Unit Test – Research
Methodology and Funding
Agencies
Course: Research Methodology in Forensic Science
Level: [Link]. Forensic Science (Second Year)
Total Marks: 15
Time Allowed: 45 minutes
Date: ___________
Instructions to Candidates
• Answer all questions.
• Each question carries marks as indicated in brackets.
• Write legibly and maintain proper formatting.
• Use of unfair means is strictly prohibited.
Section A: Short Answer Questions (5 × 2 =
10 Marks)
Answer any FIVE of the following questions. Each question
carries 2 marks.
Q1. Define research and explain its purpose in scientific disciplines. (2
marks)
Q2. Differentiate between null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis
with suitable examples. (2 marks)
Q3. List and briefly describe any four characteristics of good
research. (2 marks)
Q4. What is the Survey method of research? Mention two advantages
of this method. (2 marks)
Q5. Explain the role of DFSS (Directorate of Forensic Science Services)
in promoting research and development in forensic science in India.
(2 marks)
Q6. What is meant by formulation of research objectives? Why is it
important in the research process? (2 marks)
Q7. Distinguish between experimental method and comparative
method of research. (2 marks)
Section B: Long Answer Questions (1 × 5 = 5
Marks)
Answer the following question.
Q8. Write a detailed note on the funding agencies aiding research in
India. Discuss the specific roles of any THREE of the following
agencies in supporting scientific research:
• Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
• University Grants Commission (UGC)
(5 marks)
OR (Alternative Question for Q8)
Q8 (Alternative). Describe the complete process of research from
problem identification to conclusion. Explain the importance of
research plan and its key components in conducting scientific
research. (5 marks)
End of Question Paper
Marking Scheme and Model Answers
Section A – Model Answers (2 marks each)
Q1. Define research and explain its purpose in scientific
disciplines.
Model Answer:
Research is a systematic and scientific inquiry aimed at discovering
new knowledge, verifying existing knowledge, or solving specific
problems through structured investigation.
The purpose of research in scientific disciplines includes:
• To expand the existing body of knowledge
• To solve practical problems and improve applications
• To test theories and hypotheses
• To develop new methodologies and techniques
Marking: Definition (1 mark) + Purpose explanation (1 mark)
Q2. Differentiate between null hypothesis and alternative
hypothesis with suitable examples.
Model Answer:
Null Hypothesis (H₀) Alternative Hypothesis (H₁)
States no significant States there is a significant
difference or effect difference or effect
Assumes status quo Challenges the status quo
Example: There is no Example: There is a significant
difference in fingerprint difference in
ridge density between males fingerprint ridge density between
and females males and females
Marking: Definition of both (1 mark) + Examples (1 mark)
Q3. List and briefly describe any four characteristics of good
research.
Model Answer:
Four characteristics of good research are:
1. Systematic: Research follows a structured and organized
approach with logical sequencing of steps.
2. Objective: Research is unbiased and based on facts rather than
personal opinions or prejudices.
3. Replicable: The research methodology should allow other
researchers to repeat the study and verify results.
4. Valid and Reliable: Research should measure what it intends to
measure (validity) and produce consistent results (reliability).
Marking: Any 4 characteristics with brief description (0.5 × 4 = 2
marks)
Q4. What is the Survey method of research? Mention two
advantages of this method.
Model Answer:
The Survey method is a research technique that involves collecting
data from a sample of individuals through questionnaires,
interviews, or structured observations to gather information about
opinions, behaviors, or characteristics of a population.
Advantages:
• Large sample coverage: Surveys can collect data from a large
number of respondents in a relatively short time.
• Cost-effective: Compared to experimental methods, surveys are
economical and efficient for gathering descriptive information.
• Quantifiable data: Surveys provide standardized data that can
be easily analyzed statistically.
Marking: Definition (1 mark) + Any 2 advantages (0.5 × 2 = 1 mark)
Q5. Explain the role of DFSS (Directorate of Forensic Science
Services) in promoting research and development in forensic
science in India.
Model Answer:
The Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) under the
Ministry of Home Affairs plays a crucial role in promoting R&D in
forensic science in India:
• Coordinates and monitors the functioning of Central Forensic
Science Laboratories (CFSLs) across India
• Facilitates research projects and modernization of forensic
laboratories
• Promotes development of new forensic techniques and
validation of existing methods
• Provides technical guidance and quality assurance to forensic
institutions
• Supports training programs and capacity building for forensic
personnel
Marking: Role explanation with relevant points (2 marks)
Q6. What is meant by formulation of research objectives? Why is
it important in the research process?
Model Answer:
Formulation of research objectives refers to the process of clearly
defining specific, measurable goals that the research aims to achieve.
Objectives are precise statements that outline what the researcher
intends to accomplish.
