Survey and Research Methods

Session 1:

Dr. Gangadhar Mahesh, B. Arch, M. Eng, Ph.D

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Outline
Introduce the concept of research Provide awareness of different classifications of research Outline the essentials of theories and paradigms Discuss various research styles Introduce quantitative and qualitative approaches

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Definition
A careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge systematized effort to gain new knowledge a movement from the known to the unknown, actually a voyage of discovery comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting, organising and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis

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Classification of Research
Based on Purpose:
Pure (To contribute to theories) Applied (To apply theories to real situations in order to find a definitive answer)

Based on Research Type:

Instrumental (To construct / calibrate research instruments) Exploratory (Structures and identifies new problems) Constructive (Develops solutions to a problem) Empirical (Tests the feasibility of a solution using empirical evidence)

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Classification of Research (2)

Based on Reasoning Approach:
Inductive (More general to specific; Conclusion follows logically from premises (available facts)) Deductive (specific observations to broader generalizations and theories)

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Classification of Research (3)

Based on Research Methods Used:
Qualitative - Why things happen as they do? - Subjective data but needs to be analysed objectively Quantitative - Provide snapshots - Data and results are cross sectional and objective

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Qualitative Vs. Quantitative

Quantitative:
Questionnaire Survey Examination of Available Figures and Statistics Mathematical Modeling Simulation

Qualitative:
Literature Review Case Studies Interviews Focus Group Meetings

Source: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cdic-mcc/18-3/d_e.html

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Context and Research

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Definitions
Theory: a coherent set of general propositions, used as principles of explanation of the amount of the apparent relationships of certain observed phenomona Concepts (or constructs): basic building blocks of theory development; is a generalized idea about a class of objects, attributes, occurrences, or processes that have been given a name Proposition: is a statement concerned with the relationship between concepts; asserts a universal connection and logical linkage between concepts Hypotheses: are propositions which are empirically testable; are usually concerned with the relationships between variables
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The Abstraction Ladder

Theory Propositions Concepts / Constructs
Levels of Abstraction

Abstract Level

Observations of Objects, Events and Occurrences

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Empirical Level

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Deductive Reasoning
Theory Hypotheses Observation

Using deductive reasoning, one starts with a given theory as the basis for which we develop hypotheses and then confirm these with specific data acquired using observation or experimentation (Is our theory valid or not?)

Confirmation

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Inductive Reasoning
Observation Pattern Tentative Hypotheses
Using inductive reasoning, one starts with a specific observation as the basis for which we develop a general pattern and tentative hypothesis as the foundation of a theory

Theory

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Knowledge Creation
Deductive reasoning occurs within boundaries of existing knowledge (may reinforce boundaries) Inductive reasoning is valuable in extending or overcoming boundaries; but should be employed with caution Anomalies instances in which theory fails to provide correct prediction; leads to examination of general principles of theory Paradigm a theoretical framework which includes a system by which people view events

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Research Styles
Action Research: Involves active participation by the researcher in the process under
study in order to identify, promote and evaluate problems and solutions; Usual cycle of scientific research problem definition-design-hypothesis-experiment-data collection-analysisinterpretation modified to research question-diagnosis-plan-intervention-evaluation.

Ethnographic Research: The researcher becomes part of the group under study and
observes subjects behaviors, statements etc to gain insights into what, how and why their patterns of behaviors occur.

Surveys: Operate on the basis of sampling. Case Studies: Encourage in-depth investigation of particular instances within the
research subject

Experiments: Suited best to bounded problems or issues in which the variables involved
are known or hypothesized with some confidence.

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Requirements of Different Research Styles

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Triangulated Approach
Employs two or more research techniques To eliminate or reduce disadvantages of each individual approach while gaining from advantages of both Triangulation within methodology seeks to enhance a studys external validity whilst within methodology seeks to enhance internal validity and reliability

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