The research onion Understanding the research philosophy Research Approaches The Process of Research Design

Group Activity: SPSS Assignment

Figure 4.1 The research onion

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

 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

 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

 Realism - direct and critical realism, i.e. Reality exist that is independent of human thoughts and beliefs Recognizing the importance of understanding peoples socially constructed interpretations within the context of broader social forces
* Example: Does window shopping fulfill dreams or increase frustration?

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

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)

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 whats going on

Major differences

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)

Combining research approaches

Things worth considering

The nature of the research topic The time available The extent of risk The research audience

 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

Experiment

Case Study

Archival Research

Survey

Ethnography

Grounded Theory

Action Research

More on research design and strategies in the next class

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

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.

Groups 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 groups List of references.

Carrying out a survey of economic status using SPSS for analysis - I