Deciding on the research approach and strategy

Lecture - 4

LECTURE’S OUTLINE

» The research ‘onion’» Understanding the research philosophy » Research Approaches» The Process of Research Design

» Group Activity: » SPSS Assignment

The research ‘onion’Figure 4.1 The research ‘onion’

Understanding your research philosophy (1)

‘Research philosophy is an over-arching term relating to the development of knowledge and the nature of that knowledge’

Adapted from Saunders et al, (2009)

» relates to the development of knowledge and the nature of that knowledge

» contains important assumptions about the way in which you view the world

Research philosophy

» Positivism - the stance of the natural scientist ending at law-like generalizations

» Emphasising highly structured methodology to facilitate replication (Gill and Johnson, 1997), quantifiable observation lending themselves to statistical analysis”

» Assuming researcher as independent: i.e. neither affects nor is affected by the subject of the research’

Understanding the research philosophy

» Interpretivism - researchers as ‘social actors’ emphasize ‘ the details of the situation to understand the reality

e.g. In this ever changing world circumstances of today may not apply in three months time then some of the value of generalizability would be lost

» Arguing that rich insights into this complex world are lost if such complexity is reduced entirely to a series of law like generalizations

Understanding the research philosophy

» Realism - direct and critical realism, i.e. Reality exist that is independent of human thoughts and beliefs

» Recognizing the importance of understanding people’s socially constructed interpretations within the context of broader social forces

* Example: Does window shopping fulfill dreams or increase frustration?

Understanding the research philosophy

The two main research approaches are

Deduction - theory and hypothesis are developed and tested

Induction – data are collected and a theory developed from the data

analysis

Research Approaches

Deduction 5 sequential stages of testing theory

» Deducing a hypothesis» Expressing the hypothesis operationally» Testing the operational hypothesis» Examining the specific outcome of the enquiry» Modifying the theory (if necessary)

Adapted from Robson (2002)

Research Approaches

Induction

Building theory by –

» Being concerned with the context of events

» Using more qualitative data

» Using a variety of data collection methods

» Permitting alternative explanations of what’s

going on

Research Approaches

Research approaches: deductive & inductive

Major differences

Choosing your research approach

The right choice of approach helps you to

» Make a more informed decision about the research design

» Think about which strategies will work for your research topic

» Adapt your design to cater for any constraints

Adapted from Easter by-Smith et al. (2008)

Research approaches: deductive & inductive

Combining research approachesThings worth considering

» The nature of the research topic

» The time available

» The extent of risk

» The research audience

THE PROCESS OF RESEARCH DESIGN

» Research choices

» Research strategies

» Time horizons

» Clear objectives derived from the research question

» To specify sources of data collection

» To consider constraints and ethical issues

» Classification of the research purpose

o Exploratory research

o Descriptive studies

o Explanatory studies or causal research

The research design needs

Experiment Survey

Grounded Theory

Action Research

Ethnography

Case Study

Archival Research

Research Strategies

More on research design and strategiesin the next class

A BRAINSTORMING DISCUSSION ON “Relevance tree” prepared and

‘Keywords and search terms’ generated by each group.

RESPECTIVE GROUPS ARE INVITED TO PRESENT THEIR CASES

Discussion on last week assignment - 3

1. In the previous assignment-3, you were asked to;- define ‘parameters for literature search’, - generate ‘keywords and search terms ’,- identify and use ‘tertiary literature sources’ - record the ‘bibliographical details’ and - prepare a list of ‘references’

Continues on next slide

» Individual Assignment » REVIEW OF LITERATURE - II

2. Continue this practice, using other approaches of literature search noted in Lecture-3; e.g. :

(i) Obtaining relevant literature referenced in books and journals already studies;(ii) Scanning and browsing secondary literature

available in the libraries; and(iii) Searching using Internet.

3. Prepare a list of references of all the literature you have reviewed.4. Also start writing the review according to the guidelines provided in Lecture-3.5. Your individual reports be annexed with your group report to be submitted in next week-class.

» Assignment – 4» REVIEW OF LITERATURE – II

Group’s assignment

1. Exchange your reports as well as ‘content’ with each other, hold a group meeting and finalyze group report for submission in next class.

2. Be ready for a discussion in next class on “experiences in reviewing the literature” and your group’s “List of references”.

» Assignment – 4» REVIEW OF LITERATURE - II

SPSS Exercise 4

Carrying out a survey of economic statususing SPSS for analysis - I