If you are looking for MCO-03 IGNOU Solved Assignment solution for the subject Research Methodology and Statistical Analysis, you have come to the right place. MCO-03 solution on this page applies to 2022-23 session students studying in MCOM, MCOMFT, MCOMBPCG, MCOMMAFS courses of IGNOU.
MCO-03 Solved Assignment Solution by Gyaniversity
Assignment Code: MCO-03 /ASST/TMA/2022-23
Course Code: MCO-03
Assignment Name: Research Methodology and Statistical Analysis
Year: 2022-2023
Verification Status: Verified by Professor
Q. 1 What is Research Design? List the various components of a research design? (20)
Ans) Other titles for research design are research outline, plan, and blue print. According to Fred N. Kerlinger, it is the investigation's plan, structure, and strategy created in order to gather data and manage variance. The strategy details every action the researcher will do, from formulating the hypotheses and determining how they will operate through conducting the data analysis at the end.
The framework, plan, and operating paradigms for the variables make up the structure. The tactics to be employed for data collection and analysis are part of the plan. This plan (design) is typically hazy and unfinished at first. As the research develops and new insights into it become available, it experiences several alterations and changes. Making decisions about the what, why, where, when, who, and how of the study constitutes the process of carrying out the plan.
A research design, in the words of Pauline V. Young, is the methodical and logical planning and direction of a piece of study. Research designs, in the words of Reger E. Kirk, "are blueprints that outline how data should be collected and processed." The research needs to be tailored to the resources—time, money, energy, and data—that are available. There is no one perfect or singular design. A compromise is required in research design since there are so many real-world factors to take into account.
Components of a Research Design
The following are typically the contents or components of a research design:
Need for the Study: Describe the purpose, significance, and relevance of this investigation.
Review of Previous Studies: Describe the purpose of this study, its significance, and its relevance.
Statement of Problem: Give the study a title and clearly state the research problem.
Objectives of Study: What is the aim of this research? What goals do you hope to accomplish with this study? The aims statement shouldn't be too ambiguous. They need to be focused and specific.
Formulation of Hypothesis: Create potential outcomes or solutions to the study questions, then turn them into tests for the respective hypotheses.
Operational Definitions: They must be identified and defined if the study uses rare concepts, novel tools, or even familiar tools and concepts in a particular way.
Sources of Data: This phase of the research design is crucial. The researcher must choose the sources of data from which the data are to be gathered at this point, bearing in mind the nature of the research. Primary sources (field sources) and secondary sources are the two main categories of sources (documentary sources). Primary data are those that come from the primary source, and secondary data are those that come from the secondary source. Therefore, the researcher must choose whether to gather data from primary, secondary, or both sources.
Method of Collection: The researcher must choose the methods to be used for data collecting after choosing on the sources to use, generally either the census method or the sampling approach. This choice may be influenced by the nature, goal, and scope of the research, as well as by time constraints and available financial resources.
Tools & Techniques: It is necessary to choose and prepare the instruments and methods to be used for data collection, including observation, interview, survey, timetable, questionnaire, etc.
Sampling Design: If the study is a sample, decisions must be made on sampling methods, sample size, sample drawing procedures, etc.
Data Analysis: How will you organise and examine the data and information gathered? What basic or sophisticated statistical methods will be employed for hypothesis testing and analysis, so that the proper precautions can be taken during the data gathering phase.
Presentation of the Results of Study: What format will you use to deliver the study's findings? number of chapters What is the chapter organisation? It is necessary to outline the chapters, their goals, and their titles. Chapterization is the term for it.
Q. 2 a) Explain the concept of skewness. How does it help in analysing the data? (10)
Ans) The measure of skewness tells us the direction of dispersion about the centre of the distribution. Measures of central tendency indicate only the single representative figure of the distribution while measures of variation, indicate only the spread of the individual values around the means. They do not give any idea of the direction of spread.
