1- Hypothesis refers to

A. The outcome of an experiment

B. A conclusion drawn from an experiment
C. A form of bias in which the subject tries to outguess the experimenter
D. A tentative statement about the relationship

2- Statistics is used by researchers to

A. Analyze the empirical data collected in a study
B. Make their findings sound better
C. Operationally define their variables
D. Ensure the study comes out the way it was intended

3- A literature review requires

A. Planning
B. Good & clear writing
C. Lot of rewriting
D. All of the above

4- A literature review is based on the assumption that

A. Copy from the work of others
B. Knowledge accumulates and learns from the work of others
C. Knowledge disaccumulates
D. None of the above option

5- A theoretical framework
A. Elaborates the r/s among the variables
B. Explains the logic underlying these r/s
C. Describes the nature and direction of the r/s
D. All of the above

6- Which of the following statement is not true?

A. A research proposal is a document that presents a plan for a project
B. A research proposal shows that the researcher is capable of successfully conducting
the proposed research project
C. A research proposal is an unorganized and unplanned project
D. A research proposal is just like a research report and written before the research
project

7- Preliminary data collection is a part of the

Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
A. Descriptive research
B. Exploratory research
C. Applied research
D. Explanatory research
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8- Conducting surveys is the most common method of generating
A. Primary data
B. Secondary data
C. Qualitative data
D. None of the above

9- After identifying the important variables and establishing the logical reasoning in
theoretical framework, the next step in the research process is
A. To conduct surveys
B. To generate the hypothesis
C. To focus group discussions
D. To use experiments in an investigation

10- The appropriate analytical technique is determined by

A. The research design
B. Nature of the data collected
C. Nature of the hypothesis
D. Both A & B
11- Personal interviews conducted in shopping malls are known as:
a. Mall interviews
b. Mall intercept interviews
c. Brief interviews

d. None of the given options

12-WATS lines provided by long distance telephone service at fixed rates. In this regard,
WATS is the abbreviation of:
e. West Africa Theological Seminary
f. Washtenaw Area Transportation Study
g. Wide Area Telecommunications Service
h. World Air Transport Statistics

13-A list of questions which is handed over to the respondent, who reads the questions
and records the answers himself is known as the:
i. Interview schedule
j. Questionnaire
k. Interview guide
l. All of the given options

14-One of the most critical stages in the survey research process is:
m. Research design
n. Questionnaire design
o. Interview design
p. Survey design
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives

15-Question that consists of two or more questions joined together is called a:

q. Double barreled question
r. General question
s. Accurate question
t. Confusing question

16-The number of questionnaires returned or completed divided by the total number of

eligible people who were contacted or asked to participate in the survey is called the:
u. Response rate
v. Participation rate
w. Inflation rate
x. None of the given options

17-To obtain the freest opinion of the respondent, when we ask general question before a
specific question then this procedure is called as the:
y. Research technique
z. Qualitative technique
aa. Funnel technique
bb. Quantitative technique

18-A small scale trial run of a particular component is known as:

cc. Pilot testing
dd. Pre-testing
ee. Lab experiments
ff. Both A & B

18-Field testing of the questionnaire shows that:

gg. Respondents are willing to co-operate
hh. Respondents are not willing to co-operate
ii. Respondents do not like any participation
jj. All of the given options

19- Service evaluation of hotels and restaurants can be done by the:

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kk. Self-administered questionnaires
ll. Office assistant
mm. Manager
nn. None of the given options

20- Service evaluation of hotels and restaurants can be done by the:

oo. Self-administered questionnaires
pp. Office assistant
qq. Manager
rr. None of the given options

21-Discrete variable is also called……….

A. Categorical variable
B. Discontinuous variable
C. Both A & B
D. None of the above

22-“Officers in my organization have higher than average level of commitment” Such a

hypothesis is an example of……….
A. Descriptive Hypothesis
B. Directional Hypothesis
C. Relational Hypothesis
D. All of the above

23-‘Science’ refers to……….

A. A system for producing knowledge
B. The knowledge produced by a system
C. Both A & B
D. None of the above

24-Which one of the following is not a characteristic of scientific method?

