Business research can influence any part of the business, including marketing, operations, finance, and so on. It is therefore of great interest to corporations, public sector agencies, consulting firms, research institutes, independent researchers, non-profit organizations and non-governmental organizations.
This document is a comprehensive guide for young researchers wishing to pursue different forms of research. It presents the research, its different forms and its main stages of process. While the second chapter presents a step-by-step procedure for formulating a research problem, the third chapter concerns the review of the literature and its current practices. The document also presents research methodologies and research design, as well as measurement tools. While the seventh chapter is devoted to data management, the last part of this work details the practice of data analysis. In its most basic form, research involves collecting, analyzing and interpreting information to answer questions and creating a report summarizing some readily available data.
Table of Contents
- 1. INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
- 1.1. Definition
- 1.2. Research: Process
- 1.3. Difference between research and non-research activity
- 1.4. Characteristics of Research
- 1.5. Objectives of Research
- 1.6. Motivation in Research
- 1.7. Types of Research
- 1.7.1. Application of research study
- 1.7.2. Viewpoint of objectives
- 1.7.3. Inquiry Mode
- 1.8. The Research Process
- 2. FORMULATING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
- 2.1. Sources of research problems
- 2.2. Aspects of research study
- 2.3. Considerations in Selecting a Research Problem
- 2.4. Steps in Formulation of a Research Problem
- 3. REVIEWING THE LITERATURE
- 3.1. Overall Strategy
- 3.2. Types of Literature Review
- 3.3. Critical Evaluation
- 3.4. Thematic Structure
- 3.5. Common problems to avoid
- 4. METHODOLOGY AND ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK
- 5. RESEARCH DESIGN
- 6. DESIGNING MEASUREMENT TOOLS
- 6.1. Designing a questionnaire
- 6.2. Testing the tools
- 7. DATA MANAGEMENT
- 7.1. Data capture
- 7.2. The tools
- 7.3. Identifiers
- 7.4. Data Entry and Validation Schemes
- 7.5. Adding Comments to Cells
- 7.6. Saving and Protecting Files
- 7.7. Data Archiving
- 7.8. Backups
- 7.9. Storage and access
- 7.10. Data ownership
- 7.11. Data Management Strategy
- 8. DATA ANALYSIS
- 8.1. Analysis Objectives
- 8.2. Data analysis
- 8.2.1. Exploring and describing the data
- 8.2.2. Confirmatory Analysis
- 8.3. Regression
Objectives and Key Themes
This guide aims to provide post-secondary researchers with a comprehensive understanding of practical research methods. It covers the entire research process, from formulating a research problem to data analysis and interpretation. The text emphasizes rigorous methodologies and the importance of asking the right research questions.
- The research process and its stages
- Formulating a research problem and selecting appropriate methodologies
- Literature review and critical evaluation of existing research
- Data management techniques and best practices
- Data analysis methods and interpretation of results
Chapter Summaries
1. INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH: This introductory chapter defines research, differentiating it from non-research activities. It explores various research philosophies, emphasizing validity, reliability, and objectivity. The chapter outlines the research process, encompassing multiple steps from initial question formulation to final report generation. Several definitions of research are presented from various authors, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the concept and its importance across various disciplines. The chapter distinguishes between different types of research based on application, objectives, and inquiry modes, laying a strong foundation for understanding the core principles of the research process.
2. FORMULATING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM: This chapter delves into the crucial first step of any research project: defining the research problem. It explores various sources of research problems, examines key aspects to consider when defining a problem, and provides a step-by-step guide on formulating a well-defined research question. The chapter emphasizes the critical thinking involved in problem selection and explains how careful consideration at this stage is vital for the success of the overall project. Selecting a manageable and relevant research problem is highlighted as crucial, ensuring that subsequent steps of the research process proceed smoothly and efficiently.
3. REVIEWING THE LITERATURE: This chapter focuses on the importance of a thorough literature review in the research process. It details various strategies for conducting a comprehensive review, including identifying and evaluating relevant sources, as well as structuring the review thematically. The chapter emphasizes critical evaluation of existing literature, highlighting common pitfalls to avoid and the importance of synthesizing findings from various sources to build a coherent argument. The process of transforming numerous sources into a cohesive and focused review is crucial for providing context and establishing a unique research contribution.
4. METHODOLOGY AND ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK: While the provided text lacks detailed information on Chapter 4, we can infer that this chapter will likely discuss the various methodologies and analytical frameworks relevant to the types of research introduced earlier. It is expected to cover the rationale behind choosing specific methodologies and how these choices inform the analytical approach to the chosen research problem. The chapter will probably provide insights into appropriate analytical tools and techniques needed for analyzing research findings, paving the way for the succeeding chapters which deal with specific research design and data management.
