rm Flashcards
(112 cards)
1
Q
What does research refer to in common parlance?
A
A search for knowledge
Research can also be defined as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic.
2
Q
How does the Advanced Learner’s Dictionary define research?
A
A careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge
3
Q
According to Redman and Mory, what is research?
A
A systematized effort to gain new knowledge
4
Q
What is the vital instinct that drives research?
A
Inquisitiveness
5
Q
What are the components of research according to Clifford Woody?
A
- Defining and redefining problems
- Formulating hypothesis
- Collecting, organising and evaluating data
- Making deductions and reaching conclusions
- Testing conclusions against the hypothesis
6
Q
What is research considered as an original contribution to?
A
The existing stock of knowledge
7
Q
What is the main aim of research?
A
To find out the truth which is hidden and has not been discovered
8
Q
What are the broad groupings of research objectives?
A
- To gain familiarity with a phenomenon (exploratory research)
- To portray accurately characteristics of a situation (descriptive research)
- To determine frequency of occurrences (diagnostic research)
- To test a hypothesis of causal relationships (hypothesis-testing research)
9
Q
What is one possible motive for undertaking research?
A
Desire to get a research degree
10
Q
What distinguishes descriptive research from analytical research?
A
Descriptive research reports on the state of affairs as it exists, while analytical research uses existing facts to make critical evaluations
11
Q
What is the difference between applied research and fundamental research?
A
- Applied research aims at finding a solution for immediate problems
- Fundamental research is concerned with generalisations and theory formulation
12
Q
What does quantitative research focus on?
A
Measurement of quantity or amount
13
Q
What is qualitative research concerned with?
A
Qualitative phenomena, involving quality or kind
14
Q
What is conceptual research related to?
A
Abstract ideas or theories
15
Q
What does empirical research rely on?
A
Experience or observation
16
Q
What are some types of research based on time?
A
- One-time research
- Longitudinal research
17
Q
What is the objective of exploratory research?
A
Development of hypotheses rather than testing them
18
Q
What is the role of research in economic policy?
A
Provides the basis for government policies and aids in decision-making
19
Q
What does simulation research involve?
A
Construction of an artificial environment to generate relevant information
20
Q
What is the significance of research according to Hudson Maxim?
A
All progress is born of inquiry
21
Q
What are the three distinct phases of research in the context of government?
A
- Investigation of economic structure
- Diagnosis of events
- Prognosis of future conditions
22
Q
Fill in the blank: Research is the pursuit of _______.
A
Truth
23
Q
True or False: Research can only be conducted in academic settings.
A
False
24
Q
What are the three distinct phases of operation for research as a tool to economic policy?
A
- Investigation of economic structure through continual compilation of facts
- Diagnosis of events and analysis of underlying forces
- Prognosis or prediction of future developments
25
What is market research?
The investigation of the structure and development of a market for efficient policies in purchasing, production, and sales
26
What does operations research refer to?
The application of mathematical, logical, and analytical techniques to solve business problems of cost minimization or profit maximization
27
What is the focus of motivational research?
Determining why people behave as they do, particularly concerning market characteristics
28
How does research assist in business decision-making?
By replacing intuitive decisions with more logical and scientific decisions
29
What utility does research regarding demand and market factors have for businesses?
It helps firms adjust their supply schedules based on knowledge of future demand
30
What are the two main purposes of research in social sciences?
* Knowledge for its own sake
* Knowledge for practical concerns and solving social problems
31
What significance does research hold for students writing a master's or Ph.D. thesis?
It may mean a careerism or a way to attain a high position in the social structure
32
What do research methods refer to?
All those methods/techniques used for conducting research
33
What are the three groups of research methods?
* Methods for data collection
* Statistical techniques for establishing relationships between data
* Methods for evaluating the accuracy of results
34
What is research methodology?
A way to systematically solve the research problem and the science of studying how research is done scientifically
35
What is the main difference between research methods and research methodology?
Research methods are techniques used for conducting research, while research methodology encompasses the logic and systematic approach behind those methods
36
What does the scientific method rely on?
