Incorporating Experimental Research Designs in Business Communication Research - Essay Example

?Introduction The purpose of this essay is to make a comparison between Experimental methods and five other research methods. Quantitative and qualitative research methods are two generic methods commonly used in studies and other relevant scientific inquiry (Williams, 2007, p.65). An experimental research method could either fall to one of them or both. The case of experimental research methods employ experiments in order to obtain data and formulate them into information that can readily be used for purpose of study and other relevant purposes. However, the entire activity could either be quantitative, qualitative or both. Experimental research methods are commonly used in business particularly in finding cause and effect relationship while isolating and controlling variables in a scientific approach (Lam & Bauer, 2008). Experimental methods could be used in business communication research (Lam & Bauer, 2008). These methods could also find their way in information systems research (Levy & Ellis, 2011). In today’s getting advanced information systems that are integrated with the business world, experimental methods are therefore finding their importance in generating reliable information that could help in the actual decision-making process and gaining systematic guidance on the future actions. These are just some potential applications of experimental research methods in which the purpose is to gain considerable information through the use of experiments in order to test hypotheses and come up with the necessary results. There are other research methods such as qualitative methods like focus groups and participant observation. Other methods include questionnaire-based surveys, case studies and observation. Focus groups are qualitative research methods, and as the name implies they focus on certain groups or samples with the inclusion of a clearly identifiable agenda particularly on obtaining perceptions, thoughts and impressions of a selected group on a specific topic or investigation (Milena, Dainora & Alin, 2008, p.1279). There are many potential applications of focus groups research methods and there is one study in which the goal is to show the relation between business environment and academic research (Milena, Dainora & Alin, 2008, p.1280). On the other hand, since they could generate perceptions of a selected group on a given topic, focus groups could also be used in studying potential market segments for a new product and service offerings which is a common approach by some manufacturing companies to generate information prior to the new launching of their products. Participant observation is another qualitative research method which involves researchers joining the members of a social group, and having direct participation with them while functionally exposed in the actual field work (Vinten, 1994, p.30). Participant observation is a method of considerable interest among individuals with managerial functions or those studying human behavior in the business context (Vinten, 1994). Questionnaire-based surveys are among the most commonly used research methods employed in the business context. A study reveals that mail questionnaire surveys are common practice in international business research methodology (Yang, Wang & Su, 2006, p.601). Questionnaire-based surveys involve the use of relevant questions to be filled up by the chosen respondents. The supplied data will then be processed to convert them as useful information. Another relevant research methods commonly used in the business context are the case studies. A case study tries to integrate theoretical knowledge with new empirical insights, especially on topics that have not yet been widely explored (Vissak, 2010, p.371). According to Vissak, a case study could be used in international business research, both in a quantitative and qualitative approach. However, Vissak added that the case studies are not commonly used as quantitative methods. Vissak’s study about the “recommendations for using a case study method in international business” is about exploration of the cases studies methods into the quantitative application. This research study clearly depicts how the case studies could become common to companies and businesses where there is a need to focus on a certain case with associated problems, so as to find the appropriate alternative course of actions. Observation is another research method usually employed in the business arena. This may include direct observation to record both qualitative and quantitative data. Just like in the case of a study in which operational observations were intended for studying human behavior especially in the context of marketing activity (Lee & Broderick, 2007, p.121). Differences, Similarities, Applications Research methods Differences Similarities Applications Experimental methods vs focus groups More detailed approach for the focus groups compared to experimental methods. But testing of hypothesis might be a little more convenient with experimental methods, as there is control of variables (Lam & Bauer, 2008). Respondents might show a high defensive level in focus groups (Milena, Dainora & Alin, 2008). Both could be used in testing hypothesis. Business and academic research, business communication research, information system (Milena, Dainora & Alin, 2008; Lam & Bauer, 2008; Levy & Ellis, 2011) Experimental methods vs participant observation The degree of objectivity is higher in experimental methods. More detailed experience or knowledge associated with participant observation (Vinten, 1994, p.30). Both could use observations, either qualitative or quantitative approach. performance assessment through behavioral observation, organizational investigation (Vinten, 1994) Experimental methods vs questionnaire surveys It is more convenient to initiate questionnaire surveys (Yang, Wang & Su, 2006). Experimental methods may take time. Both methods are reliably used in finding information in today’s advancing business. Business research, experimental design (Yang, Wang & Su, 2006) Experimental methods vs case studies Source of information focused on the actual experiment for experimental methods. There is broad range of information to be generated from case studies, but existing knowledge could be integrated with new empirical ones (Vissak, 2010). Both require substantive research of information. International business research, (Vissak, 2010) Experimental methods vs observation More time to consider for experimental activity. Observation might be a little convenient with the aid of technology (Lee & Broderick, 2007). Both require detailed consideration and focus on what to achieve. Studying human behavior, marketing observational research (Lee & Broderick, 2007) Focus groups vs participant observation There is a bit detailed information to be obtained in participant observation because of actual exposure for a longer span to the chosen subjects. There are other detailed information and response in participant observations that may not be found in focus groups. Both require initiation of special time