KOZMINSKI UNIVERSITY
Course Materials
RESEARCH METHODS
Academic Year 2009/2010
Semester: Winter
Lecturer: Eugene Kaciak, Ph.D.
© Kozminski University 2009
1
ACADEMIC SYLLABUS and COURSE HANDBOOK 2009/2010
The Winter - SEMESTER
MODULE TITLE
Research Methods
Module title in Polish
MODULE CODE
Metody Badawcze
NUMBER OF ECTS
CREDITS
STAFF TEACHING THE
MODULE
PRINCIPAL
COORDINATOR
Academic
Degree
Name
Ph.D.
Eugene Kaciak
Ph.D.
Eugene Kaciak
Chair /Institute/
Center
Brock University,
Canada
Brock University,
Canada
Eugene Kaciak is an Associate Professor of Management at Brock University, Faculty of
Business (AACSB accredited), St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. He earned both his M.Sc. in
Economics (1973), majoring in Management Science and Econometrics, and his PhD (1977)
at Warsaw School of Economics (Poland). He published articles in a number of scientific
journals, including Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Developmental
Entrepreneurship, Journal of International Consumer Marketing, Journal of Targeting,
Measurement and Analysis for Marketing, International Business & Economics Research
Journal, Journal of Microcomputer Applications, and Revue Internationale PME. He is the
author/co-author of several books and chapters.
Home page: http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/
Email:
ekaciak@yahoo.ca
2. Module syllabus
PRE-REQUISITIES FOR THE
MODULE*
KOREKWIZYTY/
CO-REQUISITES
AIMS
This course has been designed to investigate the techniques of a
research process. Students will gain experience in analysing and
evaluating published research, defining research problems, designing
a research project, and in collecting, analysing, recording, and
interpreting data and presenting the results.
Further details are provided by Bradford University School of
Management:
http://blackboard.brad.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/BradfordManual2010.doc
2
LEARNING OUTCOMES AND COMPETENCES
1. KNOWLEDGE
AND
UNDERSTANDING
Students will learn how to define a research problem and the related
research question(s) and hypotheses (the deductive approach). The
inductive approach will also be covered in this course. The focus for
this course is to help students understand the overall process for
conducting a research project involving primary and secondary data.
2. SUBJECT
SPECIFIC SKILLS
(DISCIPLINE
SKILLS)
Students will learn how to use different research philosophies and
methodologies. Students will also learn how to use the SPSS
Windows v. 17.0 statistical software package for the commonly used
univariate and multivariate analyses of business data. Detailed steps
for running the various SPSS Windows programs will be given.
3. PERSONAL
TRANSFERABLE
SKILLS
As above. Also, students will understand the requirements for writing
up a research proposal.
MODULE CONTENT
Lectures:
Workshops (2 groups):
NUMER OF
HOURS
15 hours
2 x 15 hours each
group
Please note: a detailed Class Schedule is presented below.
TOTAL LEARNING HOURS (for one group):
SUGGESTED NO OF SELF LEARNING HOURS ***
TOTAL LEARNING HOURS
30 hours
60 hours
90 hours
3
DESCRIPTION OF THE MODULE IN POLISH (MAX 300 SYMBOLS)
Celem wykładu jest dostarczenie studentowi solidnych teoretyczno-praktycznych podstaw w
zakresie przedmiotu Metody Badawcze. Omawiane będą sposoby wyboru i przygotowania
projektu badawczego (poprzez analize dostępnej literatury w celu wykrycia luki badawczej,
a następnie sformułowania pytań badawczych i hipotez), zbierania, analizy i interpretacji
danych oraz przedstawiania wyników tychże badań. W szcególności studenci zostaną
zapoznani z najczęściej stosowanymi w praktyce metodami statytycznej analizy jednoi wielowymiarowej za pomocą programu SPSS for Windows v. 17.0.
INTERNATIONAL
DIMENSIONS
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
AND ETHICAL ISSUES
Basic concepts and techniques discussed in this course are
illustrated with examples from a number of different
countries across the world. It will be shown how various
concepts can be applied in an international setting.
International business research and ethics in business
research are integrated throughout this course. In
particular, ethical issues that may arise when
implementing those concepts domestically and
internationally will be discussed.
COMPULSORY READING (max 3 items)
LP.
1.
2.
LP.
1.
LP.
1.
AUTHOR, TITLE, PLACE & DATE OF PUBLISHING, PUBLISHER, PAGES
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A. (2009), Research methods for business
students, Pearson. Essex, England.
Cassell, C. and Symon, G. (2004). Essential Guide To Qualitative Methods In
Organizational Research, Sage. London, England.
