( ✓ ) বিগত সালের প্রলের টবিক ( ✓✓ ) সযার যেগুলো িবিলেলেন ( ✓ ✓✓ ) বিগত সালের প্রলের টবিক + সযার যেগুলো িবিলেলেন

Chapter - 1
Introduction to Research

Research: Research is the process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of the situational
factors.

Business Research: Business research is defined as the systematic and objective process of gathering recording and
analysing data for aid in making business decisions.

Research Types: ✓✓✓

- Basic v/s Applied research

- Quantitative v/s Qualitative research

- Descriptive v/s Analytical

- Conceptual v/s Imperial research

1.Basic/Pure Research: basic research, or fundamental research, is a type of investigation focused on improving the
understanding of a particular phenomenon, study or law of nature. This type of research examines data to find the
unknown and fulfil a sense of curiosity. Usually, these involve "how," "what" and "why" questions to explain occurrences.
Basic research looks at how processes or concepts work. Information obtained from basic research often creates a
foundation for applied studies.

For Example: A study searching for the causes of cancer, Investigating the causes and effects of inflation etc.

2.Applied Research: Applied research is a type of research that attempts to find practical solutions to existing problems.
Distinguishing it from basic research, which primarily seeks to expand theoretical knowledge, applied research focuses on
resolving real-world issues.

For example: a study searching for ways to reduce ocean plastic, a study to explore ways to reduce carbon emissions etc.

3.Quantitative Research: Quantitative research is the process of collecting and analyzing numerical data. It addresses the
“when” and “where,” utilizing tools like surveys, experiments, and statistical models to collect and analyze numerical
data.

4.Qualitative Research: Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or
audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. It explores the “how” and “why” of human behavior, using
methods like interviews, observations, and content analysis.
5. Descriptive Research: Descriptive research is a type of research where researchers try to “describe” the characteristics
of the problem, phenomenon, or subject. The researcher studies the details and background information related to the
subject. Therefore, this research type deals with the questions of what, when, and where and try to find answers to these
questions. However, it is important to keep in mind that this research type does not try to explore the cause-and-effect
relationship of the aspects. So, this research type does not deal with questions of why and how.

For example: National Census: An official survey that records information about demographics, employment, and
housing. Market Surveys: Businesses gather data about their consumers' preferences to understand market trends and
guide product development.

6.Analytical Research: Analytical research is a specific type of research that involves critical thinking skills and the
evaluation of facts and information relative to the research being conducted. A variety of people including students,
doctors and psychologists use analytical research during studies to find the most relevant information.

Example: A medium-sized eCommerce company wants to improve its sales, so it conducts analytical research.

7.Conceptual research: Conceptual research is defined as a methodology wherein research is conducted by observing and
analyzing already present information on a given topic. Conceptual research doesn’t involve conducting any practical
experiments. It is related to abstract concepts or ideas.

8.Imperial research: Empirical research is defined as any research where conclusions of the study is strictly drawn from
concretely empirical evidence, and therefore “verifiable” evidence.

Difference between quantitative and qualitative research ✓

Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

Quantitative research is a research method that is Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that
used to generate numerical data and hard facts, develops understanding on human and social
by employing statistical, logical and mathematical sciences, to find the way people think and feel.
technique.
Particularistic nature Holistic nature

Numerical data is collected Verbal data are collected

Based on random sample Based on purposive sample

Structured Unstructured

Large sample size to draw conclusions about the Limited sample size, typically not representative
population
High, results applicable to a larger population Limited, only context-dependent findings

Research Process/steps/stages: ✓✓✓

1. Define the problem

2. Planning a research design
3. Planning a sample
4. Gathering the data
5. Analysing the data
 6. Formulating conclusion
7. Define the new problem
8. and so, on

Scientific Research: Scientific Research focuses on solving problems by following a logical, organized, and rigorous method
to identify the problems, gather data, analyze that data, and draw valid conclusions from it. Decisions based on scientific
research are purposive, rigorous and effective. Scientific Research applies to both basic and applied research.

The hallmarks of scientific research/Features/characteristic ✓✓

1. Purposiveness: Research should have a definite aim or purpose.

2. Rigor: A good theoretical base and sound methodological design give rigor to the research. Rigor indicates
carefulness and degree of exactitude in research.

3. Testability: Scientific research lend itself to testing logically developed hypothesis to see whether or not data
support the educated conjecture or hypothesis.

