Important questions
1. Steps in research process, quantitative and qualitative research – also describe them 25
points each
2. Types of research design - difference between a laboratory and field experiment
3. Differences between population and sample
4. Sampling techniques and types
5. Data collection – advantages and disadvantages interview and questionnaire
6. Validity – Internal and External
7. Reliability
8. Understanding the research process
9. Understand research design
10. Demonstrate a clear understanding of ethical principles
11. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative research
12. Explain research design and give practical examples
13. Differentiate between a casual and a correlational approach
14. Rate the extent to which the research design in the case study provides for threats to
internal and external validity, refer critical to
a. Threats to the internal validity of the research design
b. Third variables that could influence the results of the investigation
15. A. Construct a suitable graphical example of one scale item of the semantic differential
(tedium measure) that would probably be used to measure stress in the case study.
b. Construct a suitable graphical example of one scale item of the Likert scale that would
probably be used to measure role ambiguity in the case study
16. Explain the importance of a literature review in research
17. Define research and “plagiarism”
18. Differentiate between descriptive, explanatory and predictive methods
19. Compile a mini-research proposal of your own topic
20. A few scholars argue that a qualitative research approach is better than a quantitative
research approach. You are to make a recommendation based on the differences
between a quantitative and a qualitative research
21. Explain the situation where each of the above approaches can be utilized in research and
provide relevant examples of each scenario
22. Explain the factors the influence the generalisation of research results
1. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative research. (Page 31)
Areas Quantitative Qualitative
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, Principal orientation to the role of Deductive, empirical testing of Inductive, generation of theory from
theory in relation to research theory data
Natural science model, in particular
Epistemological orientation Interpretivist
positivism
Ontological orientation Objectivism Constructionist
Quantitative research approaches tend to: By contrast qualitative research approaches:
1. Emphasise quantification in the collection and 1. Emphasise words rather than quantification in the
analysis of data collection and analysis of data
2. Adopt a deductive approach to the relationship 2. Predominantly emphasise an inductive approach
between theory and research, in which the to the relationship between theory and research, in
emphasis is placed on the testing of theories which the emphasis is placed in generating rather
3. Incorporate the practice and norms of the model than proving theories
of the natural sciences and of positivism in 3. Reject the practices and norms of the natural
particular scientific model and the positivism in particular, in
4. Embody a view of social reality as an external, reference for an emphasis on the ways in which
objective reality individuals interpret their social world
4. View social reality as both constantly shifting and
emergent, as interpreted by individuals
For better understanding:
Positivism: a philosophical system recognizing only that which can be scientifically verified or
which is capable of logical or mathematical proof
Empirical testing: Way of gaining knowledge by means of direct and indirect observation or
experience
Exploratory Research: Research conducted for a problem that has not been clearly defined
Interpretivist: Involves researchers to interpret elements of the study, Interpretivist approach is
based on naturalistic approach of data collection such as interviews and observations
Quantitative research
Used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data, or data that can be
transformed into useable statistics
Used to quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviours, and other defined variables – and generalize
results from a larger sample population
Uses measurable data to formulate facts and uncover patterns in research
Collection methods are much more structured
Collection methods include various forms of surveys – online, paper, mobile and kiosk surveys,
face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, longitudinal studies, website interceptors, online
polls, and systematic observations
Qualitative research
Is primarily exploratory research
Used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations
Provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential
quantitative research
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, Used to uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into the problem
Collection methods vary using unstructured or semi-structured techniques
Collection methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual interviews, and
participation/observations
The sample size is typically small, and respondents are selected to fulfill a given quota.
Deductive approach is aimed and testing theory
Inductive approach is concerned with the generation of new theory emerging from the data
2. Describe validity and list different types of validity in research. (Page 25)
Validity is concerned with the integrity of the conclusions that are generated from a piece of research.
It is in many ways the most important criterion of research
Measurement validity
Applies primarily to quantitative research
Also called construct validity
Addressed the Q of whether or not a measure really reflects the concept that it is supposed to
capture
Internal validity
Concerned with the Q of whether a conclusion that incorporates a causal relationship between
two or more variables holds water. If we suggest that x causes y can we be sure that it is x that is
responsible for the variation in y and not some other variable?
How confident can we be that the independent variable really is at least in part responsible for the
variation that has been identified in the dependent variable?
External validity
Can the results of the study be generalised beyond the specific research context?
In this context the issue of how people and organizations are selected to participate in research
becomes crucial
Ecological validity
Concerned with the Q of whether or not the findings of social research are applicable to people’s
every day, natural and social settings
Do our instruments capture the daily life, conditions, opinions, values, attitudes and knowledge
base of those we study as expressed in their natural habitat?
3. Explain the importance of reliability in research. (Page 36)
Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure of a concept
Three prominent factors involved when considering whether a measure is reliable
Stability – are we confident that a measure is stable over time and that it does not vary or
fluctuate if we administer a measure and re-administer it?
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