Research Design and Analysis - Essay Example

Research Design and Analysis Introduction Research methods have become part of every organization around the globe. With an increase in global competition for few resources, people have to find new means through which they can survive and have an upper hand. Through research, they can identify new potential areas to venture into, risks to overcome, and efforts to put in. the questions below give an overview of research methods. 1. Scientific and non scientific inquiry Agassi (2010) discussed the major lines that differentiate scientific inquiry from non scientific inquiry. In his statement, scientific inquiry is a research method that relies on rigorous and independent procedures in its quest to prove logic and objectivity in research. Empirical evidence Scientific inquiry bases its arguments on observations and verifiable experiments while non scientific inquiry relies on theory or pure logic. Presupposes ethical neutrality Scientific inquiry provides independent, adequate and accurate information about a target population. On the contrary, non scientific inquiry is termed as biased because it relies on information obtained from individual imaginations, which may lack proof. 2. Deductive and inductive models of research Inductive model is used in situations where a researcher first collects all data necessary and relevant to the subject of research. Thereafter, the researcher analyses the collected data and looks for patterns. With all the data at hand, a researcher narrows down the observations and formulates a theory. Inductive approach is applicable in qualitative research. On the contrary, in deductive approach, a researcher does the exact opposite of the inductive approach. With an existing theory, a researcher tests for its implication with data. Thereafter, a conclusion is made on whether hypothesis is supported or not. Deductive approach is applicable in quantitative research. 3. Deceiving subjects Researchers are allowed to use deceiving subjects when; Protocol is observed. Researchers can use deceiving subjects in cases where it is justified. This means that such a research cannot be conducted without the use of deception. Participants are made aware of the use of deception in research before conducting a survey on the research subject. 4. Purpose of research Decision making Managers in organizations rely on research information in making reliable decisions on behalf of the stakeholders. For instance, McDonald relies on such research findings when making decisions on whether or not to venture into foreign markets. It makes them aware of the existing competition, global dynamics, cultural preferences, and legal regulations in a particular region. Prediction Research is a backbone of most predictions, especially in the banking industry. Currencies fluctuate, market behaviors change, and trade differs, which makes the banking industry dependant on such data in making projections about future patterns. The meteorological department makes good use of research data in making predictions of future weather patterns. 5. Probability sampling The logic behind probability sampling is that if an individual or subject in a target population has an equal chance of being selected as a sample population, it therefore turns out that those selected thereafter give a true representation of the whole target population. 6. Indexes, scales and typologies An index is a composite measure, which bases its logic upon multiple nominal-level indicators. a scale is a composite measure based on a series of continuous-level indicators. For instance, a researcher may ask respondents to a) Strongly disagree; b) disagree; c) neutral; d) agree; or e) strongly agree. A typology is a nominal-level variable which summarizes two or more variables. For instance, a researcher can create a typology of males like the man’s man; adventurous, drunkard, and coward. 7. Classical experimental design Elements of classical experimental design are as discussed below. A set of hypotheses In cases where the research pinpoints specific terms in hypotheses, the design must be geared towards providing convincing tests to distinguish each hypothesis (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Experimental tests At times, hypotheses lead researchers to different results, which require the use of key features from the acquired results to serve as tests. Measurement strategies Hypotheses tend to go way beyond existing measuring tools. Researchers must be keen when making considerations such that they identify practical strategies and appropriate instruments of carrying out the experiment. Analysis strategies Researchers must put into consideration the analysis approach. For instance, what sample size that can give viable conclusions? The classical experimental design cannot be useful when dealing with casual relationships because a researcher is in total control of all variables. The major use of this design is to isolate effects of experimental variables from its effects, especially in external and construct validity. 8. Survey research Cooper and Schindler (2003) argued that survey research is a self-report study, which requires the collection of quantifiable information from the sample. A comparative analysis of its strengths and weaknesses is discussed below. Cost Survey research conducted online is cost efficient. This is because a researcher has the ability to reach out to many respondents at the same time. On the contrary, it turns out to be an expensive venture when the survey is done face to face. Time When carrying out surveys online, a researcher tends to use little time because respondents find it convenient and thus willing to share information. On the contrary, face to face interactions are time consuming because only a small part of the target population can be surveyed at a time. Response rate Face to face surveys register good response rates because people are willing to share their information with a researcher they can see and talk to. However, online surveys register bad and low response rates because not everyone is willing to cooperate. Reliability In most cases, survey questions are standardized, which makes it a reliable research method. However, this method can prove to be futile if the target group does not have internet connection, if it has to be conducted online. 9. Ethical considerations A researcher must make sure all participants or the subject matter and their rights are protected at all costs, unless in cases where it has been stated otherwise. The sponsor must get the best, ethical, and independent research. Therefore, accuracy should be a point to watch when in the field. Researchers must adhere to the set ethical standards when designing the research. This eliminates any possible chance of careless violation of rules. When designing a research, the researcher must take into consideration of his own safety and that of the whole team. The researcher must ensure that every member in the team adheres to the proposed design. 10. Content analysis Example Two individuals were requested to observe a scientist and take notes about the experience. Individual Y: I noticed that scientists indulge in research to come up with new and improved ideas. Since it requires a lot of efforts, different scientists come together to make it a success. Their collaborations are always informal or formal. Individual X: looking deep into scientists and their discoveries is always a difficult venture. However, I noticed that general observations indicate that scientists collaborate in formal occasions for their ideas to be documented. Individual Y insisted that scientists have to do research in order to come up with discoveries. However, individual X, though acknowledging discoveries, there is little emphasis on research. Manifest and latent coding are used when handling only tangible and observable things like patriotism. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed below. Advantages Manifest and latent coding play a critical role in the analysis of environmental themes in newspaper advertising and media perception on major social issues like religion and family hood. Since all data is recorded, researchers can save on costs required to collect data in the field. Disadvantages The method limits itself to comparison, which may not address everything in a target population. Overreliance on this method weakens user interpretations. In most cases, it is difficult to ascertain validity of the data because it recorded communication. Conclusion From the above discussion, it is evident that research requires keen attention because it gives a true reflection of the present and the future. Organizations should take it seriously and make sure every little indicator is addressed before the worse happens. References Agassi Joseph. (2010). The Logic of Scientific Inquiry. Synthese, 26(3-4), 498-514. Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015). Business research methods. Oxford university press. Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2003). Business Research Methods. New York: Macmillan Publishers. Read More