For Professor Ryan Only
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chapter_4.docBusiness Research Methods, Ch. 436
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· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 7:01 PM
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posted by BEAU KUSH at Feb 15, 2015, 7:01 PM
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According to Cooper and Schindler (2011), a pilot test is conducted to detect weaknesses in design and instrumentation and to provide proxy data for selection of a probability sample. Moreover, the pilot test should draw subjects from the target population, and simulate the procedures and protocols that have been designated for data (Cooper and Schindler, 2011). One important aspect to consider before a pilot test is pretesting. Pretesting often relies on colleagues, respondent surrogates, or actual respondents to refine a measuring instrument (Cooper and Schindler, 2011).
The pretest is essentially a practice run prior to the main event. This is no different than a sports team pregame practice or a play dress rehearsal. The pretest has shown to save countless survey studies from disaster by using the suggestions of the respondents to identify and change confusing, awkward, or offensive questions and techniques (Cooper and Schindler, 2011). The pretest is worth the investment and time as it would be very disappointing to watch a pilot test fail because of improper planning.
Reference:
Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P.S. (2011). Business Research Methods (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
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Research Process Issues The thread has 4 unread messages.
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· Comment on Feb 13, 2015, 11:51 PM
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posted by Jynx Gresser at Feb 13, 2015, 11:51 PM
Last updated Feb 13, 2015, 11:51 PM
As I was exploring the text, I found a section on the issues that can arise during research and the importance of being aware if they occur during the process. Cooper & Schindler (2011) found that the favored technique syndrome occurs when a researcher recasts "the management question so that it is amenable to their favorite methodology" (p. 91). It is important to always keep the focus on the research in mind and determining the best course of action based on that versus a comfort factor with a technique. We should never include our bias into the research process. Another issue that may arise in the research process is company database strip-mining, which occurs when "the existence of a pool of information or a database can distract a manager, seemingly reducing the need for other research" (Cooper & Schindler, 2011, p. 92). This kind of information can always be a starting point for research, but it should never be the only piece of information utilized in the process. In place of this technique, researchers need to look for others sources of information and apply statistical techniques to determine their usefulness for answering the research question.
Reference
Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2011). Business Research Methods (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Retrieved from the University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.
Jynx Gresser
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 10:58 AM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 14, 2015, 10:58 AM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 10:58 AM
Jynx,
Yes! A researcher can easily ans subconsciously influence their own research results. This can be avoided if we are careful.
And yes, the question comes first--then we pick out an appropriate methodology.
thanks
Lou
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 3:29 PM
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posted by ALIMAYU PRICE at Feb 14, 2015, 3:29 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 3:29 PM
Jynx, your post is excellent especially when you mentioned strip mining. To me strip mining could be interpret as corporate or company laziness and although companies attempt to be frugal with their research funds they are not focusing on the needs of their constituents as well as their own company. I'm not saying its not alright to borrow ideas of research, but it must be coupled with more independent research from the consumer as well as the employees. In this way the sampling will produce a more reliable solution to the research questions of the business. I also believe that questions to the consumer should start out with general broad questions, which could be honed down to strong specific questions and a more reliable solution.
· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 4:12 PM
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posted by STEPHANIE RECTOR at Feb 15, 2015, 4:12 PM
Last updated Feb 15, 2015, 4:12 PM
Hi Ali, quick question, did you get reassigned to a different team? I show you on my Team B list but was not sure if you know that we have a team assignment due tomorrow. Let me know if things changed :)
Thanks,
Stephanie
· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 8:47 AM
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posted by ANDRAE RILEY at Feb 15, 2015, 8:47 AM
Last updated Feb 15, 2015, 8:47 AM
Jynx,
Thanks for your post. When conducting research, researchers must attempt to be objective so as to be free of biases. At all times, we must allow the data to speak for itself and not attempt to manipulate the information in any way, otherwise, we have defeated the entire purpose and process. As individuals, it can be hard to be objective, however, as managers we must understand that whatever data collected, following the steps of the research process, whether in line with what we expected or not, provides useful information and becomes the starting point for even further research.