A. Deterministic
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
B. Rationalism
C. Empirical
D. Abstraction

25-The theoretical framework discusses the interrelationships among the……….

A. Variables
B. Hypothesis
C. Concept
D. Theory
26-………research is based on naturalism.
A. Field research
B. Descriptive research
C. Basic research
D. Applied research

27-Personal interviews conducted in shopping malls are known as………

E. Mall interviews
F. Mall intercept interviews
G. Brief interviews
H. None of the given options

28- ……… is used to obtain the freest opinion of the respondent, by asking general
question before a specific question.
I. Research technique
J. Qualitative technique
K. Funnel technique
L. Quantitative technique

29-In, ___________the interviewer and members jointly control the pace and direction of
the interview.
M. Field interview
N. Telephonic interview
O. Both A and B
P. None of the given options

30-Randomization of test units is a part of ………

Q. Pretest
R. Posttest
S. Matching
T. Experiment

31- Rationalism is the application of which of the following?

A. Logic and arguments
B. Research solution
C. Reasoning
D. Previous findings
32- On which of the following, scientific knowledge mostly relies?
A. Logical understanding
B. Identification of events
C. Prior knowledge
D. All of the given options

33- Which of the following refers to research supported by measurable

evidence?
A. Opinion
B. Empiricism
C. Speculation
D. Rationalism
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34-Research method is applicable in all of the following fields, EXCEPT;

A. Health care
B. Religion
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
C. Business
D. Government offices

35- All of the following are true statements about action research, EXCEPT;
A. Data are systematically analyzed
B. Data are collected systematically
C. Results are generalizable
D. Results are used to improve practice

36-Which of the following is characteristic of action research?

A. Variables are tightly controlled
B. Results are generalizable
C. Data are usually qualitative
D. Results demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships

37-If a researcher is studying the effect of using laptops in his classroom to ascertain their
merit and worth; he is likely conducting which of the following types of research?
A. Experimental
B. Applied
C. Basic
D. Evaluation

38- Exploratory research addresses which of the following types of question?

A. If
B. How
C. Why
D. What

39- Which of the following is not the source for getting information for exploratory
research?
A. Content analysis
B. Survey
C. Case study
D. Pilot study

40- Which of the following is the main quality of a good theory?

A. A theory that has survived attempts at falsification
B. A theory that is proven to be right
C. A theory that has been disproved
D. A theory that has been falsified

41- A variable that is presumed to cause a change in another variable is known as:
A. Discontinuous variable
B. Dependent variable
C. Independent variable
D. Intervening variable

42- Which of the following is the opposite of a variable?

A. An extraneous variable
B. A dependent variable
C. A data set
D. A constant
43- Which of the following is not a concept?
A. Leadership
B. Total Quality Management
C. Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
D. Human Resource Management

44- Which of the following can best be described as a categorical variable?

A. Age
B. Annual income
C. Grade point average
D. Religion
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives

45-“Income distribution of employees” in a specific organization is an example of which of

following type of variable?

A. Discontinuous variable
B. Continuous variable
C. Dependent variable
D. Independent variable

46-“There is no relationship between higher motivation level and higher efficiency” is an

example of which type of hypothesis?
A. Alternative
B. Null
C. Co relational
D. Research

47- Which of the following is not a role of hypothesis?

A. Guides the direction of the study
B. Determine feasibility of conducting the study
C. Identifies relevant and irrelevant facts
D. Provides framework for organizing the conclusions

48-Hypothesis test may also be called as:

A. Informal test
B. Significance test
C. Moderating test
D. T-test

49-Which type of review compares how different theories address an issue?

A. Context review
B. Integrated review
C. Theoretical review
D. Methodological review

50-After you locate a source, you should write down all details of the reference, EXCEPT;
A. Volumes
B. Titles
C. Price
D. Full names of the authors

51- ___________research is based on naturalism.