Two distributions may have the same mean and variation but may differ widely in the shape of their distribution. A distribution is often found skewed on either side of its average, which is termed as asymmetrical distribution. Thus, skewness refers to the lack of symmetry in distribution. Symmetry signifies that the value of variables are equidistant from the average on both sides. In other words, a balanced pattern of a distribution is called symmetrical distribution, whereas unbalanced pattern of distribution is called asymmetrical distribution.
A simple method of finding the direction of skewness is to consider the tails of a frequency polygon. The concept of skewness will be clear from the following three figures showing symmetrical, positively skewed and negatively skewed distributions.
Carefully observe the figures presented above and try to understand the following rules governing them.
It is clear from figure that the data are symmetrical when the spread of the frequencies is the same on both sides of the middle point of the frequency polygon. In this case the value of mean, median, and mode coincide i.e.,
Mean = Median = Mode.
When the distribution is not symmetrical, it is said to be a skewed distribution. Such a distribution could be either positively skewed or negatively skewed. In Figure (b), when there is a longer tail towards the right hand side of the centre of distribution, the skewness is said to be Positively Skewed. In such a situation,
Mean > Median > Mode.
In Figure when there is a longer tail towards the left hand side of the centre, then the skewness is said to be Negatively Skewed. In such a case,
Mean < Median < Mode.
It is seen that, in positively skewed distribution, dispersal of individual observations is greater towards the right of the central value. Where as in a negatively skewed distribution, a greater dispersal of individual observations is towards the left of the central value. We can say, therefore, the concept of Skewness not only refers to lack of symmetry in a distribution but also indicates the magnitude as well as the direction of skewness in a distribution. The relationship of mean, median and mode in measuring the degree of skewness is that, for a moderately symmetrical distribution the interval between the mean and the median is approximately 1/3rd of the interval between the mean and mode.
b)What is reporting? What are the different stages in the preparation of a report? (10)
Ans) Reporting simply means communicating or informing through reports. The researcher has collected some facts and figures, analysed the same and arrived at certain conclusions. He has to inform or report the same to the parties interested. Therefore “reporting is communicating the facts, data and information through reports to the persons for whom such facts and data are collected and compiled.”
A report is not a complete description of what has been done during the period of survey/research. It is only a statement of the most significant facts that are necessary for understanding the conclusions drawn by the investigator. Thus, “ a report by definition, is simply an account.” The report thus is an account describing the procedure adopted, the findings arrived at and the conclusions drawn by the investigator of a problem.
Stages in Preparation of A Report
Research reports are the product of slow and painstaking and accurate work. Therefore, the preparation of the report may be viewed in the following major stages:
Logical Understanding of the Subject Matter: It is the first stage which is primarily concerned with the development of a subject. There are two ways to develop a subject viz. a. logically and b. chronologically. The logical development is done on the basis of mental connections and associations between one aspect and another by means of logical analysis. Logical treatment often consists of developing material from the simple to the most complex. Chronological development is based on a connection or sequence in time or happening of the events. The directions for doing something usually follow the chronological order.
Designing the Final Outline of the Report: It is the second stage in writing the report. Having understood the subject matter, the next stage is structuring the report, ordering the parts, and sketching them. This stage can also be called as planning and organization stage. Ideas may pass through the author’s mind. Unless he first makes his plan/sketch/design he will be unable to achieve a harmonious succession and will not even know where to begin and how to end. Better communication of research results is partly a matter of language but mostly a matter of planning and organizing the report.
Preparation of the Rough Draft: The third stage is the write up/drafting of the report. This is the most crucial stage to the researcher, as he/she now sits to write down what he/she has done in his/her research study and what and how he/she wants to communicate the same. Here the clarity in communicating/reporting is influenced by some factors such as who the readers are, how technical the problem is, the researcher’s hold over the facts and techniques, the researcher’s command over language (his communication skills), the data and completeness of his notes and documentation and the availability of analysed results.