4. Reliability: The results of the test of hypothesis should be supported again and again when same type of
research is conducted in other similar circumstances.

5. Precision and Confidence: Precision refers to the closeness of the findings to reality based on a sample. Precision
reflects the degree of exactness and accuracy of the results on the basis of samples. Also known as confidence
interval in statistics. Confidence refers to the probability that our estimation are correct so that we can confidently
claim that 95% of the time our results will be true and there is only 5% chance of our results being false.

6. Objectivity: The conclusion drawn through the interpretation of the results of data analysis should be objective
that is, they should be based on facts of the findings derived from actual data and not on our own subjective or
emotional values.

7. Generalizability: It refers to the scope of replicability of the research findings in one organizational settings. to
others, the wider the range of replicability of the solution generated by the research the more useful the research
is to the user.

8. Parsimony: Simplicity in explaining the phenomenon or problem that occur in generating the solutions of the
problem is preferred as compared to complex research frame work.

What makes people to undertake research? ✓✓

This is a question of fundamental importance. The possible motives for doing research may be either one or more of the
following:

1. Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits

2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems

3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work

4. Desire to be of service to society

5. Desire to get respectability

When is Business Research Needed? ✓✓

The determination of the need for research centres on:

1. Time constraints

2. The availability of data

3. The nature of the decision to be made

4. Benefits versus costs (the value of the research information in relation to costs)

Managerial value of business research: ✓✓

The prime managerial value of business research is that it reduces uncertainty by providing information that improves the
decision-making process. The decision-making process associated with the development and implementation of a
strategy involves 4 stages.

1. Identifying problems or opportunities

2. Diagnosing and assessing problem and opportunities
3. Selecting and implementing a course of actions
4. Evaluating the course of actions

Chapter – 2
Research process and Design

Problem definition: ✓✓

research problem is a question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty or difficulty that is proposed for solution or
discussion Key aspects of a research problem. or A situation or circumstance that requires a solution to be described,
explained, or predicted.
The process of problem definition/Identification/Define problem: ✓✓

1. Ascertain the decision maker's objectives

2. Understand background of the problem
3. Identify the problem rather than its symptoms
4. Determine the unit of analysis
5. Determine relevant variables
6. State research questions and objectives

Importance of proper problems Definition: ✓✓

▪ A problem well defined is half solved

▪ The right answer to the wrong question may be absolutely worthless.
▪ Problem definition is the indication of a specific business decision area that will be clarified by answering
research questions
▪ problem definition ensures that the research results will meet decision maker's objectives

Definition of research proposal ✓✓

A research proposal is a document written by a researcher that provides a detailed description of the proposed
program. It is like an outline of the entire research process that gives a reader a summary of the information discussed
in a project.

Importance of the research proposal ✓✓

▪ Helps examine What the research intends to do.

▪ proposal can serve as a document of contract for the project.
▪ Research proposal can be effective starting place to discuss projects with your professors, too.
▪ The research proposal is able to give an overview of the research project so that other people understand the
scope of the research, the significance of the research, as well as your proposed methodology and chosen
research method.

Characteristics of a Successful Research Proposal ✓✓

1. Is innovative
2. Includes specific aims
3. Includes preliminary data
4. Describes approach
5. Indicates the significance of the proposal with regard to the specific award and conveys
its impact on science and your personal growth.

Component

A research proposal must contain key components to make it successful. These main key components include;

1.Title — The title should be unique and must capture the key concepts of the study. It explains what the project is
about.
2.Abstract — The abstract summarizes the project's significance, hypothesis, objectives, procedures, and implications
3.Table of contents — The table of contents lists the main content, including the headings, sub-headings, page
numbers, chapters, and references.
4.Literature review — This component highlights relevant literature on the topic area, including the contributing
authors.
5.Method — This section outlines the researcher's approach to the research.
6.Discussion — Here, the researcher explores the underlying significance of the research and its possible implications.
7.Budget — This section outlines the estimated project costs.

What is a Research Design? ✓

A research design is defined as the overall plan or structure that guides the process of conducting research. It is a critical
component of the research process and serves as a blueprint for how a study will be carried out, including the methods
and techniques that will be used to collect and analyze data. A well-designed research study is essential for ensuring
that the research objectives are met and that the results are valid and reliable.