to specific subjects in order to obtain either quantitative or qualitative information or both. Business and academic research, business communication research, information system (Milena, Dainora & Alin, 2008; Lam & Bauer, 2008; Levy & Ellis, 2011); performance assessment through behavioral observation, organizational investigation (Vinten, 1994 Focus groups vs questionnaire surveys Questionnaire surveys are more convenient. Focus groups require more time immersion with the actual subjects. Both could be remarkably reliable to generate important data from the chosen subjects. Business and academic research, business communication research, information system (Milena, Dainora & Alin, 2008; Lam & Bauer, 2008; Levy & Ellis, 2011) Focus groups vs case studies Focus groups require more personal attachment to the actual subjects. Case studies may also rely on secondary sources of information. Both methods require specific focus on certain subjects. Business and academic research, business communication research, information system (Milena, Dainora & Alin, 2008; Lam & Bauer, 2008; Levy & Ellis, 2011) Focus groups vs observation Observation might be more convenient and would not require more time compared to focus groups. Both methods could be used for extensive research activities. Business and academic research, business communication research, information system (Milena, Dainora & Alin, 2008; Lam & Bauer, 2008; Levy & Ellis, 2011) Participant observation vs questionnaire surveys For more detailed gathering of data, participant observation advantageous compared to questionnaire surveys. However, questionnaire surveys are convenient and reliable too. Both methods could give reliable data. performance assessment through behavioral observation, organizational investigation (Vinten, 1994) Participant observation vs case studies Participant observation generates more primary information, but case studies may use secondary information. Both methods are giving focus on subjects and areas of interest. performance assessment through behavioral observation, organizational investigation (Vinten, 1994) Participant observation vs observation Participant observation may require a bit more detailed time and focus compared to observation. Both require the need to observe at a specific span of time. performance assessment through behavioral observation, organizational investigation (Vinten, 1994) Questionnaire surveys vs cases studies Questionnaire surveys are more convenient compared to case studies in terms of gathering information and it could generate primary information. Both require the need to consider the target subjects and actual scenario. Business research, experimental design (Yang, Wang & Su, 2006) Questionnaire surveys vs observation Observation might be more meaningful as this could lead to both subjective and objective judgment of the researcher. Questionnaire surveys on the other hand are already fixed leading to more objective outcome. Both require the need to consider objective output. Business research, experimental design (Yang, Wang & Su, 2006) Case studies vs observation There is a need to observe more in observation methods compared to the case studies that would require other relevant that may be secondary sources of information. Both require substantial discovery of information. International business research, (Vissak, 2010) Analysis As observed, each group of research methods has substantial advantages over the other but they also have remarkable disadvantages at some other points if compared with the others. Thus, a method could only be advantageous if it serves the purpose of the researchers especially in obtaining the required data. For this reason, no other method could be excellent for as long as there is consideration of the actual need of the researchers and the kind of data they wanted to obtain. As also observed, the methods’ applications in the real world could almost be the same for as long as they will be employed in business activities, where themes like performance assessment, organizational change, business research and others could be fully initiated. Some of these methods are convenient to use in a given situation, and others are not. However, it does not mean that all of them may be convenient to be used altogether at a given situation. The bottom line would always be the users’ top requirements. For instance, experimental methods versus focus groups could be both used in testing hypothesis. However, the experimental methods would need more detailed approach compared to experimental methods. However, testing of hypothesis might be a little convenient with experimental methods, because they could actually have control on how to generate the desired data. Conclusion In this essay, there is consideration of assessing the chosen research methods by specifying their differences, similarities and applications. In doing this, it was found that the significance of the chosen research methods will depend on the actual requirement of the researchers especially in consideration of what kind of data to be obtained that will serve the purpose of the entire business study or research activity. References Lam, C., & Bauer, M. (2008). Incorporating experimental research designs in business communication research. Association for business communication, 1-10. Levy, Y., & Ellis, T. J. (2011). A guide for novice researchers on experimental and quasi-experimental studies in information systems research. Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management, 6, 151-161. Lee, N. & Broderick, A. J. (2007). The past, present and future of observational research in marketing. Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, 10, 121-129. Milena, Z. R., Dainora, G., & Alin, S. (2008). Qualitative research methods: a comparison between focus-group and in depth interview. Management Marketing, 4, 1279-1283. Yang, Z., Wang, X. & Su, C. (2006). A review of research methodologies in international business. International Business Review, 15, 601-617. Vinten, G. (1994). Participant observation: A model for organizational investigation. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 9, 30-38. Vissak, T. (2010). Recommendations for using the case study method in international business research. The Qualitative Report, 15, 370-388. Williams, C. (2007). Research Methods. Journal of Business and Economic Research, 5, 65-72. Appendix – Research articles Reference 1 http://journals.cluteonline.com/index.php/JBER/article/viewFile/2532/2578 Reference 2 http://www.wisedata.hk/readings/yang/A%20review%20of%20research%20methodologies%20in%20international%20business.pdf Reference 3 http://businesscommunication.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/08ABC2008.pdf Reference 4 http://www.ijikm.org/Volume6/IJIKMv6p151-161Levy553.pdf Reference 5 http://steconomice.uoradea.ro/anale/volume/2008/v4-management-marketing/235.pdf Reference 6 http://www.adolphus.me.uk/emx/empirical_research/obs_psych_files/p30.htm Reference 7 http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR15-2/vissak.pdf Reference 8 http://www.emarketing.net.cn/upload/file/2009/09/21/211253540738542.pdf Read More