Business Research Methods Unit 1

UNIT. I: INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS RESEARCH: Meaning, Scope and Significance,
Characteristics of Good Research, Types of Research, Research Process, Scientific method-Blocks,
Identifying Research Problem, Concepts, Constructs, Variables, Proposition, and Theoretical
framework.
Introduction:
Curiosity or inquisitiveness is the distinct features of human being. Curiosity to know about
ourselves, our institutions, our environment, and our planet like innumerable questions go on arising in
our mind. What are the causes of various business problems like recession or industrial unrest, and so on.
Whenever such questions arise we seek answer to them. Whenever we encounter problems we try to find
solutions to them.
The word research derives from the French recherché, from rechercher, to search closely where
"chercher" means "to search".
A systematic search for an answer to a question or a solution to a problem is called research.
Research means (re-search) or search again for the knowledge/solution to solve the existing problems.-
research for new knowledge or to develop new concepts and theories.
Meaning of Research
1. Research in simple terms, refers to a search for knowledge. It is also known as a scientific and
systematic search for information on particular topic or issue. It is also known as the art of scientific
investigation. Several social scientists have defined research in different ways .
2. Research means discovering, interpreting and the development of methods and systems for the
advancement of human knowledge on a wide variety of scientific matters of world and the universe.
Definitions:
1. According to Webster: “a Careful inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles: diligent
investigation in order to ascertain something.”
2. According to Redman and Mory (1923), defined research is a "systematized effort to gain new
knowledge".
3. According to Francies Rummel, “Research is a careful inquiry or examination to discover new
information or relationships and to expand and to verify existing knowledge.”
Business research:
Business research is a systematic inquiry that provides information to guide managerial decisions. More
specifically, it is a process of planning, acquiring, analyzing, and disseminating relevant data, information,
and insights to decision makers in ways that mobilize the organization to take appropriate actions that, in
turn, maximize business performance.”
Why study Business Research?

• Is it to solve day to day problems.
ex. Restaurant and ROI Mobile phone
• Business has to work with internal and external environment.
Scope/purpose/objectives of research
The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific
procedures. The main aim of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which has not been
discovered as yet.
1. Research extends knowledge:
Research extends the knowledge of human being, social life and environment. scientist and research
scholars build up the wealth of knowledge through their research findings. They search answers for
various types of questions: what, where, when, how and why of various phenomena, and enlighten us.
The bodies of knowledge have been developed by research in general and pure or fundamental research
in particulars.
2. Research establishes generalization and general laws:
Research establishes generalization and general laws and contributes to theory building in various fields
of knowledge. Our knowledge of isolated events is connected together to draw generalization and general
laws.
3.Research verifies and Tests: Research verifies and Tests existing facts and theory, these help
improving our knowledge and ability to handle situations and events .Research plays an active role, it
performs at least four major functions---It initiates, it formulates, it deflects and it clarifies theory.
4. Applied research:
Applied research aims at finding solution to problems-economic problems(unemployment, poverty---)
5. General laws:
General laws developed through research may enable us to make reliable predictions of events yet to
happen.
6. Research Develops new theory, concepts: Research also aims at developing new tools, concepts and
theories for a better study of unknown phenomena.
7. Research aids planning and thus contributes to national development:
Research social science research in particular aids planning in the following ways
 Research uncovers needed facts on which sound decisions can made before committing resources.
 Research studies enable the planners to evaluate alternative strategies and choose the most
appropriate strategies for development of various sectors like agriculture, industry, education etc.
 The benefit cost evaluation studies of projects like irrigation project throw out valuable lessons
for improving the formulation of similar project subsequently.

 Evaluation studies of ongoing programme like family planning scheme, lead bank scheme,
integrated rural development programme etc., point out their short comings and implementation
problems and enable the planners to revise the scheme and implementation strategies
appropriately.
 The dissemination of research findings creates a general awareness of country’s current situations
and problems among the public, which inspire them to participate in formulation and
implementation of development schemes.
Significance of research
Significance of Research “All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than
overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry, and inquiry leads to invention” is a famous Hudson Maxim in
context of which the significance of research can well be understood. Increased amounts of research
make progress possible.
1. Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and it promotes the development of
logical habits of thinking and organization.
2. The role of research in several fields of applied economics, whether related to business or to the
economy as a whole, has greatly increased in modern times. The increasingly complex nature of business
and government has focused attention on the use of research in solving operational problems.
3. Research, as an aid to economic policy, has gained added importance, both for government and
business.
4. Research provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our economic system.
For instance, government’s budgets rest in part on an analysis of the needs and desires of the people
and on the availability of revenues to meet these needs. The cost of needs has to be equated to probable
revenues and this is a field where research is most needed. Through research we can devise alternative
policies and can as well examine the consequences of each of these alternatives
5. Decision-making may not be a part of research, but research certainly facilitates the decisions
of the policy maker.
6. Thus, research is considered necessary with regard to the allocation of nation’s resources.
Another area in government, where research is necessary, is collecting information on the economic and
social structure of the nation.
7. Research has its special significance in solving various operational and planning problems of
business and industry.
Operations research and market research, along with motivational research, are considered crucial and
their results assist, in more than one way, in taking business decisions. Market research is the
investigation of the structure and development of a market for the purpose of formulating efficient