What Is a Theoretical Framework? ✓✓✓

A theoretical framework is a foundational review of existing theories that serves as a roadmap for developing the
arguments you will use in your own work.
Theories are developed by researchers to explain phenomena, draw connections, and make predictions. In a theoretical
framework, you explain the existing theories that support your research, showing that your paper or dissertation topic is
relevant and grounded in established ideas.
In other words, your theoretical framework justifies and contextualizes your later research, and it’s a crucial first step
for your research paper, thesis, or dissertation. A well-rounded theoretical framework sets you up for success later on in
your research and writing process.

Five Basic Features of a Theoretical Framework ✓✓✓

1. The variables considered relevant to the study should be clearly identified and labelled in the discussions.
2. The discussions should state how two or more variables are related to one another.
3. If the nature and direction of the relationship can be theorized on the basis of the findings from previous research,
then there should be an indication in the discussion as to whether the relationship would be positive or negative.
4. There should be a clear explanation of why we would expect this relationship to exist.
5. A schematic diagram of the theoretical framework should be given so the reader can see and easily comprehend the
theorized relationship.

What is a variable? ✓✓
A variable is any kind of attribute or characteristic that you are trying to measure, manipulate and control in statistics
and research. All studies analyze a variable, which can describe a person, place, thing or idea. A variable's value can
change between groups or over time.

For example, if the variable in an experiment is a person's eye colour, its value can change from brown to blue to green
from person to person.

10 types of variables: ✓✓
1. Independent variables: A variable that stands alone and isn't Definition changed by other variables or factors that are
measured. Example, Age: Other variables such as where someone lives, what they eat or how much they exercise are
not going to change their age.
2. Dependent variables: A variable that relies on and can be changed by other factors that are measured. Example, A
grade someone gets on an exam depends on factors such as how much sleep they got and how long they studied.
3. Quantitative variables: Quantitative variables are any variables where the data represent amounts (e.g. height,
weight, or age).
4. Qualitative variables: Qualitative/Categorical variables are any variables where the data represent groups. This
includes rankings (e.g. finishing places in a race), classifications (e.g. brands of cereal), and binary outcomes (e.g. coin
flips).
5. Intervening variables: A theoretical variable used to explain a cause or connection between other study variables.
Example, Access to health care: If wealth is the independent variable, and a long life span is a dependent variable,
researcher might hypothesize that access to quality health care is the intervening variable that links wealth and life
span.
6. Moderating variables: A variable that changes the relationship between dependent and independent variables by
strengthening or weakening the intervening variable's effect. Example, Age: In a study looking at the relationship
between economic status (independent variable) and how frequently people get physical exams from a doctor
(dependent variable), age is a moderating variable. That relationship might be weaker in younger individuals and
stronger in older individuals.
7. Extraneous variables: Factors that affect the dependent variable but that the researcher did not originally consider
when designing the experiment. Example, Parental support, prior knowledge of a foreign language or socioeconomic
status are extraneous variables that could influence a study assessing whether private tutoring or online courses are
more effective at improving students' Spanish test scores.
8. Confounding variables: Extra variables that the researcher did not account for that can disguise another variable's
effects and show false correlations. Example, In a study of whether a particular genre of movie affects how much candy
kids eat, with experiments are held at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Time could be a confounding variable, as the group in the
noon study might be hungrier and therefore eat more candy because lunchtime is typically at noon.
9. Control variables: Characteristics that are constant and do not change during a study.
Example, In an experiment about plant development, control variables might include the amounts of fertilizer and water
each plant gets. These amounts are always the same so that they do not affect the plants' growth.
10. Composite variables: Two or more variables combined to make a more complex variable. Example, Overall health is
an example of a composite variable if a researcher uses other variables, such as genetics, medical care, education,
quality of environment and chosen behaviors, to determine overall health in an experiment.

Hypothesis: Hypothesis is considered as an intelligent guess or prediction, that gives directional to the researcher to
answer the research question. A hypothesis is a specific idea that you can test in a study. It often comes from looking at
past research and theories. A good hypothesis usually starts with a research question that you can explore through
background research.
For example: Increasing apple consumption will result in decreasing frequency of doctor’s visits.

