CHAPTER 1.

A. Question and Answer

Q1. Define Research? What are the characteristics of Research?
Ans: RESEARCH:
Research is a systematic investigation to search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.
Research helps to arrive at new conclusions. It enables us to find solutions to certain
problems. Research is often referred to as scientific inquiry into a specific problem or
solution. This is because the search for facts needs to be undertaken systematically and not
arbitrarily. The systematic approach to research enables the research to search for facts in a
rational manner to arrive at conclusions whereas the arbitrary approach attempts to find
solutions to problems based on ones belief and imagination.Research involves a planned
approach to unravel the mystery or unexplained. A Researcher has to plan his work in
advance so as to anticipate any obstacles in the course of research. Such a plan help the
researcher to take decisions relating to the sample size, the type of data to be collected, the
analytical tools to be applied etc. Hence the research design could be defined as the blue print
specifying every stage of action in course of research. The 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.

Definition of Research: -

According to William C. Emory in his book Business Research Methods, Research is any
organized inquiry designed and carried out to provide information for solving a problem.

According to V. Clover and H. Balsley, Research is the process of systematically obtaining

accurate answers to significant and pertinent questions by use of scientific method for
gathering and interpreting information.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH:

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Research uses scientific method to find facts or to provide solutions to specific problems. The
researcher needs to follow a systematic procedure to conduct research. There is a set of
procedures that have been tested over a period of time and are suitable to use in research.
Each step in the research procedure must follow the other.

OBJECTIVE AND LOGICAL

The scientific research is objective and logical in nature. Research is based on valid
procedures and principles. There is a need to collect relevant, accurate and objective data to
investigate into the research problem.

APPLIED AND BASIC RESEARCH

Research is broadly classified into two groups: -

Applied Research

Basic Research

Applied Research is designed to solve practical problems of the modern world, rather than to
acquire knowledge. The goal of applied research is to improve the human condition.

Basic or fundamental Research is driven by a scientists curiosity or interest in a scientific

question. The main goal of basic research is to expand mans knowledge. There is no obvious
commercial value to discoveries that result from basic research.

EMPIRICAL NATURE OF RESEARCH

Research can be based on direct experience or observation by the research. Empirical

Research is undertaken to study certain situations or event based on experiments,
observations and surveys.

GENERALISATION

Research findings can be applied to larger population. A researcher can conduct a research on
a sample of respondents that represent the universe. The sample selection must be done
systematically so that it properly represents the whole population or the universe.

CONTROLLED NATURE OF BASIC RESEARCH

In real life experience there are many factors that affect the outcome. A single event is often
the result of several factors. When similar event is tested in research, due to the broader
nature of factors are taken as controlled factors while others are tested for possible effect.

DEVELOPMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND THEORIES

A systematic research helps to develop new principles and theories. Such principles and
theories can be useful to several organisations to manage and deal with people and things in a
better way.

MANIPULATION OF CONCEPTS

The researcher tries to manipulate things or concepts. The manipulation or purposeful control
of things or concepts is done with a definite purpose so as to arrive at statements of
generality.

MULTIPURPOSE ACTIVITY

Research is a multipurpose activity. It helps to discover new facts or verify old facts. It helps
not only to predict future events, but also may help to control such events. It establishes
casual relationship between variables.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATITVE RESEARCH

Research undertaken to measure quantity or amount is called as quantitative research. On the

other hand, research which is undertaken to find out the quality of a particular situation or
phenomenon is called as qualitative research.

Q2. Explain need of Research in Business & Social Science?

Ans: NEED OF RESEARCH IN BUSINESS:

Business organizations can gain significantly with the help of research. The research and
development to develop new products, improve the design and quality of existing ones, and
to reduce costs.

PRODUCT AND DEVELOPMENT

Through marketing research, a business firm can identify the customer requirements, and
therefore it is possible to design new models or to modify existing products to satisfy the
customers.

REDUCTION IN COSTS

Research in business helps a firm to reduce costs. The research may indicate the areas where
high costs are involved. It may be possible for the firm to cut down the costs in certain areas.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Market research may help the firm to develop good relations with its customers, especially
the priority customers. Research can help the firm to collect valuable inputs about priorities
customers.

DEALER RELATIONSHIPS

Dealer relationships are vital for the survival and success of business organisation. Market
Research enables a business firm to main good relationships with dealers. Through research,
the firm can get feedback from dealers regarding their expectations.

CORPORATE IMAGE

Firms need to build, maintain, and enhance corporate image in the minds of stakeholders,
customers, dealers, employees.

NEED OF RESEARCH IN SOCIAL STUDIES:

Social sciences refer to business, commerce, demographic, psychology, and sociology.

Research in social sciences deal with the peoples behaviour in their different roles, such as
consumers, consultant, learners, leaders, teachers, trainers, employees, executive, producers,
parents, artists, advisors etc...

DEVELOPMENT OF METHODOLOGY

Development of Methodology to deal with social issues is one of the contributions of social
research. For instance, organisations face the problem of executive stress, lack of concern of
ethics, poor leadership styles etc To overcome such problem, certain methodology needs to
be developed.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Social Research contributes to societal development. Social development can be measured in

terms of literacy, life expectancy, and other social development indicators. Research can be
taken for social development standards of the society.

SOCIAL WELFARE

Government organisations can undertake social research to enhance social welfare of the
society. Research can help to design suitable package of measures to reduce income
inequalities, to reduce poverty and unemployment and to overcome problems of social evils.
FORMULATION OF NEW THEORIES

Social Research helps formulate new theories. The existing theories can be re-evaluated and
modified with the help of social research.

ECONOMIC PLANNING

Social Planning can be immense use in economic planning in a given society. Economic
planning requires basic data on the various aspects of our society and economy, resource
endowment and the needs, hopes and problems of the people etc

Q3. Discuss different types of Research?