Depending on the above factors some authors may be able to write the report with one or two drafts. Some people who have less command over language, no clarity about the problem and subject matter may take more time for drafting the report and have to prepare more drafts (first draft, second draft, third draft, fourth draft etc.,)
Finalization of the Report: This is the last stage, perhaps the most difficult stage of all formal writing. It is easy to build the structure, but it takes more time for polishing and giving finishing touches. Take for example the construction of a house. Up to roofing (structure) stage the work is very quick but by the time the building is ready, it takes up a lot of time.
The rough draft (whether it is second draft or nth draft ) has to be rewritten, polished in terms of requirements. The careful revision of the rough draft makes the difference between a mediocre and a good piece of writing. While polishing and finalizing one should check the report for its weaknesses in logical development of the subject and presentation cohesion. He/she should also check the mechanics of writing — language, usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Q. 3 Briefly comment on the following: (4×5)
a) “The research has to provide answers to the research questions raised.”
Ans) The research questions posed at the start of the study must be answered by the researcher at the conclusion. He has conducted research and obtained pertinent facts and data as support or evidence for this. The methodologies or approaches of research that were used to acquire the results are discussed in the literature. In actuality, these are the primary techniques employed to gather the data. The following are these techniques:
Survey Method: The word "survey" has the definitions of "oversee," "look over," "study," and "systematically investigate." Studies of both large and small populations involve survey research (or universes). It is an investigational survey.
Observation Method: To observe is to see or to look at. It is a methodical viewing rather than a casual one. Therefore, "a systematic viewing of a specific phenomenon in its appropriate location for the aim of acquiring information for the specified research" is a definition of observation.
Case Method: The case study methodology is directly inspired by medical research. Like a patient, the case is carefully investigated in order to give a diagnosis and then suggest a course of action. An extensive investigation of a company or unit is necessary in order to pinpoint problems, differences, and specialties as well as to provide remedies.
Experimental Method: The primary method used by physical sciences like physics and chemistry to establish causal relationships and validate inferences is experimentation.
Historical Method: The historical approach is said to have been used when the researcher conducted their research using historical data. All study has a historical component because it heavily relies on observations and facts that were gathered in the past.
Comparative Method: The evolutionary or genetic technique is another name for the comparative method. The phrase "comparative approach" originated in the following manner: Some sciences, such comparative philology, comparative anatomy, comparative physiology, comparative psychology, comparative religion, etc., have long been referred to as "Comparative Sciences."
b)“Visual presentation of data makes comparison easy.”
Ans) The use of visual representations of statistical data by researchers and statisticians in analysis has grown in popularity. Visual data presentation is the display of statistical data as diagrams and graphs. Today, every research project is supported by a visual presentation for the reasons listed below.
They relieve the dullness of the numerical data: Any long set of figures gets harder to understand and harder to make conclusions from. The mind is overworked when reading numbers from tables.
They make comparison easy: One of the main goals of data visualisation is to do this. Graphs and diagrams facilitate easy comparison of two or more sets of data, and the direction of curves reveals correlations and hidden facts in the statistical data.
They save time and effort: Only after putting a lot of mental effort into it is it possible to comprehend the properties of statistical data through tables. Diagrams and graphs make comprehending the fundamental properties of the data easier and faster.
They make it easier to find different statistical measurements and identify trends: Numerous metrics of central tendency, including the median, quartiles, mode, and more, can be located using graphs.
They have universal applicability: The presentation of numerical data via diagrams and graphs is a common practise. These days, it is a widely employed practise in a variety of industries, including agriculture, business, education, and health.
They have become an integral part of research: Today, it is actually challenging to discover any scientific work without visual aids. This is the most persuasive and appealing approach to convey the data, which is why. Data can be presented graphically and diagrammatically in journals, publications, reports, ads, television, and other media.
c) “The analysis of time series is of great utility not only to research workers but also to economists, businessmen and scientists, etc.”
Ans) Researchers, as well as economists, businesspeople, and other professionals, can greatly benefit from time series analysis for the following reasons:
It aids in comprehending the historical behaviour of the variables under investigation.
