Research methods in business

Chapter 1
1. What is research?
Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information in order to
increase our knowledge about a topic or issue

2. Three steps in research.

Most research involves at least these steps:
1. Posing a question
2. Collecting data about the question
3. Analyzing the data to answer the question
3. Different types of research.
Formal research involves collection and analysis of data

• Data are pieces of information researchers systematically gather to answer a

question of interest : numbers, words, facts, attitudes, actions, etc.

• Analysis involves making sense of the data

Informal research is more like day-to-day problem solving.

4. Three steps researches make.

 5. Where to find reports of our research?
Books (including e-books)
a. Reference summaries and handbooks
b. Reports of single studies
Scholarly journals
Sources for early stage material
c. Websites
d. Conference reports
e. Professional association newsletters
f. Authors themselves

6. Introduction section.
a. Identifies the study’s research problem
b. Reports the review of the literature
c. Specifies the study’s purpose, research questions, and hypotheses

7. Methodology section
a. Identifies the study’s research design (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed)
b. Describes the procedures used to select participants and collect data
c. May briefly describe the procedures used to analyze the data

8. Conclusion and discussion section

May do some or all of the following:
• Report interpretations of the study
• Summarize major results of the study
• Answer research questions
• Present researchers’ determination whether the results confirm or disconfirm
expected predictions
• Examine meaning of the findings for study participants
• Compare study’s results with those found in other published studies
• Discuss implications and limitations of the study

Chapter 2
1. Nature of quantitive research studies
Quantitative research studies emphasize numeric data and statistical analyses to
explain variables.
• Ask specific, narrow questions
• Explain different variables or factors (specific concepts)
• Collect quantifiable data from participants
• Analyze these numbers using statistics and graphs (mathematical procedures)
• Conduct the inquiry in an unbiased, objective manner
2. What are qualitative research studies.
Qualitative research studies emphasize text data and thematic analyses to explore a
phenomenon
• Ask broad, general questions
• Explore individuals’ perspectives of a single concept (often called a
phenomenon)
• Collect data consisting largely of words (or text) from participants
• Describe and analyze these words for themes
• Conduct the inquiry in a subjective and reflexive manner

3. Key difference in selecting and collecting data between quantitative and

qualitative.
Quantitative :
• Large number of individuals, sites, or time points
• Instruments with preset questions and responses
• Gathering quantifiable (numeric) data
Qualitative :

• Small number of individuals or sites

• General, emerging questions to permit the participant to generate responses

• Gathering word (text) or image (picture) data

4. Key differences in analyzing data and reporting results
Quantitative :
• Statistical and graphical analysis procedures
• Compare groups, relate variables, and describe trends
Qualitative :
• Text and image analysis procedures
• Develop description and themes

5. Key difference in drawing conclusion

Quantitative :
• Comparisons of results with prior predictions and past studies
Qualitative :
• Statements about the larger meaning of the findings and personal reflections
about the findings
Chapter 3
1. What is the purpose of the statement of the problem?
a. Generate interest in the study
b. Articulate the importance of the study
c. Argue for the need of the study
d. Suggest why the study has significance
e. Help readers decide if the study is of interest to them

2. How do you identify the statement of the problem in a research study?

a. Found in the introduction section
b. May appear under the headings:
i. Introduction
ii. Statement of the Problem
iii. The Research Problem
iv. Or have no heading
c.  Look for a sentence like:
i. A major problem is.

3. How do you distinguish the research problem from the topic and purpose?
a. Topic
i. Very general
ii. What the study is about
b. Problem
i. Falls under the general topic
ii. The issue, concern, or controversy being addressed
iii. A real-world problem that needs to be solved
c.  Purpose
i. Follows from the problem
ii. More specific
iii. What the author intends to do
4. Why do researchers study research problems?
a. To fill a gap in the existing literature
b. To replicate past results by examining different participants/sites
c. To extend past results
d. To examine the problem more thoroughly
e. To learn from people whose voices have not been heard
f. To improve current practices
5. What are the elements of a statement of the problem?
1. Topic
2. Research problem
3. Evidence for the importance of the problem
4. Knowledge about the problem that is missing
5. Audiences that may benefit from the new knowledge
6. How do you identify the research problem?
a. Appears within the first paragraph or two of an article
b. Conveys a strong sense of importance
c. An issue, concern, or controversy that needs to be solved
i. A major concern
ii. Affects the lives of many individuals
iii. Has serious consequences
iv. A current issue for practitioners
v. A problem about what is known about a topic
vi. Conflicting evidence in the literature