A. Field research
B. Descriptive research
C. Basic research
D. Applied research

52- Personal interviews conducted in shopping malls are known as_________

A. Mall interviews
B. Mall intercepts interviews
C. Brief interviews
D. None of the given options

53- ____________is used to obtain the freest opinion of the respondent, by asking
general question before a specific question.
A. Research technique
B. Qualitative technique
C. Funnel technique
D. Quantitative technique

54- In, ____________the interviewer and members jointly control the pace and
direction of the interview.

A. Field interview
B. Telephonic interview
C. Both A and B
D. None of the given options
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives

55- Randomization of test units is a part of ______________

A. Pretest
B. Posttest
C. Matching
D. Experiment

56- Which one of the following sets is the measure of central tendency?
a. Mean, standard deviation, mode
b. Mean, median, standard deviation
c. Arithmetic mean, median, mode
d. Standard deviation, internal validity, mode

57- Internal validity refers to.

a. Researcher’s degree of confidence.
b. Generalisability
c. Operationalization
d. All of the above

58- How many times the students appear in the research class is the example of
_________.
a. Intensity
b. Space
c. Frequency
d. Direction

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59- Time consumed in mall intercept interview is .

a. High
b. Moderate
c. Low
d. Nil

60- Departmental stores selected to test a new merchandising display system is

the example of .
a. Quota sampling
b. Convenience sampling
c. Judgmental sampling
d. Purposive sampling

61- In ___________, the researcher attempts to control and/ or manipulate the variables in
the study.
1. Experiment
2. Hypothesis
3. Theoretical framework
4. Research design

62- In an experimental research study, the primary goal is to isolate and identify the effect
produced by the ____.
1. Dependent variable

2. Extraneous variable
3. Independent variable
4. Confounding variable

63- A measure is reliable if it provides consistent ___________.

1. Hypothesis
2. Results
3. Procedure
4. Sensitivity

64- The interview in which questions are already prepared is called ________.
1. Telephonic interview
2. Personal interview
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
3. Unstructured interview
4. Structured interview

65-The numerical description that describe sample may be expected to differ from those
that describe population because of random fluctuations inherent in sampling process.
1. Sampling design
2. Non-probability sampling
3. Sampling error
4. Probability sampling

66- In ______________ , each population element has a known and equal chance of
selection.
1. Purposive sampling
2. Quota sampling
3. Stratified sampling
4. Simple random sampling

67- ______ is the evidence that the instrument, techniques, or process used to measure
concept does indeed measure the intended concepts.
1. Reliability
2. Replicability
3. Scaling
4. Validity

68- A researcher is interested in studying why the “new math” of the 1960s failed. She
interviews several teachers who used the new math during the 1960s. These teachers are
considered as:
1. Primary sources
2. Secondary Sources
3. External critics
4. Internal critics

69- Which of the following is NOT true about stratified random sampling?
1. It involves a random selection process from identified subgroups
2. Proportions of groups in the sample must always match their population
proportions
3. Disproportional stratified random sampling is especially helpful for getting large
enough subgroup samples when subgroup comparisons are to be done
4. Proportional stratified random sampling yields a representative sample

70- Experimental design is the only appropriate design where_________ relationship can
be established.

1. Strong
2. Linear
3. Weak
4. Cause and Effect

71. Discrete variable is also called……….

E. Categorical variable
F. Discontinuous variable
G. Both A & B
H. None of the above

72.“Officers in my organization have higher than average level of commitment”

Such a hypothesis is an example of……….
E. Descriptive Hypothesis
F. Directional Hypothesis
G. Relational Hypothesis
H. All of the above

73.‘Science’ refers to……….

E. A system for producing knowledge
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
F. The knowledge produced by a system
G. Both A & B
H. None of the above

74.Which one of the following is not a characteristic of scientific method?

E. Deterministic
F. Rationalism
G. Empirical
H. Abstraction

73.The theoretical framework discusses the interrelationships among the……….

E. Variables
F. Hypothesis
G. Concept
H. Theory

74.………research is based on naturalism.

