✍ Scribed by Umesh Kumar B. Dubey, D. P. Kothari
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
Research Methodology: Techniques and Trends focuses on both undergraduate and post graduate courses; and it helps readers understand the basic concepts and the application of results directly to real life business, industry and research organizations.
Features:
This is a textbook on research methodology for doctoral and post-doctoral programs; post graduate courses such as MSc, MBA, MCA, MS, etc., to name a few. Though the book is primarily addressed to students, it is equally useful to researchers and entrepreneurs as well.
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Statistical Tables
Preface
Acknowledgments
Authors
1. Introduction to Research
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Meaning of Research
1.3 Criteria of Good Research
1.4 Objectives of Research
1.5 Types of Research
1.5.1 Exploratory Research
1.5.2 Conclusive Research
1.5.2.1 Descriptive Research
1.5.2.2 Experimental Research
1.5.3 Business Research
1.5.3.1 The Scope of Business Research
1.5.3.2 Types of Business Research
1.5.4 According to the Branch of Knowledge
1.5.5 Management Research
1.5.6 Manufacturing Research
1.5.7 Personnel Management Research
1.5.8 Management Research
1.5.9 Accounting Research
1.5.10 Marketing Research
1.5.11 Business Policy Research
1.5.12 Business History Research
1.5.13 According to the Nature of Data
1.5.13.1 Quantitative Research
1.5.13.2 Qualitative Research
1.5.14 According to the Coverage
1.5.15 According to Utility or Application
1.5.15.1 Basic Research
1.5.15.2 Applied Research
1.5.16 According to the Place where it is Carried Out
1.5.17 According to the Use of Research Methods
1.5.18 According to the Time Frame
1.5.18.1 One Time or Single Time Period Research
1.5.18.2 Longitudinal Research
1.5.19 According to the Purpose of the Study
1.5.19.1 Descriptive Study
1.5.19.2 Analytical Study
1.5.19.3 Evaluation Study
1.5.19.4 Exploratory Study
1.6 Importance of Research
1.7 Problem or Opportunity Identification
1.8 Problem or Opportunity Prioritization and Selection
1.9 Problem or Opportunity Resolution
1.10 Implementing the Course of Action
1.11 Factors Affecting Research
1.11.1 Time Constraints
1.11.2 Availability of Resources and Data
1.11.3 Nature of Information Sought Expected by the Organization
1.11.4 Costs Involved
1.12 Globalization and Research
1.13 Research and the Internet
1.13.1 Primary Research
1.13.2 Secondary Research
Summary
Review Questions
2. Research Process
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Steps in the Research Process
2.2.1 Identifying and Defining the Problem or Opportunity
2.2.1.1 Exploratory Research
2.2.1.2 Preparing the Statement of Research Objectives
2.2.1.3 Formulation of Objectives
2.2.2 Formulation of Hypothesis
2.2.3 Identifying, Manipulating, and Controlling Variables
2.2.3.1 Dependent Variable
2.2.3.2 Independent Variable
2.2.3.3 Extraneous Variable or Relevant Variable
2.2.4 Formulation of a Research Design
2.2.5 Constructing Device for Observation and Measurement
2.2.6 Selecting the Research Method
2.2.6.1 Surveys
2.2.6.2 Experiments
2.2.6.3 Secondary Data Studies
2.2.6.4 Observation Techniques
2.2.6.5 Analyzing Research Designs
2.2.6.6 Selecting the Sampling Procedure
2.2.7 Data Collection
2.2.8 Evaluation of the Data
2.2.9 Data Analysis and Interpretation
2.2.10 Drawing Conclusion