Ans: TYPES OF RESEARCH:

BASIC RESEARCH

It is also called pure or fundamental research. It is undertaken to develop a theory or a

body of knowledge. The main goal is to expand mans knowledge. There is no commercial
angle. It generates new ideas, principles and theories which may not be immediately utilized.

APPLIED RESEARCH

It is a scientific study designed to solve practical problems rather than merely acquiring
knowledge. It is used to find solutions to everyday problems and develop innovative
technologies.

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

It is also known as Statistical research provides data about the population or universe being
studied. It is used when the objective is to provide a systematic description that is factual and
accurate as possible.

ANALYTICAL RESEARCH

It is undertaken to collect facts or data, or the facts and data that are readily available. The
researcher attempts to critically evaluate fact and data so as to arrive at conclusions

EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
It is defined as research based on experimentation or observation. It is a way of gaining
knowledge by means of direct and indirect observation or experience or experiment.

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

It is a method of inquiry employed in many disciplines, especially in social sciences.

Researchers aim to gather an in depth understanding of human behaviour and reasons that
govern the behaviour.

QUALITITATIVE RESEARCH

It is explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analysed using

mathematically based methods. The objective is to develop and employ mathematical models,
theories and hypothesis pertaining to phenomena.

Q4. What is Research Methodology? What are requisite for Good Scientific Methods?

Ans: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:

Methodology is the systematic analysis of methods applied to a field of study. It comprises

the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of
knowledge.

Methodology does not set out to provide solutions. Therefore, it is not the same as method. It
offers the theoretical base for understanding which method, best methods that can be applied
to a specific case.

REQUISITE OF GOOD SCIENTIFIC METHOD:

CAREFUL LOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PROBLEM

UNEQUIVOCAL DEFINITION OF TERMS AND CONCEPTS

COLLECTION OF DATA PATIENT TO PROBLEM

CLASSIFICATION OF DATA

EXPRESSION OF DATA IN QUANTITATIVE TERM

RIGOROUS EXPERIMENT

SOUND & LOGICAL REASONING

EXACT CONCLUSION

COMPLETE ELIMINATION OF PERSONAL EQUATION

COMPREHENSIVE REPORT

Q5. Explain steps/process in Scientific Research?

Ans: STEPS/PROCESS IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH:

IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

It is the first and the most important step of research process. It is identification of a
destination before undertaking a journey. It is said that a problem half defined is a problem
half solved.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The researcher should undertake extensive literature survey relating to the problem. He may
consider various publications such as journals, books, reports and other published matter.

FORMULATION OF HYPOTHESIS

Researcher should formulate hypothesis. It is a tentative assumption made to test its logical or
empirical consequences.

RESEARCH DESIGN

The researcher must prepare a research design. It is a logical and systematic plan prepared for
conducting a research study. It can be called as a blue print for collection, measurement and
analysis of data.

DESIGNING THE QUESTIONNAIRE

If the researcher cannot solve the problem with the help of secondary data, observation and
experimentation, then he should make the effort to collect primary data from the field for
which he requires a questionnaire.

SAMPLING DESIGN
It is not possible to collect data from each member of the universe or people under study due
to time constraints. Therefore, the researcher needs to select a sample of respondents that
represent the universe.

COLLECTION OF DATA

Problem solving is essentially a process of collecting information. The data can be collected
from various sources i.e. primary and secondary data.

PROCESSING OF DATA

The data collected is mostly available in raw form and therefore, it needs to be processed. It
involves editing, coding, classification and tabulation.

DATA ANALYSIS

Organisation of data is generally followed by its analysis and interpretation. The purpose of
analysing data is to establish relation between information and problem. Interpretation refers
to analysis and generalization of results. It enables to clear the meaning and implication of
study.

HYPOTHESIS TESTING

After analysis and interpretation of data, the researcher must be in a position to test the
hypothesis. The researcher should find out whether or not the research findings support the
hypothesis or prove to be contrary.

PREPERATION OF RESEARCH REPORT

The research findings and conclusions are presented with the help of research report. It is
divided into: -

Preliminary Contents

Main Body

Conclusion Part

FOLLOW UP REPORT

The researcher should submit the report to concerned authorities. A business research report
should be submitted to guide for approval and then to the concerned university.
Q6. Write a note on Review of Literature?

Ans: REVIEW OF LITERATURE:

Review of Literature is an important stage in research activity. It refers to extensive review of

literature relating to research problem which the researcher intends to undertake. The
researcher reviews previous research studies, relevant reference books, articles in specific
journals and other published sources. Such Review of Literature provides a good insight into
the research problem.

The researcher gets familiar with all previous research studies undertaken by other
researchers which are relevant to the research project. The research scholar reviews the
findings of previous research studies. He evaluates the conclusion drawn from the research
findings. He also analysis the impact of recommendations made by other researchers.

Literature Review can be conducted throughout the research activity. It starts with
identification and selection of the activity. It continues throughout the various stages of
research process and ends with the writing of research report. Review of Literature helps to
identify the concepts relating to the research topic and potential relationship between them. It
also helps in appropriate analysis of data. Moreover it gives broader vision and even the
secondary data to the research. Following literature is carefully reviewed and studied by the
researcher. A literature review is a form of research report, where the data are the readings
that have been located and the major part of the report is the analysis of that data. And this
is perhaps the heart of the matter analytical insight. A review must not simply describe or
summarise the literature, a review must critically assess that literature.

A literature review is an evaluative report of studies found in the literature related to your
selected area. The review should describe, summarize, evaluate and clarify this literature. It
should give a theoretical basis for the research and help you determine the nature of your own
research. Select a limited number of works that are central to your area rather than trying to
collect a large number of works that are not as closely connected to your topic area.