Types of hypothesis: ✓✓

1.Simple hypothesis: A simple hypothesis predicts the relationship between a single dependent variable and a single
independent variable. Example: Exercising in the morning every day will increase your productivity.
2.Complex Hypothesis: A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship between two or more independent and
dependent variables. Example: Spending three hours or more on social media daily will negatively affect children’s
mental health and productivity, more than that of adults.
3.Null Hypothesis: It states that there is no relationship between the two variables under research. No changes in the
dependent variable due to the changes in independent variable. It is denoted by Ho. Example: There is no relationship
between sugar intake and obesity.
4.Alternative: States the opposite of the null hypothesis, that is, a relationship exists between two variables.
Example: Sleep duration affects productivity.
5.Directional Hypothesis: The directional hypothesis predicts the direction of the relationship between independent
and dependent variables. They specify whether the effect will be positive or negative. If you increase your study hours,
you will experience a positive association with your exam scores. This hypothesis suggests that as you increase the
independent variable (study hours), there will also be an increase in the dependent variable (exam scores).
6.Non-directional: Non-directional Hypothesis
The non-directional hypothesis predicts the existence of a relationship between variables but does not specify the
direction of the effect. It suggests that there will be a significant difference or relationship, but it does not predict the
nature of that difference. For example, you will find no notable difference in test scores between students who receive
the educational intervention and those who do not. However, once you compare the test scores of the two groups, you
will notice an important difference.

What is the relationship between hypothesis and research questions? ✓✓

Hypotheses and research questions are closely related in the research process. A hypothesis is a proposed answer to a
research question and serves as a logical construct that guides the investigator's thinking about the problem. It provides
direction and facilitates a solution to the problem at hand. Research questions are similar to hypotheses but are in
question format. They explore the relationships between variables and can be categorized into difference, associational,
and descriptive questions. Both hypotheses and research questions aim to establish relationships between variables and
provide a direction for the research. Hypotheses are formulated using deductive reasoning and are tested to verify their
validity. Research questions, on the other hand, can be developed through deduction, induction, or abduction.
Ultimately, both hypotheses and research questions play a crucial role in guiding the research process and informing the
study's findings and conclusions.

Chapter – 3
Sampling Design
Population (or target population): entire group of people, events or-things of interest that the researcher wishes to
investigate.
Element: a single member of the population.
Sampling Frame: a listing of all the elements in the population from which the sample is drawn.
Sample: a subset of the population.
Subject: a single member of the sample.

Sampling: The process of using a small number of items or parts of larger population to make a conclusion about the
whole population.

Sampling Process: ✓✓
 1. Define the population.
2. Determine the sample frame.
3. Determine the sampling design.
4. Determine the appropriate sample size.
5. Execute the sampling process.

Types of Sampling: ✓✓

1.Probability sampling: Probability sampling is a sampling technique where a researcher selects a few criteria and
chooses members of a population randomly. All the members have an equal opportunity to participate in the sample
with this selection parameter.

2.Non-probability sampling: In non-probability sampling, the researcher randomly chooses members for research. This
sampling method is not a fixed or predefined selection process. This makes it difficult for all population elements to
have equal opportunities to be included in a sample.

Types of Probability sampling: ✓✓

1.Simple random sampling: One of the best probability sampling techniques that helps in saving time and resources is
the Simple Random Sampling method. It is a reliable method of obtaining information where every single member of a
population is chosen randomly, merely by chance. Each individual has the same probability of being chosen to be a part
of a sample.
For example, in an organization of 500 employees, if the HR team decides on conducting team-building activities, they
would likely prefer picking chits out of a bowl. In this case, each of the 500 employees has an equal opportunity of being
selected.

2.Cluster sampling: Cluster sampling is a method where the researchers divide the entire population into sections or
clusters (group) representing a population. Clusters are identified and included in a sample based on demographic
parameters like age, sex, location, etc. This makes it very simple for a survey creator to derive effective inferences from
the feedback.
For example, suppose the United States government wishes to evaluate the number of immigrants living in the
Mainland US. In that case, they can divide it into clusters based on states such as California, Texas, Florida,
Massachusetts, Colorado, Hawaii, etc. This way of conducting a survey will be more effective as the results will be
organized into states and provide insightful immigration data.

3.Systematic sampling: Researchers use the systematic sampling method to choose the sample members of a
population at regular intervals. It requires selecting a starting point for the sample and sample size determination that
can be repeated at regular intervals. This type of sampling method has a predefined range; hence, this sampling
technique is the least time-consuming.
For example, a researcher intends to collect a systematic sample of 500 people in a population of 5000. He/she numbers
each element of the population from 1-5000 and will choose every 10th individual to be a part of the sample (Total
population/ Sample Size = 5000/500 = 10).

