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Summary
Research involves studying a specific thing to acquire more information about it. Various tools are used in research and include the ideal type, model, theory, typology, concept, and paradigm. Further, these tools help in understanding, categorizing, and explaining diverse social phenomena. The idea is the least complex research tool, while the theory is the most complex tool used in carrying out a research project. A model shows a representation of an actual thing. Besides, a model involves an explanatory and descriptive device. Typology describes a light framework from which one can systematize and organize their observations and findings. However, a typology does not seek to provide explanations; instead, it describes empirical phenomena. The description is achieved by fitting them into a collection of categories. They are essential in helping researchers organize a wide range of different facts that can be logically structured. An ideal type shows a representation of an intellectual definition of a phenomenon. Nevertheless, it does not provide any information about descriptions. Paradigm describes a defined academic approach towards a research process.
Concepts are the foundations of descriptions, hypotheses, predictions, and explanations. An idea is based on specific assumptions and can be used to provide answers. Researchers must always be keen not to use ideas for the wrong purpose. Methods refer to the links towards knowledge. Methods of research are the tools and techniques used in collecting, selecting, analyzing, and organizing information. The methods used in a research project should link with the sources of information collected and the research questions. The methodology is the study of assumptions and techniques used in the acquisition of data.
There are various research methodologies and theoretical approaches in the business field. The deductive process involves testing, refuting, modifying, and confirming a hypothesis. The hypothesis involves two or more concepts that try to explain the relationship between them. The inductive process consists of establishing plans for data collection. Again, it consists of analyzing the information to see if there are any patterns present showing the relationship between the variables in question. Through this process, the researcher seeks to find any connecting principle before making any conclusions about the information collected. In some instances, a researcher can combine the inductive and deductive processes depending on the type of research and the results one wants to achieve. Ontology is the study of the real components and the nature of existence. Epistemology is essential in providing a philosophical foundation for deciding what type of information and knowledge is adequate and legit. Besides, it guides in classifying research designs and identifying which systems will work and which ones will not, given a collection of goals. Some of the theoretical perspectives from which research methodologies are drawn from include interpretivism and positivism. Besides, they are the most popular. Other views include feminism, postmodernism, pragmatism, critical inquiry, and naturalistic inquiry. Again, hermeneutics, realism, phenomenology, and symbolic interactionism are among the theoretical perspectives.
Research methodologies describe the way or the methods through which research should be conducted. They vary depending on the end goal of the researcher. Phenomenological research focuses on defining human experiences; for instance, what does it take to be a teacher? It uses unstructured methods of acquiring and collecting data and relies on qualitative analysis of information. Moreover, quasi-experimental and experimental research makes use of samples to represent a given population. It focuses on controlling variables, generating an initial hypothesis, using qualitative measurements, and using highly structured techniques. Analytical surveys work towards testing a theory by exploring the connections between the variables. They are highly structured and emphasize the careful random selection of samples representing a general population.
Additionally, these surveys focus on generating quantitative and qualitative information, the use of control variables, identifying a research population, and getting a representative sample from it. Also, it focuses on the deductive approach. Heuristic research involves a problem or a question that a researcher attempts to find answers to. It consists of formulating a creative synthesis of the problem, thinking profoundly, and allowing inner intuition calculations to get more understanding of the question. Action research requires the practitioners and the researcher to work together towards achieving the goals of the investigation. It can be unstructured and apply qualitative and inductive processes. Moreover, it can be highly structured and make use of control and experimental groups.
The elements of the research process include epistemology, research approach, and theoretical perspective. It also provides a time frame, data collection methods, and research methodology. Data collection methods are the activities involved in acquiring information concerning specific research. They include making observations, conducting interviews, and sampling. Additionally, data can be collected using unobtrusive measures and by offering questionnaires. The timeframes for research describe the time needed for the investigation to be completed. A longitudinal study is applied when the research is expected to be carried out over some time. A cross-sectional study is carried out when the research period of the survey is short. For instance, when researching how employees will react to introducing a new way of carrying out activities. Research studies can also be classified regarding their purpose. Descriptive studies show a pictorial representation of a phenomenon as it naturally unfolds.
Additionally, exploratory studies attempt to explore and ask questions about activities that are occurring. Interpretive studies attempt to explore experiences people go through and their opinions towards them. Explanatory studies attempt to account for and define descriptive data. Most researchers use various methods in conducting research. This allows the use of triangulation in research. Also, research projects mainly contain a variety of research questions that require different approaches. Besides, one method may be right for a specific question but wrong for another item.