The Different Research Methods - Essay Example

? “Different Research Questions Require Different Research Methods.” Discuss With Reference To At Least Two Contrasting Examples. Introduction Research methodology can play a significant and essential role in any research study, due to the implications of a research plan which needs to be effectual in assembling and distribution of data. It also assists in directing and guiding the researcher towards the right direction in order to conduct a particular research by providing a guideline and explaining a structured way of carrying out the research. Research methodology needs to be structured with research philosophy, research tradition and a defined research approach. Other key areas include research strategies and data collection. The most noteworthy part of the research study is to come to a decision regarding the nature of the project as, based on it, the approach would be ascertained. There are various methods and/or approaches that exist for carrying out a research study such as Quantitative Approach, Qualitative Approach, Descriptive Approach, Fundamental Approach, Exploratory Approach and Experimental Approach among others. These methods play significant roles in research study as these are useful to cross-checking and verifying a particular research tool and the validity of the data collected (New Age Publishers, n.d.). The methods of research keep changing according to the questions and with the concerns of the research study. With regards to these, the aim of the paper is to analyse the various research methods, particularly Qualitative, Quantitative, Experimental and Exploratory approaches along with the significant factors that have been considered while determining the research methods. Similarly, it has been also intended to identify in this paper whether ‘different research questions require different research methods’. Thus, it should be taken into consideration while observing the entire scenario as it is a well known fact that research methodology can be best explained as a method by which the problem of the research can be worked out in a structured way. Types of Research Methods Qualitative Method The qualitative data are concerned with only qualitative phenomenon. It mainly refers to the information that is relevant to the issues identified and the determined research objectives at large. The purpose of conducting this category of research is to capture the qualities and the meanings of the facts that are not quantifiable and that can be a variety of aspects, for instance, thoughts, experiences and feelings among others. Data collection method, at times require extended time period. Qualitative data deals with extremely rich descriptions of human behaviour and opinion regarding a particular subject. Data gathered in a qualitative method are primarily presented in descriptive forms and engage non-measurable qualities. These types of data might be collected for a particular occasion as well. Qualitative research studies in general include ethnographies, case studies and descriptive studies. Ethnography is referred as the analytical description or rebuilding of intact cultural scenes and accumulation. It often includes interviews, observations, surveys and historical and documented analyses (Savenye & Robinson, 2002). Quantitative Method Quantitative research approach is primarily based on the extent of quantity or measurable classifications. It is based on a statistical element which can be involved in the research study. For instance, a quantitative research approach can consider data collection through surveys by designing questionnaire, telephonic interview, hall tests, door to door interviews and product placements among others. In the similar context, the collected data can be analysed through the implications of trend analysis framework and correlation research among others with significant consideration to the hypotheses. Furthermore, it is not possible for the research study to consider only the quantitative matters. Therefore, it creates importance for analysing the qualitative data in the research study in order to obtain an understanding of the research study (New Age Publishers, n.d.). Experimental Research The research structure emphasizes on identification of the dependency of the aspects included in the research problem which requires an experimental approach for the study. It is in this context that the analytical research is also defined as experimental research design. It is often concerned with cause and effect of the research problems. Experimental research approach provides direction to the researchers to identify the change in independent variable that results in change in dependent variable. At this point, the researcher has to use facts and information that are already available. Subsequently, the collected information has to be analysed with a purpose to make critical evaluation of the material. This research method is considered as one of the most difficult methods in case of large experiments as it requires exact design that results in huge amount of expenses (Goddard & Melville, 2004). Exploratory Approach Exploratory research approach is primarily carried out for such problem analysis which is clearly not distinct. It is often used when the topic and/or issue are new and the collection of data for the particular research is creating dilemma in the whole research process. It is mainly based upon the secondary research which can be regarded as informal discussion with consumers, employees, management or competitors and other formal approaches. Exploratory research is conducted with the help of in-depth interviews and focus interviews. Exploratory research can be implemented through the internet which is considered more interactive in business environment. The result of exploratory research is quite valuable. However, with the assistance of