* Empirical evidence
* Relevant concepts
* Objective considerations
* Ethical neutrality
* Probabilistic predictions
37
True or False: The scientific method aims at formulating the most general axioms or scientific theories.
True
38
What is the purpose of experimentation in the scientific method?
To test hypotheses and discover new relationships among variables
39
Why is it important to know how research is done?
* It provides tools for evaluating and using research results confidently
* It develops disciplined thinking and objective observation
* It allows for intelligent decision-making in practical life
40
What is the research process?
A series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out research
41
Fill in the blank: Research methods are more general; they generate _______.
[research techniques]
42
What is the significance of research for analysts and intellectuals?
It may mean the generalizations of new theories
43
What is the role of logic in the scientific method?
To aid in formulating propositions explicitly and accurately
44
What are some examples of research techniques?
* Observational behavioral scales
* Use of score cards
* Tape and Film listening
45
What does the knowledge of research methodology provide?
The ability to evaluate and use research results with reasonable confidence
46
What must researchers do when developing an experimental design?
Pay attention to avoid faulty assumptions and poorly designed experiments
47
What are the closely related activities involved in the research process?
I to VII
## Footnote
These activities overlap continuously rather than following a strictly prescribed sequence.
48
What is the first step in the research process?
Formulating the research problem
49
What are the two types of research problems?
* States of nature
* Relationships between variables
50
What is the importance of formulating a research problem?
It helps in discriminating relevant data from irrelevant ones.
51
What are the two steps involved in formulating the research problem?
* Understanding the problem thoroughly
* Rephrasing it into meaningful terms
52
How can a researcher gain a better understanding of the research problem?
By discussing it with colleagues or experts.
53
What types of literature should a researcher review after formulating the problem?
* Conceptual literature
* Empirical literature
54
What is the purpose of an extensive literature survey?
To get acquainted with the selected problem and understand available data.
55
What is a working hypothesis?
A tentative assumption made to test its logical or empirical consequences.
56
What is the role of a working hypothesis in research?
It guides the researcher and delimits the area of research.
57
What are the approaches to developing working hypotheses?
* Discussions with colleagues and experts
* Examination of available data
* Review of similar studies
* Exploratory personal investigation
58
What is the function of research design?
To provide for the collection of relevant evidence with minimal expenditure of effort, time, and money.
59
What are the four categories of research purposes?
* Exploration
* Description
* Diagnosis
* Experimentation
60
What is a sample design?
A definite plan determined before data collection for obtaining a sample from a given population.
61
What are the two main types of samples?
* Probability samples
* Non-probability samples
62
What is simple random sampling?
A sampling method where each item in the population has an equal chance of inclusion.
63
What is systematic sampling?
Selecting every nth item from a list.
64
What is stratified sampling?
A technique where the population is divided into subpopulations, and samples are drawn from each.
65
Describe quota sampling.
Interviewers are given quotas from different strata, with selection left to their judgement.
66
What is cluster sampling?
Grouping the population and selecting clusters for inclusion in the sample.
67
What is the importance of literature review in research?
To understand the context and existing knowledge related to the research problem.
68
True or False: The research steps must be followed in a strict sequence.
False
69
Fill in the blank: The preparation of a research design involves considering the _______.
[means of obtaining the information]
70
What is the outcome of a well-defined research problem?
It helps in determining relevant data, relations to explore, and reporting techniques.
71
What does a successful research design aim to minimize?
Bias and maximizes reliability of data.
72
What is quota sampling?
An important form of non-probability sampling where samples are generally judgment samples rather than random samples.
73
What does cluster sampling involve?
Grouping the population and selecting groups or clusters for inclusion in the sample.
74
What is the purpose of area sampling?
To divide a large geographical area into smaller non-overlapping areas and randomly select some for sampling.
75
How does multi-stage sampling work?
It involves selecting large primary sampling units in stages, such as states, districts, and towns.
76
What is sequential sampling?
A sampling design where the ultimate size of the sample is determined based on information yielded as the survey progresses.
77
What is mixed sampling?
Using several methods of sampling in the same study.
78
What are primary data?
