Detailed Analysis of Research Methods - Coursework Example

1. Theoretical Perspectives on Research Methodology Introduction: Social science has been found to possess a significant relation with the theories of international relations (IR) that has been reflected in the studies of Dunne, Kurki & Smith. Their studies reveal that social science has major participation in the development of the IR theories to become an essential part of the academic context (Dunne, Kurki & Smith, 2007, pp.13-14). The philosophies of research are hence counted and added as an important part of this study. Research Methodology and its Perspectives in the Context of International Relations: The philosophy of positivism has been found to have a significant effect on how researchers frame their studies on a particular subject like international relations, and thus form an appropriate problem statement and find solutions as part of the research work. The studies of these authors have stressed the involvement of scientific aspects introduced in the understanding of social sciences about the arguments associated with international relations (Dunne, Kurki & Smith, 2007, p.15). Business research deals with research studies being associated with the world of business and management in reality. The theories of social sciences are also related to business research methodologies to a large extent. The methods developed in the research studies reflect the relationship that social scientists make use of such methods in deriving the relationships between the realities of the social aspects and how they might be realized. The role of the researcher is highly significant in this context. Some of the theories being used include the grand theories or middle-range theories where at times the theories might provide limited research opportunities, in other cases being more elaborate and informative. The relevance of data is essential when hypotheses are formulated for researches. The relations between the theory and research can be derived from the deductive theory and the implications are obtained through the induction theory. The positivist theory if research encompasses both the deductive and inductive aspects of research. In contrast to this is the interpretivism theory. Other theories include realism, objectivism and other relative measures (Bryman & Bell, 2007, pp. 4-23). The research process of political science has a major significance in the understanding of international relations that has been reflected through the studies of McNabb. He focused on the different purposes based on which a research study is conducted including the exploration, description, and explanation of the concerned topic. The study of political sciences involves the research topics associated with social sciences that reflect their focus on the understanding of international relations. The possibilities of extensive research in the field are obtained from the availability of journals created through the studies of several researchers. Such researchers obtain solutions for questions about national and international politics and the relations thereof (McNabb, 2010, pp.3-9). Conclusion: Thus the theories about research methods reflect the understanding of international relations concerning social and political theories as presented through the studies of several earlier researchers and providing with future opportunities for study. 2. Politics and Ethics Introduction: Society and culture reflecting the politics and ethics of a nation might also be researched with the proper application of research methods. Approaches like the toolbox approach are suggested as appropriate for researches dedicated towards the understanding of the relation of social sciences and politics and ethics (Seale, 2004, p.1). Politics and Ethics, and Research: Seale through his studies focused on the understanding of the political and ethical repercussions of selecting appropriate choices of research methods to conduct research and learn about international relations. In this respect, the philosophical understanding of different issues provides value to the research methodology in the desired outcomes of social and political sciences reflecting international relations. According to different researchers, objective results could be obtained if the social, political and philosophical studies could be conducted scientifically. Values and objectivity are highly associated and significant in such research methods. Objective knowledge thus plays an important role in providing the theoretical processes and systems in the research process dealing with politics and ethics and international relations (Seale, 2004, pp.2-17). Robson presented his studies that focus on the research conducted on the real world and their significance in the context of social and political sciences and international relations. It can be realized that control according to the wishes of the social researchers is always not possible in the real world even if they are ethical in their manners. Accordingly fixed and flexible research designs are formulated to focus on the research of the real world. Qualitative research designs are given utmost significance regarding such researches. They are flexible. However, the quantitative research techniques are also given importance depending on the nature of the study, in case quantitative data provides greater relevance to the research. Robson also stressed the fact that such researches require evaluation as well for their effective implementation. Thus research approaches are prepared in a way such that they might be utilized for different researches about the social, political, philosophical and ethical concerns of the real world and the understanding of international relations (Robson, 2002, pp.3-9). It is significant to be understood in this context that a qualitative or quantitative research method needs to be decided depending on the nature of the research and the results that the researcher desires to obtain. Qualitative researches tend to avoid the usage of quantitative data and make use of available information for analysis and present a qualitative and descriptive view of the research conducted. The choice of the method is thus very important and it is the responsibility of the researcher to select the best research method and technique based on the needs of the research (Silverman, 2009, pp.8-10). Conclusion: Thus the above study reflects the fact appropriate research approach, method and technique used in the research process can be used to produce desired results for research and determine the political and ethical aspects as well regarding researches on international relations. 