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Unit 4: Research Problem

only to what is needed to advance scientific knowledge. But in recent years, some social scientists Notes
have recommended bringing these interested parties into the research and reporting process
itself.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
10. A pilot survey is very useful when the actual survey is to be on a ............ .
11. Coding speeds up the tabulation while editing eliminates ..................... .

12. ..................... refers to counting the number of cases that fall into various categories.
13. ..................... lies precisely halfway between highest and lowest values.
14. Coefficient of variation (C.V.) is a relative measure of dispersion that enables us to compare
..................... .

4.7 Summary

 Proper problem formulation is the key to success in research.
 It is vital and any error in defining the problem incorrectly can result in wastage of time
and money.
 Several elements of introspection will help in defining the problem correctly.
 The task of defining a research problem, very often, follows a sequential pattern.

 The problem is stated in a general way, the ambiguities are resolved, thinking and
rethinking process results in a more specific formulation of the problem.
 It is done so that it may be a realistic one in terms of the available data and resources and
is also analytically meaningful.
 All this results in a well defined research problem that is not only meaningful from an
operational point of view.

 But is equally capable of paving the way for the development of working hypotheses
and for means of solving the problem itself.

 Data when collected is raw in nature. When processed, it becomes information
without data analysis, and interpretation, researcher cannot draw any conclusion.
 Interpretation can use either induction or deduction logic. While interpreting certain
precautions are to be taken.

4.8 Keywords

Data collection: Data collection is the systematic recording of information; data analysis involves
working to uncover patterns and trends in data sets; data interpretation involves explaining
those patterns and trends.
Editing: Editing, include inspection and correction of each questionnaire.

Frequency Distribution: Frequency distribution, organizes data into classes or groups.
Median: Median lies precisely halfway between highest and lowest values.

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