Importance:
• Provides clear direction and focus to the research study
• Helps in designing appropriate methodology
• Serves as criteria for evaluating research outcomes
• Prevents deviation from the main research problem
Marking: Definition (1 mark) + Importance (1 mark)
Q7. Distinguish between experimental method and comparative
method of research.
Model Answer:
Experimental Method Comparative Method
Involves manipulation of Involves comparison of two or
variables under more groups
or phenomena without
controlled conditions
manipulation
Establishes cause-and-effect Identifies similarities and
relationships differences
Uses experimental and control Compares existing conditions or
groups characteristics
Example: Testing effect of Example: Comparing forensic
temperature on practices
blood spatter pattern between different countries
Marking: Clear distinction with key points (2 marks)
Section B – Model Answer (5 marks)
Q8. Write a detailed note on the funding agencies aiding research
in India. Discuss the specific roles of any THREE agencies.
Model Answer:
Research in India is supported by various governmental funding
agencies that provide financial assistance, infrastructure, and
resources for scientific investigation. These agencies play a vital role
in promoting innovation and advancing knowledge across disciplines.
Three Major Funding Agencies:
1. Department of Science and Technology (DST)
The DST is the primary agency for promoting science and technology
research in India.
• Provides funding for fundamental and applied research across
all scientific disciplines
• Supports innovation through schemes like SERB (Science and
Engineering Research Board)
• Promotes international collaboration and technology
development
• Funds infrastructure development in research institutions
2. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
CSIR is one of the largest R&D organizations globally with a network
of 37 national laboratories.
• Conducts research in diverse fields including chemistry, biology,
engineering, and forensic science
• Provides fellowships (JRF, SRF) for pursuing research degrees
• Promotes industry-academia collaboration
• Focuses on translational research and technology transfer
3. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
ICMR is the apex body for biomedical research in India.
• Funds research in medical and health sciences
• Supports epidemiological studies and clinical trials
• Provides research grants and fellowships for young researchers
• Establishes research priorities for public health challenges
Additional Context:
Other important agencies include DBT (Department of Biotechnology)
for biotechnology research and UGC (University Grants Commission)
for university-based research. In forensic science specifically, DFSS
and BPR&D (Bureau of Police Research and Development) provide
specialized support for developing forensic techniques, modernizing
laboratories, and training forensic personnel.
Marking Breakdown:
• Introduction to funding agencies (1 mark)
• Detailed role of first agency (1 mark)
• Detailed role of second agency (1 mark)
• Detailed role of third agency (1 mark)
• Overall presentation and additional context (1 mark)
Q8 (Alternative). Describe the complete process of research from
problem identification to conclusion. Explain the importance of
research plan and its key components.
Model Answer:
The Research Process:
The research process is a systematic series of steps that guides
scientific investigation:
1. Identification of Research Problem: Recognizing a gap in
knowledge or a practical issue requiring investigation
2. Literature Review: Studying existing research to understand
what is already known and identify research gaps
3. Formulation of Objectives: Defining clear, specific goals the
research aims to achieve
4. Formulation of Hypotheses: Developing testable statements
predicting relationships between variables
5. Research Design: Planning the methodology, selecting
appropriate research methods
6. Data Collection: Gathering information through surveys,
experiments, observations, or other methods
7. Data Analysis: Processing and interpreting collected data using
statistical or qualitative techniques
8. Drawing Conclusions: Interpreting results in context of
objectives and hypotheses
9. Reporting and Dissemination: Communicating findings
through publications, presentations, or reports
Importance of Research Plan:
A research plan (or research design) is crucial because it:
• Provides a blueprint for conducting the study systematically
• Ensures efficient use of time and resources
• Minimizes errors and biases in data collection
• Enhances validity and reliability of results
• Facilitates replication by other researchers
Key Components of Research Plan:
1. Research Objectives and Hypotheses: Clear statement of what
the study aims to achieve
2. Research Methodology: Description of research approach
(quantitative/qualitative, experimental/descriptive)
3. Sampling Design: Definition of population, sample size, and
sampling technique
4. Data Collection Methods: Specification of tools and techniques
for gathering data
5. Data Analysis Plan: Statistical or analytical methods to be used
6. Timeline: Schedule for completing different phases of research
7. Budget and Resources: Estimation of financial and material
requirements
8. Ethical Considerations: Plans for ensuring ethical conduct and
participant protection
Marking Breakdown:
• Research process steps (2 marks)
• Importance of research plan (1 mark)
• Key components of research plan (2 marks)
Total Marks Distribution Summary:
Section Questions Marks
Section A (Short Answer) 5 questions × 2 marks 10
Section B (Long Answer) 1 question × 5 marks 5
Total 15