Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques - Assignment Example

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY By Student’s Name Code + Name of Course Professor/Tutor Institution City/State Date Section 1: The questions, which reflect on the quantitative research, seek to reveal generalizable data for a big group of subjects. Nevertheless, with this kind of data, there is no specific reasons, explanations, or examples to research questions. On the other hand, qualitative research seeks to respond to questions regarding context and meaning regarding the environments and people of the study. In such studies, findings are usually not generalizable due to a small and low range of subjects used in research (Robson 1997, p.16). This suggests that both these methods portray strengths and weaknesses and, therefore, they answer different research questions. Therefore, these methods can be complementary when used together, they can employ several critical analysis, and reflective based questions that cover all research methodologies. Gathering of information for these researches may entail the use of data collection instruments in the form of semi-structured questionnaires. For instance, the use of open-ended questions in a scheduled set of issues or in-depth questions that reflect or analyse an experience or issue in fine details, in design. In probing for answers, all these research methodologies should consider the right questions in order to obtainthe useful information, and provide appropriate nonverbal and verbal feedback. Some reflective and critical analysis based question can be developed using six ‘aiding friends’ (Kumar & Promma 2005, p.12). These reflective questions entail what the research is all about and deals with the subject matter or subject of the research. The other question is wherethe research took place. This addresses the geographical area of the research and it includes the size, spread and appropriateness of the study area (Kothari 2004, p. 12). The issue of when addresses the period when the research took place. The questions generated should also answer how the research took place. This entails the methodology. Additionally, the question of why and who is considered in reflection and critical analysis in mixed, qualitative and quantitative researches. In the analysis of questions regarding mixed methods study, one has to ask if the research employs at least a single qualitative and one quantitative method. This should also ask whether the study is referred to as a mixed method. Additionally, in this study, there has to be the establishment of a rationale for the reasons as to why the researcher prefers to combine the methods within one study, as well as the advantages that accrue in the process. Another reflective question researchers need to ask themselves in this study is if the author intends to indicate the kind of method to be presented (Robson 1997, p.19). On the other side, the query of whether the research can establish from reading the visual figure or the rationale depicting the movement of the activities of data collection. Additionally, in these three research methodologies should provide critical or reflective analyses showing if the author has mentioned the urgency given to qualitative or quantitative data as well as the order of their utility in the research. Other questions, which reflect on the research deal with whether the study is feasible, and the information regarding the data to be gathered, time spent, amount of money needed as well as the expertise required. One analysis of the research question has to deal with whether the research questions have been documented for both qualitative and quantitative methods within the study. Another question asked is if the qualitative and quantitative data collection measures have been well identified and if the steps for data analysis are consistent with the kind of a research study being presented (Kumar & Promma 2005, p.19). The analysis of questions in all the research methodologies is different. For the quantitative questions, the analysis seeks to describe, compare, and relate variables. This analysis considers if the variables are closed-ended or narrowed or in theory for. The analyses for qualitative questions seek to explore single phenomena on through open-ended questionnaires. The analyses for the mixed methods questions what one learns by mixing qualitative and quantitative research and what the researchers hope to attain in the process. In writing reflective questions in mixed researches, the researchers have to be methodologically focused. This implies that the level at which the quantitative results differ from the qualitative results has to be established (Robson 1997, p. 22). Section 3 This section has several topics as discussed below: Ethics: Purpose, Process, and Application  In all research studies, ethical review has various functions such as protecting thewell-being and privilegesof the research subjects, the researchers, and research institutions. Ethics is essential in promoting good research and in ensuring that the research complies with the regulatory provisions. In order to ensure that ethics is maintained in research, there are various regulations that monitor ethical conducts in human research. Additionally, there is an ethical code for Australians, which addresses ethical issues in research. The processes of research have to adhere to the Privacy Act of 1988 and on the international regulations. Ethics is applied in research in order to safeguard the originality concept. It is also applicable where there is a need for continuing