3. Surveys and Questionnaires Introduction: Two of the common methods used when research methods are conducted include the surveys and the use of questionnaires. A survey involves the collection of data and required information from the target market for which the research is being conducted. Such surveys enable the researcher to reach certain conclusions on the study and thus take significant decisions concerning the benefit of the study’s concern. Such surveys are often performed through the use of questionnaires that contain the different questions needed to be asked to the candidate and the responses obtained constitute the data for the study (Leong & Austin, 2006, p.114). Surveys and Questionnaires: Research Perspectives: Research conducted through surveys and questionnaires is mainly regarded as quantitative since the research lacks the descriptive nature of findings and analysis. Since the study and the corresponding results are not descriptive, it is considered that such surveys provide more accurate results for the concerned research. Also, the data collected through a survey method can be analyzed with the use of several data analysis and statistical methods that provide greater meaning to the study (Vaus, 2002, p.5). As Bryman and Bell reflect through their study, the survey research gathers information for the research and it is capable of collecting information from more than one individual at a single point of time thus being able to collect several responses enhancing the accuracy of the research and its prospects. The questionnaires are a simple yet significant tool that a researcher can make use of in this context. If prepared in the easy terms, the questionnaire also proves to be an easy and comfortable way for the respondents to provide the researcher with their views and opinions as per the questions asked to them (Bryman & Bell, 2007, p.56). The structure of the questionnaire prepared may be either in a structured format or may also be unstructured. A structured format provides the respondents with closed options where each question of the questionnaire has certain options along with it from where the respondent has to choose one according to his preference. Thus the respondent does not have the opportunity to provide with more of his views than just selecting the response. An unstructured or open questionnaire does not provide the respondent with any options; rather the question is placed in front of him and he has the freedom to give his opinion in the manner he wishes to. This form of a questionnaire collects more of a subjective response than a closed questionnaire. The questions in a questionnaire can be designed inflow such that one question would lead to the other motivating the respondent to be more interested in answering the questions (Seale, 2004, pp.171-172). Conclusion: The study on surveys and questionnaires reflect that these are significant methods of conducting quantitative research methods. Surveys using the questionnaire instruments enable the researcher to gather more meaningful and objective information on which his studies might rely to come out with constructive and significant results. 4. Quantitative Data Analysis: Introduction: Quantitative research makes use of numbers and the analyses on those findings are conducted with the use of statistical tools. Numerical measurements are the key factor in the analysis of quantitative data. Since this method uses quantitative data which is not subjective, utmost care is taken by the researcher while designing the sample and the methods to be used in the study (Thomas, 2003, p.2). Quantitative Data Analysis: As Blaikie mentioned in his studies, quantitative data analysis is the primary requirement of social scientists. A quantitative data analysis proves to be useful for a social researcher when he intends to address and solve a research problem concerning society as a whole. Social research is capable of addressing social issues, even to international relations, and it is this context that quantitative measures are needful for the researcher. Data is generally referred to all the information that is collected for a study and analysis. They provide information on some social issues for the preference, views, and opinions of society. Quantitative research thus transforms the social aspects into numerical figures and determines a conclusive nature of its understanding (Blaikie, 2003, pp.3-22). According to Seale’s studies, social researchers have several methods available to collect quantitative data and perform analytical studies on them. According to him, social researchers have a major participation in the analysis of several social issues through their surveys and quantitative analyses that also reflected in international relations. For this purpose, the selection of samples is an essential factor since the entire study depends on the results obtained from the analysis of the sample of data collected. A sample is generally chosen since a researcher alone can't gather information from an entire population and conduct surveys or data analysis on them. Thus a small sample acts as a representative of the population. When quantitative research is in concern, the primary methods of data collection used by the researcher generally involve questionnaires, interviews and other survey methods that collect the data on which further analysis with the use of statistical measures is conducted by the researcher (Seale, 2004, p.59). Bryman and Bell’s points of view on management of time and resources are an essential factor in this context since quantitative data collection and analysis involves a lot of time and resources that might lead to difficulties for the researcher. Thus a proper research design would help the researcher and the quantitative data analysis to be significantly successful. This might mean avoiding such questions or issues that are not relevant to the study or the purpose, and other such factors (Bryman & Bell, 2007, p.79). Conclusion: Quantitative data analysis primarily involves the analysis of data that can be measured in terms of numbers. Such analyses with social researches are more significant since they produce effective and more accurate results. Several statistical measures are involved in the process making the process highly dependable and precise helping the social researchers as well as in the study of international relations. 5. Ethnography Introduction: One of the several methods being applied in the process of social research is the ethnography. The process of ethnography is primarily associated with the study on the lives and lifestyles of individuals as part of social research. Thus ethnographers participate in the research method by observing and studying the lives of several individuals, by communicating to them, understanding their choices, preferences, and beliefs, and providing all the collected data for research analysis (Hammersley & Atkinson, 2007, pp.1-3). Ethnography and Social Research: The ethnographers initiate their researches after they define a problem or determine a subject that they are interested to study and make an analysis on. It is the research problem that the ethnographers tend to follow throughout their study. Based on the interest or the topic of concern, the research design is planned by the ethnographers and further requirements of the process including the financial requirements or other tools for the study are determined and arrangements made accordingly. The research process is either in a basic form or applied depending on the researcher’s understanding of the