1. What do you understand Mean by "scientific Study" And Why Is this Important?

Answer:- Scientific study is a kind of study that involves scientific theory, scientific
models, experiments and physical situations. It may refer to: Scientific method, a body of
techniques for investigating phenomena, based on empirical or measurable evidence that
is subject to the principles of logic and reasoning.
2. What Is The Topical Method Of Research?
Answer:- The research assessment component includes undertaking some research on a
particular topic assigned. The student will have to write a short essay (1 page), prepare a
research paper and give a presentation to the class.
3. What Are the main Characteristics of Research?
Answer:-
Empirical - based on observations and experimentation
Systematic - follows orderly and sequential procedure.
Controlled - all variables except those that are tested/experimented upon are kept
constant.
Employs hypothesis - guides the investigation process
Analytical - There is critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error in their
interpretation
Objective, Unbiased, & Logical - all findings are logically based on empirical.
Employs quantitative or statistical methods - data are transformed into numerical
measures and are treated statistically.
4. Why is research necessary, and what are some of its benefits?
Answer:- Research improves services and treatments not just for you but also for future
generations. It helps develop new tests for diagnosis, treatments and processes that could
eventually help your children, or even your grandchildren. You may gain access to
treatments that are not yet readily available to the general public.
5. Define applied research.
Answer:- Applied research refers to a non-systematic process of providing solutions to
the specific problems or issues. These problems or issues can be on an individual level
group or societal level as well.
6. What are hypotheses, and how do they fit into the scientific method?
Answer:- Hypothesis is usually considered as the principal instrument in research. Its main
function is to suggest new experiments and observations. In fact, many experiments are carried
out with the deliberate object of testing hypotheses. Decision-makers often face situations
wherein they are interested in testing hypotheses on the basis of available information and then
take decisions on the basis of such testing.
A hypothesis is an idea or proposition that can be tested by observations or
experiments, about the natural world. In order to be considered scientific, hypotheses
are subject to scientific evaluation and must be falsifiable, which means that they are
worded in such a way that they can be proven to be incorrect.
7. Explain Research design?
Answer:- The formidable problem that follows the task of defining the research problem is the
preparation of the design of the research project, popularly known as the “research design”
8. Define Basic research?
Answer:- Basic research is directed towards finding information that has a broad base of
applications and thus, adds to the already existing organized body of scientific knowledge.
9. Explain Data Collection methods?
Answer:- The task of data collection begins after a research problem has been defined and
research design/ plan chalked out. While deciding about the method of data collection to be used
for the study, the researcher should keep in mind two types of data viz., primary and secondary.
The primary data are those which are collected afresh and for the first time, and thus happen to
be original in character. The secondary data, on the other hand, are those which have already
been collected by someone else and which have already been passed through the statistical
process
10. Write Five Name of Secondary data?
Answer:- Secondary data refers to data that is collected by someone other than the primary
user.[1] Common sources of secondary data for social science include censuses, information
collected by government departments, organizational records and data that was originally
collected for other research purposes.[2] Primary data, by contrast, are collected by the
investigator conducting the research.
Secondary data analysis can save time that would otherwise be spent collecting data and,
particularly in the case of quantitative data, can provide larger and higher-
quality databases that would be unfeasible for any individual researcher to collect on
their own. In addition, analysts of social and economic change consider secondary data
essential, since it is impossible to conduct a new survey that can adequately capture past
change and/or developments. However, secondary data analysis can be less useful in
marketing research, as data may be outdated or inaccurate.
11. What Is the Observational Method of Research?
Answer:- Observation research is a qualitative research technique where researchers
observe participants' ongoing behavior in a natural situation. Depending on the type of
observation research and the goal of the study, the market researcher will have varying
levels of participation in the study.
12. Define Research?
Answer:- Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. Once can also define
research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. In fact,
research is an art of scientific investigation. The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English
lays down the meaning of research as “a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search
for new facts in any branch of knowledge.”Redman and Mory define research as a “systematized
effort to gain new knowledge.”
13. What is a review of the literature, and why is it important?
Answer:- The purpose of a literature review is to gain an understanding of the existing
research and debates relevant to a particular topic or area of study, and to present that
 knowledge in the form of a written report. Conducting a literature review helps you build
your knowledge in your field.
14. What is Questionnaire?
Answer:- A questionnaire is a list of questions or items used to gather data from
respondents about their attitudes, experiences, or opinions. Questionnaires can be used
to collect quantitative and/or qualitative information. Questionnaires are commonly used
in market research as well as in the social and health sciences.
15. What is the main object of legal research?
Answer:- The objects of legal research is to get true and intimate knowledge of human
society and legal matters and understand the laws that are operating behind various
social activities of man.
16. Why need of Data Collection?
Answer:- It is an essential phase in all types of research, analysis, and decision-making,
including that done in the social sciences, business, and healthcare. Accurate data
collection is necessary to make informed business decisions, ensure quality assurance,
and keep research integrity.
17. Explain meaning of Article writing?
Answer:- An article is a piece of writing written for a large audience. The main motive
behind writing an article is that it should be published in either newspapers or magazines
or journals so as to make some difference to the world. It may be the topics of interest of
the writer or it may be related to some current issues.
18. What do good research hypotheses do?
Answer:- Ordinarily, when one talks about hypothesis, one simply means a mere
assumption or some supposition to be proved or disproved. But for a researcher
hypothesis is a formal question that he intends to resolve. Thus a hypothesis may be
defined as a proposition or a set of proposition set forth as an explanation for the
occurrence of some specified group of phenomena either asserted merely as a provisional
conjecture to guide some investigation or accepted as highly probable in the light of
established facts
19. Explain Electronic Journals?
Answer:- E-journals or electronic journals are periodicals, in the form of magazines or
specialist newspapers, which are published in electronic format (online).
20. Explain Secondary Data with Suitable Example?
Answer:- Secondary data means data collected by someone else earlier. Surveys,
observations, experiments, questionnaire, personal interview, etc. Government
publications, websites, books, journal articles, internal records etc.
21. Define Data Analysis.
Answer:- Data Analysis is the process of systematically applying statistical and/or logical
techniques to describe and illustrate, condense and recap, and evaluate data.
1. What do you mean by Research Problem and how can you identify the Research
Problem?
Answer:- Research problem definition begins with identifying a broad problem area,
followed by learning more about the problem, identifying the variables and how they are
related, considering practical aspects, and finally developing the problem
statement. Different types of research problems include theoretical, applied, and
action research problems, and these depend on the discipline and nature of the study.
A research problem concerns an area of interest, a situation necessitating improvement,
an obstacle requiring eradication, or a challenge in theory or practical
applications. The importance of research problem is that it guides the research and helps
advance human understanding and the development of practical solutions. An
ideal problem is original, important, feasible, specific, and based on evidence.

