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Running Head: BRITISH PETROLEUM OIL SPILL

BRITISH PETROLEUM OIL SPILL

British Petroleum Oil Spill

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British Petroleum Oil Spill

Introduction

The research on the British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a very important research. It is important to note that in the research into this business problem is very crucial and it requires considerations to be made on the best method to be used in the research. Mainly, there are two types of research designs which include qualitative research as well as quantitative research. While both are important, they have different forms of data and their purpose. While qualitative research is focused on the exploratory research, quantitative research’s main objective is the quantification of the business problem.

Qualitative research tries to explore the business problem. It is useful in making sense of the underlying reasons any motivations as well as opinions surrounding the business problem. The main purpose of the qualitative research is the provision of a platform or a basis onto which quantitative research will be done (Creswell, 2003). It is useful in the development of ideas and hypotheses for any subsequent quantitative research. In the process of uncovering the trends in a given phenomenon, qualitative research can be a very useful tool. In qualitative research, the sample size which is used is very small as compared to quantitative research which uses a relatively large sample size.

On the other hand, quantitative research quantifies the problem. It is mainly used to quantify the business problem through the use of the numerical data. The data which is obtained in quantitative research can be used in statistical analysis. Its major work is to quantify any opinions, behavior or other variables which are defined in the problem.

After looking at the two types of research; quantitative and qualitative, it is important to note that while both can be useful in the research and qualitative research can be used to set the stage for quantitative research, quantitative research will be the most appropriate for this business problem. Through the use of measurable data, facts are formulated and patterns are unfolded in the research. There are various methods of data collection in quantitative research which is useful including surveys, interviews, longitudinal studies and systematic observations among other quantitative research methods.

It is important to note that the use of quantitative research is important and is the best option to use in the British Petroleum business problem. While this is the case, both the quantitative and qualitative research methods have their strengths as well as their weaknesses.

Qualitative Research Benefits

There are various benefits of using qualitative research design in the process of carrying out a research. They include their usefulness in the studying of small number of problems in depth. Also, the qualitative research design is very important as it makes use of subjective information. Unlike quantitative research design which is limited to the defined variables, qualitative research design is flexible (Uxmatters.com, 2012). Research problems or questions which are difficult to study using the quantitative method can be studied using qualitative method which is very effective. All questions having a lot of information to be dealt with can be researched through the use of qualitative research design. On top of this, there are new research questions which can be unearthed through the use of qualitative research (Uxmatters.com, 2012). Also, new theories can be generated through the use of this type of research.

Quantitative Research Benefits

There are various benefits which can enjoyed through the use of the quantitative research method. Some of the benefits include findings which can be used generally. Samples of the populations can be selected in order to ensure that the populations are well represented. When quantitative research method is used, estimates about the costs of intervention as well as the benefits of the intervention can be obtained (Uxmatters.com, 2012). Also, the quantitative method is used to come up with information about the magnitude and the distribution of the impacts. This type of research design is very important in the provision of good documentation which provides good information about the research which can be used by other researchers. Also, it is important to note that replication of the data is possible with the use of the standardized approach to this research. If there are external factors affecting the research, it is easy to control them in order to come up with the best and most credible information.

Primary Research Design

In this business problem, it is important to note that quantitative research method will be used as the primary research design. This is important as it will allow for obtaining information which can be generalized for dealing with other such cases as the British Petroleum oil spill. The use of quantitative research method is important for this research as it will offer better methods of dealing with the problem by offering better estimations of the costs and the benefits which can be gained through the process of dealing the oil spill. It is a more effective method to deal with the impacts of the problem.

Leveraging on the Power of Each Research Design

While each research method has its own benefits and drawbacks, as a researcher, one can be able to use the strengths of both the research designs. While qualitative research will help to set up the base for quantitative research, there are still other benefits of quantitative research which can be used. For instance, the qualitative research method will ensure that all those research questions which cannot be answered through the use of quantitative research can be answered by qualitative research.

On the other hand, quantitative research is very important in helping the estimation of costs and benefits of dealing with this problem (Creswell, 2003). Also the results of the quantitative research can be generalized.

Drawbacks of Using One Research Method

While one might be tempted to use a single method to deal with the research problem, it is important to ensure that the research is done well. For example, qualitative research is not reliable alone because it depends on the skills of the researchers as well as biases. Also, it is difficult to test rigidity (Thomas, 2003). Also in some instances, it is not acceptable and is not well understood in the scientific research.

Quantitative research can be challenging to use alone due to the drawbacks it has. For it to be effective, a very big sample is required. The credibility of the research and its accuracy is dependent on the number of correspondents. It is also an expensive research method. This calls for the application of both methods in the process of research.

Obtaining the Sample

Sampling of the population to be used in the process of researching can be done through probability or non-probability methods. They include random sampling, systematic sampling and stratified sampling among others. In this research process, random sampling should be used. In this method, all members have an equal chance of being picked (Statpac.com, 2016).

Insights

Using both the research methods is important because each has its benefits. For example, through the use of the qualitative method, it is possible to gain some insights on whether the oil spill affected only the gulf or it had widespread effects on different people from different areas. Also, the research can let us check whether there was a level of negligence by the company which led to the accident.

On the other hand, it is important to note that the quantitative research design will improve the research by offering the insights of the impacts of the oil spill on the people and the number of people affected as well as the population of the aquatic life which was affected by the oil spill.

Conclusion

In order to come up with information about the oil spill and to deal with it effectively, it is important to apply both the methods as each has its own strengths as well as their own drawbacks. While qualitative research design will offer a good way research to all things which are difficult to be carried out through quantitative method, quantitative is important in coming up with information which can be generalized (Thomas, 2003). Using both is important as it provides a good method to contribute strong research for information which can be replicated to other areas.

References

Creswell, J. (2003). Research design. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.

Statpac.com. (2016). Survey Sampling Methods. Retrieved from http://www.statpac.com/surveys/sampling.htm

Thomas, R. (2003). Blending qualitative & quantitative research methods in theses and dissertations. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press.

Uxmatters.com. (2012). Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative and Qualitative Research :: UXmatters. Retrieved from http://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2012/09/strengths-and-weaknesses-of-quantitative-and-qualitative-research.php