Research Methodology

MEANING OF RESEARCH

Research is a process to discover new knowledge to find answers to a question. The word
research has two parts re (again) and search (find) which denote that we are taking up an activity
to look into an aspect once again or we want to look for some new information about something.
E.g Front Office Executive has to learn about the facilities, timings, key features of products and
services available at the hotel if one wants to become a wonderful sales professional other than
being a host. "All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than overconfidence, for it
leads to inquiry, and inquiry leads to invention" is a famous Hudson Maxim in context of which
the significance of research can well be understood.

DEFINITIONS OF RESEARCH

According to (Thyer, 2001), "the word research is composed of two syllables, re and search. re
is a prefix meaning again, anew or over again search is a verb meaning to examine closely and
carefully, to test and try, or to probe. Together they form a noun describing a careful, systematic,
patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or
principles."

TYPES OF RESEARCH

Descriptive Research Design

In Descriptive Research Design, the scholar explains/describes the situation or case in depth in
their research materials. This type of research design is purely on a theoretical basis where the
individual collects data, analyses, prepares and then presents it in an understandable manner. It is
the most generalized form of research design. To explore one or more variables, a descriptive
design might employ a wide range of research approaches. Unlike in experimental research, the
researcher does not control or change any of the variables in a descriptive research design;
instead, he or she just observes and measures them. In other words, while qualitative research
may also be utilized for descriptive reasons, a descriptive method of research design is typically
regarded as a sort of quantitative research.
Experimental Research Design
Experimental research is a type of research design in which the study is carried out utilizing a
scientic approach and two sets of variables. The rst set serves as a constant against which the
variations in the second set are measured. Experimentation is used in quantitative research
methodologies, for example. If you lack sucient evidence to back your conclusions, you must
rest establish the facts. Experimental research collects data to assist you in making better
judgments. Experimentation is used in any research undertaken under scenically appropriate
settings. The effectiveness of experimental investigations is dependent on researchers verifying
that a variable change is due only to medication of the constant variable. The study should
identify a noticeable cause and effect. The traditional dentition of experimental design is "the
strategies employed to collect data in experimental investigations.
Correlation Research Design
A correlation research design looks into correlations between variables without allowing the
researcher to control or manipulate any of them. Correlation studies reveal the magnitude and/or
direction of a link between two (or more) variables. Correlation studies or correlation study
design might have either a positive, negative or zero.
Diagnostic Research Design
Diagnostic research design is a type of research design that tries to investigate the underlying
cause of a certain condition or phenomenon. It can assist you in learning more about the
elements that contribute to certain diculties or challenges that your clients may be experiencing.
This design typically consists of three research stages, which are as follows
: ● Inception of the issue
● Diagnosis of the issue
● Solution for the issue
Explanatory Research Design
Explanatory research is a method established to explore phenomena that have not before been
researched or adequately explained. Its primary goal is to notify us about where we may get a
modest bit of information. With this strategy, the researcher obtains a broad notion and use
research as a tool to direct them more quickly to concerns that may be addressed in the future. Its
purpose is to discover the why and what of a subject under investigation. In short, it is a type of
research design that is responsible for ending the why of the events through the establishment of
cause-effect relationships. The most popular methods of explanatory research are:
● Literature research
● In-depth interview
● Focus groups
● Case studies
My project is based on exploratory and descriptive research.

What is Data Collection?

In Statistics, data collection is a process of gathering information from all the relevant sources to
find a solution to the research problem. It helps to evaluate the outcome of the problem. The data
collection methods allow a person to conclude an answer to the relevant question. Most of the
organizations use data collection methods to make assumptions about future probabilities and
trends. Once the data is collected, it is necessary to undergo the data organization process.

The main sources of the data collections methods are “Data”. Data can be classified into two
types, namely primary data and secondary data. The primary importance of data collection in any
research or business process is that it helps to determine many important things about the
company, particularly the performance. So, the data collection process plays an important role in
all the streams. Depending on the type of data, the data collection method is divided into two
categories namely,

 Primary Data Collection methods

 Secondary Data Collection methods

Primary Data Collection Methods

Primary data or raw data is a type of information that is obtained directly from the first-hand
source through experiments, surveys or observations. The primary data collection method is
further classified into two types. They are

 Quantitative Data Collection Methods

  Qualitative Data Collection Methods

Let us discuss the different methods performed to collect the data under these two data collection
methods.

Quantitative Data Collection Methods

It is based on mathematical calculations using various formats like close-ended

questions, correlation and regression methods, mean, median or mode measures. This method is
cheaper than qualitative data collection methods and it can be applied in a short duration of time.