ADDITIONAL READING (max 5 items)
AUTHOR, TITLE, PLACE & DATE OF PUBLISHING, PUBLISHER, PAGES
Further details are provided by Bradford University School of Management:
http://blackboard.brad.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/BradfordManual2010.doc
MODULE BIBLIOGRAPHY (no limits)
AUTHOR, TITLE, PLACE & DATE OF PUBLISHING, PUBLISHER, PAGES
Further details are provided by Bradford University School of Management:
http://blackboard.brad.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/BradfordManual2010.doc
4
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT (written, oral, project)
What will the final grade be based on? Provide a breakdown of components and an
explanation of your grading policies (e.g. weighting of grades, curves, extra-credit options,
the possibility of dropping the lowest grade)
DURATION
PERCENTAGE
OF TOTAL
GRADE
MODE of
ASSESSMENT
TYPE (and SHORT DESCRIPTION)
TO TEST
KNOWLEDGE
AND
UNDERSTANDIN
G
TO TEST
ACQUIRED
SKILLS
(DISCIPLINE AND
COMMUNICATIO
N)
Coursework - individual assignment
(research proposal) - 2,000 words; this
assignment will be in the form of a
dissertation proposal.
50%
Examination - closed book; will
1 hour
consist of 10 short answer questions
drawn from 100 pre-seen questions
based on the lecture material. Further
details are provided by Bradford
University School of Management:
http://blackboard.brad.ac.uk/webapps/
portal/frameset.jsp
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/A
BR1/BradfordManual2010.doc
50%
SUPLEMENTARY
ASSESSMENT
COMMENTS
PROGRAM
STUDY YEAR / SEMESTER
SPECIALIZATION
TYPE OF MODULE Basic B / Major M / Specialization S
MODULE LEVEL
CONTACT HOURS (BROKEN DOWN INTO) :
Lectures – introduction to the problems of subject by leading lecturer
Seminars with assistants
Seminar/tutorial
Team workshops/Laboratory
Seminars with practicians
Laboratory
MSc
Yes; 15 hrs
Yes; 15 hrs
see above
5
Projects
E-learning
Diploma seminars
Other - office hours
Yes
No
Formal exam
MODE OF TEACHING
Full-time F / Part-time P
TYPE OF PROGRAM
Undergraduate U / Graduate G
LANGUADE OF INSTRUCTION
(Polish/foreign)
Yes; twice a
week; 1
hour each
Yes; 1 hr
F
G
English
* Knowledge (Skills) Competences which the student posses before taking the module as
well as other
module pre-requisites
** Module level can be estimated on the basis of the following criteria:
Admission conditions
Learning outcomes
References information
*** ECTS standards assume that 1 teaching of a lecture Or tutorial equals 2 hours of private
study
CLASS SCHEDULE
Instructor: Eugene Kaciak, Ph.D.
Email: ekaciak@yahoo.ca
Consulting hours: Tuesday 26.01 (from 11:45 to 12:45); Thursday 28.01 (from 11:45 to
12:45); Tuesday 02.02 (from 14:45 to 15:45); Thursday 04.02 (from 14:45 to 15:45) meetings in front of the Office of International Studies.
The core texts are:
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A. (2009). Research Methods for Business Students,
5th Edition. Essex: Prentice Hall (Note: this textbook will be referred to as SLT).
Web site: http://www.pearsoned.co.uk/Student/detail.asp?item=100000000263582
Cassell, C. and Symon, G. (2004). Essential Guide To Qualitative Methods In Organizational
Research. London: Sage.
Additional sources of information: Sourcing Literature and Secondary Sources: Click on
Management Guides on the list found at http://www.brad.ac.uk/library/documents.
Further details are provided by Bradford University School of Management:
http://blackboard.brad.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/BradfordManual2010.doc
6
Session 1
a) Introduction: (i) Course outline; (ii) Computer software
– SPSS for Windows v. 17.0 (available in the Kozminski University computer labs);
Tutorial:
http://media.pearsoncmg.com/intl/ema/ema_uk_he_saunders_resmethbus_5/spss/9780273716907_spss17.pdf
– econometric software packages:
GRETL http://gretl.sourceforge.net/ and Excel’s Add-in (Data Analysis).
Data files:
http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_resmethbus_5/111/28550/7309037.cw/index.html
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Nike.xls
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Lifestyles.xls
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/InternetHypTest.xls
Note 1: All Excel data files (*.xls) presented in this Syllabus are from Naresh K. Malhotra,
Marketing Research – an Applied Orientation with SPSS, 4th ed., 2004, Pearson/Prentice Hall; Web site:
http://www.prenhall.com/malhotra/
Note 2: All Microsoft Word files (*.doc) presented in this Syllabus have been prepared by Prof. Eugene Kaciak.