2.2.11 Preparing and Presenting the Research Report and Publication
Summary
Review Questions
3. Research Design
3.1 Introduction to Research Design
3.2 Meaning of Research Design
3.3 Need for Research Design
3.4 Characteristics of a Good Research Design
Example
3.5 Function of a Research Design
3.6 Research Design Concepts
3.6.1 Dependent and Independent Variables
3.6.2 Extraneous Variable
3.6.3 Control
3.6.4 Confounded Relationship
3.6.5 Research Hypothesis
3.6.6 Experimental and Nonexperimental Hypothesis
3.6.7 Experimental and Control Groups
3.6.8 Treatments
3.6.9 Experiment
3.6.10 Experimental Units
3.7 Classification of Research Designs
3.7.1 Exploratory Studies
3.7.1.1 Secondary Data Analysis
3.7.1.2 Experience Surveys
3.7.1.3 Focus Groups
3.7.1.4 2-Stage Design
3.7.2 Descriptive Studies
3.7.3 Causal Studies
3.7.3.1 Causal Relationships
3.7.3.2 Symmetrical
3.7.3.3 Reciprocal
3.7.3.4 Asymmetrical
3.8 Selection of Specific Research Design
3.8.1 Desired Degree of Formality
3.8.2 Objective of Study
3.8.3 Data Collection Method
3.8.4 Variable Control
3.8.5 Time Dimension
3.8.6 Scope of the Study
3.8.7 Environment Conditions of Research
3.8.8 Subject’s Perceptions
3.9 Benefits of Research Designs
Summary
Review Questions
4. Measurement Concepts in Research
4.1 Measurement
4.2 Identifying and Deciding on the Variables to Be Measured
4.3 Research Measurement Issues
4.4 Need Development of Measurement Scales
4.5 Measurement Scales
4.5.1 Nominal Scale
4.5.1.1 Occupation
4.5.2 Ordinal Scale
4.5.3 Interval Scale
4.5.4 Ratio Scale
4.6 Criteria for Good Measurement
4.7 Reliability
4.7.1 Meaning of Reliability
4.7.2 Methods of Estimating Reliability
4.7.2.1 External Consistency Procedures
4.7.2.2 Internal Consistency Procedures
4.8 Validity
4.8.1 Content Validity
4.8.2 Criterion-Related Validity
4.8.2.1 Concurrent Validity
4.8.2.2 Predictive Validity
4.8.3 Construct Validity
4.8.3.1 Convergent Validity
4.8.3.2 Discriminant Validity
4.8.4 Face Validity
4.8.5 Internal Validity
4.8.5.1 Threats to Internal Validity
4.8.6 External Validity
4.9 Practicality
4.10 Sensitivity
4.11 Generalizability
4.12 Relevance
4.13 Errors in Measurement
4.13.1 Respondent-Associated Errors
4.13.2 Nonresponse Errors
4.13.3 Response Bias
4.13.4 Errors Associated with Instrument
4.13.5 Situational Errors
4.13.6 Measurer as Error Source
Summary
Review Questions
5. Measurement of Attitude
5.1 Introduction to Measurement of Attitude
5.2 Components of Attitude
5.2.1 Cognitive Component
5.2.2 Affective Component
5.2.3 Behavioral Component
5.3 Relationship between Attitude and Behavior
5.4 Changing Attitude
5.4.1 Altering Existing Beliefs about a Product
5.4.2 Changing Attitudes by Changing the Importance of Beliefs
5.4.3 Adding New Beliefs
5.5 Association between Measurement of Beliefs and Situation
5.6 Attitude Scales
5.6.1 Definition of Attitude Scale
5.6.2 Definition of Scaling
5.7 Types of Attitude Scales
5.7.1 Comparative Scales
5.7.1.1 Paired Comparison Scale
5.7.1.2 Rank Order Scale
5.7.1.3 Constant Sum Scale
5.7.1.4 Q-Sort Scale
5.7.2 Noncomparative Scale
5.7.2.1 Continuous Rating Scale
5.7.2.2 Itemized Rating Scale
5.7.2.3 Stapel Scale
5.7.2.4 Category Scale
5.7.2.5 Cumulative Scale or Guttman Scale
5.7.3 Multi-Item Scales
5.7.3.1 Thurstone Equal Appearing Interval Scale
5.7.3.2 Likert Scale
5.7.3.3 Semantic Differential Scale (Bipolar Scale)
5.8 Profile Analysis
5.9 Considerations in Selecting Attitude Measurement Scale