A literature review goes beyond the search for information and includes the identification and
articulation of relationships between the literature and your field of research. While the form
of the literature review may vary with different types of studies, the basic purposes remain
constant:
Provide a context for the research

Justify the research

Ensure the research hasn't been done before (or that it is not just a "replication study")

Show where the research fits into the existing body of knowledge

Enable the researcher to learn from previous theory on the subject

Illustrate how the subject has been studied previously

Highlight flaws in previous research

Outline gaps in previous research

Show that the work is adding to the understanding and knowledge of the field

Help refine, refocus or even change the topic

Q7. What is Research Design? What are its essentials?

Ans: RESEARCH DESIGN:
According to David & Nachmias, Research Design actually constitutes the blue print for the
collection, measurement and analysis of the data.
According to John W. Best, Research Design is the plan, structure, strategy and means of
investigation conceived so as to obtain answers of research questions. It is a plan or an
overall scheme or a programme of research.

The Research Design is the ground plan for conducting the research investigation. It provides
guidelines to researcher to help him keep track of his actions and to know he is moving in the
right direction in collecting data.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD RESEARCH DESIGN:
FOCUS ON OBJECTIVES
The research design must focus on its objectives. The objectives must be very clear to the
researcher as well as to the researcher staff. The objectives differ depending on the type of the
research.
FLEXIBILITY
The research design should not be rigid. It must be flexible depending upon the situation.
PILOT STUDY

It is always advisable to conduct a pilot study for finalizing the research design. Pilot study is
a research activity undertaken for small segment of research universe. It is conducted to find
out whether or not the researcher would be in a position to collect relevant data from it
sources, or whether or not the data would be relevant to solve the problem.

ACCEPTANCE

The research design should be acceptable to the persons concerned. In case of commercial
research, the research design should be acceptable to the higher authorities. In case of
academic research, the research should be acceptable to the research guide. In case of social
research, the research design should be acceptable social and other organisations that are
going to finance or sponsor the research activity.

SUITABILITY

The research design must be suitable to achieve research objectives. Certain factors are
considered while finalizing the research designs such as availability of funds, time,
manpower etc.

SIMPLICITY

The research design should be simple and easy to understand. The language used should be
clear and simple. The research design must be supported by footnotes. Technical jargons must
be avoided.

COST EFFECTIVE

The research design should be cost effective. In a commercial research, the research work
based on research design must bring benefits to the organisation. The research design should
enable proper collection and analysis of data which in turn should facilitate proper decision
making.

EASE IN IMPLEMENTATION

The research design should facilitate proper implementation of the research activity. The
research design should avoid complicated procedures and techniques which are difficult to
follow.

TRAINING TO RESEARCH STAFF

To conduct effective research proper training must be given to the research staff. Training
helps to improve knowledge, attitude, skills, and social behaviour.

Q8. Explain different types of Research Design?

Ans: TYPES OF RESEARCH DESIGN:

EXPLORATORY RESEARCH

CONCLUSIVE RESEARCH

EXPLORATORY RESEARCH:

It is conducted to explore information about the nature or cause of research problem. It is

conducted when the causes of the research problem are not known to the researcher.
Management may conduct exploratory research to find out the causes of declining sales in the
past few months. They may be declined due to certain number of factors such as : problem in
quality of product , increase in competition, ineffective promotion mix, poor management of
channels of distribution , incompetence of sales, force etc.

Exploratory research can be conducted for following purposes such as, to define the problem
more clearly, to develop hypothesis, to identify alternate courses of action, to isolate key
variables and to develop relationships among the variables for further examination or to
establish priorities for further research etc.

Exploratory researches have certain uses such as, background information, development of
hypothesis and research priorities.

Methods used in exploratory research are: -

Secondary data Analysis

Experience Surveys

Case Analysis

Focus Groups and,

Projective Techniques

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
It is conducted to obtain descriptive information about central aspects of a problem. For
instance, a researcher may like to know detailed information about students appearing for
their TY. BCOM exams of N.M College in respect of age, income, gender, occupation etc. it
may be undertaken for commercial purposes.

Through descriptive research it would be difficult to answer the question why. In order to
answer the question why, a casual research is required.

There are two types of descriptive research:

Cross Sectional Studies

Longitudinal Studies

Q9. What is sampling? Explain essentials of good sampling?

Ans: SAMPLING
Sampling is a process used in statistical analysis in which a predetermined number of observations are
taken from a larger population. The methodology used to sample from a larger population depends on
the type of analysis being performed, but may include simple random sampling or systematic
sampling.

ESSENTIALS OF GOOD SAMPLING

1. Representative:

The sample should truly represent the characteristics of the verse. For this investigator should be free
from bias and the method of collection should be appropriate.

2. Adequacy:

The size of the sample should be adequate i.e., neither too large nor small but commensurate with the
size of the population.

3. Homogeneity:

There should be homogeneity in the nature of all the units selected for the sample. If the units of the
sample are of heterogeneous character it will impossible to make a comparative study with them.

4. Independent ability:
The method of selection of the sample should be such that the items of the sample are selected in an
independent manner. This means that lection of one item should not influence the selection of another
item in any manner d that each item should be selected on the basis of its own merit.

Q10. Explain different techniques and methods of Good Sampling?

Ans: SAMPLING METHODS

There are two types of sampling methods: -

Probability Methods

Non- Probability Methods

PROBABILITY METHODS

It is also known as random sampling. Probability means possible chance. Therefore, each
element of the population has known chance or opportunity of being selected or included in
the sample.

The following are the types of probability methods: -

Simple Random Sampling

This is the most popular method which is normally followed to collect data. The technique
provides every element or unit an equal chance of being selected in the sample.

Systematic Sampling

It is a variation of simple random method. This technique is superior to simple random

method.