4.Stratified random sampling: Stratified random sampling is a method in which the researcher divides the population
into smaller groups that don’t overlap but represent the entire population. While sampling, these groups can be
organized, and then draw a sample from each group separately.
For example, a researcher looking to analyze the characteristics of people belonging to different annual income divisions
will create strata (groups) according to the annual family income. Eg – less than $20,000, $21,000 – $30,000, $31,000 to
$40,000, $41,000 to $50,000, etc. By doing this, the researcher concludes the characteristics of people belonging to
different income groups. Marketers can analyze which income groups to target and which ones to eliminate to create a
roadmap that would bear fruitful results.

Types of non-probability sampling: ✓

1.Convenience sampling: Convenience sampling is defined as a method adopted by researchers where they collect
market research data from a conveniently available pool of respondents. Convenience sampling, also known as grab,
accidental, or opportunity sampling, is a type of non-probability sampling in which researchers choose participants
solely on convenience. The user gathers samples from people in their proximity (conveniently available respondents)—
at work, school, neighbourhood, or gym, for example—and whether the sample is representative of a specific
population is not a consideration.

2.Purposive sampling: Purposive sampling is a technique used in qualitative research to select a specific group of
individuals or units for analysis. Participants are chosen “on purpose,” not randomly. It is also known as judgmental
sampling or selective sampling.

3.Quota sampling: A quota refers to a specific requirement or category. Quota sampling is a non-probability sampling
method where researchers establish quotas for various demographic groups within a population and then sample
individuals from each quota until the desired sample size is achieved.
For example, if 60% of the target population is female and 40% male based on census data, the sampling quotas would
mirror that gender ratio of 60/40.

4.Snowball sampling Snowball sampling is a recruitment technique in which research participants are asked to assist
researchers in identifying other potential subjects.
For example, researchers may use snowball sampling to study homeless populations.

What are Sampling Errors? ✓

Sampling errors are statistical errors that arise when a sample does not represent the whole population. They are the
difference between the real values of the population and the values derived by using samples from the population.
Sampling errors occur when numerical parameters of an entire population are derived from a sample of the entire
population. Since the whole population is not included in the sample, the parameters derived from the sample differ
from those of the actual population.
They may create distortions in the results, leading users to draw incorrect conclusions. When analysts do not select
samples that represent the entire population, the sampling errors are significant

Chapter – 5
Data Collection method
Data collection is the process of gathering information about the relevant topic of research which is being done by
researcher collection. The task of data collection begins after a research problem has been defined and research design
chalked out.
In collecting the data, the researcher must decide
• Which data to collect?
• How to collect the data?
• Who will collect the data?
• When to collect the data?

Types of data collection: ✓✓✓

i) Primary Data: Those which are collect a fresh and for the first time, and thus happen to be original in character.
It is originally collected. There are several methods of collecting primary data, particularly in surveys and
descriptive researches. In descriptive research, we obtain primary data either through observation or through
direct communication with respondents in one form or another or through personal interviews.

ii) Secondary data: The data have been already been collected by someone else and which through the statistical
process. These are data which have already been collected and analyzed by someone else. Secondary data may
either be published or unpublished data. Researcher must be very careful in using secondary data, because the
data available may be sometimes unsuitable.

Methods of data collection:

1. Experiment
2. Survey
3. Observation method
4. Interview Method
5. Questionnaires
6. Schedules

Observation Method:

It is a method under which data from the field is collected with the help of observation by the observer or by personally
going to the field.

Classifications of Observation Method

1.Structured Observation: When observation done by characterizing style of recording the observed information,
standardized- conditions of observation, definition of the units to be observed selection of pertinent data of observation
then it is structured observation.

2.Unstructured Observation: When observation is done without any thought before observation then it is unstructured
Observation.

3.Participant Observation: When the observer is member of the group which he is observing then it is participant
observation. In this method researcher can record natural behaviour of group. Researcher can verify the truth
statements given by informants in the context of questionnaire.
4.Non-participant observation: When observer is observing people without giving any information to them. Then, it is
non-participant observation.

5.Controlled Observation: When the observation takes place according to definite pre-arranged plans, with
experimental procedure. Then, it is controlled observation. Generally done in laboratory under controlled condition

6.Uncontrolled Observation: When the observation takes place in natural condition. Then it is uncontrolled
observation. It is done spontaneous picture of life & persons.