With the aid of the changes that have occurred in the past, it makes it easier to predict future behaviour.
It aids in the planning of future actions.
Knowing recent success is helpful.
It is beneficial to compare various time series and draw important conclusions from them.
As a result, we may state that time series analysis is required in research because:
We wish to comprehend how the factors under investigation behave.
We are interested in the anticipated quantitative changes in the studied variable.
We wish to quantitatively quantify the impact of different causes.
In a summary, time series analysis is helpful for governments to develop effective future growth strategies, in addition to researchers and commercial research institutions.
d)“The interpretation of data is a very difficult task and requires a high degree of skill, care, judgment, and objectivity.”
Ans) It is crucial to understand that if suitable measures are not performed, interpreting errors may occur. Data interpretation is an extremely challenging process that calls for a high level of expertise, consideration, judgement, and objectivity. In the absence of controls, there is a strong possibility that data will be abused to support untrue claims.
Before evaluating the data, the following safety measures must be taken.
The interpreter ought to be unbiased.
The interpreter needs to comprehend the issue from the correct angle.
He or she must recognise the importance of many aspects of the issue.
Make that all pertinent, sufficient, and accurate data are gathered.
Make sure the data is correctly categorised and evaluated.
Check to see if there are any restrictions on the data. What are they if so?
Take precautions to avoid mistake sources.
Don't extrapolate your interpretations beyond the information or data.
It is important to distinguish between personal interpretation and factual interpretation. They ought to remain apart.
The interpretation process can lead to reasonably sound results if these safety measures are adopted.
Q. 4 Write short notes on the following: (4×5)
a) Essentials of a good sample
Ans) It is important that the sampling results must reflect the characteristics of the population. Therefore, while selecting the sample from the population under investigation it should be ensured that the sample has the following characteristics:
A sample must represent a true picture of the population from which it is drawn.
A sample must be unbiased by the sampling procedure.
A sample must be taken at random so that every member of the population of data has an equal chance of selection.
A sample must be sufficiently large but as economical as possible.
A sample must be accurate and complete. It should not leave any information incomplete and should include all the respondents, units or items included in the sample.
Adequate sample size must be taken considering the degree of precision required in the results of inquiry.
b) Coding of data
Ans) Coding refers to the process by which data are categorized into groups and numerals or other symbols or both are assigned to each item depending on the class it falls in. Hence, coding involves deciding the categories to be used, and assigning individual codes to them. In general, coding reduces the huge amount of information collected into a form that is amenable to analysis.
A careful study of the answers is the starting point of coding. Next, a coding frame is to be developed by listing the answers and by assigning the codes to them. A coding manual is to be prepared with the details of variable names, codes and instructions. Normally, the coding manual should be prepared before collection of data, but for open-ended and partially coded questions. These two categories are to be taken care of after the data collection. The following are the broad general rules for coding:
Each respondent should be given a code number (an identification number).
Each qualitative question should have codes. Quantitative variables may or may not be coded depending on the purpose. Monthly income should not be coded if one of the objectives is to compute average monthly income. But if it is used as a classificatory variable it may be coded to indicate poor, middle or upper income group.
All responses including “don’t know,” “no opinion” “no response” etc., are to be coded.
Sometimes it is not possible to anticipate all the responses and some questions are not coded before collection of data. Responses of all the questions are to be studied carefully and codes are to be decided by examining the essence of the answers. In partially coded questions, usually there is an option “Any Other (specify).” Depending on the purpose, responses to this question may be examined and additional codes may be assigned.
c) Normal Distribution
Ans) The normal distribution is the most versatile of all the continuous probability distributions. It is useful in statistical inferences, in characterising uncertainties in many real life situations, and in approximating other probability distributions.
The normal distribution is suitable for dealing with variables whose magnitudes are continuous. Many statistical data concerning business problems are displayed in the form of normal distribution. Height, weight and dimensions of a product are some of the continuous random variables which are found to be normally distributed. This knowledge helps us in calculating the probability of different events in varied situations, which in turn is useful for decision-making.