Cluster Sampling

It is also called as Area Sampling. In this method, instead of selecting individual units,
researcher divides the population into clusters or groups and accordingly sample is selected.

Stratified Sampling

The population is divided into various strata or segments based on income, occupation, age,
religion, gender etc.

NON PROBABILITY METHODS

The following are the types of non-probability methods: -

Convenience Sampling

The sample is selected as per the convenience of the researcher. Every element of the
population does not get a chance of being selected. The researcher may consider factors to
select the sample of respondents.

Accidental Sampling

The researcher may select the sample by chance without following a systematic procedure.
Every element of the universe does not get the chance of getting selected.

Judgement Sampling

Sample is selected on the basis of judgment of the researcher or some other person assisting
or advising the researcher.

Quota Sampling

The researcher allocates certain quota to certain groups under study. The quotas differ from
each area depending upon factors such as age, occupation, income etc.

Sequential Sampling

It is a non-probability sampling technique wherein the researchers pick a single or a group of

subjects in a given time interval, conducts his study, analyzes the results then picks another
group of subjects if needed and so on.

Snowball Sampling

It is a non-probability sampling technique that is used by researchers to identify potential

subjects in studies where subjects are hard to locate.

Q11. What is Secondary Data? Explain its limitations?

Ans: SECONDARY DATA

Secondary data is readily available data from public printed sources. It is generally used in
the case of academic research and to certain extent in the case of research. However,
commercial research requires more of printing data as compared to secondary data.
The researcher makes first attempts to obtain information from secondary sources to solve the
problem. However, when secondary data is insufficient and outdated, the researcher resorts to
primary data.

LIMITATIONS OF SECONDARY DATA

PROBLEM OF ACCURACY

The quality of secondary data is affected due to problem of accuracy. One cannot be certain
of the genuineness of data. The records may not be well maintained or organised. Therefore
one must be cautious in using secondary data.

PROBLEM OF RELIABILITY

The secondary data lacks reliability. The data may be outdated; therefore it may not serve the
purpose of the current research work undertaken by the researcher. Some sources provide
unreliable and biased data.

PROBLEM OF ADEQUACY

At times, secondary data will be accurate and reliable, but the data may be insufficient to
solve the current research problem. It may not provide complete data to solve the problem.

LACK OF IN DEPTH INFORMATION

Secondary data may not lack adequacy, but it may not provide in-depth information to solve
the research problem. For instance, commercial research requires in depth knowledge of
consumer behaviour which can be obtained more through in depth questioning of the target
respondents.

PROBLEM OF QUALITY DECISION MAKING

The secondary data may affect the quality of decision making. This is because the data may
be inaccurate, insufficient and unreliable. Therefore the decisions made are purely on the
basis of secondary data would bring poor outcomes. To improve the quality of decisions, one
may require primary data as it is first hand information and more reliable and accurate.

PROBLEM OF SPECIFIC DATA

The secondary data may be more general in nature rather than specific. The researcher needs
specific data to solve specific problems. Therefore, the researcher cannot depend merely on
secondary data, but instead collect specific data to resolve the specific problem.
UNSUITABILITY

The secondary data may not be suitable in certain cases. Secondary data may be of less use
in case of commercial research. To solve business related problems, a researcher may require
more of primary data rather than secondary data.

PROBLEM OF BIASED INFORMATION

There is possibility of bias in secondary data. The researcher has no control over the quality
of secondary data. The secondary data may be badly influenced by the bias of the respondents
and also that of the researcher. The researcher may have casually collected the secondary data
and got it published. Therefore, one should not blindly depend on secondary data.

Q12. Explain different methods of collecting Primary Data?

Ans: METHODS OF COLLECTING PRIMARY DATA: -

SRURVEY/INTERVIEW METHOD

OBSERVATION METHOD

EXPERIMENTAL METHOD

SURVEY/INTERVIEW METHOD:

The survey can be census survey or sample survey. In case of survey, the entire universe is
contacted to collect data.

Under the survey method, the data is collected through interviews. The interviews can be
either personal, telephone or mail survey.

Personal Interview: Its a face to face interaction between interviewer and respondent. The
interviewer might ask questions and respondents answer accordingly. It can be formal or
informal, structured or unstructured, individual or group, general or specific, directive and
non-directive.

Telephone interview: It is a method of conducting interview by telephoning the respondents.

A series of questions are asked on the phone and the answers of respondents are recorded.
Mail survey: It is another method of data collection. A questionnaire is prepared containing a
list of questions to solicit information from selected respondents. This questionnaire is sent
through post or advertised in a newspaper or magazine, explaining the purpose of the
questionnaire and request to complete and return it to the researcher.

OBSERVATION METHOD:

The researcher obtains information of the subjects under study with the help of observation
rather than by the way of interviewing. For instance, a researcher studying customer buying
behaviour at shopping malls, then we would visit the shopping malls and observe the
behaviour of the customers.

EXPERIMENTAL METHOD:

The experimental method is mostly used in the case of scientific research study. With the help
of experimentation, the researcher may like to study the cause-effect relationship between
two or more variables. It can be used in development of a new product.
 B. Introduction to Core Topic

ABOUT STRESS AMONG SCHOOL STUDENT :

Stress is the bodys natural response to challenges. When a student experiences high levels of
stress or chronic stress, regardless of her age or grade, it can interfere with her ability to learn,
memorize, and earn good grades -- as well as lead to poor physical, emotional and mental
health. By learning about common stressors, a parent can help to mitigate negative or chronic
stress in a childs life.