5. RESEARCH DESIGN: Similarly, Chapter 5 is briefly mentioned, implying that the chapter provides guidelines and principles on the formulation of a robust research design tailored to a chosen research question. This section is expected to encompass discussions on the selection of appropriate research designs, including quantitative and qualitative methodologies, emphasizing suitability according to the characteristics of the research problem previously defined. The emphasis will likely be on aligning the research design with the chosen methodologies, ensuring a cohesive and rigorous research strategy.
6. DESIGNING MEASUREMENT TOOLS: This chapter focuses on the creation and testing of data collection instruments, particularly questionnaires. It provides practical guidance on designing effective questionnaires, including consideration of questions types, response scales, and overall structure. The chapter also addresses the importance of testing and refining these tools before actual data collection to ensure their validity and reliability, which is crucial for obtaining meaningful and trustworthy data.
7. DATA MANAGEMENT: This chapter covers the essential aspects of data management, from data capture and entry to archiving and protection. It details various data management tools and techniques to maintain data quality, integrity, and security. The chapter emphasizes systematic data management to prevent errors and maintain the rigor of the entire research process. Proper documentation, validation procedures, and secure storage strategies are likely discussed, ensuring the research data is well preserved and accessible for analysis and potential future uses.
Keywords
Research methods, research process, research design, data analysis, literature review, data management, questionnaire design, research problem, methodology, quantitative research, qualitative research.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Research Methods
What topics are covered in this research methods guide?
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the research process, encompassing all stages from initial problem formulation to final data analysis and interpretation. It covers topics such as defining research, formulating research problems, conducting literature reviews, selecting appropriate methodologies and analytical frameworks, designing research, designing measurement tools (particularly questionnaires), managing data effectively, and analyzing data. Different types of research are also discussed based on application, objectives, and inquiry modes.
What are the key stages of the research process as described in the guide?
The guide outlines the research process as a multi-stage journey including: 1. Introduction to Research (defining research, its characteristics, and types); 2. Formulating the Research Problem (identifying sources, aspects, and steps in problem formulation); 3. Reviewing the Literature (strategies, critical evaluation, and thematic structure); 4. Methodology and Analytical Framework; 5. Research Design; 6. Designing Measurement Tools (focus on questionnaires); 7. Data Management (capture, entry, validation, archiving, and security); and 8. Data Analysis (objectives, exploration, description, and confirmatory analysis).
How does the guide assist in formulating a research problem?
The guide provides a structured approach to defining a research problem. It explores various sources of research problems, examines aspects to consider during problem selection, and offers a step-by-step process for formulating a well-defined research question. Emphasis is placed on choosing a manageable and relevant problem to ensure a smooth and efficient research process.
What is the importance of a literature review according to the guide?
The guide emphasizes the crucial role of a thorough literature review. It details strategies for conducting a comprehensive review, including identifying and evaluating relevant sources, and structuring the review thematically. Critical evaluation of existing literature is highlighted, along with common pitfalls to avoid, and the importance of synthesizing findings to build a cohesive argument.
What guidance does the guide offer on data management?
The guide extensively covers data management, encompassing data capture, entry, validation, adding comments, saving and protecting files, archiving, backups, storage, access, ownership, and overall strategy. It stresses systematic data management to ensure data quality, integrity, and security, preventing errors and maintaining research rigor.
What data analysis methods are discussed in the guide?
The guide discusses data analysis objectives and methods, including exploring and describing data, confirmatory analysis, and regression. It emphasizes aligning the analysis approach with the chosen research methodologies and problem.
What types of research are covered?
The guide categorizes research based on application (pure vs. applied), objectives (exploratory, descriptive, explanatory), and inquiry mode (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods). This allows researchers to choose methods appropriate to their research goals.
What is the target audience of this guide?
This guide is primarily intended for post-secondary researchers, providing them with practical guidance on conducting research effectively.
What are the key takeaways from this research guide?
The guide emphasizes rigorous methodologies, the importance of asking the right research questions, and the need for a systematic approach throughout the entire research process, from initial concept to final report. It highlights the importance of careful planning, thorough literature reviews, robust data management, and appropriate data analysis techniques to ensure high-quality research.
What are the key words associated with this guide?
Research methods, research process, research design, data analysis, literature review, data management, questionnaire design, research problem, methodology, quantitative research, qualitative research.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dr. Sixbert SANGWA (Autor:in), 2019, Practical Research Methods. A Guide for Post-Secondary Researchers, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1024522