U. Field research
V. Descriptive research
W. Basic research
X. Applied research

75.Personal interviews conducted in shopping malls are known as………

Y. Mall interviews
Z. Mall intercept interviews
AA. Brief interviews
BB. None of the given options

76.……… is used to obtain the freest opinion of the respondent, by asking general
question before a specific question.
CC. Research technique
DD. Qualitative technique
EE. Funnel technique
FF. Quantitative technique

77.In, ……… the interviewer and members jointly control the pace and direction of the
interview.
GG. Field interview
HH. Telephonic interview
II. Both A and B
JJ. None of the given options
78.Randomization of test units is a part of ………
KK. Pretest
LL. Posttest
MM. Matching
NN. Experiment

79. In ___________, the researcher attempts to control and/ or manipulate the variables in
the study.
1. Experiment
2. Hypothesis
3. Theoretical framework
4. Research design

80. In an experimental research study, the primary goal is to isolate and identify the effect
produced by the ____.
1. Dependent variable
2. Extraneous variable
3. Independent variable
4. Confounding variable

81. A measure is reliable if it provides consistent ___________.

Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
1. Hypothesis
2. Results
3. Procedure
4. Sensitivity

82. The interview in which questions are already prepared is called ________.
1. Telephonic interview
2. Personal interview
3. Unstructured interview
4. Structured interview

83. The numerical description that describe sample may be expected to differ from those
that describe population because of random fluctuations inherent in sampling process.
1. Sampling design
2. Non-probability sampling
3. Sampling error
4. Probability sampling

84. In ______________ , each population element has a known and equal chance of
selection.
1. Purposive sampling
2. Quota sampling
3. Stratified sampling
4. Simple random sampling

85. ______ is the evidence that the instrument, techniques, or process used to measure
concept does indeed measure the intended concepts.
1. Reliability
2. Replicability
3. Scaling
4. Validity
 86. A researcher is interested in studying why the “new math” of the 1960s failed. She
interviews several teachers who used the new math during the 1960s. These teachers are
considered as:
1. Primary sources
2. Secondary Sources
3. External critics
4. Internal critics
 Books

 Exam Results

 Answer Question

87. Which of the following is NOT true about stratified random sampling?
1. It involves a random selection process from identified subgroups
2. Proportions of groups in the sample must always match their population
proportions
3. Disproportional stratified random sampling is especially helpful for getting large
enough subgroup samples when subgroup comparisons are to be done
4. Proportional stratified random sampling yields a representative sample

88. Experimental design is the only appropriate design where_________ relationship can
be established.
1. Strong
2. Linear
3. Weak
4. Cause and Effect

89. Rationalism is the application of which of the following?

A. Logic and arguments
B. Research solution
C. Reasoning
D. Previous findings

90. On which of the following, scientific knowledge mostly relies?

A. Logical understanding
B. Identification of events
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
C. Prior knowledge
D. All of the given options
VUSTUDENTS.NING

91. Which of the following refers to research supported by measurable

evidence?
A. Opinion
B. Empiricism
C. Speculation
D. Rationalism

92. Research method is applicable in all of the following fields, EXCEPT;

A. Health care
B. Religion
C. Business
D. Government offices

93. All of the following are true statements about action research, EXCEPT;
A. Data are systematically analyzed
B. Data are collected systematically
C. Results are generalizable
D. Results are used to improve practice

94. Which of the following is characteristic of action research?

A. Variables are tightly controlled
B. Results are generalizable
C. Data are usually qualitative
D. Results demonstrate cause-and-effect relationship

95. If a researcher is studying the effect of using laptops in his classroom to

ascertain their merit and worth, he is likely conducting which of the
following types of research?
A. Experimental
B. Applied
C. Basic
D. Evaluation

96. Exploratory research addresses which of the following types of

question?
A. If
B. How
C. Why
D. What

97. Which of the following is not the source for getting information for
exploratory research?
A. Content analysis
B. Survey
C. Case study
D. Pilot study

98. Which of the following is the main quality of a good theory?

A. A theory that has survived attempts at falsification
B. A theory that is proven to be right
C. A theory that has been disproved
D. A theory that has been falsified

100. Which of the following is not a concept?

A. Leadership
B. Total Quality Management
C. Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
D. Human Resource Management