A good question or problem The thread has 29 unread messages.
created by LOUIS DAILY
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· Comment on Feb 09, 2015, 10:13 PM
Message collapsed. Message unread A good question or problem
posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 09, 2015, 10:13 PM
Last updated Feb 09, 2015, 10:13 PM
In Business, many uses of Statistics center around solving a problem for management. It is very important to nail down this question or problem very carefully and specifically. There is nothing worse than spending a million dollars on a research project only to find out it doesn't answer management's question. So start with a good question or problem. It also has to be a scientific question--meaning it can be answered through data collection. We can't use Statistics and Science to answer philosophical questions like "How much government interference in the economy is ethical". We then create an appropriate data collection and research design strategy. We analyze the results of the study and come up with a conclusion, an answer to the question, a possible solution to the problem. Management will use this study to make a decision. Business Research is frequently centered around helping Management make a decision on some problem or "dilemma".
Discussion. Questions?
· Comment on Feb 11, 2015, 5:42 AM
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posted by ERIK SEIDEL at Feb 11, 2015, 5:42 AM
Last updated Feb 11, 2015, 5:42 AM
When I think of business research and statistics, one industry that comes to mind is the automotive industry. There is intense competition among auto manufacturers. Additionally, because cars are being made better, they are lasting longer and reducing the rate at which people are purchasing new vehicles. In order for auto manufacturers to beat the competition, they need to be producing vehicles that satisfy consumer wants and needs. A great way to do this is through business research. Auto manufacturers can send surveys to their customers, asking them what they like about their vehicle and what they don't like about it. They can also ask for ways to improve the next model. If this survey is completed in an organized format using check boxes, then it will be easy for the company to determine what most people are saying about their vehicles. This information can then be used to inform the design team in building then next generation of their fleet. An example of a specific question may be, "On a scale of 1-5, rate the importance to you of having a GPS built into your vehicle."
· Comment on Feb 11, 2015, 9:50 AM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 11, 2015, 9:50 AM
Last updated Feb 11, 2015, 9:50 AM
Erik,
The auto industry is also well known for quality control techniques like Six Sigma which are based on the science of Statistics. The "Japanese Miracle" was in part due to the success of their auto industry.
· Comment on Feb 12, 2015, 5:43 AM
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posted by ERIK SEIDEL at Feb 12, 2015, 5:43 AM
Last updated Feb 12, 2015, 5:43 AM
I've heard this as well. Quality control means ensuring there are appropriate quality checks at every stage in the production process. By ensuring errors do not occur at each stage in production instead of waiting for a quality inspection further down the assembly line, auto manufacturers are able to significantly cut down on waste. If an error is caught further down the line, it means having to rework several steps of the production process which will cause bottlenecks and decrease productivity. I believe statistics have a role to play here as well. Assembly line managers should be analyzing statistics such as the average time to complete each portion of the assembly process. This helps to ensure appropriate distribution of resources to prevent bottlenecks. Also, statistics can be used to determine where there is a process with an unacceptable average error rate so management knows where to focus their efforts.
· Comment on Feb 12, 2015, 3:14 PM
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posted by ARACHEAL VENTRESS at Feb 12, 2015, 3:14 PM
Last updated Feb 12, 2015, 3:14 PM
Erik
Thanks for your post. I am in the service industry and we often look for ways to improve our process in order to remain a viable business. One tactic that we use are surveys as well. We want to know how we "look" through the eyes of our customers, employees, and vendors. Our focus is to capture real responses from certain target groups (employees, customers and vendors). So annually, each group receives their own survey with questions geared for their group. We don't send out a generic survey to all stakeholders because we serve these groups in different ways and we want to ensure that we are addressing all of their needs. For example, one year information from our employee survey identified that employees would like to feel valued in a more personalized way- so we implemented sending birthday cards to all employees on their birthday. The next year, we received higher positive responses from employees in this category.
· Comment on Feb 12, 2015, 7:17 PM
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posted by JUDEENE WALKER at Feb 12, 2015, 7:17 PM
Last updated Feb 12, 2015, 7:17 PM
I agree Professor, managers need to begin their research with proper questions before they spend millions of dollars and time on a project. In reality mangers are constantly required to evaluate alternatives and make decisions that benefit its investors, shareholders etc. At the beginning of each research managers need to formulate a series of relevant questions that will assist in the final decision making after all statistical evidence are gathered and analyzed.
The absence of proper question formulation can lead to financial crisis some of which cannot be recovered from. Mangers can improve their decision making skills by creating objectives/goals which may change over time depending on the nature of the research being conducted.