5.9.1 Problem Definition and Statistical Analysis
5.9.2 The Choice between Comparative and Noncomparative Scales
5.9.3 Type of Category Labels
5.9.4 Number of Categories
5.9.5 Odd or Even Number of Scale Categories
5.9.6 Balanced Versus Unbalanced Scale
5.9.7 Forced Versus Unforced Choice
5.9.8 Limitations of Attitude Measurement Scales
Summary
Review Questions
6. Sampling Design
6.1 Introduction to Sampling
6.2 Basic Definitions and Concepts
6.2.1 Element
6.2.2 Population or Universe
6.2.3 Sample and Sampling
6.2.4 Sample Size and Sampling Design or Strategy
6.2.4.1 Sampling Design or Strategy
6.2.5 Sampling Units
6.2.6 Sampling Frame
6.2.7 Study Population
6.2.8 Bias
6.2.9 Precision
6.3 Sampling Designs
6.3.1 Probability Sampling Methods or Random Sampling Methods
6.3.1.1 Simple Random Sampling
6.3.1.2 Systematic Sampling
6.3.1.3 Stratified Random Sampling
6.3.1.4 Cluster Sampling
6.3.1.5 Area Sampling
6.3.1.6 Multistage Sampling
6.3.2 Nonprobability Sampling Methods or Nonrandom Sampling Methods
6.3.2.1 Haphazard, Accidental, or Convenience Sampling
6.3.2.2 Quota Sampling
6.3.2.3 Purposive Sampling or Judgment Sampling
6.3.2.4 Snowball or Network or Chain Referral or Reputation Sampling
6.4 Steps in a Sampling Process
6.4.1 Defining the Target Population
6.4.2 Specifying the Sampling Frame
6.4.3 Specifying the Sampling Unit
6.4.4 Selection of the Sampling Method
6.4.5 Determination of Sample Size
6.4.5.1 Techniques of Determination of Sample Size
6.4.5.2 Numerical (The Case of Means)
6.4.5.3 The Case of Proportion
6.4.6 Specifying the Sampling Plan
6.4.7 Selecting the Sample
6.5 Criteria for Selecting an Appropriate Sampling Design
6.5.1 Degree of Accuracy
6.5.2 Resources
6.5.3 Time
6.5.4 Prior Knowledge of the Population
6.6 Essentials of a Good Sample
6.7 Sampling Errors
6.7.1 Random Sampling Errors
6.7.2 Nonsampling Error
6.7.2.1 Non-observational Errors
6.7.2.2 Respondent Errors
6.7.2.3 Administrative Errors
6.7.3 Error Control
Summary
Review Questions
7. Secondary Data
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Classification of Secondary Data
7.2.1 Classification by Source
7.2.1.1 Internal Sources of Secondary Data
7.2.1.2 External Sources of Secondary Data
7.2.2 Classification by Category
7.2.3 Books and Periodicals
7.2.4 Government Publications
7.2.5 Nongovernmental Associations
7.2.6 Directories, Industry Experts, Special Collections
7.2.6.1 Directories
7.2.6.2 Industry Experts
7.2.6.3 Special Collections
7.2.7 Classification by Medium
7.2.8 Classification by Database Content
7.2.8.1 Reference Database
7.2.8.2 Source Database
7.3 Scrutiny of Secondary Data
7.3.1 Suitability
7.3.2 Reliability
7.3.3 Adequacy
7.3.4 Accuracy
7.4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Secondary Data
Summary
Review Questions
8. Survey Research
8.1 Introduction to Survey Research
8.2 Concept and Meaning of Survey Research
8.3 Nature of Surveys
8.4 Classifying Survey Research Methods
8.4.1 Cross-Sectional Survey
8.4.1.1 Advantage of Cross-Sectional Survey
8.4.1.2 Disadvantage of Cross-Sectional Survey
8.4.2 Longitudinal Survey
8.4.2.1 Trend Studies
8.4.2.2 Cohort Studies
8.4.2.3 Panel Studies
8.5 Survey Methods
8.5.1 Sampling
8.5.2 Questionnaire Design
8.5.2.1 Mail Survey
8.5.2.2 Group-Administered Questionnaire
8.5.2.3 Household Drop-off Survey
8.5.3 Personal Interviews
8.5.3.1 Structured Interview
8.5.3.2 Unstructured Interview
8.5.3.3 Telephonic Interview