Identifying potential issues and gaps as research problems is important for choosing a
relevant topic and for determining a well-defined course of one’s research. Pinpointing
a problem and formulating research questions can help researchers build their critical
thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities. Identifying a research problem involves
recognizing gaps in existing knowledge, exploring areas of uncertainty, and assessing the
significance of addressing these gaps within a specific field of study. This process often
involves thorough literature review, discussions with experts, and considering practical
implications.
2. What is the purpose of sampling, and what might go wrong during the process?
Answer:- The primary goal of sampling is to create a representative sample, one in which
the smaller group (sample) accurately represents the characteristics of the larger group
(population). If the sample is well selected, the sample will be generalizable to the
population. There are many ways to obtain a sample. Sampling is the method you use to
pick individuals out of the group to study. This can be done by random, by convenience
or even self-selected. The goal of sampling is to approximate the characteristics that are
relevant to the research question about a larger population. Sampling errors occur
because the sample is not representative of the population or is biased in some way. Even
randomized samples will have some degree of sampling error because a sample is only an
approximation of the population from which it is drawn. Some of the most common
sampling errors are sample frame errors, selection errors, population specification errors,
and non-response errors.
3. Explain Uniform method of Legal Citation with suitable Example.
Answer:- A Legal Citation refers to a specific legal source, such as a constitution, a statute,
reported cases, a regulation, a treatise, or a law review article. The in-text citation often
includes the author's last name and page number. An example of this is (Author 100). The
in-text citation is found at the end of the sentence in MLA style. If the author's name is
included in the article text, then only the page number is needed for the in-text citation.
APA Style is the most popular citation style, widely used in the social and behavioral
 sciences. MLA style is the second most popular, used mainly in the humanities. Chicago
notes and bibliography style is also popular in the humanities, especially history. Chicago
author-date style tends to be used in the sciences. SOR stands for Statutory Orders and
Regulations, 96 is the year and 195 is the number of the regulation. Provincial regulations
are also cited by year and number, but include the jurisdiction. In the following example,
74 is the year and 181 is the number of the regulation. Example: BC Reg 181/74.
4. What is Plagiarism and Explain its types and How to avoid plagiarism detection?
Answer:- Plagiarism means using someone else’s words or ideas without properly crediting the
original author. Sometimes plagiarism involves deliberately stealing someone’s work, but more
often it happens accidentally, through carelessness or forgetfulness.When you write an academic
paper, you build upon the work of others and use various credible sources for information and
evidence. To avoid plagiarism, you need to correctly incorporate these sources into your text.
You can avoid plagiarism by:
1. Keeping track of the sources you consult in your research
2. Paraphrasing or quoting from your sources (by using a paraphrasing tool and adding
your own ideas)
3. Crediting the original author in an in-text citation and in your reference list
4. Using a plagiarism checker before you submit
5. Use generative AI tools responsibly (outputs may be detected by an AI detector)
Even accidental plagiarism can have serious consequences, so take care with how you
integrate sources into your writing.
5. What is Probability and Non-Probability sampling and give its difference.?
Answer:- 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.
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.