Planning and research is good, however there will be times when decisions have to be made in the absence of "complete information". This introduces the statement that uncertainty increases the number of possible outcomes; as a result decision makers need identify the uncertainties and possible outcome certain decisions might have on the organization
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 3:09 AM
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posted by ALIMAYU PRICE at Feb 14, 2015, 3:09 AM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 3:09 AM
Your post is right on key Judeene, having the appropriate question can determine the profitability of a business. What is often left out is the fact that there are no such thing as a real answer (except for YESHUA), every answer leads to more questions. Therefore there are no real answers because each one has another question attached to it. I am studying energy management marketing and questions like. who can benefit most using solar energy, how can solar panels be made affordable for the consumer, how much can the consumer save and recover funds after making such a purchase? These and many other pertaining questions can determine the profitability for both merchant and consumer.
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 10:52 AM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 14, 2015, 10:52 AM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 10:52 AM
Ali,
There are sometimes real answers. Marketing research, survey research can lead to real information on the population we are targeting, which informs our policies. Hypothesis testing can lead to a real understanding of cause and effect relationships.
thanks
Lou
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 3:59 PM
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posted by STEPHANIE RECTOR at Feb 14, 2015, 3:59 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 3:59 PM
That is a good point Lou, marketing research and survey research can result in useful information that can increase effectiveness for a business or process. I know that when I worked for the University of Phoenix we were constantly faced with surveys that provided management feedback from us enrollment advisors. Other than surveys on how well leadership was performing, they also sent surveys about our job satisfaction and what types of motivations they could implement to reward us. Because paying us a commission in addition to our salary was not an option due to government regulations, UoP had to research other factors that would be effective in keeping their enrollment advisors competitive in this growing online market. What started out as "Friday Jean Day" turned into anyday and everyday jean day, because we met our goals. Also, because shifts changed in order to meet student needs, management offered free snacks to those advisors who worked the later shifts. These two rewards made advisors feel appreciated and rose morale. They were a minimal financial expense, but they were an effective response to surveys.
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 6:36 PM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 14, 2015, 6:36 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 6:36 PM
I didn't know that Stephanie. What did you do for UOPHX?
thanks
Lou
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 10:48 PM
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posted by SAID SHEIK ABDI at Feb 14, 2015, 10:48 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 10:48 PM
Louis,
i completely agree with you on market research. It really helps companies identify the consumers. One of the method they use is called KYC(Know Your Customer/Client). I used to think that my neighbor and I get same ads from target but I found it otherwise. firms like Target hired statisticians and other experts to know target customers in detail including where their work, income, family members etc. all these plays vital role.
Recording and analyzing each customer's transaction history -- what they purchase from you, when and how often -- helps you know which products and services to offer them in the future. Companies like Amazon, and Zappos are some of the best at this powerful marketing practice, also known as "basket analysis," automatically delivering sometimes impressively personalized product recommendations based on past purchase
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/shopping-habits.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 11:39 PM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 14, 2015, 11:39 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 11:39 PM
Very interesting Said.
thanks
Lou
· Comment on Feb 15, 2015, 8:32 AM
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posted by ANDRAE RILEY at Feb 15, 2015, 8:32 AM
Last updated Feb 15, 2015, 8:32 AM
Said,
Very well said. I agree with you as well. Technology is constantly changing as is the way we conduct business. We see that will cellphones for example, they are continuously making them more efficient at "managing" our lives on the go. That would not be possible without extensive market research and other tools useful for identifying customer wants. A company cannot be profitable if it makes items consumers will not buy, hence some amount of research must take place so as to explain the level of production undertaken.
We often hear that "three of five surveyed" chose a product and that means that market research was conducted. Market research is now conducted in advertisements. Anyone recall the search engine ads - which was better, Google or Bing? Similar product testing ads with yogurt, or think of the blindfolded persons in Febreze ads.
All in all, companies collect valuable data on consumer purchasing trends and their likes and dislikes when marketing research is undertaken.