8.5.3.4 Door-to-Door Interviewing
8.5.3.5 Executive Interviewing
8.5.3.6 Self-Administered Interviews
8.5.4 Mall-Intercept Surveys
8.5.5 Mail Surveys
8.6 Steps in Conduction of Survey
8.7 Constructing a Survey Research
8.8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Survey Research
8.9 Difficulties and Issues of Survey Research
Summary
Review Questions
9. Questionnaire
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Definition of Questionnaire Method
9.3 Construction of Questionnaire
9.3.1 Steps in Questionnaire Construction
9.3.2 Length of the Questionnaire
9.3.3 Guiding Principles to be Followed for Questionnaire Construction
9.4 Structured Questions
9.4.1 Dichotomous Questions
9.4.2 Level of Measurement-Based Questions
9.4.3 Filter or Contingency Questions
9.5 Unstructured Questions
9.6 Designing a Questionnaire
9.7 Questionnaire Format
9.7.1 Structure
9.7.2 Disguise
9.7.3 Structured–Nondisguised Questionnaire
9.7.4 Structured–Disguised Questionnaire
9.7.5 Nonstructured–Nondisguised Questionnaire
9.7.6 Nonstructured–Disguised Questionnaire
9.8 Questionnaire Administration
9.9 Preliminary Decisions
9.9.1 Required Information
9.9.2 Target Respondents
9.9.3 Interview Technique
9.10 Question Content
9.10.1 Utility of Data
9.10.2 Data-Producing Effectiveness
9.10.3 The Participant’s Ability to Answer Accurately
9.10.3.1 Unable to Verbalize the Response
9.10.4 The Respondent’s Willingness to Answer Accurately
9.10.5 Effect of External Events
9.11 Response Format
9.11.1 Open-Ended Questions
9.11.1.1 Probing
9.11.1.2 Projective
9.11.1.3 Advantages of Open-Ended Questions
9.11.1.4 Disadvantages of Open-Ended Questions
9.11.2 Close-Ended Questions
9.11.2.1 Binary Questions
9.11.2.2 Ranking Questions
9.11.2.3 Multiple Choice Questions
9.11.2.4 Checklist Questions
9.11.2.5 Advantages of Close-Ended Questions
9.11.2.6 Disadvantages of Close-Ended Questions
9.12 Question Wording
9.12.1 Shared Vocabulary
9.12.2 Unsupported Questions
9.12.3 Frame of Reference
9.12.4 Biased Wording
9.12.5 Adequate Alternatives
9.12.6 Double-Barreled Questions
9.12.7 Generalizations and Estimates
9.12.8 Length of the Question
9.12.9 Unfamiliar Vocabulary
9.12.10 Combined Questions
9.13 Questionnaire Sequence
9.13.1 Lead-in Questions
9.13.2 Qualifying Questions
9.13.3 Warm-up Questions
9.13.4 Specific Questions
9.13.5 Demographics Questions
9.14 Questionnaire Pretest, Revision, and Final Draft
9.14.1 Final Draft
9.15 Advantages and Disadvantages of Questionnaire Method
9.15.1 Advantages of Questionnaire Method
9.15.2 Disadvantages of Questionnaire Method
Summary
Review Questions
10. Qualitative Research
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Rationale for Using Qualitative Methods
10.3 Types of Qualitative Research
10.3.1 Case Study
10.3.2 Ethnography
10.3.3 Historical Method
10.3.4 Grounded Theory
10.4 Comparison between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
10.5 Qualitative Research Methods
10.5.1 Individual ‘Depth’ or ‘Intensive’ Interviews
10.5.2 Nondirective or Unstructured Interviews
10.5.3 Semi-Structured or Focused Interviews
10.5.4 Standardized Open-Ended Interviews
10.6 Focus Group Discussion
10.6.1 Brain Storming
10.6.2 Focused Group Discussion
10.7 Projective Techniques
10.7.1 Association Techniques
10.7.1.1 Word Association Test
10.7.1.2 Sentence Completion Test
10.7.1.3 Fantasy Situation
10.7.1.4 Cartoon Completion
10.7.1.5 Picture Interpretation (Thematic Apperception Test)