101. A variable that is presumed to cause a change in another variable is

known as:
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
A. Discontinuous variable
B. Dependent variable
C. Independent variable
D. Intervening variable

102. Which of the following is the opposite of a variable?

A. An extraneous variable
B. A dependent variable
C. A data set
D. A constant
103. Which of the following can best be described as a categorical
variable?
A. Age
B. Annual income
C. Grade point average
D. Religion

104. “Income distribution of employees” in a specific organization is an

example of which of following type of variable?
A. Discontinuous variable
B. Continuous variable
C. Dependent variable
D. Independent variable

http://vustudents.ning.com

105. “There is no relationship between higher motivation level and higher

efficiency” is an example of which type of hypothesis?
A. Alternative
B. Null
C. Correlational
D. Research

106. Which of the following is not a role of hypothesis?

A. Guides the direction of the study
B. Determine feasibility of conducting the study
C. Identifies relevant and irrelevant facts
D. Provides framework for organizing the conclusions

107. Which type of review compares how different theories address an issue?
A. Context review
B. Integrated review
C. Theoretical review
D. Methodological review

108. After you locate a source, you should write down all details of the
reference, EXCEPT;
A. Volumes
B. Titles
C. Price
D. Full names of the authors

109. What is the primary focus of establishment surveys in this case study?
A. Collect the data through past studies
B. Analyze the literature review
C. Using of quantitative techniques
D. Data collection through mail and Interview

110. Which one of following is generally common in establishment survey and household
survey?
A. Cognitive recall
B. Homogenous respondents
C. Error free
D. Response burden
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives

111. Which one of the following is not of important consideration in establishment survey
while designing questionnaires?
A. Response burden
B. Professional terminology
C. Cognitive recall
D. Use of Records

112. Which of the following method of data collection is not discussed in the case study?
A. Questionnaires
B. Interviews
C. Mail survey
D. Observations

113. Which of the following sampling technique is used for Employee Turnover and Job
Openings survey?
A. Simple random sampling
B. Cluster sampling
C. Stratified sampling
D. Convenience sampling
 114. Which one of the following is the limitation of establishment survey in this case
study?
A. Cost
B. Limited data
C. Unskilled interviewer
D. Small sample size

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115. Which of the following is not the part of specific protocol of focus groups in ETJO?
A. Concept and indicators
B. Definition
C. Availability of records
D. Cognitive recall

116. Which of the following is the draw back of pretest interview in ETJO survey?
A. Small simple size
B. Non cooperative response
C. Probing
D. Questionnaire format

117. Which of the following method of data collection is not used in the case study?
A. Questionnaires
B. Focus groups
C. Correlational method
D. Secondary data

118. What is the basic purpose of ETJO survey?

A. To assess the feasibility of collecting job-vacancy and turnover data by
occupation
B. To analyze the problem of labor shortage
C. To assess the motivation level of employees
D. To analyze the factor contributing towards employee turnover

119. Which of the following is the basic purpose of pretest interview in this case study?
A. To identified the potential problem
B. To know the sample size
C. To develop the questionnaire
D. To use agency representative

120. Which one of the following sampling type is used in operations test to select the
units?
A. Simple random sampling
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
B. Cluster sampling
C. Quota sampling
D. Judgment sampling


121. Which of the following is the basic purpose of Response analysis survey in the case
study?
A. To assess the quality of ETJO survey data
B. To know the sample size of ETJO survey data
C. To develop the questionnaire for ETJO
D. To use agency representative for ETJO

122. After Operation test, which of the following test findings were suggested by the
researcher?
A. Need of highly skilled and well trained interviewer
B. Sample size should be increased
C. A decent increase in survey budget
D. Focus group should be included
123. In which one of the following stage researcher consult the literature?
A. Operation test
B. Response analysis survey
C. Document design analysis
D. Pretest interviews

124. Which one of the following sampling type is used in Response analysis survey
(RAS)?
A. Simple random sampling
B. Cluster sampling
C. Quota sampling
D. Stratified sampling

125. Which one of the following could be helpful for minimizing the bias in this case
study?
A. Cognitive research
B. Focus group
C. Pretest Interview
D. Response analysis survey