To define a particular normal probability distribution, we need only two parameters i.e., the mean (μ) and standard deviation (σ).
d) Characteristics of a good report
Ans) Research report is a channel of communicating the research findings to the readers of the report. A good report is one which does this task efficiently and effectively. As such it should have the following characteristics/qualities.
It must be clear in informing the what, why, who, whom, when where and how of the research study.
It should be neither too short nor too long. One should keep in mind the fact that it should be long enough to cover the subject matter but short enough to sustain the reader’s interest.
It should be written in an objective style and simple language, correctness, precision and clarity should be the watchwords of the scholar. Wordiness, indirection and pompous language are barriers to communication.
A good report must combine clear thinking, logical organization and sound interpretation.
It should not be dull. It should be such as to sustain the reader’s interest.
It must be accurate. Accuracy is one of the requirements of a report. It should be factual with objective presentation. Exaggerations and superlatives should be avoided.
Clarity is another requirement of presentation. It is achieved by using familiar words and unambiguous statements, explicitly defining new concepts and unusual terms.
Coherence is an essential part of clarity. There should be logical flow of ideas (i.e., continuity of thought), sequence of sentences. Each sentence must be so linked with other sentences so as to move the thoughts smoothly.
Readability is an important requirement of good communication. Even a technical report should be easily understandable. Technicalities should be translated into language understandable by the readers.
A research report should be prepared according to the best composition practices. Ensure readability through proper paragraphing, short sentences, illustrations, examples, section headings, use of charts, graphs and diagrams.
Draw sound inferences/conclusions from the statistical tables. But don’t repeat the tables in text (verbal) form.
Footnote references should be in proper form. The bibliography should be reasonably complete and in proper form.
The report must be attractive in appearance, neat and clean whether typed or printed.
The report should be free from mistakes of all types of viz. language mistakes, factual mistakes, spelling mistakes, calculation mistakes etc.,
Q. 5 Distinguish between the following: (4×5)
a) Pilot testing and Pre-testing of the Questionnaire
Ans) Difference between Pilot testing and Pre-testing is as follows:
In a pre-test, you only test one or a few components of the research study on a small fraction of your intended sample size. During a pilot, you conduct the research study in its entirety, but on a smaller sample size.
A pre-test is where a questionnaire is tested on a (statistically) small sample of respondents before a full-scale study, in order to identify any problems such as unclear wording or the questionnaire taking too long to administer.
To pre-test, or pilot, a questionnaire, choose a representative sample of your larger survey group and have them take the questionnaire. Then you can make improvements where necessary based on their feedback.
A pilot survey is a strategy used to test the questionnaire using a smaller sample compared to the planned sample size. In this phase of conducting a survey, the questionnaire is administered to a percentage of the total sample population, or in more informal cases just to a convenience sample.
b) Price Indices and Value Indices
Ans) Difference between Price Indices and Value Indices is as follows:
d) Large samples and Small samples
Ans) A sample is typically regarded as tiny if it has a size of 30 or less, and large if it has a size greater than 30. All the tests being taken into consideration can be divided into two groups: exact tests and approximative tests. Exact tests are ones that are based on the precise sample distribution of the test statistic and do not approximate the parent population's form or the test statistic's sampling distribution. Since exact tests are applicable for samples of any size and labour costs typically rise as sample sizes increase, we prefer to use small samples when doing exact tests.
100% Verified solved assignments from ₹ 40 written in our own words so that you get the best marks!
Don't have time to write your assignment neatly? Get it written by experts and get free home delivery
Get Guidebooks and Help books to pass your exams easily. Get home delivery or download instantly!
Download IGNOU's official study material combined into a single PDF file absolutely free!
Download latest Assignment Question Papers for free in PDF format at the click of a button!
Download Previous year Question Papers for reference and Exam Preparation for free!