policies for purchasing, production and sales. Operations research refers to the application of
mathematical, logical and analytical techniques to the solution of business problems of cost minimization
or of profit maximization or what can be termed as optimization problems. Motivational research of
determining why people behave as they do is mainly concerned with market characteristics.
8. Research, thus, replaces intuitive business decisions by more logical and scientific decisions.
9. Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social relationships and in seeking
answers to various social problems.
It provides the intellectual satisfaction of knowing a few things just for the sake of knowledge and also
has practical utility for the social scientist to know for the sake of being able to do something better or in
a more efficient manner.
10. Research in social sciences is concerned both with knowledge for its own sake and with knowledge
for what it can contribute to practical concerns. “This double emphasis is perhaps especially appropriate
in the case of social science.”
In addition to what has been stated above, the significance of research can also be understood
keeping in view the following points:
(a) To those students who are to write a master’s or Ph.D. thesis, research may mean a careerism or a
way to attain a high position in the social structure;
(b) To professionals in research methodology, research may mean a source of livelihood;
(c) To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights;
(d) To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new styles and creative work;
(e) To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the generalizations of new theories.
Thus, research is the fountain of knowledge for the sake of knowledge and an important source
Of providing guidelines for solving different business, governmental and social problems. It is a sort of
Formal training which enables one to understand the new developments in one’s field in a better way.
Characteristics of Good Research
1. Purpose clearly defined:
The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and common concepts are used.
2. Research process detailed:
The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit another researcher to
repeat the research for further advancement, keeping the continuity of what has already been attained.
3. Research design thoroughly planned:
The procedural design of the research should be clearly planned to yield results that are as objective as
possible.
4. Limitations frankly revealed:

The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design and estimate their
effects upon the findings.
5. Adequate Analysis for decision makers needs:
The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and the method s of
analysis used should be appropriate .The validity and reliability of the data should be checked carefully.
 Originates with a question or problem.
 Requires clear articulation of a goal.
 Follows a specific plan or procedure.
 Often divides main problem into sub problems.
 Guided by specific problem, question, or hypothesis.
 Accepts certain critical assumptions.
 Requires collection and interpretation of data.
 Cyclical (helical) in nature.
The other good qualities of a good research as under:
1. Good research is systemic:
It means the research is structured with specified steps to be taken in a specified sequence in accordance
with the well defined set of rules. Systematic characteristic of the research doesnot rule out creative
thinking but it certainly does reject the use of guessing and intuition in arriving at conclusions.
2. Good research is logical:
This implies that research is guided by the rules of logical reseaoning and the logical process of induction
and deduction are of great value in carrying out research.
In fact, logical reasoning makes research more meaningful in the context of decision-making.
3. Good research is empirical: It implies that research is related basically to one or more aspects of a
real situation and deals with concrete data that provides a basis for external validity to research results.
4. Good research is replicable:
This characteristics allows research results to be verified by replicating the study and there by building a
sound basis for decisions.
5. Conclusions Justified: Conclusion should be confined to those justified by the data of the research and
limited to those for which the data provide an adequate basis.
6. Research experiences reflected: Greater confidence in research is reputation in research and is a
person of integrity.
Types of Research

(i) Descriptive vs. Analytical
(ii) Applied vs. Fundamental
(iii) Quantitative vs. Qualitative
(iv) Conceptual vs. Empirical
(v) Some Other Types of Research
 One-time research or longitudinal research.
 field-setting research , laboratory research ,simulation research
 clinical or diagnostic research
 Historical research
Based on purpose:
Descriptive research
Descriptive research refers to research that provides an accurate portrayal of characteristics of a
particular individual, situation, or group. These studies are a means of discovering new meaning,
describing what exists, determining the frequency with which something occurs, and categorizing
information.
In short descriptive research deals with everything that can be counted and studied, which has an impact
of the lives of the people it deals with.
For example, finding the most frequent disease that affects the children of a town. The reader of the
research will know what to do to prevent that disease thus; more people will live a healthy life.
Advantages:
• The people individual studied are unaware so they act naturally or as they usually do in everyday
situation;