this research method the researcher can identify the significant insights to a given situation. On the contrary, it might prove to be insignificant in case of large research populations to a certain extent (New Age Publishers, n.d.). Factors to be Considered While Determining the Research Methods Qualitative research is one of the important aspects of the research process. Even if, it does not deal with the quantified variables, however, it represents the positive as well as negative aspects of the problem which affect the determination process of the research method. When the aim of a research is to explore a problem in depth then the qualitative method is considered as the one of the commonly applied research methods. The qualitative method provides a direction through which crucial insights can be obtained regarding the occurred phenomenon with the assistance of ethnographic methods, interviews and in-depth case studies among other qualitative techniques. It is often found useful when the research to be conducted involves complex definitions in terms of research elements. Furthermore, it is more suitable for the particular event and circumstances such as to judge the level of customer satisfaction for a particular commodity, response and opinion of the targeted customers towards the newly launched products among others (Sukamolson, 1996). The factor to be considered while doing quantitative research is that the collected data should be in numerical form. Similarly, it is useful for performing audience segmentation. It is implemented through dividing the sample population into different groups whose members are similar to each other and distinct from other groups. With a purpose to quantify opinions, attitudes and behaviours along with the perception of the whole population, it is necessary to carry out the research with the assistance of quantitative method. Furthermore, quantitative research is significantly important in the case of hypothesis testing which can be done through trend analysis framework, Chi square test, F-test and correlation research among others (Sukamolson, 1996). With the assistance of experimental research, the research study tries to identify new concept along with the explanation to why it has occurred in the environment. The experimental research must align with the both aspects of environment such as external and internal; otherwise the results will not be effective. At this point, the researcher should pursue the steps of the scientific method in order to make sure that the applied hypothesis is valid and reliable to use statistical tests. Furthermore, it can be found useful for that research where the facts and information are already available. Subsequently, the collected information has to be analysed with a purpose to make critical evaluation of the material and to provide guidance to deal with the problem (Key, 1997). On the contrary, exploratory research method can be regarded as one of the best methods in terms of developing the hypothesis that is not possible with the help of quantitative research approach. The hypothesis to be tested in the research study has to be obtained from the review of the literature and/or theory. However, it can also be identified with the assistance of exploratory research approach. The factors affecting the exploratory research process can be regarded as immediacy of need, required capability to deal with the problem or to follow up the opportunity; strategic and operational importance and other issues which can be taken into the consideration for successful implementation of this process (Pawlak & Matul, 2003). “Different Research Questions Require Different Research Methods”- Analysis Different types of research questions indeed require different types of research methods as it is significant for building and documenting the efficiency of the research and with a purpose to address the research questions, different types of methodologies are essential. According to Odom, Brantlinger, Gersten, Horner, Thompson, & Harris (2003), “the appropriate match between research question and research methodology is an essential feature of scientific approach”. Quality indicators are the characteristics of the research that signify precise application of methodologies to questions of interest. It often provides the direction for the research design and a suitable way for conducting the research. Consequently, the quality of research methodology is considered as one of the important aspects as it provides an appropriate structure of the whole research process (Odom, Brantlinger, Gersten, Horner, Thompson, & Harris, 2003). For instance, the study conducted by Raggio & Leone (2006) was based on a research question taking into consideration the factors of brand equity and brand value. In this research paper brand equity has been emphasized by interpersonal constructs which influence the impact of marketing activities on the profitability of the company. On the contrary, brand value represents the monetary value to be obtained on the liquidation of brand on the certain circumstances and/or the certain market structure. This paper is mainly focused on the marketing activities that are related to consumers’ actions or it can be stated that it is essentially focused on consumer perceptions towards the brand with an objective to design a conceptual framework for distinguishing brand equity and brand value. With this concern, the research paper has used two methodologies in order to identify the space between the two constructs i.e. brand equity and brand value. Similarly, it also provides an idea of leveraging brand equity with a purpose to create brand value in the marketplace. In the similar context, the study conducted by the Athanassopoulos (2000) was based on the research questions which represent an effort to assess the antecedent of customer satisfaction in the context of emerging