Probability Sampling Methods Non-probability Sampling Methods

Non-probability sampling method is a

Probability Sampling is a sampling technique in
technique in which the researcher chooses
which samples taken from a larger population
samples based on subjective judgment,
are chosen based on probability theory.
preferably random selection.
 These are also known as Random sampling These are also called non-random sampling
methods. methods.

These are used for research which is These are used for research which is
conclusive. exploratory.

These are easy ways to collect the data

These involve a long time to get the data.
quickly.

There is an underlying hypothesis in probability

The hypothesis is derived later by
sampling before the study starts. Also, the
conducting the research study in the case of
objective of this method is to validate the
non-probability sampling.
defined hypothesis.

6. What is Report Writing? Explain the Process of Writing the Report?

Answer:- Report writing is common in a number of disciplines. A report is a specific form of writing,
written concisely and clearly and typically organised around identifying and examining issues, events, or
findings from a research investigation.

Reports often involve investigating and analysing a problem and coming up with a solution. This
means that you need to take a position or provide a solution and you need clear reasons for your
solution.
A key, central message is a vital part of the report and will help to make it clear and persuasive.
A report might involve
 an analysis of existing data and literature
 conducting analysis and problem solving
 results of an investigation
Whatever the type of report, they are expected to be well written, clearly structured and
expressed in a way that suits the particular audience. Results and analysis should be accurate,
clear and objective. Report structures can vary between disciplines and audiences but the
structure needs to support the key message.
Report writing process
It can be helpful to think of writing your report as a process and to break it down into the various
tasks that you need to complete.
What goes on when you are writing a report? What are the various tasks you need to do to
complete it?
There are three main phases:
The preparation phase where you analyse exactly what you are being asked to do and if you are
working in a group, agree on the group communication plan.
The analysis phase where you gather all your evidence, conduct research, undertake
investigations, complete coding, calculations etc
The analysis phase will enable you to come up with your key message - your answer to the
question/solution to the problem. This key message will then determine the structure of your
report and enable you to complete the writing phase of the report.
7. What is sampling design? Discuss types of Sampling Design.
Answer:-A sampling design is a definite plan for obtaining a sample from a given population. It
refers to the technique or the procedure the researcher would adopt in selecting items for the
sample. Sample design may as well lay down the number of items to be included in the sample
i.e., the size of the sample.
Sampling design is the method you use to choose your sample. There are several types of
sampling designs, and they all serve as roadmaps for the selection of your survey sample. The
objective of sampling design is to ensure that your selected sample allows you to generalize your
findings to the entire population you’re targeting.
Keep in mind the following points when developing your survey design:
 Define the universe of your study: This is the set of objects you are studying. This could
be the population of a city, the number of workers in a warehouse, or fans of a particular
television show.
 Consider your sampling unit: Will it be geographical, social, or individual?
 Gather your sampling frame: This is the list of names from which your sample will be
drawn.
 Determine sample size: Use the equation above or our helpful sample size calculator.
 Factor in budgetary limitations: This will impact both the size and type of sample and
may even lead you to use a non-probability sample.
What are the types of sampling design?
Sampling design can be divided into two main categories, probability, and non-probability
sampling. In probability sampling, every person in the target population (either random or
representative) has an equal chance of being selected for the sample. In non-probability
sampling, some individuals in the group will be more likely to be selected than others.
Take a close look at your research goals (including the level of accuracy desired and your budget)
to determine which type of sampling will best help you achieve those goals.
Probability sampling
Probability sampling ensures that every member of your sample has an equal probability of being
selected for your research. There are four main types of probability sampling: simple random,
cluster, systematic, and stratified.
Non-probability sampling
In non-probability samples, the criteria for selection are not random, and the chances of being
included in the sample are not equal. While it’s easier and less expensive to perform non-
probability sampling, there is a higher risk of sampling bias, and inferences about the full