• It is less expensive and time consuming than quantitative experiments;
• Collects a large amount of notes for detailed studying;
• As it is used to describe and not make any conclusions it is to start the research with it;
Disadvantages
• Descriptive research requires more skills.
• Does not identify cause behind a phenomenon
• Response rate is low in this research.
• Results of this research can change over the period of time.
Analytical research: Analytical research is primarily concerned with testing hypothesis and specifying
and interpreting relationships, by analyzing the fact ort information already available.
 collect data is analyzed and explained
 beyond merely describing the characteristics
 Explains existing state of affairs from available data
 Works within the constraints variables.
Ex: How can the number of complaints made by the customers be reduced.
Exploratory research:
Exploratory research is a type of research conducted for a problem that has not been clearly defined.
Exploratory research helps determine the best research design, data collection method and selection of
subjects.
• The results of exploratory research are not usually useful for decision-making by themselves, but they
can provide significant insight into a given situation
• Exploratory research is not typically generalizable to the population at large.
• Exploratory research can be quite informal, relying on secondary research such as reviewing available
literature and/or data, or qualitative approaches such as informal discussions with consumers,
employees, management or competitors, and more formal approaches through in-depth interviews, focus
groups, projective methods, case studies or pilot studies.
Predictive research:
Move beyond explanation to the prediction of precise relationships between dimentions or
characteristics of a phenomenon or difference between groups. Thus the aims of this study was to
identify risk factors that could predict post operative pulmonary complications.
Based on Process:
Qualitative research:

Qualitative research is research dealing with phenomena that are difficult or impossible to quantify
mathematically, such as beliefs, meanings, attributes, and symbols Qualitative researchers aim to gather an
in-depth understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. The qualitative
method investigates the why and how of decision making, not just what, where, when.
Advantages
• It enables more complex aspects of a person’s experience toe studied
• Fewer restriction or assumptions are placed on the data to be collected.
• Not everything can be quantified, or quantified easily, Individuals can be studied in more depth
• Good for exploratory research and hypothesis generation
• The participants are able to provide data in their own words and in their own way
Disadvantages
• It is more difficult to determine the validity and reliability of linguistic data
• There is more subjectivity involved in analyzing the data.
• “Data overload” – open-ended questions can sometimes create lots of data, which can take along time to
analyze!
• Time consuming
Quantitative research refers to the systematic empirical investigation of any phenomena via statistical,
mathematical or computational techniques.
The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories and/or
hypotheses pertaining to phenomena
Quantitative research is generally made using scientific methods, which can include:
• The generation of models, theories and hypotheses
• The development of instruments and methods for measurement
• Experimental control and manipulation of variables
• Collection of empirical data
• Modeling and analysis of data
• Evaluation of results
Advantages
• Quantitative research allows the researcher to measure and analyze data.
• The researcher is more objective about the findings of the research.
• Quantitative research can be used to test hypotheses in experiments because of its ability to measure
data using statistics.
Disadvantages
• The main disadvantage of quantitative research is the context of the study or experiment is ignored.

• Quantitative research does not study things in a natural setting or discuss the meaning things have for
different people.
• A large sample of the population must be studied for more accurate results
Qualitative research is research dealing with phenomena that are difficult or impossible to quantify
mathematically, such as beliefs, meanings, attributes, and symbols Qualitative researchers aim to gather an
in-depth
Understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. The
qualitative method investigates the why and how of decision making, not just what, where, when.
Advantages
• It enables more complex aspects of a person’s experience to be studied
• Fewer restriction or assumptions are placed on the data to be collected.
• Not everything can be quantified, or quantified easily, Individuals can be studied in more depth
• Good for exploratory research and hypothesis generation
• The participants are able to provide data in their own words and in their own way
Disadvantages
• It is more difficult to determine the validity and reliability of linguistic data
• there is more subjectivity involved in analyzing the data.
• “Data overload” – open-ended questions can sometimes create lots of data, which can take a long time to
analyze!
• Time consuming
Based on outcomes:
Pure Research
On the other hand, fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalization and with the formulation
of a theory. Pauline V. Young in his book “Scientific Social Survey and Research” defines that “gathering
knowledge for knowledge’s sake is termed ‘pure’ and ‘basic’ research.”
Basic (fundamental or pure) research is driven by a scientist's curiosity or interest in a scientific question.
The main motivation is to expand man's knowledge, not to create or invent something. There is no obvious
commercial value to the discoveries that result from basic research.
For example, basic science investigations probe for answers to questions such as:
• How did the universe begin?
• What are protons, neutrons, and electrons composed of?
• How do slime molds reproduce?
• What is the specific genetic code of the fruit fly?

