to the process of
assigning numbers or symbols to phenomena according to rules. It involves the systematic
assignment of numbers or symbols to entities or characteristics based on predetermined rules. The
choice of measurement scale - nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio - determines the level of precision
and mathematical operations that can be performed on the data.
- Nominal Scale: This is the simplest level of measurement, where numbers are used simply as
labels or identifiers. For example, assigning numbers to genders (1 for male, 2 for female).
- Ordinal Scale: In this scale, numbers represent a ranking or ordering of variables. However, the
intervals between the numbers are not equal. An example could be ranking levels of satisfaction (1
for very dissatisfied, 2 for dissatisfied, 3 for neutral, and so on).
- Interval Scale: This scale not only indicates the order but also specifies equal intervals between
the numbers. However, it lacks a true zero point. An example is the Celsius scale for temperature.
- Ratio Scale: This scale has all the properties of the interval scale but also has a true zero point,
allowing for meaningful ratios between numbers. Examples include height, weight, income, etc.
A2. Sources and Steps of the Research Process:
Sources:
- Personal Experience
- Previous Research
- Observation
- Literature Review
- Practical Problems
- Theory
Steps:
1. Identification of Research Problem
2. Review of Literature
3. Formulation of Hypothesis
4. Designing the Research (including selection of research method, population, and sampling)
5. Data Collection
6. Data Analysis
7. Interpretation of Results
8. Report Writing
A3. Sources of Research Problems and Identification:
Sources:
- Personal Experience
- Literature Review
- Practical Problems
- Theory
Identification Criteria:
- Novelty and Originality
- Feasibility
- Social Relevance
- Ethical Considerations
A4. Problem Statement, Definition, and Evaluation:
Problem Statement:
- A problem is typically stated as a question or a declarative sentence that describes the issue to be
addressed in the research.
Definition of Problem:
- Problems can be defined in various ways such as by their context, scope, relevance, or urgency.
Characteristics of Good Problems:
- Clear and specific
- Relevant and significant
- Feasible and manageable
- Ethically sound
- Novel and original
A5. Review of Literature:
- Definition: A review of literature is a comprehensive examination and analysis of existing
literature, research, and scholarship related to a particular topic.
- Difference from Traditional Meaning: Traditionally, literature review referred to the review of
literary works, whereas in research, it refers to scholarly publications, research articles, and other
academic sources.
- Objectives and Significance:
- Identify gaps in existing research
- Provide theoretical framework
- Justify the need for the research
- Avoid duplication of efforts
A6. Nature and Functions of Hypothesis:
- Nature: A hypothesis is a tentative statement or proposition that suggests a possible explanation
for a phenomenon. It is based on observations, experience, or existing theory.
- Functions:
- Guides the research process
- Provides direction for data collection and analysis
- Allows for empirical testing and verification
A7. Interview and Types:
- Definition: An interview is a method of data collection where a researcher asks questions to
participants to gather information.
- Types:
- Structured Interviews: Follow a predetermined set of questions. Merits include reliability, ease of
analysis. Demerits include lack of flexibility.
- Semi-Structured Interviews: Combine predetermined questions with flexibility to explore new
avenues. Merits include depth of information. Demerits include potential for bias.
- Unstructured Interviews: No predetermined questions, allowing for open-ended discussion.
Merits include rich qualitative data. Demerits include difficulty in analysis and standardization.
A8. Guidelines for Construction of Questionnaires:
- Keep questions clear and concise
- Avoid leading or biased questions
- Use appropriate response formats
- Pilot test the questionnaire
- Ensure confidentiality and anonymity
A9. Methods of Primary Data Collection:
- Interviews: Advantages include in-depth information. Disadvantages include time-consuming and
potentially biased.
- Surveys: Advantages include efficiency and wide reach. Disadvantages include potential for low
response rates and superficial responses.
- Observation: Advantages include direct and unobtrusive data collection. Disadvantages include
potential for observer bias and limited scope.
A10. Steps in Designing a Questionnaire:
- Define objectives
- Determine types of questions
- Organize questions logically
- Pretest and revise
- Administer the questionnaire
- Analyze and interpret data
A11. Common Form of Plagiarism:
- Copying text directly without proper citation
- Paraphrasing without proper attribution
- Self-plagiarism (reusing one's own work without acknowledgment)
A12. Hypothesis Development and Types:
- Hypothesis Development: The process of formulating hypotheses based on observations,
theories, or existing research.
- Types of Hypotheses:
- Null Hypothesis (H0): States that there is no relationship or difference between variables.
- Alternative Hypothesis (H1 or Ha): States that there is a relationship or difference between
variables.
- Directional Hypothesis: Predicts the direction of the relationship or difference.
- Non-directional Hypothesis: Does not specify the direction of the relationship or difference.
