Advance Research Methods

Credit Hours (Theory): 3 hours per week

 Review of Previous Week

• Defining Research
• Modes of Knowledge Creation
• Basic and Applied Research
• Research Ethics
• The Nature of Participant Consent
 Today’s Session

• The Research Process

• Ethical Issues at Different Stages in Research
• Terminologies in Research
 The Research Process
Formulate & Clarify Your Research Topic

Critically Review The Literature

Choose Research Paradigm/Approach and Strategy

Negotiate Access & Address Ethical Issues

Plan Data Collection and Collect Data Using One or More of:
(i) Sampling (ii) Secondary Data (iii) Observations (iv) Interviews (v) Questionnaires

Analyze Your Data Using One or Both of:

(i) Quantitative Methods (ii) Qualitative Methods

Forward Planning
Write Your Thesis Report

Reflection & Revision Prepare & Appear for Viva

 Research Ethics

Two philosophical standpoints of business and management

research

• Deontological

• Teleological
 Ethical Issues at Different Stages in Research

Issues during design and gaining access

• Obtaining consent - implied and informed

• Using participant information sheets

• Consent for observation and online observation

Sample Consent Form
 Ethical Issues at Different Stages in Research

Issues during data collection

• General issues applying to techniques
• Awareness of participant’s rights
• Keeping to the project aims
• Safety of the researcher
• Maintaining objectivity, confidentiality and anonymity
• Appropriate interview behaviour
• Use of observation techniques
• Undertaking a covert study
 Ethical Issues at Different Stages in Research

Data Processing and Storage

Personal data must be
• Processed fairly and lawfully
• Obtained for specified purposes
• Adequate and relevant
• Accurate, updated and kept securely
 Ethical Issues at Different Stages in Research

Issues during data analysis and reporting

• Sensitive personal data
• Confidentiality and anonymity
• Protection of research participants
• Ethical use of data analysis and conclusions
Dealing with Ethical Issues
 Terminologies in Research

• Concepts

• Constructs

• Operational Definitions
 Terminologies in Research

Variables
A variable is a symbol of an event, act, characteristic, trait, or attribute that
can be measured and to which we assign values.
 Terminologies in Research

Types of Variables
• Independent Variable (IV) – that can be manipulated
• Dependant Variable (DV) – affected by manipulation of (IV)
• Moderating Variable (MV) – a second independent variable
 Terminologies in Research

Types of Variables
• Extraneous Variable (EV) – infinite number of variables that might
conceivably effect a relationship
• Control Variable (CV) – included in investigation to ensure results are not biased by
not including them
• Confounding Variable (CFV) – similar to Moderating Variable
 Terminologies in Research

Types of Variables
• Intervening Variable (IV) – in between IV and DV