competitive financial market of Greece. In this paper, the research question was based on the factors that provide assistance to identify the customer base assessment according to the provided services. On the contrary, the second research question of the paper was to perceive possible prototypes between customer segments and their preferences regarding particular aspects of service. With regard to these aspects, the research paper has used the qualitative research approach such as survey method in terms of individual and business customer survey which provides assistance to investigate the whole issue from two different perspectives. With reference to Kamkura & Russell (1992) the other example that can be given was based on the research question taking into account the factors that influence brand equity and brand value. In the study, brand value measures the perceived quality aspects that are assigned by the consumers to the brand excluding discount in current price and recent advertising exposures. On the contrary, brand equity measures the value created by factors such as brand name association and the perceived value by the customer towards the brand. With regard to this aspect, the research study included two different research methodologies, qualitative and quantitative approaches which provide the assistance to measure the implied utility and/or value assigned to brand equity. Furthermore, it identifies the actual purchase behaviour of the customer under regular market condition. In order to identify the brand value perceived by the customers an estimated consumption price was taken into consideration. With reference to the above mentioned examples of researches, namely the study conducted by Raggio & Leone (2006), Athanassopoulos (2000), and Kamkura & Russell (1992), it has been observed that the different research questions require different research methods according to the circumstances. It is often considered as an important aspect for building and documenting the effectiveness of the research. Subsequently, it provides an assistance to address these questions through the virtues of an effective methodology. The quality of the research methodology is also measured as an important variable which in turn provides an appropriate structure to the entire research process. Conclusion Research methodology plays a significant and essential role in any research study or dissertation. The most noteworthy part of the research study is to obtain a rationale decision regarding the issue identified in the research process, based on which the approach would be ascertained. There are various approaches that are available which can be carried out with a purpose to solve the research questions. The main objective of the paper was to determine the relationship between the research question and research methodology. With this concern, the paper included four different research approaches such as Qualitative Approach, Quantitative Approach, Experimental Approach and Exploratory Approach. It has been observed that each methodology deals with different research questions and provides assistance to design an appropriate structure for research study. Therefore, it can be stated that the research question is a major determinant of research methodology for a particular research purpose. Conclusively, the fact that “different research questions require different methods” can be regarded as strongly agreeable. However, there are various other elements such as time, cost, participants and availability of resources among others that are taken into the consideration with a purpose to develop a reliable, accurate and efficient research study. References Athanassopoulos, A. D. (2000). Customer satisfaction cues to support market segmentation and explain switching behaviour. Retrieved from http://elmu.umm.ac.id/file.php/1/jurnal/J-a/Journal%20Of%20Business%20Research/Vol48.Issue1.2000/5246.pdf Goddard, W., & Melville, S. (2004). Research methodology: An introduction. South Africa: Juta and Company Ltd. Kamakura, W. A., & Russell, G. J. (1992). Measuring brand value with scanner data. Retrieved from http://faculty.fuqua.duke.edu/~kamakura/My%20Reprints/Measuring%20Brand%20Value%20with%20Scanner%20Data.pdf Key, J. P. (1997). Research design in occupational education. Retrieved from http://www.okstate.edu/ag/agedcm4h/academic/aged5980a/5980/newpage2.htm New Age Publishers. (n.d.). Research methodology: An introduction. Retrieved from http://www.newagepublishers.com/samplechapter/000896.pdf Odom, S. L., Brantlinger, E., Gersten, R., Horner, R. H., Thompson, B. & Harris, K. R. (2003). Research in special education: scientific methods and evidence-based practices. Retrieved from http://www.cec.sped.org/content/navigationmenu/professionaldevelopment/professionalstandards/final_manuscript-scientific_research_in_special_education_r3.pdf Pawlak, K. & Matul, M. (2003). Improving cost effectiveness of exploratory practitioner-led research: key factors to consider when selecting tools. Retrieved from http://www.imp-act.org/sites/default/files/mfc_sn3.pdf Raggio, R. D., & Leone P. R. (2006). The theoretical separation of brand equity and brand value: Managerial implications for strategic planning. Retrieved from http://s3.amazonaws.com/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-08-12/msaowJAeFbiCdlemHvsAfkzkspozfpecrbwwApzsuBkqiduuEEapebhEvpIm/Separation_brand_equity_and_value.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJFZAE65UYRT34AOQ&Expires=1330682801&Signature=v2MPLE0IyAdttqnbBFFdKQHF2%2BU%3D Savenye, W. C., & Robinson, R. S. (2002). Qualitative research issues and methods: an introduction for educational technologist. Association for Educational Communications and Technology 39, pp. 1045-1071. Sukamolson, S. (1996). Fundamentals of quantitative research. Retrieved from http://www.culi.chula.ac.th/e-Journal/bod/Suphat%20Sukamolson.pdf Read More