Qualitative Data Collection Methods

It does not involve any mathematical calculations. This method is closely associated with
elements that are not quantifiable. This qualitative data collection method includes interviews,
questionnaires, observations, case studies, etc. There are several methods to collect this type of
data. They are

Observation Method

Observation method is used when the study relates to behavioural science. This method is
planned systematically. It is subject to many controls and checks. The different types of
observations are:

 Structured and unstructured observation

 Controlled and uncontrolled observation

 Participant, non-participant and disguised observation

Interview Method

The method of collecting data in terms of verbal responses. It is achieved in two ways, such as

 Personal Interview – In this method, a person known as an interviewer is required to ask

questions face to face to the other person. The personal interview can be structured or
unstructured, direct investigation, focused conversation, etc.
  Telephonic Interview – In this method, an interviewer obtains information by contacting
people on the telephone to ask the questions or views, verbally.

Questionnaire Method

In this method, the set of questions are mailed to the respondent. They should read, reply and
subsequently return the questionnaire. The questions are printed in the definite order on the form.
A good survey should have the following features:

 Short and simple

 Should follow a logical sequence

 Provide adequate space for answers

 Avoid technical terms

 Should have good physical appearance such as colour, quality of the paper to attract the
attention of the respondent

Schedules

This method is similar to the questionnaire method with a slight difference. The enumerations
are specially appointed for the purpose of filling the schedules. It explains the aims and objects
of the investigation and may remove misunderstandings, if any have come up. Enumerators
should be trained to perform their job with hard work and patience.

Secondary Data Collection Methods

Secondary data is data collected by someone other than the actual user. It means that the
information is already available, and someone analyses it. The secondary data includes
magazines, newspapers, books, journals, etc. It may be either published data or unpublished data.

Published data are available in various resources including

 Government publications

 Public records

 Historical and statistical documents

  Business documents

 Technical and trade journals

Unpublished data includes

 Diaries

 Letters

 Unpublished biographies, etc.

My project is based on primary and secondary data.

What are the sampling methods or Sampling Techniques?

In Statistics, the sampling method or sampling technique is the process of studying the
population by gathering information and analyzing that data. It is the basis of the data where
the sample space is enormous.

There are several different sampling techniques available, and they can be subdivided into two
groups. All these methods of sampling may involve specifically targeting hard or approach to
reach groups.

Types of Sampling Method

In Statistics, there are different sampling techniques available to get relevant results from the
population. The two different types of sampling methods are::

 Probability Sampling

 Non-probability Sampling

 Probability Sampling

The probability sampling method utilizes some form of random selection. In this method, all the
eligible individuals have a chance of selecting the sample from the whole sample space. This
method is more time consuming and expensive than the non-probability sampling method. The
benefit of using probability sampling is that it guarantees the sample that should be the
representative of the population.

Simple Random Sampling

In simple random sampling technique, every item in the population has an equal and likely
chance of being selected in the sample. Since the item selection entirely depends on the chance,
this method is known as “Method of chance Selection”. As the sample size is large, and the
item is chosen randomly, it is known as “Representative Sampling”.

Systematic Sampling

In the systematic sampling method, the items are selected from the target population by selecting
the random selection point and selecting the other methods after a fixed sample interval. It is
calculated by dividing the total population size by the desired population size.

Stratified Sampling

In a stratified sampling method, the total population is divided into smaller groups to complete
the sampling process. The small group is formed based on a few characteristics in the population.
After separating the population into a smaller group, the statisticians randomly select the sample.

Clustered Sampling

In the clustered sampling method, the cluster or group of people are formed from the population
set. The group has similar significatory characteristics. Also, they have an equal chance of being
a part of the sample. This method uses simple random sampling for the cluster of population.

Non-Probability Sampling?

The non-probability sampling method is a technique in which the researcher selects the sample
based on subjective judgment rather than the random selection. In this method, not all the
members of the population have a chance to participate in the study.
Convenience Sampling

In a convenience sampling method, the samples are selected from the population directly because
they are conveniently available for the researcher. The samples are easy to select, and the
researcher did not choose the sample that outlines the entire population.

Consecutive Sampling

Consecutive sampling is similar to convenience sampling with a slight variation. The researcher
picks a single person or a group of people for sampling. Then the researcher researches for a
period of time to analyze the result and move to another group if needed.

Quota Sampling

In the quota sampling method, the researcher forms a sample that involves the individuals to
represent the population based on specific traits or qualities. The researcher chooses the sample
subsets that bring the useful collection of data that generalizes the entire population.

Purposive or Judgmental Sampling

In purposive sampling, the samples are selected only based on the researcher’s knowledge. As
their knowledge is instrumental in creating the samples, there are the chances of obtaining highly
accurate answers with a minimum marginal error. It is also known as judgmental sampling or
authoritative sampling.

Snowball Sampling

Snowball sampling is also known as a chain-referral sampling technique. In this method, the
samples have traits that are difficult to find. So, each identified member of a population is asked
to find the other sampling units. Those sampling units also belong to the same targeted
population.

My project is based on probability and non probability sampling.

Sample size is 100