10.7.2 Completion Techniques
10.7.2.1 Sentence Completion
10.7.2.2 Story Completion
10.7.3 Construction Techniques
10.7.3.1 Picture Response Techniques
10.7.3.2 Cartoon Technique
10.7.4 Expressive Techniques
10.7.5 Sociometry
10.8 Observation Methods
10.8.1 Direct Observation
10.8.2 Natural and Contrived Observations
10.8.2.1 Natural Observations
10.8.2.2 Contrived Observations
10.8.3 Content Analysis
10.8.4 Physical Trace Measures
10.8.5 Participant Observation
10.8.6 Behavior Recording Devices
10.9 Importance of Qualitative Research
10.10 Uses of Qualitative Research
10.11 Ethical Guidelines in Qualitative Research
Summary
Review Questions
11. Experimentation
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Experimentation Issues
11.2.1 Treatment of Independent Variable
11.2.2 Experimental and Control Groups
11.2.3 Selection and Measurement of the Dependent Variable
11.2.4 Control of Extraneous Variables
11.2.4.1 Randomization
11.2.4.2 Physical Control
11.2.4.3 Matching
11.2.4.4 Design Control
11.2.4.5 Statistical Control
11.3 Experimental Validity
11.4 Internal Validity
11.4.1 History
11.4.2 Maturation
11.4.3 Testing
11.4.4 Instrumentation
11.4.5 Selection Bias
11.4.6 Statistical Regression
11.4.7 Mortality
11.5 External Validity
11.6 Experimental Environment
11.6.1 Laboratory Environment
11.6.2 Field Environment
11.7 Types of Experimental Designs
11.7.1 Pre-Experimental Designs
11.7.1.1 One-Short Design or After Only Design
11.7.1.2 One-Group Pretest–Posttest Design
11.7.1.3 Static Group Design
11.7.2 True Experimental Designs
11.7.2.1 Pretest–Posttest Control Group Design
11.7.2.2 Posttest-Only Control Group Design
11.7.2.3 Solomon Four-Group Design
11.7.3 Quasi-Experimental Design
11.7.3.1 Time-Series Designs
11.7.4 Statistical Designs
11.7.4.1 Completely Randomized Design
11.7.4.2 Randomized Block Design or Matched Group Design
11.7.4.3 Latin Square Design
11.7.4.4 Factorial Design
Summary
Review Questions
12. Data Preparation and Preliminary Analysis
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Validating and Editing
12.2.1 Treatment of Unsatisfactory Responses
12.2.1.1 Assigning Missing Values
12.2.1.2 Returning to the Field
12.2.1.3 Discarding Unsatisfactory Responses
12.3 Coding
12.3.1 Categorization Rules
12.3.1.1 Appropriate
12.3.1.2 Exhaustive
12.3.1.3 Mutually Exclusive
12.3.1.4 Single Dimension
12.3.2 Code Book
12.3.3 Coding Close-Ended Questions
12.3.4 Coding Open-Ended Questions
12.3.5 Content Analysis for Open-Ended Questions
12.3.6 Coding “Don’t Knows”
12.3.6.1 Handling DK Responses
12.4 Data Entry
12.4.1 Optical Scanning
12.4.2 Barcode Reader
12.4.3 Voice Recognition
12.5 Data Cleaning
12.6 Tabulation of Survey Results
12.6.1 One-Way Frequency Tabulation
Table 12.2 One-Way Frequency Table
12.6.2 Cross Tabulation
Table 12.3 Simple Cross Tabulation
Table 12.4 Cross Tabulation
12.7 Data Mining
12.7.1 Data Mining in Research
12.7.2 Uses of Data Mining
12.7.2.1 Market Segmentation
12.7.2.2 Customer Defection
12.7.2.3 Fraud Detection
12.7.2.4 Direct Marketing
12.7.2.5 Interactive Marketing
12.7.2.6 Market Basket Analysis
12.7.2.7 Trend Analysis
12.7.3 Applications of Data Mining
12.7.3.1 Banking
12.7.3.2 Finance
12.7.3.3 Retail
12.7.3.4 Insurance
12.7.4 Process of Data Mining
12.7.4.1 Sampling
12.7.4.2 Exploring
12.7.4.3 Modifying
12.7.4.4 Modeling
12.7.4.5 Assessing
Summary
Review Questions
13. Concepts of Hypothesis Testing
