The document discusses research design and secondary data sources. It defines research design as a plan or framework for conducting a research project that establishes questions, collects and analyzes data. There are three main types of research design: exploratory, descriptive, and causal. Secondary data refers to data previously collected by someone else for another purpose that is relevant to the current research needs. While secondary data is easy to access, low-cost, and time-saving, it may lack specificity, quality control, timeliness, and be subject to bias. The document evaluates secondary sources using the CRAAP test and discusses challenges with secondary data in India.

1. RESEARCH DESIGN
Anjali Singh

2. Introduction
 Research design is simply a plan for a study. This is used as a guide in
collecting and analysing the data . It can be called a blue print to carry out
the study. If a research is conducted without a blue print , the research is
likely to be different from what is expected at the start.

3. Definition
 Research design refers to the overall strategy to the overall strategy utilized
to carry out research that defines a succinct and logical plan to tackle
established questions through the collection , interpretation , analysis and
discussion of data.
 A research design is a framework or blueprint for conducting the marketing
research project. It details the procedures necessary for obtaining the
information needed to structure or solve marketing problems.
 A research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis
of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose
with economy in procedure.

4. Types
 EXPLORATORY RESEARCH DESIGN : This design is followed to discover ideas
and insights to generate possible explanations. It helps in exploring the
problem or situation . It is particularly emphasized to break a broad vague
problem statement into smaller pieces or sub problem statements that help
forming specific hypothesis.
 DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH DESIGN : Descriptive research design is typically
concerned with describing problem and its solution. It is more specific and
purposive study. Before rigorous attempts are made for descriptive study , the
well defined problem must be on hand. Descriptive study rests on one more
hypothesis.
 CASUAL RESEARCH DESIGN : Casual research design deals with determining
cause and effect relationship. It is typically in form of experiment. In casual
research design, attempt is made to measure impact of manipulation on
independent variables on dependent variables.

5. Secondary Data
 Secondary Data is the data that have been already collected for another
purpose but has some relevance to our current research needs.
 In other words, it has already been collected in the past by someone else.
 Secondary data is second hand information . It is not used for the first time ,
that is why it is called as Secondary.

6. Advantages of Secondary Data
1. Ease of access : The secondary data sources are very easy to access . The internet
has changed the way secondary research works.
2. Low cost or Free : The majority of secondary sources are absolutely free for use or
at very low costs. It saves not only money but effort.
3. Time saving : We can perform secondary research in no time. Sometimes it is a
matter of a few google searches to find a source of data.
4. Allow to generate new insights from previous analysis : Re-analysing old data can
bring unexpected new understandings and points of view or even new relevant
conclusions.
5. Anyone can collect the data : Secondary data research can be performed by
people that aren’t familiar with the different data collection methods . Anyone
can collect it.

7. Disadvantages of Secondary Data
1. Might not be specific to our need : Secondary data is not specific to the
researcher’s needs due to the fact that it was collected in the past for another
reason.
2. No control over data : The secondary data might lack quality . The sources of
the information may be questionable, especially when the data is gathered over
internet.
3. Biasness : As secondary data is collected by someone else, typically the data is
biased in favour of the person who gathered it.
4. Not timely : Secondary data is collected in the past which means it might be
out of date. The issue can be crucial in many different situations.

8. Criteria for evaluating Secondary
Sources (CRAAP test)
1.CURRENCY
The timeliness of the information
When was the information published or posted?
Has the information been revised or updated?
Does the topic require current information , or will older sources work as
well?
Are the links functional?

9. 2.RELEVANCE
The importance of the information for needs
Does the information relate to the topic or answer the questions?
Who is the intended audience?
Is the information at an appropriate level ( i.e. not too elementary or
advanced ) ?
Have we looked at a variety of sources before determining this is the one
which we will use ?
Would we will be comfortable citing this sources in our research paper ?

10. 3.AUTHORITY
The source of the information
Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor ?
What are the author’s credentials or organisational affiliations ?
Is the author qualified to write on the topic ?
Is there contact information , such as a publisher or email address ?
Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source ?

11. 4.ACCURACY
The reliability , truthfulness and correctness of the content
Where does the information come from ?
Is the information supported by evidence ?
Has the information been reviewed or refereed ?
Can we verify any of the information in another source or from personal
knowledge ?
Are there spelling , grammar or typographical errors ?

12. 5.PURPOSE
The reason the information exists
What is the purpose of the information ? Is it to inform , teach ,sell,
entertain or persuade ?
Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear ?
Is the information fact , opinion and propaganda ?
Does the point of view appear objective and impartial ?
Are there political , ideological , cultural , religious , institutional or
personal biases ?

13. SECONDARY SOURCES OF DATA IN INDIAN
CONTEXT
 Researchers in India, particularly those engaged in empirical researchers , are
facing several problems. Some of the important problems are as follows :
1. The lack of scientific training in the methodology of research is a great impediment
for researchers in our country.
2. There is insufficient interaction between the university research departments on
one side and business establishment , government departments and research
institutions on the other side.
3. Most of the business units in our country do not have the confidence that the
material supplied by them to researchers will not be misused and as such they are
often reluctant in supplying the indeed information to researchers.
4. Research studies overlapping one another are undertaken quite often for want of
adequate information.
5. There does not exist a code of conduct for researchers and inter-university and
inter-departmental rivalries are also quite common.