exploratory research

EXPLORATORY RESEARCHANDREE C. SWANSON, EDD, MHR, MAOM

FORBES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ASHFORD UNIVERSITY

MANDATED RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS = FEAR

WHY RESEARCH?

“… research-based

scholarly activity helps the

individual faculty member

to become a better

teacher.”

(Richard & Parker, 1992, p. 79)

“… leads to new and

useful theories…”

(Armstrong)

THEORY-BASED RESEARCHBOYER AND DEWEY

BOYER’S MODEL OF SCHOLARSHIP

JOHN DEWEY THEORY OF EVIDENCE-BASED LEARNING

DEWEY DEFINING INQUIRY

“truth is inseparable

from action and

knowledge”

1. Indeterminate situation or

an area of felt difficulty

2. Recognize and state the

problem

3. Determine a reasonable

and plausible solution

4. Action… test the hypothesis

WHY CONDUCT EXPLORATORY RESEARCH?

RESEARCH AND TEACHING

Necessary ingredient in

effective teaching

Improves the practice of a

particular discipline

Perpetuates the discipline

All faculty should teach and

transmit knowledge

(Richard & Parker, 1992, p. 79)

HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPLORATORY RESEARCH

Initial research conducted

to clarify and define the

nature of a problem

Does not provide conclusive

evidence

Subsequent research

expected

May not be as rigorous

Sample sizes may be

small

Results may lead to your

next study

FOUR METHODS TO IMPLEMENT EXPLORATORY RESEARCH

Focus groups

Secondary research (a

literature review… find the

gaps)

Expert / experience survey

Open-ended questions

EXPERIENCE SURVEYS (EXPERT INTERVIEWS)

Select a topic for a

research problem

Ask knowledgeable

individuals

Conduct interviews

Conduct surveys

Surveymonkey

Qualtrics

PILOT STUDY

Any small scale

exploratory study that

uses sampling

Does not apply rigorous

standards

Not necessary to

use…

Validated survey tools

May generate a survey

tool or theory from the

research results

CASE STUDY METHOD

Intensely investigates

one or a few situations

similar to the problem

Investigate in depth

Careful study

May require…

Cooperation

Permission

FOCUS GROUP INTERVIEWS

Unstructured

Free flowing

Group interview

Start with broad topic

and focus in on specific

issues

GROUP COMPOSITION

6 to 10 people

Relatively homogeneous

Similar lifestyles and

experiences

IRB APPROVALDon’t forget to run ALL research through your Institution’s

Review Board.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH VERSUS QUANTITATIVE

RESEARCH DESIGN

QUALITATIVE VERSUS QUANTITATIVE

ROLE PLAY

Let’s consider some

topics for potential

research

BIOGRAPHYDR. ANDREE SWANSON

FORBES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT ASHFORD UNIVERSITY

Assistant Professor and Chair of the Bachelors of Arts in Business Leadership,

Forbes College of Business at Ashford University

Ed.D. Educational Leadership, University of Phoenix

MA, Organizational Management, University of Phoenix

MHR, Human Relations, University of Oklahoma

BS, Business Management and Administration, University of Maryland (European

Division)

Worked as a Dean of General Education, National Training Manager, and the

US government (DoD, USAF, & USA), corporations, and higher education.

DR. ANDREE SWANSON© 2014, Dr. Andree Swanson