Note 3: Only students registered in this course will have a password protected access to PowerPoint files (*.ppt)
prepared by the authors of the SLT textbook. Please also note: This work (i.e. the PowerPoint files) is protected by
regional copyright laws and is provided solely for the use of instructors in teaching their courses and assessing student
learning. Dissemination or sale of any part of this work (including on the Internet) will destroy the integrity of the work
and is not permitted. The copyright holder grants permission to instructors who have adopted the textbook accompanying
this work to post this material online only if the use of the website is restricted by access codes to students in the
instructor's class that is using the textbook and provided the reproduced material bears this copyright notice.
b) Computer lab: Introduction to practical use of SPSS for Windows
Useful links:
tutorial
http://media.pearsoncmg.com/intl/ema/ema_uk_he_saunders_resmethbus_5/spss/9780273716907_spss17.pdf
data files:
http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_resmethbus_5/111/28550/7309037.cw/index.html
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Nike.xls
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Lifestyles.xls
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/InternetHypTest.xls
Session 2
a) Defining the business research problem and developing an approach. Required reading: SLT; Ch 1.
Additional reading: please check WEEK 1 in the Module Manual – MSc. Programme 2009/2010
(RESEARCH METHODS) http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/BradfordManual2010.doc
b) Formulating and clarifying the research topic. Required reading: SLT Ch 2.
c) Dissertation topics in area of study: Module Manual – MSc. Programme 2009/2010
(RESEARCH METHODS)
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/BradfordManual2010.doc
The Masters Dissertations listed in the link below are examples of good practice
http://www.brad.ac.uk/library/documents/masters.php (see Virtual Scholars for full-text access).
Other Master Dissertation proposals:
7
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Bradford_Dissertation_Topics(1).xls
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Bradford_Marketing_Dissertation_Topic_Choice_Session_290107.ppt
Session 3
a) Critically reviewing journal articles. Required reading: SLT Ch 3. Additional reading: please check
WEEK 3 in the Module Manual.
b) Sourcing, referencing and plagiarism. Required reading:
http://www.brad.ac.uk/acad/management/external/els/pdf/refandbib.pdf
Useful links:
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/BradfordRM02b__Critically Reviewing literature2a.ppt
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Bradford_W2_MetalibDetailedGuide2d.pdf
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Bradford_When_to_Reference2b.doc
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/critical review.ppt
Session 4
a) Measurement and scaling. Useful link: http://www.siu.edu/departments/coba/osr/
Required reading: SLT pp. 416-428; 376-383
b) Qualitative research: Method. Required reading: SLT Ch 9 & 10. Additional reading: please check WEEK 5
in the Module Manual.
c) Qualitative research: Analysis. Required reading: SLT Ch 13. Additional reading: please check WEEK 6
in the Module Manual.
Useful links:
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Bradford_ qual 1 lectureSV3a.ppt
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Bradfordqual2lecturesv4a.ppt
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/qual2_lecture09.ppt
Session 5
a) Qualitative research: Sampling. Required reading: SLT Ch 7.
b) Quantitative research: Sampling. Required reading: SLT Ch 7
Useful links:
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Bradfordqual2lecturesv5a.ppt
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Bradfordqual2lecturesv6a.ppt
c) Quantitative research: Method and Analysis. Required reading: SLT Ch 11 & 12.
Session 6
Quantitative research (cont'd).
a) Practical use of SPSS for Windows; frequency distribution, cross-tabulation, and hypothesis testing.
Useful links:
tutorial
http://media.pearsoncmg.com/intl/ema/ema_uk_he_saunders_resmethbus_5/spss/9780273716907_spss17.pdf
data files:
http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_resmethbus_5/111/28550/7309037.cw/index.html
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Nike.xls
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Lifestyles.xls
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/InternetHypTest.xls
Required reading: SLT pp. 428-461
b) Correlation and Regression (SPSS, GRETL, Excel). Required reading: SLT pp. 461-467.
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Regression1.doc
8
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/CityAttitRegr.xls
Data file: http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Lifestyles.xls
Q1. Calculate the simple correlations between V1 to V6 and interpret the results.
Q2. Run a multiple regression with V1 as the dependent variable and V2 to V6 as the independent variables.
Interpret the results.
Data file: http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/SneakersRegr.xls
Coding: Preference for sneakers (V1): 1 = not preferred, 7 = greatly preferred;
Evaluation of sneakers on comfort (V2), style (V3), and durability (V4): 1 = poor, 7 = excellent.