Academic stress involves mental distress regarding anticipated academic challenges or failure
or even an awareness of the possibility of academic failure During the school years, academic
stressors may show in any aspect of the childs environment: home, school, neighbourhood,
or friendship. Kouzma and Kennedy reported that school-related situations such as tests,
grades, studying, self-imposed need to succeed, as well as that induced by others are the
main sources of stress for high school students. The impact of academic stress is also far-
reaching: high levels of academic stress have led to poor outcomes in the areas of exercise,
nutrition, substance use, and self-care. Furthermore academic stress is a risk factor for
psychopathology. For example, fourth, fifth and sixth-grade girls who have higher levels of
academic stress are more likely to experience feelings of depression.

1.1. The Indian Education System

The Indian school education system is textbook-oriented that focuses on rote memorisation of
lessons and demands long hours of systematic study every day. The elaborate study routines
that are expected by high school students span from the morning till late evening hours,
leaving little time for socialisation and recreation.

In India, the school education system is governed by two major categories of educational
boards recognised by the government of India. The first category includes the All-India
Boards, like the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), the CICSE (Council for the
Indian School Certificate Examinations) and the National Open School. The second category
includes the State Level Boards that are authorised to carry on their activities within the states
where they are registered. The education system in India is highly competitive because of a
lack of an adequate number of good institutions to accommodate the ever-expanding
population of children. Hence children face competition at the entry level of pre-primary
education, and thereafter at the end of every year, in the form of examinations that determine
their promotion to the next grade. In classrooms teachers attempt to cover all aspects of a vast
syllabus, often disregarding the comprehension level of students .

Tenth grade terminates with first board examination in which the competition with other
students expands from the school-level to the state and even the national level. Performance
on the 10th grade board examination is important for a number of reasons. It determines, to a
very large extent, whether a student will get to specialize in his/her preferred stream of
education, and whether or not they will be admitted into the institution of his/her choice.
Since the job prospects for students from the science stream is somewhat better than that for
students of humanities and commerce, the popular choice for most of the students and their
guardians is the science stream in Grade 11. The choice made regarding stream of study is
often irrevocable. Unlike the situation in many Western industrialised countries, in India, it is
difficult for a student to switch stream of education after leaving school. This is particularly
the case for students specialising in commerce and humanities. These structural factors
exacerbate the academic stress experienced by senior high school students.

The 12th grade, and high school life, ends with the second board examination. The
performance in the 12thgrade final examination is crucial for getting admission into ones
preferred choice of college or university. The poor ratio of number of available institutions to
the aspirants for college education ensures that the students face tremendous competition in
getting admission to tertiary education. In addition, the majority of senior high school
students who specialise in science undergo further stress as they tend to also sit for entrance
examinations for admission in engineering, medical and other specialized professional
courses. The pressure of preparation for examinations creates a high degree of anxiety in
many students, especially in those who are unable to perform at a level that matches the
potential they have shown in less stressful situations.

ANXIETY AND STRESS IN SCHOOL CHILDREN

Anxiety as a disorder is seen in about 8% of children and adolescents worldwide . There is a

still larger percentage of children and adolescents in whom anxiety goes undiagnosed owing
to the internalized nature of the symptoms. Anxiety has substantial negative effects on
childrens social, emotional and academic success. Depression is becoming the most common
mental health problem suffering college students these days caused by poor social problem-
solving, cognitive distortions and family conflict , as well as with alienation from parents and
peers, helpless attribution style, gender, and perceived criticism from teachers . Mental health
problems among children and adolescents are frequent in India as well.

Psychiatrists have expressed concern at the emergence of education as a serious source of

stress for school-going children - causing high incidence of deaths by suicide. Many
adolescents in India are referred to hospital psychiatric units for school-related distress
exhibiting symptoms of depression, high anxiety, frequent school refusal, phobia, physical
complaints, irritability, weeping spells, and decreased interest in school work. Fear of school
failure is reinforced by both the teachers and the parents, causing children to lose interest in
studies. This is similar to the scenario in the East Asian countries where psychiatrists use the
terms high school senior symptoms or entrance examination symptoms to indicate mental
health problems among students.

The self-worth of students in the Indian society is mostly determined by good academic
performance, and not by vocational and/or other individual qualities. Indian parents report
removing their TV cable connections and vastly cutting down on their own social lives in
order to monitor their childrens homework. Because of academic stress and failure in
examination, every day 6.23 Indian students commit suicide raising questions regarding
the effects of the school system on the wellbeing of young people.

Ganesh and Magdalin found that Indian children from non-disrupted families have higher
academic stress than children from disrupted families. It is likely that the children from
disrupted families get less attention and guidance from their parents regarding academic
matters than do their counterparts in non-disrupted families. This, paradoxically, reduces their
academic stress thus highlighting the negative impact of the parental vigilance and
persuasion on the academic lives of their children.

Given the said background, our purpose was to find out degree of academic stress of 11 th and
12th grade Indian students experiences, as well its association with various psycho-social
factors and its effect on mental health.
CAUSES OF STRESS:

Common causes of stress in children include good things as well as bad things. Some good
stressors including winning an award or getting straight As on your report card. Negative
stressors include going to a new school, death, or illness of someone in the family, divorce,
moving, and even something as simple as taking a test.

Causes of stress in children can have many consequences, so it is helpful to teach your
children how to handle stress. For example, taking a deep breath, talking to a teacher or
family member, think positive and simply relaxing are great ways for kids to handle stress.

COPING UP WITH THE STRESS:

Physical activity

Try physical activity. When you are nervous, angry or upset, release the pressure through
exercise or physical activity. Running, walking, playing tennis or working in your garden, are
just some of the activities you might try. Physical exercise will relieve that "up tight" feeling,
relax you, and turn the frowns into smiles. Remember, your body and your mind work
together.

Talk about it

Share your experience of stress. It helps to talk to someone about your concerns and worries.
Perhaps a friend, family member, teacher or counselor, can help you see your problem in a
different light. If you feel your problem is serious, you might seek professional help from a
psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker. Knowing when to ask for help may help to avoid
more serious problems later.