population are weaker.
Non-probability sampling is most often used in exploratory or qualitative research, where the
goal is to develop an understanding of a small or underrepresented population.
There are five main types of non-probability sampling: convenience, judgemental, voluntary,
snowball, and quota.
8. Explain types of Research in detail with suitable Example?
Answer:- Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge. Once can also define
research as a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. In fact,
research is an art of scientific investigation. The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English
lays down the meaning of research as “a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search
for new facts in any branch of knowledge.”1 Redman and Mory define research as a
“systematized effort to gain new knowledge.”2 Some people consider research as a movement,
a movement from the known to the unknown. It is actually a voyage of discovery. We all possess
the vital instinct of inquisitiveness for, when the unknown confronts us, we wonder and our
inquisitiveness makes us probe and attain full and fuller understanding of the unknown. This
inquisitiveness is the mother of all knowledge and the method, which man employs for obtaining
the knowledge of whatever the unknown, can be termed as research.
TYPES OF RESEARCH:-
The basic types of research are as follows:

(i) Descriptive vs. Analytical: Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different
kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists at present.
In social science and business research we quite often use the term Ex post facto research for descriptive
research studies. The main characteristic of this method is that the researcher has no control over the
variables; he can only report what has happened or what is happening.

(ii) Applied vs. Fundamental: Research can either be applied (or action) research or fundamental (to basic
or pure) research. Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society
or an industrial/business organisation, whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with
generalisations and with the formulation of a theory. “Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is
termed ‘pure’ or ‘basic’ research.

(iii) Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or
amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. Qualitative research,
on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving
quality or kind.

(iv) Conceptual vs. Empirical: Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is
generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. On
the other hand, empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard
for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being
verified by observation or experiment. We can also call it as experimental type of research

(v) Some Other Types of Research: All other types of research are variations of one or more of the above
stated approaches, based on either the purpose of research, or the time required to accomplish research,
on the environment in which research is done, or on the basis of some other similar factor.

9. Explain Distinction Between Research Methods And Research Methodology?

Answer:- A research method refers to the specific techniques or tools used to gather and analyze
data, while research methodology encompasses the overall approach, framework, and
theoretical underpinnings guiding the research process.
Key Differences between Research Method and Research Methodology
1. Research method focuses on the techniques and tools used to gather data, while research
methodology deals with the overall strategy and framework of research.
2. Research method involves specific procedures and steps to obtain information, whereas
research methodology guides the researcher in selecting appropriate research methods.
3. Research method determines the type of data to be collected and analyzed, while
research methodology provides a systematic approach to conducting research.
4. Examples of research methods include surveys, experiments, interviews, and
observations, while research methodology encompasses qualitative, quantitative, and
mixed methods.
5. Research method describes the process of data collection and analysis, whereas research
methodology relates to the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research.
 6. Research method is more concrete and tangible, focusing on the practical aspects of
research, while research methodology is more abstract and conceptual, focusing on the
theoretical aspects.
7. Research method is a subset of research methodology, which encompasses the entire
research process.
8. Research method is specific to a particular research project or study, while research
methodology is applicable across different research projects and studies.
9. Research method determines the reliability and validity of research findings, whereas
research methodology determines the overall validity and soundness of research.
10. Research method is concerned with the tools and techniques employed, while research
methodology focuses on the framework and approach utilized in the research process.

