An Odyssey into Virtual Worlds - Essay Example

Answer 1
The research is based on the S-O-R framework where it is assumed that response is generated when virtual stimuli impact organism experience in the virtual world. The research objective was to show how spatial dynamics influence purchase behavior in the virtual world.

The questionnaires are filled by inhabitants of the virtual world, called Second Life through links posted on various web site or forums of the virtual world. Sun (2009) asserts that mixed methods are more efficient as businesses are complex. But at the same time, it is equally important to understand the basic purpose of the study: whether it is intended to address a particular issue/area for a specific organization; or the research is required to address the problem of the industry in general. The study illustrates the fact that research criteria and methodologies in virtual worlds are also driven by the same research imperatives. The only difference is that validity of research elements could not be ascertained. Though the study lacked a cohesive design that could integrate the abstract concepts with the observable values, the inductive logic and scientific methods proved to be hugely facilitating mechanisms to identify trends and behavioral patterns.

Answer 2
Research problems have to be specific as they help in focusing on the core research need in the chosen area of ​​research. Identifying and understanding research problems also provide one with the implicit and explicit knowledge to integrate requisite theories and evolve effective research epistemology of research. Brainstorming the research topic helps to refine the questions and explore key potential areas of core problems that would help in the research. Most importantly, they help to raise critical aspects of research imperatives that could have a significant impact on academia. Brause (2000: 47) says that 'you do not start by writing your dissertation. You start by identifying a problem '. Hence, recognizing the main problems strongly provides the major thrust in the right direction.

Poor research problems can broadly be defined as ones that do not explore deeply into the research topic and leave a huge gap in the knowledge area. For example, a poor research problem for research on ‘changing trend in tourism industry’ would be: globalization has adversely impacted the tourism industry because tourists are increasingly feeling insecure due to culturally diverse environment and language barrier. On the other hand, a good problem would be to identify innovative tourism package vis-à-vis special interest tourism because, in the era of rapid globalization and technology, the business has become more competitive. The problem addresses the need to evolve new tourism packages as globalization and technology have influenced people’s behavior. People have become more informed and new tourist destinations for a unique experience.