topic and its needs. Also, the approach of the research may be determined accordingly that might either be ethnographic, survey, or even experiments might be conducted. The ethnographers focus on the studies of social organizations and the cultural values of a society. The design of the study is planned in a manner such that the crucial requirements of the study are combined with the nature of the problem determining the solutions to the broad research study (Fetterman, 2010, pp.3-8). Over the years the process of ethnography has developed and the researchers are now more concerned with the difference that lies between ethnography being a process on one hand, and a product on the other hand. In the present times, the research approach is more accepted as part of the social research that also affects the understanding of international relations (Wolcott, 1999, p.41). The most essential part of ethnographic research is their fieldwork where the ethnographers focus on observing the individuals, communicating to them directly asking them questions and collecting their opinions and views for research and further analysis. The ethnographer takes his time to make a detailed basic study concerning the concerned topic and then initiates his fieldwork. The studies are based on the formulation of hypotheses that are later tested for truth or significance. Observation plays a key role in ethnographic research work. Once enough data gets collected, the researcher completes his fieldwork and starts his analysis part to come to constructive conclusions (Fetterman, 2010, pp.8-9). Conclusion: Ethnography is a developing research approach that makes use of the surveys and observation methods for detailed study and analysis of the lives and lifestyles of individuals. Such studies reflect the societal choice, preferences, and values and determine their effect on international relations as well. Fieldwork is the primary source of providing the researcher with the needed information and observations on individuals and accordingly, further analysis is conducted to bring significant conclusions to the concerned study. 6. Qualitative Research Methods Introduction: Qualitative research methods are a type of research method used by social scientists in their researches on social issues that also include the studies conducted on international relations. Qualitative research that includes a subjective aspect of the research study is now involved in the studies of sociology, anthropology, psychology as well as in the fields of business and management. The nature of the study being descriptive, qualitative research provides the researcher with broad aspects of the concerned topic in comparison to quantitative research that is more objective in nature and provides with lesser variation than qualitative researches (Holloway, 1997, p.xv). Qualitative Research Methods: Qualitative research methods are applied by scientists, naturalists, fieldworkers, journalists, social workers, artists as well as other performers in any other field, as mentioned in the studies of Denzin and Lincoln. According to their studies, qualitative research does not follow any particular theory of its own; rather, several theories and combinations are used by the method to follow its research approaches. There are multiple and varied measures of qualitative researches since they follow the subjective nature of the study (Denzin & Lincoln, 2011, pp.5-6). Thus the collection of data may be based on several innovative measures as well. For instance, the secondary sources may be used for the research that includes the studies of earlier researches thus providing the current research with information and knowledge to form further advanced opinions. Moreover, surveys having open questions for the respondents might also prove to provide the researcher with subjective opinions and hence subjective or qualitative analysis for his study. Qualitative methods do not make use of the statistical measures and do not involve the quantification of any numerical figures, thus making the process easier and comfortable for the researcher to handle. Although the chances of the results being accurate are less in qualitative researches in comparison to quantitative research methods, yet the methods if properly followed and conducted based on authentic sources, then they might prove to be effective and significant for research and analysis on particular social issues including the studies on international relations. The design of the qualitative research method may be chosen and planned depending on the nature of the study and the requirements of the research. This is generally the function and responsibility of the researcher to decide on the appropriate method (Silverman, 2009, pp.8-9). Conclusion: The qualitative research methods in comparison to the quantitative techniques are easier and comfortable to be used since they do not involve the statistical and numerical measures. Moreover, the nature of the method being subjective, it provides with the broad aspects of the study and determines the varied and detailed reflections being available leading to further consequences needed to be taken into consideration. Since the level of accuracy of the method is lesser in comparison to quantitative research methods, the research approaches and techniques need to be properly designed and carefully followed selecting the authentic sources of study. References 1) Blaikie, N.W.H. (2003), Analyzing quantitative data: from description to explanation, London: SAGE 2) Bryman, A. & E. Bell (2007), Business research methods, Oxford: Oxford University Press 3) Denzin, N.K. & Y.S. Lincoln (2011), The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research, London: SAGE 4) Dunne, T., Kurki, M. & S. Smith (2007), International relations theories: discipline and diversity, Oxford: Oxford University Press 5) Fetterman, D.M. (2010), Ethnography: step-by-step, London: SAGE 6) Hammersley, M. & P. Atkinson (2007), Ethnography: principles in practice, United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis 7) Holloway, I. (1997), Basic concepts for qualitative research, New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell 8) Leong, F.T.L. & J.T. Austin (2006), The psychology research handbook: a guide for graduate students and research assistants, London: SAGE 9) McNabb, D.E. (2010), Research methods for political science: quantitative and qualitative approaches, New York: M.E.Sharpe 10) Robson, C. (2002), Real world research: a resource for social scientists and practitioner-researchers, New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell 11) Seale, C. (2004), Researching society and culture, London: SAGE 12) Seale, C. (2004), Social Research Methods, London: Routledge 13) Silverman, D. (2009), Doing Qualitative Research, London: SAGE Publications Ltd 14) Thomas, R.M. (2003), Blending qualitative & quantitative research methods in theses and dissertations, California: Corwin Press 15) Vaus, D.A.D. (2002), Surveys in social research, London: Routledge 16) Wolcott, H.F. (1999), Ethnography: a way of seeing, Maryland: Rowman Altamira Read More