Research Methods

Chapter 1-2-4

Prepared by Dr. Ali Bavik

revised by Dr. Shanhsan Qi
 Learning Objectives

• Problem Definition & Research Objectives

• Literature review

Extra reference: Rajasekear, S., Philominathan, P., & Chinnathambi, V. (2006). Research methodology.
Diva.Berkeley.edu, 47(4), 311-312
What is METHOD
 METHOD
An established, logical
systematic process
of achieving certain ends with
accuracy and efficiency, usually
in an ordered sequence of
fixed steps.
 METHOD
METHODOLOGY
A systematic way to solve a
problem.
The study of methods by which
knowledge is gained. Its aim is
to give the work plan of
research.
Differences between Research Methodology and
research method

• Research methods help us get a solution to a

problem.
• Research methodology is concerned with the
explanation of the following:
✓ Why is a particular research study undertaken?
✓ How did one formulate a research problem?
✓ What types of data were collected?
✓ What particular method has been used?
✓ Why was a particular technique of analysis of data used?

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 Research
Approaches
 Quantitative and Qualitative
Approach
• Quantitative approach involves the collection of
quantitative data includes experimental, inferential,
and simulation approaches to research.
• Qualitative approach uses the method of
subjective assessment of opinions, behavior and
attitudes. This approach uses techniques like depth
interviews, focus group interviews, and projective
techniques.

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 Selection of a
research topic
and problem
 “The formulation of the
problem is often more
essential than its solution.”
Albert Einstein
 Define the Problem
• Two Sources of Problems:
– A problem exists when a gap exists between what
was supposed to happen and what did happen,
i.e., failure to meet an objective

– An opportunity occurs when there is a gap

between what did happen and what could have
happened…called an opportunity

Ch 4 11
Define the Problem

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 Selection of a research topic
and problem
• The starting point of a research is the selection of a
research topic and problem.
Various components of a research problem may be summarized
as:

a) Theory of one’s own interest (e.g. nonlinear differential equations)

b) Daily problem (e.g. air pollution, problem of aged citizens)
c) Technological changes (e.g. social media impacts to tourism industry)
d) Recent trends (e.g. big data applications for different industry area)
e) Unexplored area (e.g. some new emerging areas)
….

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 Example of research problem and
research question
• Research Topic: Generation Z
• Research Problem: Who is Generation Z, and what role do they play in modern
society?
• Background and Justification:
-What is Generation Z and why is this topic important? (intro)
-Statistics? (the Evidence)
• Audience: This study will benefit college and university administrators who can create
or revise policies based upon the results.
• Purpose of the Study: the purpose of this quantitative study is to investigate the
characters of Generation Z and identify their attitudes.
• Research questions:
-What background information is necessary to understand Generation Z?
-What are the positive traits commonly attributed to Gen Z?
- What are the negative traits commonly attributed to Gen Z?

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 Definition and formulation of a
problem
• State the problem in questionnaire form or in a
equivalent form
• Specify the problem in detail and in precise terms
• List the assumptions made
• Remove the ambiguities, if any in the statement of the
problem
• Examine the feasibility of a particular solution

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The Role of Hypotheses in Defining the
Problem
• Hypotheses are statements that are taken for
true for the purposes of argument or
investigation

• Assumptions about the consequences of

solutions are hypotheses

Ch 4 16
 Reasoning

The action of thinking about

something in a logical,
sensible way.
Reasoning
 Inductive Reasoning

❑ Every quiz has been easy. Therefore, the test will

be easy.

❑ The teacher used PowerPoint in the last few

classes. Therefore, the teacher will use
PowerPoint tomorrow.

❑ Every fall there have been hurricanes in the

tropics. Therefore, there will be hurricanes in the
tropics this coming fall.
 Deductive Reasoning

❑ Every mammal has lungs.

❑ All rabbits are mammals. Therefore,
every rabbit has lungs.
 Comparative Research

Deductive Theory Testing

begins with an abstract idea and principle
and works toward the concrete details to
test these ideas.

Inductive Theory Building

begins with concrete details and then works
toward abstract ideas or general principles
or laws.
Deductive

Inductive
 Research Hypotheses
• Usually a hypothesis takes the form ‘x causes
Y’ or ‘X is related to Y’

Social media adoption Hotel online promotion

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 Literature Review

Literature review is a collection of research

publications, books and other documents related to the
defined problem.
• literature review connect with the stated problem
• Its essential for researcher to know whether the
defined problem has already been solved, the status
of the problem, techniques that are useful to
investigate the problem and other related details.

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 Literature Review
How to search research databases
• ScienceDirect: http://www.sciencedirect.com

• Google Scholar

• EBSCOHost: http://search.ebscohost.com

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 Importance of Literature review
• Sharpen the problem, reformulate it or even leads to
defining other closely related problem.
• Get proper understanding of the problem chosen.
• Acquire proper theoretical and practical knowledge
to investigate the problem
• show how the problem under study relates to the
previous research studies
• know whether the proposed problem had already
been solved.

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 In-class activity
Prepare your research in following points:
• Topic
• Research Problem
• Purpose Statement
• Research Question

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