Research Methods

“Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods: A Guidebook and Resource” by Sarah J. Taylor, Robert Bogdan, and Marjorie DeVault is a thorough book. The book, published by John Wiley & Sons in 2015, provides as a guide and resource for those interested in understanding and performing qualitative research.

The authors begin by outlining the essential concepts and principles of qualitative research, emphasizing its distinguishing features and the value it contributes to understanding human behavior and societal phenomena. They emphasize the value of qualitative research in eliciting in-depth insights, analyzing complicated social circumstances, and recording subjective experiences.

The book discusses numerous qualitative research methodologies, such as interviews, observation, and document analysis. It offers practical advice on how to create research projects, formulate research topics, and choose acceptable methods.

It offers practical advice on how to create research projects, establish research questions, choose acceptable methods, and develop sample procedures. The writers also go through data gathering strategies include conducting interviews, participant observation, and document and artifact analysis.

Furthermore, the writers go into the process of analyzing qualitative data, including methodologies for data coding, categorization, and interpretation. They investigate various approaches to data analysis, such as grounded theory, theme analysis, and narrative analysis, and provide examples and case studies to demonstrate these methodologies. (Taylor et al, 2015)

Charles Williams’ article “Research Methods” was published in the Journal of Business & Economics Research (JBER) in 2007. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of research methods used in business and economics.

Williams starts by highlighting the significance of research methodologies in generating dependable and legitimate outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of researchers choosing appropriate methodologies based on the nature of their research questions and the data they intend to collect.

The article discusses many research methods that are regularly utilized in business and economics research. Quantitative approaches such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis are examples, as are qualitative methods such as interviews, case studies, and content analysis. Williams gives a brief overview of each strategy, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages.

The author also highlights the significance of study design in influencing the validity and generalizability of research findings. He discusses sample methodologies, data gathering procedures, and data analysis methods, emphasizing their importance in guaranteeing robust research.

Williams also discusses ethical issues in business and economics research, highlighting the importance of informed permission, confidentiality, and data handling responsibly.

He emphasizes the necessity of ethical methods in safeguarding the integrity of research and respecting participants’ rights and well-being.

In summary, “Research Methods” by Charles Williams provides a succinct review of research methodologies utilized in business and economics. The article is a valuable resource for researchers and students who want to gain a wide understanding of various research methods and their applications in these disciplines. (Williams, 2007)

“Business Research Methods” is a book written by Donald R. Cooper and Pamela S. Schindler. The book, first released in 2003, is a detailed guide to performing business research.

Cooper and Schindler begin by underlining the importance of research in business, emphasizing its role in decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic planning. They talk about the importance of research ethics and the need for researchers to follow ethical guidelines throughout the research process.

The book covers a wide range of topics in business research procedures, such as research design, data gathering, data analysis, and reporting. It looks at both quantitative and qualitative research methods and evaluates their advantages and disadvantages.

The authors discuss research design themes such as identifying research objectives, developing research questions and hypotheses, and selecting acceptable research designs based on the nature of the study. They cover several sampling strategies and offer advice on determining sample size.

The writers also look at common data collection methods used in business research, such as surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments. They go over how to create and deliver questionnaires, conduct interviews, and collect data through observation. They also cover the use of secondary data sources and document analysis in business research.

The necessity of data analysis in gaining relevant insights from obtained data is emphasized in the book. It explains concepts including measures of central tendency, correlation, regression, and hypothesis testing using both descriptive and inferential statistical approaches. In addition, the authors address qualitative data analysis techniques such as coding, thematic analysis, and content analysis.

Cooper and Schindler then discuss the process of reporting study findings. They offer advice on how to write research reports, display data efficiently, and communicate research findings to various stakeholders.

“Business Research Methods” is a comprehensive resource for business students, researchers, and practitioners. It provides practical assistance on numerous elements of research, from study design to evaluating and reporting findings, making it an invaluable resource for individuals looking to undertake rigorous and relevant research in the corporate setting.(Cooper et al,2003)

It is critical to choose an appropriate research method when performing trustworthy and valid research. Here are some important factors to consider while choosing a research method:

1. Questions for investigation-Define your study questions or objectives clearly. This will assist influence your research method selection, as certain approaches are better suited to different sorts of research topics.

2. The type of data-Consider the type of information you require. Quantitative methods, such as surveys or experiments, may be helpful if you need numerical and measurable data. Qualitative methods, such as interviews or case studies, may be more appropriate for in-depth knowledge or exploration of complex phenomena.

3. Design of the study-Determine your study’s general design. Is your research cross-sectional or longitudinal? Are you comparing groups or looking at patterns over time?

4. Determine the overall design of your research study. Is your research cross-sectional or longitudinal? Are you comparing groups or looking at long-term trends? The methodology and data gathering strategies chosen will be influenced by the research plan.

5. Sample size and method of sampling-Based on the study topic and desired level of statistical power, select a suitable sample size. Consider using a sample technique that is appropriate for your study objectives, such as random sampling, stratified sampling, or purposive sampling.

6. Methods of data collection-Choose data gathering procedures that are appropriate for your research aims and the type of your research questions.

7. Consider approaches like surveys, interviews, observations, and document analysis. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, so select the one(s) that will best answer your study objectives.

Remco Timans, Paul Wouters, and Johan Heilbron’s article “Mixed Methods Research: What It Is and What It Could Be” was published in Theory and Society in 2019. The essay delves into the notion of mixed methods research, its current condition, and its future possibilities.

The authors begin by outlining the history and development of mixed methods research. They emphasize the merging of qualitative and quantitative research approaches, as well as the establishment of mixed methods research as a unique research paradigm. They underline that mixed methods research entails integrating many forms of data, perspectives, and paradigms, rather than just mixing qualitative and quantitative methods.

The article investigates the benefits and drawbacks of mixed methods research. The authors suggest that by combining the capabilities of qualitative and quantitative approaches, mixed methods provide a more comprehensive and nuanced knowledge of social processes. They examine how mixed methods research can improve validity, broaden the variety of research issues that can be addressed, and provide a more comprehensive knowledge of complex social processes.

The authors also discuss the problems and potential improvements for mixed methods research. They talk about the theoretical integration of qualitative and quantitative components, methodological decisions, data analysis methodologies, and the interpretation and reporting of mixed methods investigations. They propose that future improvements in mixed methods research should concentrate on better integrating qualitative and quantitative components, as well as improving methodological rigor.

The authors also discuss the problems and potential improvements for mixed methods research. They talk about the theoretical integration of qualitative and quantitative components, methodological decisions, data analysis methodologies, and the interpretation and reporting of mixed methods investigations. They propose that future improvements in mixed methods research should focus on better integrating qualitative and quantitative components, increasing methodological rigor, and encouraging multidisciplinary cooperation.

Finally, the study emphasizes the potential of mixed methods research to contribute to theoretical progress, methodological innovation, and overall social science understanding. The authors underline the importance of continuing to explore, enhance, and advance mixed methods research in order to fully realize its potential.

REFERENCES

Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R., & DeVault, M. (2015). Introduction to qualitative research methods: A guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.

Williams, C. (2007). Research methods. Journal of Business & Economics Research (JBER), 5(3).

Cooper, D. R., Schindler, P. S., Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2003). Business research methods.

Timans, R., Wouters, P., & Heilbron, J. (2019). Mixed methods research: what it is and what it could be. Theory and Society, 48, 193-216.