Advantages

• No bias information.
• Researcher get current information.
• Independent of respondent’s variable.
• The original data can be collected at the time of occurrence of the client.

Disadvantage

• It is expensive method
• It is time consuming method
• Limited information
• Extensive training is needed
• It is very difficult to gather information on i) opinion ii) inventions

Interview Method:

This method of collecting data involves presentation or oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral-verbal responses. It
is method oral-verbal communication. Where interviewer asks questions to respondents. (Which aimed to get
information required for study.)

Classifications of Interview Method

1.Structural Interviews: In this case, a set of pre-decided questions are there.

2.Unstructured Interview: In this case, we don't follow a system of pre- determined questions

3.Focussed Interview: Attention is focused on the given experience of the respondent and its possible effects

4.Clinical Interviews: Concerned with broad underlying feelings or motivations or with the course of an individual’s life
experience.

5.Group Interview: A group of 6 to 8 individuals is interviewed

6.Individual Interview: Interviewer meets a single person and interviews him. In this type face to face contact the
person
7.Qualitative and Quantitative Interview: This interview divided on the basis of subject matter i. e. whether qualitative
or quantitative

8.Selection Interview: Done for selection of people for certain jobs.

Advantages

• More information is greater depth can be obtained.

• Resistance may be overcome by a skilled interviewer
• Personal Information can be obtained

Disadvantage

• It is expensive method
• Interviewer bias
• Respondent Bias
• Time consuming
• Systematic errors may be occurred.

Questionnaire Method ✓✓

A questionnaire is a research instrument that consists of a set of questions or other types of prompts that aims to
collect information from a respondent. Questionnaire is a set of standard questions for gathering related information
from a group of individual.

Classifications/Forms/Types of questions: ✓✓

1.Open-ended: Open-ended questions begin with “why,” “how,” or “what” and require the respondent to provide more
than a single-word answer. Example, what are some ways we can improve? (ask customer).
2.Close-ended: close-ended questions that only need a simple “yes” or “no” to answer the question. Example, Are you
feeling better today? – Yes/No.
3.Positively and negatively worded: There has been a strong academic advocate for the use of both positively and
negatively worded questions in surveys as best practice, and these are the arguments and assumptions behind such a
practice. For instance, to find out if a resource website is useful for employees in their day-to-day activities.
Positively worded: The website is easy to use.
Negatively worded: It is difficult to find what I need on this website.
4.Double-barreled: A double-barreled question, also known as a double-direct or compound question, is a question that
asks about more than one topic but only allows for a single answer. Double-barreled questions are easy to identify
because they typically include words like “and” or “or” to connect the series of questions.
For example, consider the questions: “Are you hungry or thirsty?” and “Do you want coffee and breakfast?”. Both are
double-barreled questions that ask your opinion about multiple things. They may require two or more answers to
respond with how you really feel or what you really want.
5.Ambiguous question: A question that is not clearly stated or defined is called ambiguous question, Sometime the
language of the question is not only double-barreled but also ambiguous. For that the respondents become confused
what will be his answer.
6.Recall-dependent question: A question which may require respondents to recall past experience that are unclear in
their memory is called recall-dependent question. For example- If a person, who has completed honors 3rd year, is
asked to state when he first went to the high school, he may not be able to give the correct answer.

7. Lending question: Questions should not be expressed in such a way that led the respondent to give responses that
the researcher would like or want them to give. For example- a question is, "Do you think that the students' politics of
Bangladesh should be banned? Here the respondent is forced in a way to say 'YES'. But this matter can be asked in
bellow way- "To what extent do you think that the students' politics of Bangladesh should be banned?"

8. Loaded question: A question which is asked to the respondents in an emotionally charged manner is called loaded
question. An example of such loaded question is 'To what extent do you think the price rate of daily necessary goods is
high, if the political party decides to go on hartal or strike?

9. Social desirable question: A question which is asked to the respondents to find out socially desirable responses
is called socially desirable question. For example- 'Do you think wine should be available in every grocery shops?"
In these cases, the respondents may show negative attitudes or may become annoyed, because the question is against
the social value as a Muslim country .

