Positivist and Post-Positivist Philosophies - Essay Example

S.A.Ferozie Order No 161337 Give 2 examples each of research methods associated with positivist and post-positivist research philosophies, justify your choices A. Examples of positivist research methods are: Descriptive Research Experimental Research The justification lies in Internal and External Reliability of Content and Validity through Random and Deliberate Sampling of data. Examples of post positivist research methods are: Naturalistic Inquiry Narrative Inquiry Here the justification is based on Trustworthiness, as the result is credible, confirmable, dependable and transferable. It is further authenticated by fairness and Ontological descriptions. 2 Give four characteristics of positivist research, using examples to illustrate your answer A. The four essential characteristics of positivist research are: Assumption of multiple realities. Example: Sales in busy and lean seasons. Data is in rich form. Example: Data of a variety of Items sent to different clients. The researcher is immersed and involved in the data collection process and the data collection is highly interactive. Example: Sales Data collected from all company outlets involving users over wide geographical locations. Data collection methods are evolutionary and are flexible. Example: Data collected through integrated ERP Solution. 3 Critique the use of positivism as a research philosophy in business and management research A. In Business and Management researches, the numerical approach to analysis is based on Positivism. However unless this is qualified by qualitative means (post positivism), the numbers alone can often be misleading. For instance Sales or Productivity figures of a particular time period are of little value unless they are further divided into sales of individual items and production of each item is distinguished with prices and costs for each treated separately. 4 Why is research philosophy important for business and management researchers? Use concepts drawn from the module to explain your answer. A. Despite criticism, relevance of research philosophy for business and management cannot be denied, as this is the most valuable tool to evaluate performances against set targets and goals. For any business to succeed and for any management to be in control, use of both qualitative (positivist) and qualitative (post-positivist) concepts is unavoidable. Both Methods and Methodology are applied to predict various business metrics and this would not be possible without use of this philosophy in business. 5 Define “research”. Using the definition and some examples explain why research is important to management A. Research is a systematic inquiry reported in form of Analysis and Predictions. Quantitative and Qualitative research are strategies. Method refers to the research tactics used in the conduct of a research effort. Together they validate the data and bring forth true fact about this profit. For example the success or failure of any business is usually judged by the bottom line. But profit alone is unable to display the health of a business. In the absence of research these numbers will hide the ailments Thisis the real value that managements look for. 6 Give the five tenets of post-positivist research A. The five tenets or rules of post positivism are: Culture and Differences Language and Meanings Individual constraints and Possibilities Power and Politics Subjectivity and Objectivity 7 Explain the ontological differences between phenomenology and discourse theory A. Phenomenology is a philosophical method under which all realities, occurrences or events are treated as pure phenomena and this is the only absolute data from which one can base all laws. The Discourse theory in contrast believes that all objects and actions are meaningful, however the perception of meaningfulness is not constant and is multi-dimensional as a result research may take diametrically opposite directions. Ontology is a precise description of a concept and therefore the Ontological difference between the two is single objectivity versus multiple possibilities. 8 Explain the relation between ontology, methodology and method in research A. Methodology refers to the strategies researchers follow in gaining knowledge. Quantitative and Qualitative research strategies are examples of Methodologies. Method refers to the research tactics used in the conduct of a research effort. Examples include drawing samples, conducting questionnaire surveys, engaging, and participating in observations. Since Ontology is the precise description of a concept, it lends names to these Methodologies and Methods. In other words it describes them both. 9 Describe three instances in which research ethics are important to consider in any research project A. It is natural in any research project to intentionally look for relevant material for the subject under research. During this endeavor there arises a need to quote the content to add depth or meaning to the effort. However it is important to observe the ethics of such quotations to avoid plagiarism or copyright infringement, as the case may be. Both are punishable acts under law as well as abhorred at all levels. Obtaining Consent Maintaining Confidentiality Quoting in Context 10 Can philosophy be ignored in research? Justify your answer A. Philosophies, or more accurately Philosophical Theories, offer a structured approach to finding answers on all events that keep occurring around us all the time. Whether in Business environment, Social, or any other, answers are needed to understand, comprehend or evaluate in order to improve results, achieve better status or achieve accurate awareness. All enquiry leads to research and focused research is based on methodology and methods that are derivatives or elements of philosophy. When research is structured in this manner, the results are more accurate and closer to truth. Therefore ignoring philosophy will make research less productive and unreliable. 11 Describe three ways in which the research objectives impact on how research is executed A. The Objective or Goal actually determines the direction and process of research. The direct impact of an objective on research executions are: Selection of the Methodology of the research. Selection of the Method to be adopted for research Decisions on ethical issues involved. 12 Briefly describe, and justify, three situations where it would be appropriate for a researcher to disguise the purpose of their research A. It will be appropriate, and yet ethical, for a researcher to hide his purpose where; The information gathered will benefit the community and participants are reluctant of any encroachment on their personal privacy. Example: Aids research The information will lead to rethinking of the result as the participant is hiding facts due to fear of social stigma. Example: Patient with abuse history. Establishment of truth will change perception of human beliefs. Example: Religious research. 13 Give four reasons why a research question might be worthwhile A. Research questions are worthwhile for many reasons but the most important are They allow discovery of patterns based on perception or insight. They determine credibility They lead to formulation of laws based on recurring events. They dissolve theoretical stalemates and lead to Decision-making. References: 1 Frank Crossan, Research Philosophy: Towards and understanding (www.redorbit.com/modules/news/tools.php 2 Straub, Detmar, David Gefen, and Marie-Claude Boudreau (2004). "The ISWorld Quantitative, Positivist Research Methods Website," (Ed) Dennis Galletta, http://www.dstraub.cis.gsu.edu:88/quant/. Last updated: January 7, 2005." Read More