· Comment on Feb 12, 2015, 11:23 PM
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posted by Jynx Gresser at Feb 12, 2015, 11:23 PM
Last updated Feb 12, 2015, 11:23 PM
I agree that Statistics provides a company with the ability to tackle a particular issue. Some good examples of business dilemmas are rising costs, employee turnover, or defects within a particular product (Cooper & Schindler, 2011). Whenever I think of rising costs within a business, I specifically remember from my Accounting class the break even analysis which shows the relationship between costs and revenue. The key for any business is to make a profit and when that doesn't occur then critical analysis of business practices must take place. Cooper and Schindler (2011) found that choosing just one dilemma is often difficult, but if a hierarchy is utilized then the best path can be chosen. In this process, it is important to weigh in factors of time and money in order achieve the most successful resolution. A dilemma within my store is higher levels of turnover for part-time employees. My job as a manager is to determine what support these employees need in order to come to work. One way to achieve more insight into my employees would be to get a temperature check in the form of a questionnaire where they can provide feedback and have a forum to relay their concerns. For example, rating their personal skill level or the level of support from management. Critical analysis can then take place when all of the data is gathered. Lastly, management, research, investigative, and measurement questions can assist in starting the research process successfully (Cooper & Schindler, 2011).
Reference
Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2011). Business Research Methods (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Retrieved from the University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.
Jynx Gresser
· Comment on Feb 13, 2015, 7:24 PM
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posted by CRYSTAL RAMOS at Feb 13, 2015, 7:24 PM
Last updated Feb 13, 2015, 7:24 PM
that's a good point, and I think they always need to start with a question because that will get you answers and moving in the direction the business needs to be heading. I know a few years ago Santa Anita race track had a really bad financial hard time, and management wasn't help matters. it was a scary time because we didn't know what was going to happen. They didn't know how to turn things around and they would just make changes and guess that they should do. Then the constant changing of management, and once again just making changes and not asking what is best for business. You have to ask questions to figure out where the problems are and what needs to be changed. They need to ask what customers needs and they need to ask why certain things aren't working. You aren't going to fully correct the problems, if you aren't going to ask the questions of what's wrong with this business.
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 3:44 AM
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posted by ALIMAYU PRICE at Feb 14, 2015, 3:44 AM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 3:44 AM
Malek Daabul says that there are nine systematic steps used in statistical research:
1. Define the research problem, This means specify the required information for s manager to set a standard.
2. Estimate the value of the aspects of the information to be provided by the research.
3. Select the data football methods. Examples such as surveys, experimentation or other secondary forms of data.
4. Select the measurement technique. Determine how to use questionnaires, observations, or other project techniques.
5. Select the sample, Determine who or what is to be measured and what are the techniques to be used.
6. Select the analytical approach
7. Evaluate the ethics of the researching.
8. Determine the time and the cost expenditures of the project
9. Prepare the research proposal and be ready to make any necessary changes
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 6:37 PM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 14, 2015, 6:37 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 6:37 PM
Good job Ali,
thanks
Lou
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 10:53 AM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 14, 2015, 10:53 AM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 10:53 AM
Crystal,
How is the racetrack doing now?
thanks
Lou
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 1:00 PM
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posted by CRYSTAL RAMOS at Feb 14, 2015, 1:00 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 1:00 PM
It's sad to sad the horse racing industry is slowly dying. It's hard to say if its management fault, or technology or the fact that more and more people it's animal cruelty. For me it's a combination of everything management makes wrong choices and doesn't listen to what really the problem. I've seen customers complain and management turns their head. I've seen more and more reports of animal cruelty accusation and nothing really corrected. Some even say that the trainers and jockeys and horses aren't what they used to be. I have to say technology was the biggest hit for the horse race industry because it gave people more options and they didn't have to come to the track to bet they have other places they can go to and watch and bet or watch it at home. Which is why when you look at the attendance 20 or 30 years ago we had 20-30 thousand during the week and 40-50 thousand during the weekend. And now we only have barely 2 thousand during the week and depending on the event we only have 5-24 thousand on the weekends. But most of the time it's barely 10 thousand on the weekends.