13.1 Introduction to Hypothesis
13.2 Meaning of Hypothesis
13.3 Characteristics of Hypothesis
13.4 Formulation of Hypothesis
13.5 Forms of Hypothesis
13.5.1 Declarative Hypothesis
13.5.2 Null Hypothesis and Alternate Hypothesis
13.5.3 Hypothesis in Question Form
13.6 Problems in Formulation of Good Hypothesis
13.7 Types of Hypothesis
13.7.1 Explanatory Hypothesis
13.7.2 Descriptive Hypothesis
13.7.3 Analogical Hypothesis
13.7.4 Working Hypothesis
13.7.5 Null Hypothesis
13.7.6 Alternative Hypothesis
13.7.7 Statistical Hypothesis
13.8 Errors in Hypothesis Testing
13.9 Importance of Hypothesis Formulation
13.10 Stages of Hypothesis Testing
13.11 Hypothesis Testing Procedure
13.11.1 Hypothesis Formulation
13.11.2 Selection of an Appropriate Statistical Test to be Used
13.11.2.1 Type of Research Questions Formulated
13.11.2.2 Number of Samples
13.11.2.3 Measurement Scales Used
13.11.3 Selection of the Level of Significance
13.11.3.1 The p-Value of a Test
13.11.3.2 Type I and Type II Errors
13.11.4 Calculation of the Sample Statistics
13.11.5 Determination of the Critical Values
13.11.5.1 Two-Tailed Tests
13.11.5.2 One-Tailed Test
13.11.5.3 Left-Tailed Test
13.11.5.4 Right-Tailed Test
13.11.6 Comparison of the Values of the Sample Statistic with the Critical Value
13.11.7 Finally Draw the Inference and Deduce the Research Conclusion
13.12 Uses of Hypothesis
Summary
Questions
14. Hypothesis Testing: Tests of Differences
14.1 Introduction
14.1.1 Tests of Association
14.2 χ[sup(2)] Test and Cross-Tabulation
14.2.1 Contingency Table
14.2.2 Test of Independence
14.3 χ[sup(2)] Test—Goodness of Fit
14.3.1 Assumptions
14.3.2 Numerical
14.4 χ[sup(2)] Test—Test of Independence
14.4.1 Assumptions
14.4.2 Numerical
14.4.3 The χ[sup(2)] Test of Independence in Contingency Table
14.4.3.1 Calculation of Expected Frequencies (f[sub(e)])
14.4.3.2 Computation of the χ[sup(2)] Value, Using Formula (1)
14.4.3.3 Decide on the Degrees of Freedom
14.4.4 Numerical
14.4.5 Numerical
14.4.6 Strength of Association
14.4.7 Phi-Coefficient ϕ
14.4.8 Coefficient of Contingency (C)
14.5 Hypothesis Testing about a Single Mean
14.5.1 When Population Standard Deviation is Known
14.5.1.1 Numerical (Two-Tailed Test)
14.5.1.2 Numerical (One-Tailed Test)
14.5.2 When Population Standard Deviation is Not Known
14.5.2.1 Numerical
14.6 Hypothesis Testing for Differences between Means
14.6.1 Test for Difference between Means: Large Samples
14.6.1.1 Numerical (Two-Tailed Test)
14.6.2 Tests for Differences between Means: Small Samples
14.6.2.1 Numerical
14.6.3 Tests for Differences between Means and Paired Samples
14.6.3.1 Paired Samples t-Test
14.6.3.2 Numerical
14.7 Analysis of Variance
14.7.1 Explanation of Analysis of Variance through an Example
14.7.1.1 Numerical
Summary
Review Questions
15. Correlation and Regression Analysis
15.1 Introduction
15.1.1 Scatter Diagrams
15.2 Correlation Analysis
15.3 Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient Correlation
15.4 Rank Correlation Coefficient
15.4.1 Calculation of Rank Correlation Coefficient
15.4.2 Testing the Significance of Correlation Coefficient
15.5 Regression Analysis
15.5.1 Least Squares Method
15.5.1.1 Plotting a Regression Line
15.5.2 The Strength of Association—R[sup(2)]
15.5.3 Test of Statistical Significance of Regression Equation
Summary
Review Questions
16. Multivariate Analysis
16.1 Introduction
16.2 Multivariate Techniques
16.3 Dependency Techniques