Pure research is theoretical type not a practical one. Pure research is the knowledge of facts and theories to
give us satisfaction of knowledge and understanding. It discovers general principles for a problem solution.
Following are some of the features.
1. It keeps the foundation of initial study.
2. It discovers new facts.
3. It gives theoretical reports for solution.
Applied research:
Applied research refers to scientific study and research that seeks to solve practical problems. Applied
research is used to find solutions to everyday problems, cure illness, and develop innovative
technologies, rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge's sake.
For example, applied researchers may investigate ways to:
• Improve agricultural crop production
• Treat or cure a specific disease
• Improve the energy efficiency of homes, offices, or modes of transportation
1. It tests and verifies theories
2. It discovers new facts
3. It gives immediate answer to a question
Action Research:
Action research is based on the taking of immediate action on a happening, event or situation. The
researcher is actively involved in the solution of the problems. Second World War created many types of
problems for which action research was necessary. These problems including (flood, epidemic,
earthquake, fire) etc. features are as under.
1. It is quick service oriented
2. It is taking immediate action
3. It is sensitive to time and place
Other methods are:
Conceptual and Empirical Research
C. R. Kothari defines that conceptual research is the one which is related to some abstract idea (s) or
theory. It is generally used by the philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret
the existing one.
On the contrary, empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard
for system and theory. It is a data-based research, coming up with conclusion which is capable of being
verified by observation or experiment. We can also call it the experimental type of research. It is an
appropriate method, when proof is sought that certain variables affect other variables in some way.

Historical research gives a social scientist a better context for making realistic decisions.
Strengths
• Provides a comprehensive picture of historical trends
• Uses existing information
• Provides evidence of on-going trends and problems
Limitations
• Time-consuming
• Resources may be hard to locate
• Resources may be conflicting
• May not identify cause of a problem
• Information may be incomplete, obsolete, inconclusive, or
In accurate
• Data restricted to what already exists
 One-time research or longitudinal research.
 field-setting research , laboratory research ,simulation research
 clinical or diagnostic research
RESEARCH PROCESS
The process of gathering information for the pupose of initiating,modifying or terminating a
particularinvestment or group of investments.
seven steps of research process
1. Define research problem
2. Revieew of literature
3. Formulate hypotheses
4. Preparing the research design
5. Data collection
6. Data analysis
7. Interpretion and report writing

1.Define research problem
There are two types of research problems,viz.,those
 Relate to states of nature
 Relationship between variables
Essentially two steps are involved in define research problem viz.,
 Understanding the problem thoroughly and
 Rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an point of view.
2.Review of literature :
Once the problem is define, abrief summary of it should be written down.It is compulsory for a research
worker writing a thesis for Ph.d.degree to write a synopsis of topic and submit it to necessary committee or
the research board for approval.
3.Formulate hypotheses:
Formulate hypotheses is tentativ eassumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical
consequences.Hypothesis should be very specific and limited to the piece of research in hand because it has to
be tested.The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher by delimiting the area of research and to keep
him on the right track.
4.Preparing the research design:
The function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevent evidence with minimal expenditure
of effort,time,and money
Research purpose may be grouped into four categories viz.,(1)Exploration (2)Description,(3)Diagnosis,and
(4)Experimentation.
5.Data collection:
 Primary data collected throughly:
 By observation