10. How Do You Evolve Research Design For Exploratory Research? Briefly Analyze.
Answer:- Exploratory research is a methodology approach that investigates research questions that have
not previously been studied in depth.

Exploratory research is often qualitative and primary in nature. However, a study with a large
sample conducted in an exploratory manner can be quantitative as well. It is also often referred
to as interpretive research or a grounded theory approach due to its flexible and open-ended
nature. Exploratory research is often used when the issue you’re studying is new or when the data
collection process is challenging for some reason.

You can use this type of research if you have a general idea or a specific question that you want
to study but there is no preexisting knowledge or paradigm with which to study it.
Exploratory research questions are designed to help you understand more about a particular
topic of interest. They can help you connect ideas to understand the groundwork of your analysis
without adding any preconceived notions or assumptions yet.
Here are some examples:
 What effect does using a digital notebook have on the attention span of middle schoolers?
 What factors influence mental health in undergraduates?
 What outcomes are associated with an authoritative parenting style?
 In what ways does the presence of a non-native accent affect intelligibility?
 How can the use of a grocery delivery service reduce food waste in single-person
households?
11. What is Research Design? Write its Process and Types?
Answer:- The formidable problem that follows the task of defining the research problem is the
preparation of the design of the research project, popularly known as the “research design”.
Decisions regarding what, where, when, how much, by what means concerning an inquiry or a
research study constitute a research design. “A research design is the arrangement of conditions
for collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research
purpose with economy in procedure.” In fact, the research design is the conceptual structure
within which research is conducted; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement
and analysis of data. As such the design includes an outline of what the researcher will do from
writing the hypothesis and its operational implications to the final analysis of data .
DIFFERENT RESEARCH DESIGNS
Different research designs can be conveniently described if we categorize them as:

(1) research design in case of exploratory research studies;

(2) research design in case of descriptive and diagnostic research studies, and

(3) research design in case of hypothesis-testing research studies. We take up each category separately.

12. Explain Multi-stage And Sequential Sampling?

Answer:- Multi-stage sampling: This is a further development of the idea of cluster sampling.
This technique is meant for big inquiries extending to a considerably large geographical area like
an entire country. Under multi-stage sampling the first stage may be to select large primary
sampling units such as states, then districts, then towns and finally certain families within towns.
If the technique of random-sampling is applied at all stages, the sampling procedure is described
as multi-stage random sampling.
Sequential sampling: This is somewhat a complex sample design where the ultimate size of the
sample is not fixed in advance but is determined according to mathematical decisions on the
basis of information yielded as survey progresses. This design is usually adopted under
acceptance sampling plan in the context of statistical quality control.
13. Describe Uniform method of Legal Citation with suitable Example
Answer:- A consistent and uniform citation method for legal materials is important for two reasons. First,
it must be possible for the reader to accurately and efficiently locate and verify the information that
is offered in support of legal arguments and theories. Second, a citation system provides visual clues to
the reader as to the authority of the referenced legal material.