Know your limits.

If a problem is beyond your control and cannot be changed at the moment, don't fight the
situation. Learn to accept what is for now, until such time when you can change it.

Take care of yourself.

You are special. Get enough rest and eat well. If you are irritable and tense from lack of sleep,
or if you are not eating correctly, you will have less ability to deal with stressful situations. If
stress repeatedly keeps you from sleeping, you should ask your doctor for help.

Make time for fun.

Schedule time for both work and recreation. Play can be just as important to your well-being
as work; you need a break from your daily routine to just relax and have fun.

Participate and get involved.

One way to keep from getting bored, sad, and lonely is to go where it's all happening. Sitting
alone can make you feel frustrated. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, get involved. Offer
your services to a neighborhood or volunteer organizations. Help yourself by helping other
people. Get involved in the world and the people around you, and you will find they will be
attracted to you. You're on your way to making new friends and enjoying new activities.

Check off your tasks.

Trying to take care of everything at once can seem overwhelming, and as a result, you may
not accomplish anything. Instead, make a list of what tasks you have to do and do them one at
a time, checking them off as they're completed. Give priority to the most important ones and
do those first.

Must you always be right?

Do other people upset you - particularly when they don't do things your way? Try cooperation
instead of confrontation; it's better than fighting and always being "right." A little give and
take on both sides will reduce the strain and make you both feel more comfortable.

Emotional release
It's OK to cry. A good cry can be a healthy way to bring relief to your anxiety, and it might
even prevent a headache or other physical consequence. Take some deep breaths; they also
release tension.

Create a quiet scene.

You can't always get away, but you can "dream the impossible dream." A quiet country scene,
painted mentally or on canvas, can take you out of the turmoil of a stressful situation. Change
the scene by reading a good book or playing beautiful music to create a sense of peace and
tranquillity.

Avoid self-medication.

Although you can use drugs to relieve stress temporarily, drugs do not remove the conditions
that caused the stress in the first place. Drugs, in fact, may be habit-forming and create more
stress than they relieve. They should be taken only on the advice of your doctor.

The best strategy for avoiding stress is to learn how to relax. Unfortunately, many people try
to relax at the same pace that they lead the rest of their lives. For a while, tune out your
worries about time, productivity, and "doing it right." You will find satisfaction in just being,
without striving. Find activities that give you pleasure and that are good for your mental and
physical well-being. Forget about always winning and focus on relaxation, enjoyment, and
health. Be good to yourself
SYMPTOMS OF STRESS:

Intellectual symptoms (How stress can affect the Mind)

Memory problems.-
Difficulty making decisions.-
Mood swings, (becoming angry or upset easily and Irritability.).-
Difficulty in concentrating or Short attention span. .-
Feeling alert.-Feeling helpless.-Obsessing about things: For example, your weekly
summaries.
Feeling depressed-Confusion.-Seeing only the negative.-
Repetitive or racing thoughts.
Poor judgment.
Loss of objectivity.
Desire to escape or run away.

Emotional symptoms (How stress can make children feel)

Moody and hypersensitive.

Restlessness and anxiety.
Depression
Anger and resentment.
Easily irritated and on edge.
Sense of being overwhelmed.
Lack of confidence.

Physical symptoms: (How stress can affectthe Body)

Digestive problems.
Muscle tension and pain.
Sleep disturbances.
 Fatigue.-Chest pain, irregular heartbeat.-
High blood pressure.
Weight gain or loss.
Asthma or shortness of breath.
Skin problems.
Tension headache or migraine-irritability
Overeating-loss of appetite-constipation

CHAPTER 2

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

What is Research?
Research comprises "creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the
stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humans, culture and society, and the use of this
stock of knowledge to devise new applications." [1] It is used to establish or confirm facts,
reaffirm the results of previous work, solve new or existing problems, support theorems, or
develop new theories. A research project may also be an expansion on past work in the field.
To test the validity of instruments, procedures, or experiments, research may replicate
elements of prior projects, or the project as a whole. The primary purposes of basic
research (as opposed to applied research) are documentation, discovery, interpretation, or
the research and development (R&D) of methods and systems for the advancement of human
knowledge. Approaches to research depend on epistemologies, which vary considerably both
within and between humanities and sciences. There are several forms of
research: scientific, humanities, artistic, economic, social, business, marketing, practitioner
research, life, technological, etc.

Research Methodology

Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problem. It may be

understood as a science of studying how research is done scientifically. In it we study the
various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying his research problem
along with the logic behind them. It is necessary for the researcher to know not only the
research methods/techniques but also the methodology. Researchers not only need to know
how to develop certain indices or tests, how to calculate the mean, the mode, the median or
the standard deviation or chi-square, how to apply particular research techniques, but they
also need to know which of these methods or techniques, are relevant and which are not, and
what would they mean and indicate and why. Researchers also need to understand the
assumptions underlying various techniques and they need to know the criteria by which they
can decide that certain techniques and procedures will be applicable to certain problems and
others will not. All this means that it is necessary for the researcher to design his
methodology for his problem as the same may differ from problem to problem. For example,
an architect, who designs a building, has to consciously evaluate the basis of his decisions,
i.e., he has to evaluate why and on what basis he selects particular size, number and location
of doors, windows and ventilators, uses particular materials and not others and the like.
Similarly, in research the scientist has to expose the research decisions to evaluation before
they are implemented. He has to specify very clearly and precisely what decisions he selects
and why he selects them so that they can be evaluated by others also. From what has been
stated above, we can say that research methodology has many dimensions and research
methods do constitute a part of the research methodology. The scope of research
methodology is wider than that of research methods. Thus, when we talk of research
methodology we not only talk of the research methods but also consider the logic behind the
methods we use in the context of our research study and explain why we are using a
particular method or technique and why we are not using others so that research results are
capable of being evaluated either by the researcher himself or by others. Why a research
study has been undertaken, how the research problem has been defined, in what way and why
the hypothesis has been formulated, what data have been collected and what particular
method has been adopted, why particular technique of analysing data has been used and a
host of similar other questions are usually answered when we talk of research methodology
concerning a research problem or study.

Methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study.
It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a
branch of knowledge. Typically, it encompasses concepts such as philosophical or theoretical
frameworks, theoretical model, phases and quantitative or qualitative techniques.

A methodology does not set out to provide solutions - it is, therefore, not the same as a
method. Instead, a methodology offers the theoretical underpinning for understanding which
method, set of methods, or best practices can be applied to specific case, for example, to
calculate a specific result.

It has been defined also as follows:

1. "the analysis of the principles of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a

discipline"

2. "the systematic study of methods that are, can be, or have been applied within a
discipline"

3. "the study or description of methods"

TYPES OF RESEARCH

The types of research used in this case study are as follows:-

Applied Research

Qualitative Research

Conclusion-oriented Research

APPLIED RESEARCH

It is a scientific research that is used to solve practical problems rather than just acquiring
knowledge. It is used to find solutions to everyday problems.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

It is important in the behavioural sciences where the main aim is to find out the underlying
motives of human behaviour.

CONCLUSION ORIENTED RESEARCH

A researcher is free to pick up a problem, redesign the enquiry as he proceeds and is prepared
to conceptualize as he wishes.

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

An objective is the core reason on what basis research is carried out.

1. To know the amount of percentage of stress among the children .

2. Which gender has more stress whether boys or girls .
3. How many children goes under depression and commit suicide .
4. To help to improve stress condition among children.
5. What are the reason of stress among children.
6. Causes of stress and how to overcome them

HYPOTHESIS

Hypothesis is a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as

a starting point for further investigation.

1. Majority of children are under stress when they study.

 2. Major reason for stress is among children are parents.
3. Stress level among boys are much high.
4. Students studying in class 10 and 12th increases their stress level by more 75%

DATA SOURCE

PRIMARY DATA

It refers to first hand information which is collected to solve a specific problem. Primary data
is collected by interviewing respondents by building a questionnaire and getting required
response.

SECONDARY DATA

It refers to readily information available data from published or printed sources. It is normally
used in the case of academic research and to a certain extent in case of social research.

SAMPLE SIZE

Sample size determination is the act of choosing the number of observations or replicates to
include in a statistical sample. The sample size is an important feature of any empirical study
in which the goal is to make inferences about a population from a sample. The sample size of
my research is 50.

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The limitations of the study are those characteristics of design or methodology that impacted
or influenced the interpretation of the findings from your research. They are the constraints
on generalizability, applications to practice, and/or utility of findings that are the result of the
ways in which you initially chose to design the study and/or the method used to establish
internal and external validity.
Given the large population of the higher secondary students in Mumbai, the sample size was
relatively small. Therefore, caution should be used when generalising the findings of the
study. Secondly, responses are based on self-report. However, the findings give some idea
about prevalence of the academic stress among higher secondary students in Mumbai and its
association with parental pressure, number of private tutors and examination-related anxiety.
To further validate the findings, another study with a larger sample is recommended. The
present study did not take into account the effect of punishment or threat of punishment in
schools on the mental health of the students keeping in view the recently imposed blanket
ban on corporal punishments in Indian schools, and also the fact that punishments are not
usually deemed necessary in the Higher Secondary classes, as students are seen as mature
enough to follow rules and regulations themselves. However, further investigation is needed
to ascertain if the ban has been implemented effectively, and also to ascertain the impact of
non-corporal punishments such as scolding, suspension or withdrawal of facilities on
students.

1. Research conducted may not be considered as comprehensive as only limited

respondents could be contacted due to time constraints.

2. Some respondents are reluctant to respond to questions.

3. Sample size is very limited because of which conclusions drawn are not accurate and
does not cover the full population.

4. Purpose of the study had to be explained to the respondents because of which

responses may be biased.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:

The mental health of students, especially in terms of academic stress and its impact has
become a serious issue among researchers and policymakers because of increasing incidence
of suicides among students across the globe. The present study revealed that 63.5% of the
higher secondary students in Kolkata experience academic stress. Parental pressure for better
academic performance was found to be mostly responsible for academic stress, as reported by
66.0% of the students. The majority of the parents criticized their children by comparing the
latters performance with that of the best performer in the class. As a result, instead of
friendship, there develops a sense of rivalry among classmates. Some parents even tend to
demean the achievement of the top scorer of the class by stating that he/she might have been
favoured by the teacher .

There are instances of mental health problems in secondary school students (10 th grade final
examination) and senior high school student (12th grade final examination). Pushed by the
parents to be the best in art or music lessons and under pressure to score well in school,
some students cannot cope with the demands anymore and emotionally collapse when the
stress is high. Constantly pushed to perform better in both academic and extra-curricular
activities, some children develop deep rooted nervous disorders in early childhood .

Parents put pressure on their children to succeed because of their concern for the welfare of
their children and their awareness of the competition for getting admission in reputed
institutions. The overall unemployment situation in India has also provoked parents to put
pressure on their children for better performance. Some of the parents wish to fulfil their
unfulfilled dreams through their children. All these have made a normal pursuit for
adolescents [22] leaving them to deal with the demands of the school as well as that of their
tutors. More than half of the parents appoint 3 to 4 private tutors or even more for their
wards. On days when there are no academic tuitions, there are art or music lessons. The
students hardly get time to watch TV, to play or to interact with neighbours freely or even to
get adequate sleep. Naturally such students end up being nervous wrecks when the
examination pressure mounts.