 Through personal interview
 Through Telephone interview
 By mailing of questionaries
 Through schedules
6.Data Analysis:
The analysis of data requires a number of closely related operations such as establishment of categories.
This stage mainly include:
1.coding
2.Editing
3.Tabulation
Coding operation is usually done at this stage through which the categories of data are transformed into
symbols that may be tabulated and counted.
Editing is the procedure that improves the quality of the data for coding. With coding the stage is ready
for tabulation.
Tabulation is a part of the technical procedure wherein the classified data are put in the form of tables.
The mechanical devices can be made use of at this juncture. A great deal of data, specially in large
inquiries, is tabulated by computers. Computers not only save time but also make it possible to study
large number of variables affecting a problem simultaneously
7. Interpretation and Reporting writing:
Researcher has to prepare the report of what has been done by him.
Writing of report includes:
1. The preliminary pages:
2. The main text, and
3. The end matter.
The main text of the report should have the following parts:
(a) Introduction: It should contain a clear statement of the objective of the research and an explanation
of the methodology adopted in accomplishing the research. The scope of the study along with various
limitations should as well be stated in this part.
(b) Summary of findings: After introduction there would appear a statement of findings and
recommendations in non-technical language. If the findings are extensive, they should be summarised.
(c) Main report: The main body of the report should be presented in logical sequence and broken-down
into readily identifiable sections.
(d) Conclusion: Towards the end of the main text, researcher should again put down the results of his
research clearly and precisely. In fact, it is the final summing up.
SCIENTIFIC METHODS OF RESEARCH

DEFINITION OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS:
Scientific methods are defined as controlled, systematic investigations that are rooted
in objective reality & that aim to develop general knowledge about natural phenomena. The scientific
method is, thus, based on certain basic postulates which can be stated as under:
1. It relies on empirical evidence;
2. It utilizes relevant concepts;
3. It is committed to only objective considerations;
4. It presupposes ethical neutrality, i.e., it aims at nothing but making only adequate and correct
Statements about population objects;
5. It results into probabilistic predictions;
6. Its methodology is made known to all concerned for critical scrutiny are for use in testing the
conclusions through replication;
7. It aims at formulating most general axioms or what can be termed as scientific theories.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS
 They are orderly & systematic processes.
 Scientists attempt to control external factors that are not under direct investigation.
 Their findings are based on the empirical evidences.
 Findings of scientific methods can be generalized, which means that they can be used in situations
other than the one under study.
 Scientific methods are based on assumptions or hypothesis.
 They are basically conduced to develop or test hypothesis.
PURPOSES OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS
The basic purposes of scientific methods are description, exploration, explanation, prediction, control,
prescription, & identification of relationship of the facts.
STEPS OF SCIENTIFC METHODS
 Selecting the topic & identifying the research problem
 Defining the objectives of the study.
 Reviewing the literature from theory & other related studies.
 Defining concepts & variables to be studied.
 Stating hypothesis about expected observations or phenomenon to be studied.
STEPS OF SCIENTIFC METHODS
 Determining the ethical implication of the proposed study.
 Describing the research design & methods for data collection.

 Defining study population & sample.
 Planning the data analysis & discussion.
 Collecting data from subjects.
 Analyzing &interpreting data.
 Communicating finding of the study.
LIMITATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS
1. Moral or ethical problem :
Thus, reliable scientific data cannot always be collected. The constraint of involving humans, which is
essential for observing human behavior for experimentation, is one such ethical problem. Most nursing
studies would require humans as the subject of their research.
2. Human complexity: Human behavior is complicated, subtle. Human complexity & When human
behavior is studied. It is very difficult to categorize human behavior varied & analyzed by other human
beings; the personal biases come into the picture & distort the analytical facts.
3. Measurement problems: Therefore, with humans as subjects, all the people do not behave in the
same way in similar circumstances. Human behavior is not uniform, certain, or predictable. Different
aspects of human behavior are psychological in nature, which cannot be accurately measured.
4. External variable control problems: Scientific studies conducted on humans may have a limitation of
weak or no control over external variables in scientific activity
Identifying Research Problem:
INTRODUCTION: A research problem is a question that researcher wants to answer or a problem that a
researcher wants to solve Identification & formulation of a research problem is the first step of the
research process. Selection of research problem depends on several factors such as researcher’s
knowledge, skills, interest, expertise, motivation &creativity with respect to the subject of inquiry. It is
believed that most of the good research studies need lots of time for selection of a research problem
Meaning:
A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the Context of
either a theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same
DEFINITION
According to Ker linger, ‘A problem is an interrogative sentence or statement that asks what relation
exists between two or more variable. The answer to question will provide what is having sought in the
research
IDENTIFICATION OF RESEARCHPROBLEM