126. Which one of the following is useful in assessing and clarifying concepts and
definitions at the beginning stages of questionnaire?
A. Operation test
B. Document design analysis
C. Focus group
D. Response analysis survey
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127. Which one of the following can be more helpful than others in order to determine the
exact source of measurement errors in establishment survey?
A. Focus group
B. Operation test
C. Response analysis survey
D. Document design analysis

Identify the ‘True’ and ‘False’ statements. (05)

(1) Review of literature shows the incredibility of the body of knowledge and identifies the
points at which the researcher made the research area ambiguous and unclear. (False)
(2) The literature survey provides a solid foundation for developing the theoretical
framework. (True)
(3) The hypothesis should not only be specific to a place and situation but also these should
be narrowed down with respect to its operation. (True )
(4) A cohort analysis is similar to cross-sectional research. (False)
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
(5) A literature review does not consider the prior studies, their agreements or
disagreements in the field. (False)

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

(1) Research hypothesis is formulated by the researcher which suggests the nature of
relationship i.e. the direction of relationship.
(2) Correlational hypothesis merely states that the variables occur together and does not
imply that one causes the other.
(3) Longitudinal type of research examine feature of any unit at more than one time.
(4) Historical review traces the development of an idea or shows how a particular issue or
theory has evolved over time.
(5) Discontinuous variable is also known as discrete/ categorical/ classificatory variable.
6. Validity problems occur when the researcher’s theoretical definition does not
match that of the government agency or organization that collected the
information.
7. Reliability problems occur when official definition or the method of collecting
Information changes over time.
8. Secondary data refer to information gathered by someone other than the
researcher conducting the present study.
9. Experiments are best for topics where the researcher controls a situation and
 manipulates an Independent variable.
10. A social indicator is any measure of wellbeing used in policy.
11.Two power bases of scientific knowledge are Empiricism and Rationalism
12.Action research is a type of Applied research
13.Three types of longitudinal research are time series, panel, and cohort
14.The research proposal is just like a research report, but it is written before the research
project begins.

15.Natural science concepts are often expressed in symbolic forms.

16.The double blind experiment is designed to control experimenter expectancy.
17.Pilot testing is also called pre-testing.
18.The totality, out of which sample is drawn is referred to as population.
19.The physical setting of the interview creates Situational bias.
20.Probing is the verbal prompts made by field worker.

Q: Define Hypothesis? What are different types of hypothesis? Explain.

Solution:
Definition of Hypothesis:
A proposition that can be verified to determine its reality is a hypothesis. A hypothesis may be
defined as a logically conjectured relationship between two or more variables, expressed in the
form of a testable statement. Relationship is proposed by using a strong logical argumentation.
This logical relationship may be part of theoretical framework of the study.
For example,

 • Officers in my organization have higher than average level of commitment (variable).

 • Level of job commitment of the officers is associated with their level of efficiency.
 • Level of job commitment of the officers is positively associated with their level of
efficiency.
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives

 • The higher the level of job commitment of the officers the lower their level of
absenteeism.
Types of Hypothesis:
There are different types of hypothesis which are as follows.
1-Descriptive Hypothesis
Descriptive hypothesis contains only one variable thereby it is also called as univariate
hypothesis. Descriptive hypotheses typically state the existence, size, form, or distribution of
some variable. The first hypothesis contains only one variable. It only shows the distribution of
the level of commitment among the officers of the organization which is higher than average.
Such a hypothesis is an example of a Descriptive Hypothesis.
2- Relational Hypothesis
These are the propositions that describe a relationship between two variables. The relationship
could be non-directional or directional, positive or negative, causal or simply correlational.
While stating the relationship between the two variables, if the terms of positive, negative, more
than, or less than are used then such hypotheses are directional because the direction of the
relationship between the variables (positive/negative) has been indicated. These hypotheses are
relational as well as directional. The directional hypothesis is the one in which the direction of the
relationship has been specified.
Non-directional hypothesis is the one in which the direction of the association has not been
specified. The relationship may be very strong but whether it is positive or negative has not been
postulated.