Data collected either through experiment or survey.
79
What is the observation method in data collection?
Collecting information through the investigator's own observation without interviewing respondents.
80
What is the method of personal interviews?
Data collection through structured interviews with pre-conceived questions.
81
What is involved in telephone interviews?
Contacting respondents via telephone for data collection.
82
What is the mailing of questionnaires method?
Sending questionnaires to respondents to be completed and returned.
83
What are schedules in data collection?
Using trained enumerators with specific questions to collect data from respondents.
84
What is the importance of executing the project systematically?
To ensure that the data collected are adequate and dependable.
85
What is the purpose of coding in data analysis?
To transform categories of data into symbols for tabulation and counting.
86
What is tabulation in the data analysis process?
The technical procedure of presenting classified data in table form.
87
What is hypothesis-testing?
The process of determining if the data supports or contradicts the formulated hypotheses.
88
What are generalisations in research?
Broad conclusions drawn from repeatedly tested hypotheses.
89
What are the main sections of a research report?
* Preliminary pages
* Main text
* End matter
90
What should the introduction of a research report include?
A clear statement of the research objective and methodology.
91
What is the significance of the summary of findings in a report?
It presents findings and recommendations in non-technical language.
92
What criteria should good research meet?
* Clearly defined purpose
* Detailed research procedure
* Objective results
* Complete reporting of flaws
* Adequate data analysis
* Justified conclusions
* Researcher integrity
93
What does systematic research imply?
Research is structured with specified steps and rules.
94
What does logical research involve?
Research guided by logical reasoning and the processes of induction and deduction.
95
What characterizes empirical research?
It relates to real situations and concrete data.
96
What is the replicability of research?
The ability to verify research results by replicating the study.
97
What is a major problem faced by researchers in India?
Lack of scientific training in research methodology.
98
What is a major impediment for researchers in India regarding research methodology?
The lack of scientific training in research methodology
## Footnote
Many researchers lack the necessary skills, leading to methodologically unsound research.
99
What is often the consequence of poor research methodology among Indian researchers?
Research results often do not reflect reality
## Footnote
Many studies are conducted without proper methodological insight.
100
What is an urgent necessity before undertaking research projects?
Systematic study of research methodology
## Footnote
Researchers should be equipped with methodological aspects.
101
What is a suggested solution to improve researchers' understanding of methodology?
Provide short-duration intensive courses
## Footnote
These courses should focus on research methodology.
102
What issue arises from insufficient interaction between university research departments and external entities?
Untreated primary data remains untouched
## Footnote
Researchers lack proper contacts with businesses and government.
103
What is needed to enhance university-industry interaction?
Development of mechanisms for interaction programs
## Footnote
This can help align academic research with practical needs.
104
Why are business units often reluctant to share information with researchers?
Lack of confidence that their information will not be misused
## Footnote
The concept of secrecy is very strong in business organizations.
105
What problem arises from overlapping research studies?
Duplication of efforts and wastage of resources
## Footnote
This can be mitigated by compiling a list of ongoing research subjects.
106
What is a suggested method to avoid duplication in research?
Regular compilation and revision of research subjects
## Footnote
This helps identify unique research problems.
107
What is the need for researchers regarding a code of conduct?
To reduce inter-university and inter-departmental rivalries
## Footnote
A code of conduct can help foster collaboration.
108
What difficulty do many researchers face related to secretarial assistance?
Inadequate and untimely secretarial assistance
## Footnote
This leads to unnecessary delays in research completion.
109
What issue exists with library management for researchers?
Unsatisfactory library management and functioning
## Footnote
Researchers often waste time locating materials instead of using them.
110
What problem do libraries face regarding government publications?
Inability to obtain copies of Acts/Rules and reports in time
## Footnote
This issue is more acute for libraries located away from major cities.
111
What challenge do researchers encounter with published data?
Timely availability of published data from various agencies
## Footnote
Variations in data coverage by agencies can complicate research.
112
What conceptual issues might researchers face during their studies?
Problems with conceptualization and data collection processes
## Footnote
These issues can hinder the overall research process.