Identification of a research problem is the first & step in research process. Generally, a broad area is
selected & This step of the research process is considered as the most difficult then a broad topic is
delimited or narrowed down to a specific one-sentence statement of the problem. & challenging, & A
research problem may come from several sources need slots of time.
Personal Experiences: Day-to-day personal experience of a research may serve as good source of ideas
to formulate a research problem. For example, a researcher observed domestic violence suffered by
wives of alcoholic husbands. This experience may provide ideas to identity several research problems
related to domestic violence against women. There may be so many such life experiences
Practical Experiences: Nurses gets plenty of ideas to formulate research problems from their clinical
experiences. Every curious nurse has several questions to be answered which are encountered during
clinical experience. For example, a nurse finds that unrestricted visiting hours in surgical wards reduced
the analgesic demand among postoperative patients. Such clinical experiences could be rich sources of
ideas to identify a significant research problem
Critical Appraisal of literature: When we critically study books & articles relating to the subject of our
interest, including research report, opinion articles, & summaries of clinical issues, pertinent questions
may arise in our mind. These may strike reader’s mind indirectly by stimulating imagination & directly by
stating what additional research is needed. For example, a nurse reads an article on the prevalence of the
pin site infection among patients with external fixators; while reading this article nurse learns that there
is lack of consensus about pin site care. This information may serve as a basis to formulate a research
problem.
Previous Experience: A body of knowledge should be developed on a sound foundation of research
findings. Usually at the end of a research further research problems are suggested, based on the
shortcomings of previous research, which can be investigated. In nursing profession, not much research
has been yet done; therefore, this profession needs research who are willing to replicate or repeat other
studies on different samples & settings where all the essential elements of the original study are held
intact.
Social issues: Sometimes, topics are suggested by more global contemporary social or political issues of
relevance to the health care community. For example, HIV/AIDS, female foeticide, sexual harassment,
domestic violence, & gender equality in health care & in research are some of the current social &
political issues of concern for health care professionals.
Brainstorming: Brainstorming sessions are good techniques to find new questions, where an intensified
discussion among interested people of the profession is conducted to find more ideas to formulate a good
research problem
Intuition: Traditionally institutions are considered good sources ofknowledge as well as sources to find
new research problems. It is believed that reflective mind is good sources of ideas, which may be used to
formulate a good research problem.
Exposure to field situations: During field exposure, researchers get variety of experiences, which may
provide plenty of ideas to formulate research problems. For example, while working in field a researcher
observed a specific traditional practice for cure of disease condition, which can be used as research
problem to investigate its efficacy.www.drjayeshpatidar.blogspot.com
Consultation with experts: Experts are believed to have sound experience of their respective field,
which may suggest significance problem to be studied. In addition, expert may help in finding a current
problem of discipline to be solve, which may serve as basis for formulation of research problem
The various components of a research problem may be summarized as:

(i) There should be an individual or a group who have some difficulty or problem.
(ii) There should be some objective(s) to be pursued. A person or an organization who want nothing
cannot have a problem.
(iii) There should be alternative ways of pursuing the objective the researcher wants to pursue. This
implies that there should be more than one alternative means available to the researcher. This is because
if the researcher has no choice of alternative means, he/she would not have a problem.
(iv) There should be some doubt in the mind of the researcher about the choice of alternative means.
This implies that research should answer the question relating to the relative efficiency or suitability of
the possible alternatives.
(v) There should be a context to which the difficulty relates.
Thus, identification of a research problem is the pre-condition to conducting research. A research
problem is said to be the one which requires a researcher to find the best available solution to the given
problem. That is, the researcher needs to find out the best course of action through which the research
objective may be achieved optimally in the context of a given situation. Several factors may contribute to
making the problem complicated. For example, the environment may alter, thus affecting the efficiencies
of the alternative course of actions taken or the quality of the outcomes. Or, the number of alternative
Course of actions may be very large and the individual not involved in making the decision may be
affected by the change in environment, and may react to it favorably or unfavorably. Other similar factors
are also likely to cause such changes in the context of research, all of which may be considered from the
point of view of a research problem.
TECHNIQUE INVOLVED IN DEFINING PROBLEM/STEPS
The technique for the purpose involves the undertaking of the following steps generally one after the
other: (i) statement of the problem in a general way;
(ii) Understanding the nature of the problem;
(iii) Surveying the available literature
(iv) Developing the ideas through discussions; and
(v) Rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition.
A brief description of all these points will be helpful.
(i) Statement of the problem in a general way: First of all the problem should be stated in abroad
general way, keeping in view either some practical concern or some scientific or intellectual interest. For
this purpose, the researcher must immerse himself thoroughly in the subject matter concerning which he
wishes to pose a problem
ii) Understanding the nature of the problem: The next step in defining the problem is to understand
its origin and nature clearly. The best way of understanding the problem is to discuss it with those who
first raised it in order to find out how the problem originally came about and with what objectives in
view. If the researcher has stated the problem himself, he should consider once again all those points that
induced him to make a general statement concerning the problem. For a better understanding of the
nature of the problem involved, he can enter into discussion with those who have a good knowledge of