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 1:01 PM
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posted by CRYSTAL RAMOS at Feb 14, 2015, 1:01 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 1:01 PM
However we did mange to get out the financial crisis
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 6:39 PM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 14, 2015, 6:39 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 6:39 PM
Crystal,
The old gray mare she aint what she used to be, huh? :)
Casino betting is probably taking a bite out of the industry also, do you think?
thanks
Lou
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 7:02 PM
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posted by CRYSTAL RAMOS at Feb 14, 2015, 7:02 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 7:02 PM
It's the online Betting and they open more sports books and other locations where they can go more conveniently. And yes the grey mare isn't what it used to be you have good horses but nothing like the big horses from over 40 years ago. In the past 6 years there was only two horses they really brought a crowed out and had a big fan base, horse Zenyata who won 18 races straight but then when to try to get her 19th and last win she lost. And then last year California Crome who almost won the triple crown that hasn't been won since 1974
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 3:12 PM
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posted by ALIMAYU PRICE at Feb 14, 2015, 3:12 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 3:12 PM
Not just asking the customers Crystal, but the employees as well. One of the reasons that certain businesses fail in this point and time is because the company is in the "from top to bottom mode," rather than the opposite from the bottom to the top. I'm not very sure of the biostatistics in this scenario, but I'm sure that when the company gets the feedback from every employee(the population) as well as customer feedback the business will have a greater chance of success. My question is-"how would you make a statistical equation of the employee feedback and the target audience? What sampling technique would be most profitable; surveys, pointed questions, etc. What type of sampling would be most appropriate?
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 3:49 PM
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posted by CRYSTAL RAMOS at Feb 14, 2015, 3:49 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 3:49 PM
That's a good question, has far has Sampling data , the obvious choice would be from gender. You be surprised how different each department is on how they use and treat different male and female. Security is the most critical but also discrimination of female employees. Which is why there isn't any female security. But it can cause a lot of problems when situation occurs. Especially when it involves female customers. Marketing another department, when said and done they need more men then women because they need the guys to do the heavy lifting and set up. Other than that the other departments are neutral. The. Second thing they can sample is age. There are employees from ages 15- 95. Now that's just the employee side as for customers it's along the same thing gender and age. You would be surprised how many generations of family's have came. To me they have to focus on everyone young and elderly and not just one group.
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 10:04 AM
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posted by KIM DUNLAP at Feb 14, 2015, 10:04 AM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 10:04 AM
One of the key points I picked out of your statement is the fact that our question must be a good scientific question - meaning it can be answered with the collection of data. Often times professionals in the healthcare arena want to make decisions based on their gut feelings or draw conclusions based on their feelings rather than going through the steps of data collection to find answers. We have encountered this situation as we have been reviewing our HCAHPS scores with various departments. Some managers are trying to blame the results on other areas rather than formulate a question and collect data to come up with possible process improvements. For example, one of the low scores we have encountered is registration wait time in the radiology department. The department manager could easily formulate the question - how many times does the patient need to wait over one minute to register for their exam. This would be fairly easy to study and collect data. Instead - the department manager wants to take the results and claim that the patient is making a reference to the wait times in the clinic - not the hospital because that is his gut feeling.
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 10:55 AM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 14, 2015, 10:55 AM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 10:55 AM
Kim,
Yes! A good question or problem statement is one which can be answered through observation and data. We can't use these methods to answer questions like "how can there be justice for all".
thanks
Lou
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 5:24 PM
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posted by PATRICIA MARCUS at Feb 14, 2015, 5:24 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 5:24 PM
Statistics are an important part of any company or organization. Statistics can be used to measure just about anything within a company. Any chosen topic within an organization could have a statistical study done. Specific people within an organization are those that do the studies and post results of the statistics to inform other people within the organization. Statistics are very important for the success of the organization. If statistics are not used within an organization, there is nothing to show where improvements can be made as well as being able to see what is working well. Therefore starting the research off with a question that will help resolve the problem is a great way to start. This allows you to research data that would be useful.
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 10:36 PM
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posted by SAID SHEIK ABDI at Feb 14, 2015, 10:36 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 10:36 PM
A good question or problem: Statistics is very important in the humanitarian sector. In order to do the need assessment, humanitarian worker develop questionnaires and asks refugees host community, local NGOs, local authority and finally INGOs to determine needs of refugees. The most common research method is qualitative and this helps the organization to fill the gap. It also helps the organization to plan upcoming needs whether it is food, water & sanitation, health, protection or shelter.
in the health sector, if an organization is responding to health needs, their responsibility is to determine health conditions of refugees. Sometime preventable diseases need research to find where the disease is coming from and how epidemic is the disease. a classic example is Ebola.