The data revealed that parents with low level of education i.e., non- graduates, pressure their
children more than the parents with graduation and post-graduation background do. In
addition, the childs mothers occupation, number of private tutors and the academic
performance of the students are some of the other factors associated with academic stress.
People from lower and middle class social strata want their children to do well in studies
since this is often the only means to an honourable vocation for them. In a review of studies
from low and middle income countries, Patel and Kleinman confirmed the association
between indicators of poverty and the risk of common mental disorders . Academic anxiety is
found to be the least in case of adolescents from high socio-economic classes which may be
partly attributed to their secured future at least in material aspects. The prevalence of anxiety
disorders tends to decrease with higher socio-economic status . Another study has also
reported that social disadvantage is associated with increased stress among students .

In the present study, examination-related anxiety has been reported by 81.6% of the students,
especially the female students who are coming from Bengali medium schools and are not
proficient in English. The students from the lower socio-economic strata get admitted in
government-sponsored schools and study primarily in the local language since in
government schools in West Bengal, English education is introduced in year 8. Compelled to
learn a foreign language at a late age and then to study all other participants in that ill-
mastered language, the students in these schools face communication and comprehension
problems, which affect their academic performance as well as their self-confidence. This
leads to anxiety causing school avoidance, decreased problem-solving abilities, and lower
academic achievement.

Gender was also found to be significantly associated with examination-related anxiety and
psychiatric caseness. That is, female students experience more examination-related anxiety
and psychiatric caseness than their male counterparts. This confirms previous findings that
adolescent girls report a greater number of worries, more separation anxiety, and higher
levels of generalised anxiety than do boys of the same age. Deb, Chatterjee and Walsh also
found higher anxiety among female students in Bengali Medium schools in India.

It is believed that extra-curricular activities could be one of the mediating factors for
academic stress. More than three-fifths of the students reported to be involved in extra-
curricular activities like games and sports, cultural programmes, National Cadet Corps (NCC)
and National Social Service (NSS) and so on. No significant difference is found between the
academic stress of students who are involved in extra-curricular activities and who are not.
This could be because of either a lack of meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities
or involvement for an insufficient period of time and requires further investigation.

Unfortunately, the magnitude of mental health problems of children and adolescents has not
yet been recognised sufficiently by the policy makers in many countries. Unexplained
headaches, migraine and hypertension are becoming alarmingly common among teenagers
often an outcome of their stressful lives. Even recreational activities like sports, music,
painting or swimming have become as competitive as studies. In the present study,
psychiatric problems are found to present in 32.6% of the participants, which is a serious an
issue of concern for policy makers. A number of previous studies reported psychiatric
illnesses among children. These students require immediate psychiatric attention for
improving their mental health status along with counseling for their parents.

Academic stress is found to be positively correlated with parental pressure and psychiatric
problems. Examination-related anxiety is also observed to be related to psychiatric problems.
It is important to remember that mental constitution or coping capacities vary from one child
to another. Therefore, children with poor coping capacities become more prone to anxiety,
depression and fear of academic failure.

The understanding of a childs development has presently shifted from just a marks-based
assessment to a holistic assessment of students performance in Kolkata schools because of
numerous reported incidents of academic failure among students. Even schools affiliated to
the WBBSE (West Bengal Board of Secondary Education), the State Board in Kolkata, India,
have done away with ranks in report cards. In order to reduce academic stress on students and
parents, since a decision in 2009 by the Human Resource Development Minister, the
Government of India has made the Year 10 board examinations optional. As a result, the
CBSE has made the secondary examinations optional. While this policy has the potential to
take some of the pressure of high school students, the intense competition means that many
students still experience high levels of academic stress.

This study found that 63.5% of the students in the present study are stressed because of
academic pressure. There were no significant differences in academic stress across gender,
age, class, and other factors. Two-thirds of the students reported that their parents pressurize
them for better academic performance. The incidence of reported parental pressure differed
significantly by parental education levels, mothers occupation, number of private tutors, and
academic performance. More than four-fifths of students suffer from examination-related
anxiety, especially female students and those who are not proficient in English. About one-
third (32.6%) of the students are indicative of psychiatric caseness. In this regard, gender and
fathers occupation were significantly associated. Academic stress was found to be positively
correlated with parental pressure and psychiatric problems. Again, examination-related
anxiety was positively related to psychiatric problems which emphasises the need for
psychological intervention. On the basis of the findings of the study, the following steps are
suggested:
 Immediate attention of mental health professionals is required for the students whose scores
on the GHQ are indicative of psychiatric caseness for improving their mental health status.

At school, adolescents should be trained on how to manage stress and anxiety

Knowledge about mental health and academic stress should be promoted among the parents
of the adolescents and taught strategies to help improve the resilience and coping strategies of
their children.

BIBLIOGRAPHY :

www.wikipedia.com

www.scribd.com

www.google.co.in
www.article.sapub.org

www.Livingstrong.com

QUESTIONNAIRE :

NAME: ______________________
GENDER: Male Female

Q1. Which age group are you in? S Agree Agree Neutral Disagree S Disagree
04-15 years
15 18 years

Q2. What is your School Board?

State Board
CBSE Board
ICSE Board
Other

Q3. What Kind of pressure you have more?

Parents
Competition
Willingly
Classes
Q4. When is the pressure more?
During class 10th
During class 12th
Other
Specify: ________________________

Q5. Exams should be there or should not?

Yes
No

Q6. How many Students have more pressure only during exam?

Yes

No

Q7. Should there be reservation system?

Yes
No

Q8.How many of them suffer from stream pressure that is want to take their career as
Science?
YES
NO
Both

Q9. Punishment in schools should be given or not

YES NO

Q10. Is extracurricular activities and projects burden on children?

YES

NO