The two most often used citation systems in the United States are The Bluebook: A Uniform
System of Citation and the ALWD Guide to Legal Citation.
14. What is Report Writing? Explain the Process of Writing the Report?
Answer:- Report writing is common in a number of disciplines. A report is a specific form of
writing, written concisely and clearly and typically organised around identifying and examining
issues, events, or findings from a research investigation.
five main steps in the report writing process. These steps are: (i) preparing to write; (ii) organizing
the information; (iii) writing draft copy; (iv) editing the information; and (v) revising the text. The
importance of knowing who is the reader or the audience cannot be overemphasized. This
chapter explains how to develop a report outline based on the information at hand and the
audience being writing to. It is better to avoid trying to type a perfect first draft; usable words
and sentences do require polishing at some stage. Editing a hard copy is better than doing directly
on the screen, as it is difficult to see the entire document and page layout on screen. Revision of
text should be done until the report is an effective conveyor of information.
1. What is Application of Research? Explain all Steps of Research in detail.
Answer:- A creative process and a systematic work which is undertaken in order to increase the
knowledge which can be but not limited to society culture human or any specific domain is called
research. Research is a process which is used to establish facts or confirm them and the results
of the work which has been done previously or address existing problems.
They can also be supportive theorems or new theorems or even new theories. It could also be an
expansion of a work which has been done in the past also can be used to develop further
knowledge on a particular topic address the topic in a new way using modern technology and
modern examples.
There are many different types of research methods to help professionals gain the information
they seek. The two main research methods commonly used are basic research, which helps
expand existing knowledge, and applied research, which provides a solution to an existing
problem.
Step 1: Identify the Problem
The first step in the process is to identify a problem or develop a research question. The research
problem may be something the agency identifies as a problem, some knowledge or information
that is needed by the agency, or the desire to identify a recreation trend nationally. In the
example in table 2.4, the problem that the agency has identified is childhood obesity, which is a
local problem and concern within the community. This serves as the focus of the study.
Step 2: Review the Literature
Now that the problem has been identified, the researcher must learn more about the topic under
investigation. To do this, the researcher must review the literature related to the research
problem. This step provides foundational knowledge about the problem area. The review of
literature also educates the researcher about what studies have been conducted in the past, how
these studies were conducted, and the conclusions in the problem area. In the obesity study, the
review of literature enables the programmer to discover horrifying statistics related to the long-
term effects of childhood obesity in terms of health issues, death rates, and projected medical
costs. In addition, the programmer finds several articles and information from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention that describe the benefits of walking 10,000 steps a day. The
information discovered during this step helps the programmer fully understand the magnitude
of the problem, recognize the future consequences of obesity, and identify a strategy to combat
obesity (i.e., walking).
Step 3: Clarify the Problem
Many times the initial problem identified in the first step of the process is too large or broad in
scope. In step 3 of the process, the researcher clarifies the problem and narrows the scope of the
study. This can only be done after the literature has been reviewed. The knowledge gained
through the review of literature guides the researcher in clarifying and narrowing the research
project. In the example, the programmer has identified childhood obesity as the problem and the
purpose of the study. This topic is very broad and could be studied based on genetics, family
environment, diet, exercise, self-confidence, leisure activities, or health issues. All of these areas
cannot be investigated in a single study; therefore, the problem and purpose of the study must
be more clearly defined. The programmer has decided that the purpose of the study is to
determine if walking 10,000 steps a day for three days a week will improve the individual's health.
This purpose is more narrowly focused and researchable than the original problem.
Step 4: Clearly Define Terms and Concepts
Terms and concepts are words or phrases used in the purpose statement of the study or the
description of the study. These items need to be specifically defined as they apply to the study.
Terms or concepts often have different definitions depending on who is reading the study. To
minimize confusion about what the terms and phrases mean, the researcher must specifically
define them for the study. In the obesity study, the concept of “individual's health” can be
defined in hundreds of ways, such as physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health. For this
study, the individual's health is defined as physical health. The concept of physical health may
also be defined and measured in many ways. In this case, the programmer decides to more
narrowly define “individual health” to refer to the areas of weight, percentage of body fat, and