Q1. Calculate the simple correlations between V1 to V4 and interpret the results.
Q2. Run a multiple regression with V1 as the dependent variable and V2 to V4 as the independent variables.
Interpret the results.
Session 7
Research philosophies and approaches. Required reading: SLT Ch 4
Useful links:
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Bradford_Research_philosophies.ppt
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Bradfordqual2lecturesv8a.ppt
Session 8
Writing the dissertation or research report. Required reading: SLT Ch 14
Sessions 9-10
a) Other useful qualitative and quantitative techniques:
i) Laddering. Suggested reading: http://www.palgrave-journals.com/jt/journal/v15/n1/full/5750028a.html
ii) Analysis of variance and covariance
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Anova.doc
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/StoreAnova.xls
Data file: http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Lifestyles.xls
Q1. Do the three groups based on location of residence differ in their preference for an outdoor lifestyle?
Q2. Do the three groups based on location of residence differ in terms of the importance attached to
enjoying nature?
Q3. Do the three groups based on location of residence differ in terms of the importance attached to
living in harmony with the environment?
Q4. Do the three groups based on location of residence differ in terms of the importance attached to
exercising regularly?
Data file: http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/TravelAnova.xls
Coding: Preference for foreign travel: 1 = no preference, 9 = strong preference; Sex: 1 = male; 2 = female;
Frequency of travel: 1 = light, 2 = medium, and 3 = heavy.
Q1. Do the males and females differ in their preference for foreign travel?
Q2. Do the light, medium, and heavy travelers differ in their preference for foreign travel?
Q3. Conduct ANOVA with preference for foreign travel as the dependent variable and sex and travel frequency
as the independent variables (factors).
iii) Discriminant analysis (DA). Internet files:
9
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Lecture11a.doc
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/File4ab.xls
iv) Factor analysis
Internet files:
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Lecture12.doc
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/File5.sav
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/ShoppingCluster.xls
v) Cluster Analysis
Cluster analysis. Internet files:
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/Lecture13a.doc
http://spartan.ac.brocku.ca/~ekaciak/ABR1/ShoppingCluster.xls
Final note (FYI): Other popular quantitative techniques worth studying:
* Multidimensional scaling – to represent perceptions and preferences of respondents spatially by means of
visual display. Can be used in market segmentation, new product development, assessing advertising
effectiveness, pricing analysis, etc.
* Correspondence analysis and multiple correspondence analysis–
these are multidimensional scaling techniques for qualitative (categorical) data.
* Conjoint analysis – to determine the relative importance consumers attach to salient attributes and
the utilities they attach to the levels of attributes.
Used for determining the relative importance of attributes in the consumer choice process,
estimating market share of brands that differ in attribute levels,
determining the composition of the most preferred brand,
segmenting the market based on similarity of preferences for attribute levels.
* Finally, there are also techniques such as logistic regression, structural equations modeling (LISREL),
neural networks, canonical correlation analysis, etc.
100 Pre seen questions
M.Sc. RM Examination 09/10
These questions are taken from the textbook, the lectures and the tutorials. It is advised
that you read and answer each question well in advance of the examination so that you
can revise the questions and answers thoroughly. 10 questions from this list will appear
on the exam and you will have to answer all of them. This examination is designed to
develop and test your breadth of knowledge on the subject of research methods.
1. Describe applied research
2. Describe basic research
3. What are the three “C”s of research
4. What is research?
5. Describe the “relevance gap”
6. Describe the characteristics of transdisciplinary research
7. Name the techniques useful for generating research ideas
8. What is the goldilocks test, used when generating research ideas?
10
9. What is the SMART test for research objectives?
10. A study examining the reasons why a total quality initiative failed in a particular
organization is likely to produce which kind of theory, grand, middle range or
substantive, and why?
11. Describe a Gantt chart
12. What are the main purposes of a literature review?
13. What is an abstract and why is it useful?
14. Explain why merely reporting the content of several sources (e.g., journal
articles) does not constitute a literature review
15. Why is it important for researchers to review the literature from the top ranked
journals in their field?
