RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: AN ENTRY TO SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH

Megh R. Dangal

Kathmandu University

INTRODUCTION

Research is a systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena (Kerlinger, 1986)

Research is a procedure by which we attempt to find systematically, and with the support of demonstrable facts, the answer to a question of the resolution of a problem (Leedy, 1989)

Research is a systematic and objective analysis and recording of observations that may lead to the development of a theory (Best, 1992)

INTRODUCTION

Research is a systematic and critical enquiry which aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and wisdom (Bassey, 1999)

Research is an organized, systematic, data-based and critical, scientific enquiry of investigation into a specific problem, undertaken with the objective of finding answers or solutions to it (Sekaran, 2000)(Pant, 2009, p. 5)

What do these definitions have in common? What is research?

“planned enquiry that utilizes suitable scientific tools to solve problems and create new knowledge that is generally applicable and acceptable by people”

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research process involves a series of well-thought-out activities of gathering, recording, analyzing and interpreting the data

The purpose of finding answers to the problem

The entire processes based on the philosophies, principles and mechanisms of research by which we attempt to solve problems or search the answers to questions are collectively known as the research methodology

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The broader principles of research underscored by philosophical rationales

Positivism Studies the world and people in it as objective things

by direct observation according to strict rules “Is about the scientific rules that researchers follow”

Post-positivism Views knowledge as subjective, value laden and not

based on cause-and-effect “Is what researchers do”Research methodology means that:

“complexity within activity arenas, minimizes difficulties by using simpler scientific tools”

RESEARCH METHODS

Involve the forms of data collection, analysis and interpretation that researchers propose for their studies

Key principles of research design, such as the case study method

Particular approaches for collecting and analyzing data, such as observation

APPLIED RESEARCH AND FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH

Applied research Is conducted in response to a specific problem,

which requires a solution Fundamental research

Is undertaken to improve our understanding of certain problems that commonly occur in organizational setting, and how to solve them

FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH VS. APPLIED RESEARCH

Fundamental research Applied research

Purpose•Expand knowledge processes of business and management•Result in universal principles relating to the process and its relationship to outcomes•Finding of significance and value to society in generalContext:•Undertaken by people based in universities•Choice of topic and objectives determined by the researcher•Flexible time scales

Purpose:•Improve understanding of particular business or management problem•Results in solution to problem•New knowledge limited to problem•Finding of practical relevance and value to managers in organizationContext:•Undertaken by people based in a variety of settings including organizations•Objectives negotiated with originator•Tight time scales

NATURE AND PURPOSE OF RESEARCH

Exploration Description Explanation Generalization and prediction

SIMPLE RESEARCH MODEL

1. Problem

2. Data Collection

3. Data Analysis

4. Action

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Usually emphasizes words rather than quantification in the collection and analysis of data

For exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem

The process of research involves emerging questions and procedures; collecting data in the participants’ setting; analyzing the data inductively, building from particulars to general themes; and making interpretations of the meaning of the data

The final written report has a flexible writing structure

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Usually emphases quantification in the collection and analysis of data

For testing objective theories by examining the relationship among variables

Variables can be measured, typically on instruments, so that numbered data can be analyzed using statistical procedures

The final written report has a set structure consisting of introduction, literature and theory, methods, results, and discussion

MIXED RESEARCH

Describes research that combines the use of both qualitative and quantitative research

Involves philosophical assumptions, the use of both approaches, and the mixing of both in a study

Both data are actually merged, one end of the continuum, or kept separate, the other end of the continuum, or combined in some way on the continuum The convergent parallel design: compare or

relate The explanatory sequential design: follow up The exploratory sequential design: build to The embedded design: before, during, after

Quantitative Approach

Mixed Approach

Qualitative Approach

ScientificMethod

Deductive or “top-down”Test hypothesis and theory withdata.

Deductive and Inductive

Inductive or “bottom-up”Generate new hypotheses and theory from data collected.

Most commonresearchobjectives

DescriptionExplanationPrediction

Multiple objectives

DescriptionExplorationDiscovery

Focus Narrow-angle lensTesting specific hypotheses

Multi-lens Wide and Deep-angle lensesExamine the breadth and depth of phenomenon to learn more about them.

Nature of study

Study behavior under artificial, controlled conditions.

Study behavior in more than one context or condition

Study behavior in its natural environment or context.

Form of datacollected

Collect numeric data using structured and validated instruments (closed-ended survey items, rating scales,measurable behavioralresponses)

Multiple forms Collect narrative data using semi- or unstructured instruments (open-ended survey items, interviews, observation,focus groups, documents)

Nature of data

Numeric variables. Mixture of numeric variables,words, and images.

Words, images, themes, and categories

Data analysis

Identify statistical relationships.

Statistical and holistic

Holistically identify patterns, categories, and themes.

Results Generalizable findings.General understanding of respondent’s viewpoint.Researcher framed results.

corroborated findings that may be generalizable.

Particularistic findings.In-depth understanding ofrespondent’s viewpoint.Respondent framed results.

Form of finalreport

Statistical report includingcorrelations, comparisons ofmeans, and statisticallysignificant findings.

Statistical findings with in-depthnarrative description andidentification of overall themes.

Narrative report includingcontextual description,categories, themes, andsupporting respondent quotes.

(Johnson & Christensen, 2004)

TextbooksBryman, A. (2008). Social research methods (3 rd ed.). India: Oxford.Creswell, J. W. (2011). Research designs (3rd ed.). New Delhi: Sage.

References:American Psychological Association [APA]. (2010). Publication manual (6th ed.). Washington, D. C.: Author. Neuman, W. L. (2006). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (6 th ed.). India: PEARSON.Pant, P. R. (2010). Social science research and thesis writing (5th ed.). Kathmandu: Buddha.