the problem concerned or similar other problems. The researcher should also keep in view the
environment within which the problem is to be studied and understood.
(iii) Surveying the available literature: All available literature concerning the problem at hand must
necessarily be surveyed and examined before a definition of the research problem is given. This means
that the researcher must be well-conversant with relevant theories in the field, reports and records as
also all other relevant literature.
(iv) Developing the ideas through discussions: Discussion concerning a problem often produces
useful information. Various new ideas can be developed through such an exercise. Hence, a researcher
must discuss his problem with his colleagues and others who have enough experience in the same area or
in working on similar problems
(v) Rephrasing the research problem: Finally, the researcher must sit to rephrase the research
problem into a working proposition. Once the nature of the problem has been clearly understood, the
environment (within which the problem has got to be studied) has been defined, discussions over the
problem have taken place and the available literature has been surveyed and examined, rephrasing the
problem into analytical or operational terms is not a difficult task. Through rephrasing, the researcher
puts the research problem in as specific terms as possible so that it may become operationally viable and
may help in the development of working hypotheses.
Concepts:
The Word concept gives a vivid picture on something which helps to understand the category and
diversify of particular related pragmatic phenomenon
A concept is a generally accepted collection of meanings or characteristics associated with certain events,
objects, conditions, situations and behavior
Classifying and categorizing objects or events that have common characteristics beyond any single
observation createsconcepts.ex: we see a man passing and identify that he is running, walking, skipping
Or crawling. This movement all represents concepts.
We also have abstracted certain visual elements by which we identify that the moving object is an adult
male, rather than an adult female or a truck or a horse.
What for a concept in research?
We design hypothesis using concepts. We device measurement concepts by which to test these
hypothetical statements. We gather data using these measurement concepts.
The success of research hinges on:
How clearly we conceptualize and
How well others understand the concepts we use.
ex: When we survey people on the question of customer loyalty, the question we use need to tap faithfully
the attitudes of the participants. Attitudes are abstract yet we must attempt to measure them using
carefully selected concepts.
The challenge is to develop concepts that others will clearly understand we might.
Ex :ask participants for an estimate of their family’s total income.
This may seem to be a simple, unambiguous concept, but we will receive varying and confusing answers
unless we restrict or narrow the concept by specifying:
 Time period, such as weekly, monthly or annually.
 Before or after income taxes.
 For head of family only or for all family members.
 For salary and wages only or also for dividends, interest and capital gains.

Constructs:
Construct is an image or abstract idea specifically invented for a given research and or theory building
purpose.
The Role of constructs:
A construct is an abstract idea inferred from specific instances that are thought to be related. Typical
marketing constructs are brand loyalty, satisfaction, preference, awareness , knowledge. Research
objective s typically calls for the measurement &constructs. These are customary methods for defining &
measuring constructs.
VARIABLES:
A variable is a measurable characteristic that varies. It may change from group to group, person to person
or within one person over time. A variable is anything that can take on differing or varying values.
Examples of variables are: production units, absenteeism and motivation.
Types of variables:
1. Dependent variable:
The dependent variable is the variable of primary interest to the researcher. Through the analysis of the
dependent variable is possible to find answers or solutions to the problem. The factor that is measured or
observed; the change that is brought about or is effected by the change in the independent variable.
2. Independent variable:
The independent variable is generally conjectured that an independent variable is one that influences the
dependent variable in either a positive or negative way. That is, when the independent variable is
present, the dependent variable is also present, and with each unit of increase in the independent
variable, there is an increase or decrease in the dependent variable.
3. Controlled Variable:
The factor that is kept constant all throughout the experiment. Are not measured in a particular study.
Must be held constant so they will not have biasing effect on the other variables.
3. Moderating variable
The moderating variable is the presence of a third variable that modifies the relationship between the
independent and the dependent variables.
4. Intervening Variables:
Are abstract processes that are not directly observable but that link the independent and dependent
variables.
5. Extraneous Variables:
Are factors in the research environment which may have an effect on the dependent variable(s) but
which is not Controlled.
6. Mediating variable
The mediating variable is one that surfaces between the time the independent variable start operating to
influence the dependent variable and the time their impact is felt on it. The Mediating variable surfaces as
a function of the independent variable operating in any situation, and helps to conceptualize and explain
the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
PROPOSITION
 A preposition is a declarative statement of a concept.
 A preposition is a narration of a concept, which requires the same level of caution and precision
that is expected to scientific research.