cholesterol. By defining the terms or concepts more narrowly, the scope of the study is more
manageable for the programmer, making it easier to collect the necessary data for the study. This
also makes the concepts more understandable to the reader.
Step 5: Define the Population
Research projects can focus on a specific group of people, facilities, park development, employee
evaluations, programs, financial status, marketing efforts, or the integration of technology into
the operations. For example, if a researcher wants to examine a specific group of people in the
community, the study could examine a specific age group, males or females, people living in a
specific geographic area, or a specific ethnic group. Literally thousands of options are available
to the researcher to specifically identify the group to study. The research problem and the
purpose of the study assist the researcher in identifying the group to involve in the study. In
research terms, the group to involve in the study is always called the population. Defining the
population assists the researcher in several ways. First, it narrows the scope of the study from a
very large population to one that is manageable. Second, the population identifies the group that
the researcher's efforts will be focused on within the study. This helps ensure that the researcher
stays on the right path during the study. Finally, by defining the population, the researcher
identifies the group that the results will apply to at the conclusion of the study. In the example
in table 2.4, the programmer has identified the population of the study as children ages 10 to 12
years. This narrower population makes the study more manageable in terms of time and
resources.
Step 6: Develop the Instrumentation Plan
The plan for the study is referred to as the instrumentation plan. The instrumentation plan serves
as the road map for the entire study, specifying who will participate in the study; how, when, and
where data will be collected; and the content of the program. This plan is composed of numerous
decisions and considerations that are addressed in chapter 8 of this text. In the obesity study, the
researcher has decided to have the children participate in a walking program for six months. The
group of participants is called the sample, which is a smaller group selected from the population
specified for the study. The study cannot possibly include every 10- to 12-year-old child in the
community, so a smaller group is used to represent the population. The researcher develops the
plan for the walking program, indicating what data will be collected, when and how the data will
be collected, who will collect the data, and how the data will be analyzed. The instrumentation
plan specifies all the steps that must be completed for the study. This ensures that the
programmer has carefully thought through all these decisions and that she provides a step-by-
step plan to be followed in the study.
Step 7: Collect Data
Once the instrumentation plan is completed, the actual study begins with the collection of data.
The collection of data is a critical step in providing the information needed to answer the research
question. Every study includes the collection of some type of data—whether it is from the
literature or from subjects—to answer the research question. Data can be collected in the form
of words on a survey, with a questionnaire, through observations, or from the literature. In the
obesity study, the programmers will be collecting data on the defined variables: weight,
percentage of body fat, cholesterol levels, and the number of days the person walked a total of
10,000 steps during the class.
The researcher collects these data at the first session and at the last session of the program.
These two sets of data are necessary to determine the effect of the walking program on weight,
body fat, and cholesterol level. Once the data are collected on the variables, the researcher is
ready to move to the final step of the process, which is the data analysis.
Step 8: Analyze the Data
All the time, effort, and resources dedicated to steps 1 through 7 of the research process
culminate in this final step. The researcher finally has data to analyze so that the research
question can be answered. In the instrumentation plan, the researcher specified how the data
will be analyzed. The researcher now analyzes the data according to the plan. The results of this
analysis are then reviewed and summarized in a manner directly related to the research
questions. In the obesity study, the researcher compares the measurements of weight,
percentage of body fat, and cholesterol that were taken at the first meeting of the subjects to
the measurements of the same variables at the final program session. These two sets of data will
be analyzed to determine if there was a difference between the first measurement and the
second measurement for each individual in the program. Then, the data will be analyzed to
determine if the differences are statistically significant. If the differences are statistically
significant, the study validates the theory that was the focus of the study. The results of the study
also provide valuable information about one strategy to combat childhood obesity in the
community.
As you have probably concluded, conducting studies using the eight steps of the scientific
research process requires you to dedicate time and effort to the planning process. You cannot
conduct a study using the scientific research process when time is limited or the study is done at
the last minute. Researchers who do this conduct studies that result in either false conclusions
or conclusions that are not of any value to the organization.
This is an excerpt from Applied Research and Evaluation Methods in Recreation.
2. Explain Plagiarism, its types and How to avoid plagiarism with suitable example?