16. Why are multiple iterations important in the literature review process?
17. Describe inductive research
18. Describe deductive research
19. What is an annotated bibliography?
20. Explain the usefulness of relevance trees or mind maps on the literature review
writing process
21. Define plagiarism. Give two reason why plagiarism is considered unethical
22. What is self plagiarism and why is it not acceptable practice?
23. Why is it important to reference sources correctly?
24. Give an example of a direct and an indirect quotation
25. Why is research philosophy important?
26. Define interpretivism
27. Define positivism
28. What is epistemology?
29. Give an example of a question that might be best answered using a
constructionist ontology
30. “What is the meaning, structure, and essence of the lived experience of (a
phenomenon) by (an individual or by many individuals)?” This is the underlying
question for which methodology? Explain why
31. If you decide to work deductively on your research, what is the main factor that
may cause you to work inductively, although deductive work is your preferred
choice?
32. What is a descriptive study?
33. Give three characteristics of grounded theory
34. Give and explain one good reason for using mixed method design
35. Explain the popularity of survey research
36. Explain the difference between cross sectional and longitudinal studies
37. Reliability refers to the extent that your research will yield consistent findings.
How might you assess the reliability of research?
38. Describe research validity using an example
39. Why is access an important consideration in any research project?
40. What are the common reasons why access may not be granted?
41. Describe four strategies to gain access to organizations for research purposes
42. Why are research ethics important to consider in any research project?
43. Deontological and teleological are two approaches to ethics on research give a
brief description of each
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44. Ethical concerns emerge at every stage of the research project and for all
stakeholders. Give one ethical concern that could emerge at the research design
stage
45. What is informed consent?
46. Explain ‘saturation’ in qualitative sampling
47. What kind of sampling is usually more appropriate in qualitative studies? Give
an example
48. Why might you use different sampling techniques at different stages of a
qualitative research project? Answer with an example
49. Outline three practical factors that impact on planned (quantitative) sample size
50. Define probability sampling
51. In probability sampling, why is it important to gain a high response rate?
52. Define non-probability sampling
53. Describe simple random sampling
54. Describe cluster sampling
55. Describe a research situation in which purposive or judgment sampling is likely
to be the technique of choice
56. What are the main disadvantages of using secondary data?
57. Give three examples of how you might use secondary data in your research
58. Describe 3 ‘native habitats’ for the business/management ethnographer to
explore in the 21st century
59. Describe egocentrism vs. ethnocentrism in participant observation
60. What are the four researcher roles in participant observation? Which is more
suitable for covert research?
61. How might researchers overcome observer effect in participant observation?
62. Why might researchers use in-depth (or unstructured) interviews?
63. What are the benefits of structured interviews?
64. What are the disadvantages of unstructured interviews?
65. Give 2 disadvantages of audio or video recording research?
66. What is the difference between an open ended and a closed question? Give
examples to illustrate
67. Is “Understanding the lived experience of alcoholism” a good question to explore
using the focus group method? Explain your answer
68. What is a focus group?
69. What are the two main tasks of the moderator in the focus group?
70. Outline four factors that impact on the medium (e.g., telephone surveys, mail
questionnaires) used to collect survey data
71. Describe two advantages of face-to-face surveys for the research student
72. What are the strengths of electronic surveys? Name three
73. Explain synchronous and asynchronous electronic interviewing
74. What is a Likert scale and what might it be used to measure?
75. Describe nominal and ordinal scales, using examples
76. Give an examples each of interval and ratio data
77. In terms of questionnaire administration, what is a pilot study?
78. Give three reasons why you should pilot a questionnaire
79. In questionnaire layout what are filter questions and why are they useful? Give
an example
12
80. Translation of questionnaires into other languages for international populations
requires attention to lexical, idiomatic and experiential meaning. Explain
experiential meaning.
81. Name 3 characteristics of qualitative data
82. Name 3 characteristics of quantitative data
83. Name the 3 main types of process of qualitative analysis
84. Describe discourse analysis
85. What are the benefits of using CAQDAS?
86. What is a causal relationship?
87. What is a dependent variable?
88. What are outliers in statistical research and give an example of what might cause
them?
89. What is a hypothesis? Give an example to illustrate.
90. What kind of diagram is useful to show findings relating to the proportion or
share of occurrences (for example breakdown of sales figures by region) in your
research?
91. What kind of diagram is most useful to show a trend (for examples of sales
figures over time) that you have found in your research?
92. What kind of graph might you use to compare two variables over time (e.g. sales
figures and average temperatures?
93. Explain three ways of describing central tendency in your data analysis
94. What is standard deviation and why might you use it to analyse your data?
95. Explain the use of parametric and non-parametric statistics
96. Describe how you might use correlation and regression analysis
97. Briefly describe the expected content of the results section in your research
project
98. Briefly describe the expected content of the conclusion section in your research
project
99. What is meant by topping and tailing the chapters/sections in your research
project?
100. Why is it important to include a section on the limitations of your research in
your research project?
13