a former piece of work, started by other people. Research Design Purpose, Process, and Application The research design provides the master plan, which specifies the procedures and methods for collecting and analysing data. The research design entails making rational decision-making choices, which depend on the options available to researchers. It has different elements the purpose of the research, the units of analyses, data processing, the time dimension, observation tools, sampling design, mode of observation, etc. The research process entails several steps. These are: Problem Identification: A problem is specified, justified and a need for studying it is established. Literature Review: sources are located, selected, and then summarized. Purpose of Research: Here the purpose statement is identified, and thereafter narrowed to the hypothesis (Kumar & Promma 2005, p. 29). Data Collection: the study subjects are selected, their consent obtained and information gathered. Data analysis and interpretation: data is organized and explained. Research reporting and evaluation: The report is structured and submitted for peer review. In the Australian state, research aids in problem solving and in innovation. In business organizations, research is important in studying the market share for new commodities and services as well as in gauging efficiency and productivity (Kothari 2004, p. 62). Broad Research Approaches: Mixed Methods, Qualitative, and Qualitative  Qualitative research methods analyse the actions or words of people in descriptive ways or through narratives in order to represent the experiences of the individuals involved (Robson 1997, p. 36). On the other hand, quantitative research takes into account observable elements and converts them into discrete units, which can be relatedto other units of statistical examination. This research focuses on prediction, explanation, and proof. Mixed methods combine qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This research focuses on research questions, which call for real-life understandings of concepts in multi-level perspectives. The research encompasses extensive and rigorous quantitative research techniques in examining frequency and magnitudeof constructs as well as qualitative research in exploring the understanding and meaning of constructs. ; Qualitative Methodologies The four qualitative methodologies include: The grounded theory: Here the researcher produces theory from information that is gathered and then checks onthe information relative to the data. Generating these theories is a progressive process usually of trial and error Action Research: This is a repetitive process leads to a better comprehension of the research happenings. This process has several cycles such as diagnosing, planning, taking action, evaluation, and stipulating learning (Kumar & Promma 2005, p. 28). Ethnography: this entails several approachesbeing used to acquire a holisticpicture of a particular group. Casestudy: This study seeks to illuminate a set of decisions i.e. why thedecisions were taken and the time for their implementation, as well as a result. Data Collection Methods and their link to Methodologies  Census: this method is used in obtaining data from each member of a given population. The method is appropriate for qualitative studies. Sample survey: This method obtains qualitative data from a population’s subsetin order to approximate the attributes of a population. Experiment: This method is essential in qualitative research in order to understand cause and effect associations. Observational study: This methodology occurs just like experiments in establishing causeandeffect relationships. Nevertheless, the researcher cannot control the reaction of the subjects (Kothari 2004, p. 74). Analysis: Mixed Methods, Qualitative and Quantitative In the analyses of data for mixed methods, qualitative and quantitative research, the researchers transmit the proof of the research question, write conclusions regarding the questions, and recognize the study’s limitations. Triangulation: purpose, process, and application: Triangulation is a technique employed by qualitative researchers to confirm and establish the validity within their studies by examining the research question from different perspectives (Robson 1997, p. 48). The process of data triangulation involves the collection of experiences from different subjects in a prescribed environment, from distinct stages in the actions of the research setting or at different sites. The process also entails crosschecking the consistency of given factual data pieces from different sources. The process assists in uncovering the deviant dimensions of a given phenomenon (Kumar & Promma 2005, p. 37). Validity and reliability: These aretools of positivist epistemology. They are used in giving checks and balances usually for quantitative techniques. They are usually concerned with the adequacy, efficiency, accountability, and suitability. Hypothesis testing: theory, process, and working it into mixed methods  In mixed methods, hypothesis testing is an assertion, which mentions the association between concepts. The process entails making tentative and intelligent guesses as solutions to the problem (Kothari 2004, p. 86). In mixed research, hypotheses direct later research actions in the determination of the methods applied. Reference List Kothari, C 2004, Research methodology: methods and techniques, New Age International, USA Kumar, S & Promma, P 2005, Research methodology, Springer, USA Robson, C 1997, Real world research, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK Read More