Q1)What points must be kept in mind while defining a research problem?

Briefly mention
the
advantages of considering these points while defining a research problem.

Ans1:- Intercultural researchers usually use two types of investigation processes. First is quantitative research,
which employs numerical indicators to ascertain the relative size of a particular communication phenomenon. The
second type of investigation process is qualitative research, which employs symbols and words to indicate the
presence or absence of phenomena or categorize them into different types. Quantitative and qualitative
observations provide intercultural researchers with different ways of operationalizing and measuring theoretical
constructs and practical concepts. While quantitative methods can provide a high level of measurement precision
and statistical power, qualitative methods can supply a greater depth of information about the nature of
communication processes in a particular research setting.

This research investigated the perception of intercultural communication competence by American and Russian
managers with experience on multicultural teams. The researcher employed a survey method to solicit information
about intercultural communication competence and multicultural team performance from 124 American and
Russian managers. Qualitative interviews of 40 American and Russian managers enriched the data collected by
using questionnaires. This study yielded a number of conclusions about the importance of intercultural
communication competence in the performance of multicultural teams.

The researcher experienced a number of advantages of applying both quantitative and qualitative methods in this
intercultural research. Quantitative methods ensured high levels of reliability of gathered data. Qualitative research
allowed for obtaining more in-depth information about how the managers perceive intercultural communication
competence and its relationship with the performance of multicultural teams. This article is useful for empirical
researchers, qualitative scholars, and business practitioners who are engaged in intercultural research or who plan
to perform a future study.

Quantitative Method

The strengths of the quantitative method include:

 Stating the research problem in very specific and set terms (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 1992);
 Clearly and precisely specifying both the independent and the dependent variables under investigation;
 Following firmly the original set of research goals, arriving at more objective conclusions, testing
hypothesis, determining the issues of causality;
 Achieving high levels of reliability of gathered data due to controlled observations, laboratory experiments,
mass surveys, or other form of research manipulations (Balsley, 1970);
 Eliminating or minimizing subjectivity of judgment (Kealey & Protheroe, 1996);
 Allowing for longitudinal measures of subsequent performance of research subjects.

Qualitative Method

The strengths of the qualitative method include:

 Obtaining a more realistic feel of the world that cannot be experienced in the numerical data and
statistical analysis used in quantitative research;
 Flexible ways to perform data collection, subsequent analysis, and interpretation of collected information;
 Provide a holistic view of the phenomena under investigation (Bogdan & Taylor, 1975; Patton, 1980);
 Ability to interact with the research subjects in their own language and on their own terms (Kirk & Miller,
1986);
 Descriptive capability based on primary and unstructured data;

Ques2)Highlight various methods used in selecting a sample from the population. Point out
their merits and demerits.

Ans2:- Methods in Sampling Process:

An operational sampling process can be divided into seven steps as given below:

1. Defining the target population.

2. Specifying the sampling frame.
3. Specifying the sampling unit.
4. Selection of the sampling method.
5. Determination of sample size.
6. Specifying the sampling plan.
7. Selecting the sample.
8. Sampling techniques: Advantages and disadvantages
Technique Descriptions Advantages Disadvantages

Simple Random sample from Highly representative if all Not possible without complete
random whole population subjects participate; the list of population members;
ideal potentially uneconomical to
achieve; can be disruptive to
isolate members from a group;
time-scale may be too long,
data/sample could change

Stratified Random sample from Can ensure that specific More complex, requires greater
random identifiable groups groups are represented, effort than simple random;
(strata), subgroups, etc. even proportionally, in the strata must be carefully defined
sample(s) (e.g., by gender),
by selecting individuals
from strata list

Cluster Random samples of Possible to select randomly Clusters in a level must be

successive clusters of when no single list of
subjects (e.g., by population members exists,
institution) until small but local lists do; data
groups are chosen as collected on groups may
units avoid introduction of
confounding by isolating
members
equivalent and some natural
ones are not for essential
characteristics (e.g.,
geographic: numbers equal, but
unemployment rates differ)

Stage Combination of cluster Can make up probability Complex, combines limitations

(randomly selecting sample by random at stages of cluster and stratified random
clusters) and random or and within groups; possible sampling
stratified random to select random sample
sampling of individuals when population lists are
 very localized

Purposive Hand-pick subjects on Ensures balance of group Samples are not easily
the basis of specific sizes when multiple groups defensible as being
characteristics are to be selected representative of populations
due to potential subjectivity of
researcher

Quota Select individuals as Ensures selection of Not possible to prove that the
they come to fill a quota adequate numbers of sample is representative of
by characteristics subjects with appropriate designated population
proportional to characteristics
populations

Snowball Subjects with desired Possible to include No way of knowing whether

traits or characteristics members of groups where the sample is representative of
give names of further no lists or identifiable the population
appropriate subjects clusters even exist (e.g.,
drug abusers, criminals)

Volunteer, Either asking for Inexpensive way of Can be highly unrepresentative

accidental, volunteers, or the ensuring sufficient numbers
convenience consequence of not all of a study
those selected finally
participating, or a set of
subjects who just
happen to be available

Ques3)Define motivation research. Highlight the nature, scope, uses and limitations of

motivation research.