Classification of prepositions
1. Relational preposition:
Declarative statement that serves the purpose for identification of association between concept and
defining distinctive characteristics to a required level.
Correlation Proposition states the co variation between related concepts. The direction and degree of
change are specific for each association.
The Positively correlated Proposition states that if one-concept changes, the other concept would also
Change in the same direction.
The Negatively correlated Proposition states that if one-concept changes, the other concept also
changes inversely or indirectly.
The Sym metrical Relational Proposition states that two concepts have a reversible relationship. i. c. if
a change occurs in one concept, then the other concept will also change, and vice versa.
Non-Symmetrical Relational Proposition states that two concepts have a non-reversible relationship
i.e., if change occur in one concept then other concept will change also but not vice versa.
2. Non-relational Propositions:
The non-relational proposition is a declarative statement, which serves the purpose of identification of
concepts and defining the distinct characteristics of the concept to the required level.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Definition:
Theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena and, in many cases, to challenge
and extend existing knowledge within the limits of critical bounding assumptions. The theoretical
framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. The theoretical
framework introduces and describes the theory that explains why the research problem under study
exists.
A theoretical framework consists of concepts and, together with their definitions and reference to
relevant scholarly literature, existing theory that is used for your particular study. The theoretical
framework must demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic of
your research paper and that relate to the broader areas of knowledge being considered.
The theoretical framework is most often not something readily found within the literature. You
must review course readings and pertinent research studies for theories and analytic models that are
relevant to the research problem you are investigating. The selection of a theory should depend on its
appropriateness, ease of application, and explanatory power.
The theoretical framework strengthens the study in the following ways:
1. An explicit statement of theoretical assumptions permits the reader to evaluate them critically.
2. The theoretical framework connects the researcher to existing knowledge. Guided by a relevant
theory, you are given a basis for your hypotheses and choice of research methods.
3. Articulating the theoretical assumptions of a research study forces you to address questions of
why and how. It permits you to intellectually transition from simply describing a phenomenon you
have observed to generalizing about various aspects of that phenomenon.
4. Having a theory helps you identify the limits to those generalizations. A theoretical framework
specifies which key variables influence a phenomenon of interest and highlights the need to
examine how those key variables might differ and under what circumstances.
The process of building a theoretical framework includes:
1. Introducing definitions of the concept or variable in your model.

2. Developing a conceptual model that provides a descriptive representation of your theory
3. Coming up with a theory that provides an explanation for relationships between the variable in
your model.
BUIILDING BLOCKS IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH:
Axiom:
A self-evident and necessary truth, or a proposition whose truth is so evident as first sight that no
reasoning or demonstration can make it plainer; a proposition which it is necessary to take for granted.
Observation:
Observations are our perception of reality & experimental in nature. Observation is the activity of a living
being (such as a human), consisting of receiving knowledge of the outside world through the senses, or
the recording of data using scientific instruments.
Facts:
The word fact can refer to verified information about past or present circumstances or events which are
presented as objective reality. In science, it means a provable concept.
Construct:
A construct is an image or idea which is under consideration for research purpose. Constructs are built by
combining more concrete concepts, especially when the idea or image we invented to convey is not
subject to direct observation. The construct is a proposed attribute of a person that often cannot be
measured directly, but can be assessed using a number of indicators or manifest variables. Broad
concepts or topics of study Eg. When a researcher aims to research on terms e.g. morale, satisfaction,
learning, motivation etc.
Concept:
The concept may change from discipline to discipline, place to place, things to things, idea to idea.
A concept is generally accepted collection of meanings or characteristics associated with certain objects,
conditions, situations and behavior. It answers the question “What does it mean?” & measuring
something by a researcher as per his convenience.
Operational Definition
An operational definition is simply how a researcher decides to measure (and thus define) a construct. It
answers the question “How to measure it?”
Propositions: A preposition is a declarative statement of a concept. A preposition is a narration of a
concept, which requires the same level of caution and precision that is expected to scientific research.
Hypothesis:
A hypothesis is an assumption about relations between variables. Hypothesis can be defined as a logically
conjectured relationship between two or more variables expressed in the form of a testable statement.

Business Research Methods Unit 1

Business Research Methods Unit 1

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Business Research Methods Unit 1