Answer: Plagiarism is derived from Latin word “plagiarius” which means “kidnapper,” who
abducts the child. The word plagiarism entered the Oxford English dictionary in 1621. Plagiarism
has been defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as “the act of taking the writings of another
person and passing them off as ones own.” It is an act of forgery, piracy, and fraud and is stated
to be a serious crime of academia. It is also a violation of copyright laws. Honesty in scientific
practice and in publication is necessary. The World Association of Medical Editors (WAME)
defines plagiarism as “… the use of others’ published and unpublished ideas or words (or other
intellectual property) without attribution or permission and presenting them as new and original
rather than derived from an existing source.”
In 1999, the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) defined plagiarism as “Plagiarism ranges
from the unreferenced use of others’ published and unpublished ideas including research grant
applications to submission under new authorship of a complex paper, sometimes in a different
language. It may occur at any stage of planning, research, writing or publication; it applies to print
and electronic versions.”
Forms of Plagiarism
 Verbatim plagiarism: When one submits someone else's words verbatim in his/her own
name without even acknowledging him publically. Copy and paste from a published article
without referencing is a common form of verbatim plagiarism. Most commonly, it is seen
in introduction and discussion part of manuscript
 Mosaic plagiarism: In this type of plagiarism each word is not copied but it involves mixing
ones own words in someone else's ideas and opinions. This is copying and pasting in
patchy manner
 Paraphrasing: If one rewrites any part/paragraph of manuscript in his/her own words it
is called paraphrasing. Paraphrasing is a restatement in your own words, of someone
else's ideas. Changing a few words of the original sentences does not make it your writing.
Just changing words cannot make it the property of borrower; hence, this should be
properly referenced. If it is not referenced, it will amount to plagiarism
 Self plagiarism: “Publication of one's own data that have already been published is not
acceptable since it distorts scientific record.”1 Self-plagiarized publications do not
contribute to scientific work; they just increase the number of papers published without
justification in scientific research. The authors get benefit in the form of increased number
of published papers. Self plagiarism involves dishonesty but not intellectual theft. Roig
gave classification of self plagiarism and divided it into four types: (i) Duplicate
(redundant) publication, (ii) augmented publication, (iii) segmented publication, and (iv)
text recycling.
 i. Duplicate publication: When an author submits identical or almost identical
manuscript (same data, results, and discussion) to two different journals, it is
considered as duplicate (redundant) publication. As per COPE guidelines, this is an
offense and editor can take an action as per the COPE flowchart
ii. Augmented publication: If the author adds additional data to his/her previously
published work and changes title, modifies aim of the study, and recalculates
results, it amounts to augmented publication. Plagiarism detection software
usually do not pick it because it is not same by verbatim. This self plagiarism is as
such technical plagiarism and is not considered with same strictness as plagiarism.
The editor may consider it for publication in the following three situations: If
author refers to his/her previous work; if ’methods’ cannot be written in any other
form; and if author clearly states that new manuscript contains data from previous
publication
iii. Segmented publication: Also called “Salami-Sliced” publication. In this case, two
or more papers are derived from the same experimental/research/original work.
Salami-sliced papers are difficult to detect and usually are pointed out by
reviewers or readers. The decision regarding such manuscript is again on editor's
shoulder. The author must be asked to refer to his/her previously published work
and explain reasonably the connection of the segmented paper to his/her
previously published work
iv. Text recycling: If the author uses large portions of his/her own already published
text in his/her new manuscript, it is called text recycling. It can be detected by
plagiarism software. It can be handled as per the COPE guidelines.
 Cyber plagiarism: “Copying or downloading in part or in their entirety articles or research
papers and ideas from the internet and not giving proper attribution is unethical and falls
in the range of cyber plagiarism”
 Image plagiarism: Using an image or video without receiving proper permission or
providing appropriate citation is plagiarism. “Images can be tampered on support
findings, promote a specific technique over another to strengthen the correctness of
poorly visualized findings, remove the defects of an image and to misrepresent an image
from what it really is”?
How to Avoid Plagiarism?
Practice the ethical writing honestly. Keep honesty in all scientific writings. Crediting all the
original sources. When you fail to cite your sources or when you cite them inadequately, you
commit plagiarism, an offense that is taken extremely seriously in academic world and is a
misconduct. Some simple dos and don’t are outlined in Table 1
In the following situation, permission is required to use published work from publisher to avoid
plagiarism.
 Directly quoting significant portion of a published work. How much text may be used
without approaching publisher for permission is not specified. The best approach is
whenever in doubt, ask for permission
 Reproducing a table
 Reproducing a figure/image.