Correlational hypotheses state merely that the variables occur together in some specified
manner without implying that one causes the other. Such weak claims are often made when we
believe that there are more basic causal forces that affect both variables. For example:
Level of job commitment of the officers is positively associated with their level of efficiency.
Explanatory (causal) hypotheses imply the existence of, or a change in, one variable causes or
leads to a change in the other variable. This brings in the notions of independent and the
dependent variables. Cause means to “help make happen.” So the independent variable may
not be the sole reason for the existence of, or change in the dependent variable.
3- Null Hypothesis
It is used for testing the hypothesis formulated by the researcher. Researchers treat evidence that
supports a hypothesis differently from the evidence that opposes it. They give negative evidence
more importance than to the positive one. It is because the negative evidence tarnishes the
hypothesis. It shows that the predictions made by the hypothesis are wrong. The null hypothesis
simply states that there is no relationship between the variables or the relationship between the
variables is “zero.” That is how symbolically null hypothesis is denoted as “H0”. For example:
H0 = There is no relationship between the level of job commitment and the level of efficiency. Or
H0 = The relationship between level of job commitment and the level of efficiency is zero. Or the
two variables are independent of each other.
It does not take into consideration the direction of association (i.e. H0 is non directional), which
may be a second step in testing the hypothesis.
4- Alternative Hypothesis
The alternative (to the null) hypothesis simply states that there is a relationship between the
variables under study. In our example it could be: there is a relationship between the level of job
commitment and the level of efficiency. Not only there is an association between the two
variables under study but also the relationship is perfect which is indicated by the number “1”.
Thereby the alternative hypothesis is symbolically denoted as “H1”. It can be written like this:
H1: There is a relationship between the level of job commitment of the officers and their level of
efficiency.
5- Research Hypothesis
Research hypothesis is the actual hypothesis formulated by the researcher which may also
suggest the nature of relationship i.e. the direction of relationship. In our example it could be:
Level of job commitment of the officers is positively associated with their level of efficiency.
Q: Ahmad is the manager of a restaurant; he wants to see his staff cooperative and
hardworking but his staff is not working well according to his will. He decided to give the
incentives in order to motivate and encourage them but his policy did not work effectively.
There can be many factors behind this behavior of staff that needs to be researched. For
this purpose, he appoints you as a researcher and asks you to discover those factors and
submit a report to him. How you will undertake this kind of
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
research and what steps you will choose to make a report about the behavior of the staff?
Solution:
The manager of the restaurant appoints me as a researcher to find out the factors behind the staff
behavior. I will take the following steps in order to undertake this research and to make a report.
These steps are as follows:
STEP 1: To Select the topic of research:
First of all I will select the topic which is a general area of study or issue. The topic in this
research is the factors behind the staff behavior. A topic appears to be too broad for conducting
research. The specific issues that need to be researched within the situation may not be
identified at this stage. I will try to analyze the problems currently existing in the restaurant that
needs to be solved and the areas that a manager believes need to be improved in the restaurant
(improving the existing policies). Then I will develop some research questions that a basic
researcher wants to answer empirically.
STEP 2: Preliminary Data Collection or to Explore different areas from where I can get
information related to the restaurant and staff behavior:

After selecting the topic, I will collect data from different sources. This step may be considered as
part of the exploratory research. An exploration typically begins with a search for published data
and studies. Such sources can provide secondary data which becomes part of the background
information (about the restaurant & groups of people). Some secondary sources of data are
statistical bulletins, government publications, information published or unpublished, case studies,
online data, web sites, and the Internet from where I can get information. In addition, information
can also be collected from the people who are well informed about the staff and restaurant,
especially those who have clearly stated positions on controversial aspects of the problem. In
certain situations, I will also focus on group discussions with the staff of the restaurant. Such
discussions can help me in the identification of factors and having clarification of their behavior.
STEP 3: Problem Definition
After having discussions with the professionals as well as with the staff to whom the issue relates,
and the review of literature, now I will be in a position to narrow down from its original broad base
and define the factors clearly. Translate the broad issue into a research question. As part of the
applied research convert the management dilemma into a management question, and then on to
research question that fits the need to resolve the dilemma. The symptoms of a problem might
help tracing the real problem. For example in this research, the productivity decline of workers is
an issue. The manager has tried to solve it by the provision of incentives but his policy did not
work. I will find the possible factors like the morale and motivation of the workers having some
other antecedents.
STEP 4: To develop the Theoretical Framework
Consultations with the informants and professionals, and the review of literature will help me in
the identification of different factors that are considered to be relevant. Now I will need to make a
logical relationship among several factors identified. This will help in the delineation of the
theoretical framework. The theoretical framework discusses the interrelationships among the
variables that are deemed to be integral to the dynamics of the situation being investigated.
Developing such a conceptual framework helps to postulate or hypothesize and test certain
relationships.
STEP 5: To Generate the Hypotheses
Once I have identified the important variables relevant to an issue and established the logical
reasoning in the theoretical framework, I will be in a position to test whether the relationships that
have been theorized do in fact hold true. By testing these relationships scientifically, I will obtain
reliable information to determine the relationship among the variables. The results of these tests
offer part of the answers to the formulated research questions, whether these relate basic
research or to applied research.
STEP 6: To make a Research Design
Research design is a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for collecting and
analyzing the needed information. It is a framework or the blueprint that plans the action for
research project. The objectives of the study determined during the early stages of the research
are included in the design to ensure that the information collected is appropriate for solving the
problem. It is very important to specify the sources of information, and the research method or
technique (survey or experiment, for example) to be followed in the study. Broadly there are six
basic research methods for descriptive and causal research: surveys, experiments, observation,
communication analysis (content analysis), case study, focus group discussion.
STEP 7: Data Collection, Data Processing, and Analysis
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives
Data collection is integral part of the research design; Data collection is determined by the
research technique selected for the project. Data can be collected in a variety of ways, in
different settings – field or lab – and from different sources. It could include interviews – face to
face interviews, telephone interviews, computer-assisted interviews, and interviews through
electronic media; questionnaires that either personally administered, sent through mail, or
electronically administered; observation of individuals and events which could be participant or
non participant. Once the fieldwork has been completed, the data must be converted into a format

that will answer the research questions and help testing the hypotheses. The computer can help
in making tables and the application of different statistics.
STEP 8: Testing the Hypotheses; Answering the Research Questions
The analysis and interpretation of the data shall be the means to testing the formulated
hypotheses as well as finding answers to the research questions. In case of applied research,
the research should be helpful in finding solutions to the problems of the organization or society.
Making recommendations may also be part of this process.
STEP 9: Report Writing
The research report should communicate the research findings effectively. All too often the report
is a complicated statement of the study’s technical aspects and sophisticated research methods.
The report has to be presented in the format as it may have been part of the terms of reference if
it is a sponsored study. I will write the basic factors behind the staff behavior in my report and I
will also give some suggestions to the manager to motivate the staff so that they can work
efficiently.
stion.<l�,<o�w(�>
A. Research technique
B. Qualitative technique
C. Funnel technique
D. Quantitative technique

54- In, ____________the interviewer and members jointly control the pace and
direction of the interview.

A. Field interview
B. Telephonic interview
C. Both A and B
D. None of the given options
Research Method (STA 630) Success Objectives

55- Randomization of test units is a part of ______________

A. Pretest
B. Posttest
C. Matching
D. Experiment

56- Which one of the following sets is the measure of central tendency?
a. Mean, standard deviation, mode
b. Mean, median, standard deviation
c. Arithmetic mean, median, mode
d. Standard deviation, internal validity, mode

57- Internal validity refers to.

a. Researcher’s degree of confidence.
b. Generalisability
c. Operationalization
d. All of the above

58- How many times the students appear in the research class is the example of
_________.
a. Intensity
b. Space
c. Frequency
d. Direction

VUSTUDENTS.NING

59- Time consumed in mall intercept interview is .

a. High
b. Moderate
c. Low
d. Nil

60- Departmental stores selected to test a new merchandising display system is

the example of .
a. Quota sampling
b. Convenience sampling
c. Judgmental sampling
d. Purposive sampling