Page 60 - DMGT404 RESEARCH_METHODOLOGY

Research Methodology

Notes  Exploratory research helps the researcher to become familiar with the problem. It helps to
establish the priorities for further research. It may or may not be possible to formulate
Hypothesis during exploratory stage.
 To get an insight into the problem, literature search, experience surveys, focus groups,
and selected case studies assist in gaining insight into the problem.

 The role of moderator or facilitator is extremely important in focus group. There are
several variations in the formation of focus group.
 Descriptive research is rigid. This type of research is basically dependent on hypothesis.

 Descriptive research is used to describe the characteristics of the groups. It can also be used
forecasting or prediction.
 Panel data is used in longitudinal studies. There are two different types of panels. True
panel and Omnibus panel. In true panel same measurement are made during period of
time. In Omnibus panel different measurement are made during a period of time.

 Cross-sectional studies involves field study and field survey, the difference being the size
of sample.

 Causal research is conducted mainly to prove the fact that one factor "X" the cause was
responsible for the effect "Y".
 While conducting experiment, the researcher must guard against extraneous source of
error. This may confound the experiment.

3.8 Keywords

Causal Research: A research designed to determine cause and effect relationship.
Conclusive Research: This is a research having clearly defined objectives. In this type of research,
specific courses of action are taken to solve the problem.
Concomitant Variation: It is the extent to which cause and effect vary together.
Descriptive Research: It is essentially a research to describe something.

Ex-post Facto Research: Study of the current state and factors causing it.
Extraneous Variable: These variables affect the response of test units. Also known as confounding
variable.

Field Study: Field study involves an in-depth study of a problem, such as reaction of young men
and women towards a product.
Literature Research: It refers to "referring to a literature to develop a new hypothesis".

Longitudinal Study: These are the studies in which an event or occurrence is measured again
and again over a period of time.

3.9 Review Questions

1. Can all causal research hypotheses be studied? Why or why not?

2. For each of the situation mentioned below, state whether the research should be
exploratory, descriptive or causal and why
(a) To find out the relationship between promotion and sales.

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