http://www.humanitarianresponse.info/programme-cycle/space/page/assessments-overview
· Comment on Feb 14, 2015, 11:42 PM
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posted by LOUIS DAILY at Feb 14, 2015, 11:42 PM
Last updated Feb 14, 2015, 11:42 PM
Said,
Yes, research and statistics is not just for finding out about "customers". We use it also to find out the needs of communities.
thanks
Lou
research process The thread has 3 unread messages.
created by ARIEL SMITH
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· Comment on Feb 12, 2015, 12:33 PM
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posted by ARIEL SMITH at Feb 12, 2015, 12:33 PM
Last updated Feb 12, 2015, 12:33 PM
Step 1: Identify the Problem: The research problem may be something the agency identifies as a problem, some knowledge or information that is needed by the agency, or the desire to identify a recreation trend nationally.
Step 2: Review the Literature: The researcher must review the literature related to the research problem. This step provides foundational knowledge about the problem area.
Step 3: Clarify the Problem:the researcher clarifies the problem and narrows the scope of the study.
Step 4: Clearly Define Terms and Concepts: Terms and concepts are words or phrases used in the purpose statement of the study or the description of the study. These items need to be specifically defined as they apply to the study.
Step 5: Define the Population: Research projects can focus on a specific group of people, facilities, park development, employee evaluations, programs, financial status, marketing efforts, or the integration of technology into the operations.
Step 6: Develop the Instrumentation Plan:The plan for the study is referred to as the instrumentation plan. The instrumentation plan serves as the road map for the entire study, specifying who will participate in the study; how, when, and where data will be collected; and the content of the program.
Step 7: Collect Data: The collection of data is a critical step in providing the information needed to answer the research question. Every study includes the collection of some type of data--whether it is from the literature or from subjects--to answer the research question.
Step 8: Analyze the Data: The researcher finally has data to analyze so that the research question can be answered. In the instrumentation plan, the researcher specified how the data will be analyzed. The researcher now analyzes the data according to the plan.
· Comment on Feb 12, 2015, 12:40 PM
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posted by ARIEL SMITH at Feb 12, 2015, 12:40 PM
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Research design
The plan for conducting the research is the research design. There are two general forms of research design, non-experimental (ex-post-facto) and experimental. In a non-experimental design, the researcher does not control or alter any of the independent variables. The researcher merely studies existing situations, variables, and the interrelation among variables and reports the results of his or her findings. The two major non-experimental are field studies and surveys. Field studies combine literature review and possibly analysis of some case studies. Surveys deal with the formulation of a questionnaire by which one can measure the magnitude of the desired variables as well as the interrelation among the variables.
There are two broad categories of experimental designs: field and laboratory. In both field experiments and laboratory experiments, the researcher controls and may alter and introduce some variables in order to determine the effect of a given variable. Field experiments are done in a natural setting, whereas laboratory experiments are done in a simulated setting.
Reference for Business. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/management/Pr-Sa/Research-Methods-and-Processes.html
· Comment on Feb 13, 2015, 10:44 PM
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posted by CRYSTAL RAMOS at Feb 13, 2015, 10:44 PM
Last updated Feb 13, 2015, 10:44 PM
Research is often conducted using the hourglass model structure of research. The hourglass model starts with a broad spectrum for research, focusing in on the required information through the method of the project (like the neck of the hourglass), then expands the research in the form of discussion and results. The major steps in conducting research are:
· Identification of research problem
· Literature review
· Specifying the purpose of research
· Determine specific research questions
· Specification of a Conceptual framework - Usually a set of hypotheses
· Choice of a methodology (for data collection)
· Data collection
· Analyzing and interpreting the data
· Reporting and evaluating research
· Communicating the research findings and, possibly, recommendations
The steps generally represent the overall process, however they should be viewed as an ever-changing iterative process rather than a fixed set of steps. Most researches begin with a general statement of the problem, or rather, the purpose for engaging in the study.The literature review identifies flaws or holes in previous research which provides justification for the study. Often, a literature review is conducted in a given subject area before a research question is identified. A gap in the current literature, as identified by a researcher, then engenders a research question. The research question may be parallel to the hypothesis. The hypothesis is the supposition to be tested. The researcher(s) collects data to test the hypothesis. The researcher(s) then analyzes and interprets the data via a variety of statistical methods, engaging in what is known as Empirical research. The results of the data analysis in confirming or failing to reject the Null hypothesis are then reported and evaluated. At the end the researcher may discuss avenues for further research.