Essential of Good Questionnaire ✓✓

• Should be followed short and simple Follow a sequence of questions from easy to difficult one
• Technical terms should be avoided
• Should provide adequate space for answer in questionnaire
• Directions regarding the filling of questionnaire
• should be given physical appearance- quality of paper Sequence must be clear

Advantage

• Free from interviewer bias

• Respondents have adequate time to think through the answers.
• Low cost-even when the universe is large and is widespread.
• Respondents who are not easily approachable, can be reached conveniently.
• Large samples can be used.

Disadvantage

• Time consuming
• The respondents need to be educated and
• Co-operative
• This method is slow
• Possibilities of unclear replies

Questionnaire Designing Process: ✓✓

1. Specify the Information Needed

2. Specify the Type of Interviewing Method
 3. Determine the Content of Individual Questions
4. Design the Question to Overcome the Respondent's Inability and Unwillingness to Answer
5. Decide the Question Structure
6. Determine the Question Wording
7. Arrange the Questions in Proper Order
8. Identify the Form and Layout
9. Reproduce the Questionnaire
10. Eliminate Bugs by Pre-testing

Pre-test/Pilot-test the Questionnaire ✓

Test a questionnaire with a small number of interviews before conducting your main interviews
1. Survey on the same kinds of people you will include in the main study.
2. Test run helps reveal unanticipated problems
3. It can help see if the interviewees are understanding your questions and giving useful answers.

Chapter – 7
Report Writing

A research report is a condensed form of a brief description of research work done by the researcher. It is a reliable
source to recount details about conducted research.

Literature review ✓

Review of literature is one of the most important steps in the research process. It is an account of what is already known
about a particular phenomenon. The main purpose of literature review is to convey to the readers about the work already
done & the knowledge & ideas that have been already established on a particular topic of research.

Importance of literature review ✓

1. Identification of a research problem & development or refinement of research questions.

2. Generation of useful research questions or projects/activities for the discipline.
3. Orientation to what is known & not known about an area of inquiry to ascertain what research can best
contribute to knowledge.
4. Determination of any gaps or inconsistencies in a body of knowledge.
5. Discovery of unanswered questions about subjects, concepts or problems.
6. Determination of a need to replicate a prior study in different study settings or different samples or size or
different study populations.
7. Identification of relevant theoretical or conceptual framework for research problems.
8. Identification or development of new or refined clinical interventions to test through empirical research.
 9. Description of the strengths & weaknesses of design/methods of inquiry & instruments used in earlier research
work.
10. Development of hypothesis to be tested in a research study.
11. Helps in planning the methodology of the present research study.
12. It also helps in development of research instruments.
13. Identification of suitable design & data collection methods for a research study.

The purpose of a literature

1. The purpose of a literature review is to convey to the reader previous knowledge & facts established on a topic, &
their strength & weakness.
2. The literature review allows the reader to be updated with the state of research in a field & any contradictions
that may exist with challenges findings of other research studies.
3. It helps to develop research investigative tools & to improve research methodologies.
4. It also provides the knowledge about the problems faced by the previous researchers' while studying same topic.
5. Place each in the context of its contribution to the understanding of subject under review.
6. Describe the relationship of each study to other research studies under consideration.
7. Identify new ways to interpret & shed light on any gaps in previous research.
8. Resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous studies.
9. Identify areas of prior scholarship to prevent duplication of effort.
10. Point a way forward for further research.
11. See what has & has not been investigated.
12. Develop general explanation for observed variations in a behaviour or phenomenon.
13. Identify potential relationship between concepts & to identify researchable hypothesis.
14. Learn how others have defined & measured key concepts.
15. Identify data sources that other researchers have used.
16. Develop alternative research projects.
17. Discover how a research project is related to the work of others.
18. Place one's original work (in case of thesis or dissertation) context of the existing literature.

Why is literature review important in research? ✓

A literature review is important in research for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to establish familiarity with and
understanding of current research in a particular field, allowing researchers to identify gaps and propose future research
agendas. Secondly, it aids in the identification of practical and theoretical problems, helping researchers to formulate
specific research purposes, questions, or hypotheses. Additionally, a literature review can synthesize research findings,
inform policy and practice, and contribute to the development of conceptual models. It also serves as a foundational
aspect of a well-grounded thesis or dissertation, establishing credibility and the need for grant applications. Furthermore,
a literature review demonstrates a student's ability to summarize and synthesize previous research, showcasing their
grasp of available knowledge and benefiting their learning process. Overall, a literature review is crucial in research as it
provides a comprehensive understanding of the existing literature, identifies gaps, and informs future research directions.