16.3.1 Multiple Regression Analysis
16.3.1.1 Uses of Multiple Regression Analysis
16.3.1.2 Coefficient of Multiple Determination
16.3.1.3 Test of Significance
16.3.1.4 Issues in Multiple Regression Analysis
16.3.1.5 Multicollinearity
16.3.1.6 Dummy Variables
16.3.2 Discriminant Analysis
16.3.3 Canonical Correlation Analysis
16.3.4 Multivariate Analysis of Variance
16.4 Interdependency Techniques
16.4.1 Factor Analysis
16.4.1.1 Benefits of Factor Analysis
16.4.2 Cluster Analysis
16.4.2.1 Procedure Followed in Cluster Analysis
16.4.2.2 Selection of Clustering Approach
16.4.2.3 Hierarchical Clustering Approach
16.4.2.4 Nonhierarchical Clustering Approach
16.4.2.5 Deciding on the Number of Clusters to be Selected
16.4.2.6 Interpreting the Clusters
16.4.3 Multidimensional Scaling
16.4.3.1 Applications of Multidimensional Scaling
Summary
Review Questions
17. Research Reports
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Classification of Research Reports
17.2.1 Short Reports
17.2.2 Long Reports
17.2.2.1 Technical Report
17.2.2.2 Management Report
17.2.3 Monograph
17.2.3.1 Journalistic Report
17.2.3.2 Business Report
17.2.3.3 Project Report
17.2.3.4 Dissertation
17.2.3.5 Enquiry Report (Commission Report)
17.3 Research Reports Components
17.3.1 Cover Page and the Title Page
17.3.1.1 Letter of Transmittal
17.3.1.2 Authorization Statement
17.3.2 Introductory pages
17.3.2.1 Foreword
17.3.2.2 Preface
17.3.2.3 Acknowledgment
17.3.2.4 Table of Contents
17.3.2.5 Lists of Tables and Illustrations
17.3.2.6 Summary
17.3.4 Introduction
17.3.4.1 Problem Statement
17.3.4.2 Research Objectives
17.3.4.3 Background
17.3.5 Methodology
17.3.5.1 Sampling Design
17.3.5.2 Research Design
17.3.5.3 Data Collection
17.3.5.4 Data Analysis
17.3.5.5 Limitations of Research Study
17.3.6 Results and Findings
17.3.7 Analysis, Interpretation, and Conclusions
17.3.8 Recommendations and Implications
17.3.9 Reference Section
17.3.9.1 Appendices
17.3.9.2 Bibliography
17.3.9.3 Glossary
17.4 Written Presentation
17.4.1 Prewriting Concerns
17.4.2 Outline
17.4.3 Writing the Draft
17.4.3.1 Readability and Comprehensibility
17.4.3.2 Tone
17.4.3.3 Final Proof
17.5 Presentation of the Research Report
17.5.1 Oral Presentations
17.5.2 Visual Aids: Tables, Charts, and Graphs
17.5.2.1 Audio-Visual Aids
17.5.2.2 Tables
17.5.2.3 Charts and Graphs
Summary
Review Questions
18. Ethics in Research
18.1 Introduction
18.2 Ethical Decisions
18.3 Ethical Treatment of Respondents
18.3.1 Benefits
18.3.2 Deception
18.3.3 Informed Consent
18.3.4 Debriefing Respondents
18.3.5 Right to Privacy
18.3.6 Online Data Collection
18.4 Rights and Obligations of the Client
18.4.1 Right to Confidentiality
18.4.2 Right to Quality Research
18.4.3 Client Ethics
18.4.3.1 Issuing Bids, when a Research Supplier has been Predetermined
18.4.3.2 Obtaining Free Advice and Methodology via Bid Requests
18.4.3.3 Making False Promises
18.4.3.4 Unauthorized Request for Proposals
18.4.4 Open Relation with Research Supplier and Interested Parties
18.4.5 Privacy
18.5 Right to Protection against Client Tactics
18.5.1 Right to Protection against Client Tactics
18.5.2 Right to Safety
18.5.3 Right to Ethical Behavior of Assistants
18.5.4 Misrepresentation of Research
18.5.5 Protecting the Right to Confidentiality of both Client and Respondent
18.5.6 Abuse of Respondents
Summary
Review Questions
Index
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