Ans3) Motivation Research : Research that investigates the psychological reasonings for individuals
purchasing specific products, and reasons why they respond to particular advertising appeals. The
information is used to determine the base or source of brand choices, brand loyalty, and brand
preferences.
Q4)Explain the meaning and significance of research design in social science research.

Ans4) Any discipline or branch of science that deals with the sociocultural aspects of human behaviour.
The social sciences generally include cultural anthropology, economics, political science, sociology,
criminology, and social psychology. Comparative law and comparative religion (the comparative study of
the legal systems and religions of different nations and cultures) are also sometimes regarded as social
sciences.

Regardless of whether you use parametric or nonparametric procedures, the goal of inferentialstatis-tics
(as opposed to descriptive statistics) is to reach a conclusion regarding the probability of an outcome
being attributed to chance rather than to some hypothesized cause. Statistical significance is a central
theme in this rationale. The excerpt from Thompson that follows discusses some of the most important
aspects of that concept and its application. Too few researchers understand what statistical significance
testing does and doesn't do, and consequently their results are misinterpreted. Even more commonly,
researchers understand elements of statistical significance testing, but the concept is not integrated into
their research.

There are several reasons why it is important to adhere to ethical norms in research. First, norms
promote the aims of research, such as knowledge, truth, and avoidance of error. For example,
prohibitions against fabricating, falsifying, or misrepresenting research data promote the truth
and avoid error. Second, since research often involves a great deal of cooperation and
coordination among many different people in different disciplines and institutions, ethical
standards promote the values that are essential to collaborative work, such as trust,
accountability, mutual respect, and fairness. For example, many ethical norms in research, such
as guidelines for authorship, copyright and patenting policies, data sharing policies, and
confidentiality rules in peer review, are designed to protect intellectual property interests while
encouraging collaboration. Most researchers want to receive credit for their contributions and do
not want to have their ideas stolen or disclosed prematurely. Third, many of the ethical norms
help to ensure that researchers can be held accountable to the public. For instance, federal
policies on research misconduct, conflicts of interest, the human subjects protections, and animal
care and use are necessary in order to make sure that researchers who are funded by public
money can be held accountable to the public. Fourth, ethical norms in research also help to build
public support for research. People more likely to fund research project if they can trust the
quality and integrity of research. Finally, many of the norms of research promote a variety of
other important moral and social values, such as social responsibility, human rights, animal
welfare, compliance with the law, and health and safety. Ethical lapses in research can
significantly harm human and animal subjects, students, and the public. For example, a
researcher who fabricates data in a clinical trial may harm or even kill patients, and a researcher
who fails to abide by regulations and guidelines relating to radiation or biological safety may
jeopardize his health and safety or the health and safety of staff and students.

Ques5) Explain the significance of a research report and narrate the various steps involved in

writing such a report.

Ans5) Research report is designed to solve a particular existing problems so there is a much larger
audience eager to support research that is likely to be profitable or solve problems of immediate concern. 
We also must understand how research impact our decision making.  Most people make decisions without
gathered informations to back them up.  Only few do.  The problem is most people aren't patient enough to
put in the effort.  Research requires time, effort, and sometimes money to have the evidence you need to
make a sound decision that's why many avoid it.  The research you do and evidence you gathered will have
impact on your future.  Be adviced, considered the risks or consequences of making an important decision
with inadequate evidence.

STEPS:- Make sure the report is in a logical order, so that your reader can follow what you have written.
Bear in mind that managers are busy people and brief summaries, clear headings and succinct writing are
valuable skills.

Write in an acceptable style. This means being objective, using the third person and reported speech,

sticking to the facts and keeping it short and simple. Use diagrams and tables to reduce the amount of
continuous text where possible. This is particularly useful in a long report and makes it much easier for
the reader to refer to key data.

Use a clear layout, with decimal or numbered points for sub-headings. Use bold type, italics or different
sizes of type to differentiate between main, sub- and other headings.

Title page

This contains all the information which is necessary to identify a report and includes:

a) Report title

b) Name of person or authority for whom it is intended

c) Name and dept of the writer

d) Date of the report

e) List of recipients

f) Status eg confidential

Table of contents

This is especially desirable in longer reports, and where necessary should list sections, sub-sections and
appendices.

Terms of Reference

These explain the purpose and scope of the report, giving any essential background information.

Procedure

This indicates the methods used to gather relevant material, eg surveys, files, books, analyses, practical
tasks, interviews, visits, meetings and discussions, etc.

Findings

This is the main body of the report, and must be sectionalised using main and sub-headings and
numbering of points to make it as possible for selective reading and quick reference.
Conclusions

These are generally presented as a list of points in a logical sequence (either in ascending or descending
order of importance).

The writer briefly summarises the priority matters presented and offers some evaluation.

NEW FACTS ARE NOT INTRODUCED AT THIS STAGE.

Recommendations

These are advisory and are essentially the practical part of the report and so should be phrased
positively, eg it is recommended that ...

6. (a) Describe the role of Literature Survey in scientific research.

(b) Explain the tasks associated to manuscript preparation.

Ans:)a)