1. Question paper 1997

2. 1)What is a research design? How is it formulated?
It is a framework or blueprint for conducting the marketing research project
It specifies the details of the procedure necessary for obtaining the information needed to structure and/or solve marketing research problem
It lays the foundation for conducting the project

3. Steps involved in the formulation of research design
Design the exploratory, descriptive and/or causal phases of the research
Define the information needed
Specify the measurement & scaling procedures
Construct and pretest a questionnaire or an appropriate form for data collection
Specify the sampling process & sampling size
Develop a plan of data analysis

4. 2)What is meant by experimental research?
It is classified under social science research
It is based on experiments conducted in the laboratory
Investigator creates an artificial environment under which he controls and manipulate the variable
Experimental research enable the investigator to quantify the findings, to apply statistical & mathematical tools and measure the results thus quantified

5. 3)Distinguish between null hypothesis & alternate hypothesis?
An unproven proposition or supposition that tentatively explains certain facts or phenomena
A proposition that is empirically testable
Null hypothesis
A statement about a status quo ascertaining that any change from what has been thought to be true will be due entirely at random error

6. Alternate hypothesis
A statement indicating the opposite of the null hypothesis

7. 4)What is meant by systematic sampling? Is this method free from bias?
A probability sampling technique in which the sample is chosen by selecting a random sampling point and picking every ‘I’th element in succession from the sampling frame
It is an easier and less costlier method of sampling and can be conventionally used even in case of large population

8. Limitations of systematic sampling
systematic sampling is biased in the following cases
If the sampling frame has any periodicity that parallels the sampling rates
If the frame is arranged in way ascending or descending order of some attribute, then the location of the first sample element may affect the result of the study

9. Distinguish between experimental design and factorial design?
It is a set of procedures specifying
The test units & sampling procedures
Independent variables
Dependent variables
How to control the extraneous variables

10. Factorial design
It is used to measure the effects of two or more independent variables at various levels and to allow for interactions between variables
An interaction is said to take place when the simultaneous effect of two or more variables is different from the sum of their separate effects
Simple factorial design and complex factorial design are the two major categories of factorial design

11. Examine the relevance of pilot study in social research ?
The term 'pilot studies' refers to mini versions of a full-scale study (also called 'feasibility' studies), as well as the specific pre-testing of a particular research instrument such as a questionnaire or interview schedule.
Pilot studies are a crucial element of a good study design. Conducting a pilot study does not guarantee success in the main study, but it does increase the likelihood.
Pilot studies fulfil a range of important functions and can provide valuable insights for other researchers. There is a need for more discussion amongst researchers of both the process and outcomes of pilot studies

12. Standard error
The standard deviation of sampling distribution of a statistic is known as its standard error and is considered the key to sampling theory.
the standard error helps in testing whether the differences between observed and expected frequencies could arise due to chance.

13. Standard error gives an idea about the reliability and precision of a sample.
Standard error enables us to specify the limits within which the parameters of the population are expected to lie with a specified degree of confidence

14. Chi square as a test of goodness of fit
Chi square enable us to see how well does the assumed theoretical distribution fit to the observed data.
If the calculated value of chi-square is less than the table value at a certain level of significance, the fit is considered to be a good one
If it is greater than the table value, the fit is not considered to be a good one

15. Steps in testing of hypothesis

16. Making formal statement
Selecting a significant level
Deciding the distribution to use
Selecting a random sample and computing an appropriate value
Calculation of the probability
Comparing the probability

17. 11. (a)What is a research problem
11.(a)What is a research problem ?Define the main aspects which would receive the attention of the researcher in formulating the research problem? Give suitable eg.
A research problem refers to some kind of problem which a researcher experiences or observes in the context of either a theoretical or a practical situation

18. A research problem can be identified on the basis of
The researchers familiarity and experience in the field of study
Personal interest and aptitude in the field of study
Availability of data and other information relating to a particular field of study

19. Factors to be considered while selecting a research problem
Definition of the problem
Scope of the problem
Justification of the problem
Feasibility of the problem
Originality of the problem

20. Steps involved in defining a problem
Stating the problem in a general way
Understanding the nature of the problem
Surveying the available literature
Developing the ideas through discussion
Rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition

21. Q. Define Rank Correlation ?
It is a Non parametric test of statistical dependence for a random sample of paired observations.
A rank correlation is the study of relationships between different rankings on the same set of items.
A rank correlation coefficient measures the correspondence between two rankings and assesses its significance.
Rank Correlation Coefficient is used when the population not normal.
r = 1 – 6 ∑D² ÷ N (N³ – 1), where
D = Difference of rank between paired items in two
Series
N = Number of observations