INTRODUCTION TO ENG 105
RESEARCH NSj
WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Research is a process of systematic inquiry that entails-
collection of data
documentation of critical information
analysis and interpretation of that data/information
All research must adhere to specific guidelines and suitable methodologies set
by specific professional fields and academic disciplines
WHY DO WE DO RESEARCH?
Research is conducted to...
Evaluate the validity of a hypothesis or an interpretive framework.
To assemble a body of substantive knowledge and findings for
sharing them in appropriate manners.
To help generate questions for further inquiries.
Without research, innovations, discoveries and changes wouldn’t
take place.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF
RESEARCH?
There are three main purposes:
Exploratory: Researchers conduct exploratory studies to explore a group of
questions. The answers and analytics may not offer a conclusion to the perceived
problem. It is undertaken to handle new problem areas that haven’t been
explored before. This exploratory data analysis process lays the foundation for
more conclusive data collection and analysis.
Descriptive: It focuses on expanding knowledge on current issues through a
process of data collection. Descriptive research describe the behavior of a sample
population. Only one variable is required to conduct the study. The three primary
purposes of descriptive studies are describing, explaining, and validating the
findings. For example, a study conducted to know if top-level management
leaders in the 21st century possess the moral right to receive a considerable sum
of money from the company profit.
Explanatory: Causal research or explanatory research is conducted to
understand the impact of specific changes in existing standard procedures.
Running experiments is the most popular form. For example, a study that is
conducted to understand the effect of rebranding on customer loyalty.
WHAT IS EMPIRICAL
RESEARCH?
Empirical research is defined as any study whose conclusions are
exclusively derived from concrete, verifiable evidence. The
term empirical basically means that it is guided by scientific
experimentation and/or evidence. Likewise, a study is empirical
when it uses real-world evidence in investigating its assertions.
This research type is founded on the view that direct observation of
phenomena is a proper way to measure reality and generate truth
about the world
TYPES AND
METHODOLOGIES OF
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
Empirical research is done using either qualitative or quantitative methods.
Qualitative research: Qualitative research methods are utilized for
gathering non-numerical data. It is used to determine the underlying
reasons, views, or meanings from study participants or subjects. This
method can be semi-structured or unstructured. Results from this research
type are more descriptive than predictive. It allows the researcher to write
a conclusion to support the hypothesis or theory being examined.
Quantitative research
Quantitative research methods are used for gathering information via
numerical data. This type is used to measure behavior, personal views,
preferences, and other variables. Quantitative studies are in a more
structured format, while the variables used are predetermined. Data
gathered from quantitative studies is analyzed to address the empirical
questions.
QUALITATIVE EMPIRICAL
RESEARCH METHODS
Observational Method
This involves observing and gathering data from study subjects. As a
qualitative approach, observation is quite personal and time-intensive.
It is often used in ethnographic studies to obtain empirical evidence.
Interview
This method is exclusively qualitative and is one of the most widely
used. Its popularity is mainly due to its ability to allow researchers to
obtain precise, relevant information if the correct questions are asked.
Case Study
This method is used to identify extensive information through an in-
depth analysis of existing cases. It is typically used to obtain empirical
evidence for investigating problems or business studies.
Textual Analysis
This primarily involves the process of describing, interpreting, and
understanding textual content. It typically seeks to connect the text to a
broader artistic, cultural, political, or social context.
QUANTITATIVE EMPIRICAL RESEARCH METHODS
Experiment
A research hypothesis is commonly tested using an experiment, which involves the creation of a
controlled environment where the variables are maneuvered. Aside from determining the cause and
effect, this method helps in knowing testing outcomes, such as when altering or removing variables.
Survey
Survey research is designed to generate statistical data about a target audience. Surveys can involve
large, medium, or small populations and can either be a one-time event or a continuing process
Causal-Comparative research
This method leverages the strength of comparison. It is primarily utilized to determine the cause and
effect relationship among variables .
Cross-sectional research
While the observation method considers study subjects at a given point in time, cross-sectional research
focuses on the similarity in all variables except the one being studied.
Longitudinal study
A longitudinal method of research is used for understanding the traits or behavior of a subject under
observation after repeatedly testing the subject over a certain period of time. Data collected using this
method can be qualitative or quantitative in nature.
Correlational research
This method is used to determine the relationships and prevalence among variables. It commonly
employs regression as the statistical treatment for predicting the study’s outcomes, which can only be a
negative, neutral, or positive correlation.
WHAT DO WE DO IN ENG
105?
For ENG 105, we do a mix of qualitative and descriptive. You will
need to explore your topic, read about your specific target
population and then hypothesize changes, which in turn will be
tested through a survey.
There are situations when using a single research method is not
enough to adequately answer the questions being studied. In such
cases, a combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods
is necessary. Also, papers can also make use of both primary and
secondary research methods.
WHAT IS PRIMARY RESEARCH?
The primary research definition refers to research that has involved
the collection of original data specific to a particular research
project. When doing primary research, the researcher gathers
information first-hand rather than relying on available information
in databases and other publications.
This type of research is often carried out with the goal of producing
new knowledge, which is why primary research is also referred to
as original research. By doing primary research, researchers aim to
answer questions that haven’t been answered or even asked
before.
TYPES OF PRIMARY RESEARCH
Primary research can be done through various methods, but this type of research is often based
on principles of the scientific method. This means that in the process of doing primary research,
researchers develop research questions or hypotheses, collect and analyze measurable,
empirical data, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
Surveys: This is a data-collection approach where individuals are asked to provide answers to
particular research questions, such as about their emotions, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior. This
form of questioning tends to be less flexible than interviews due to the fixed nature of the
questions. However, surveys are useful for collecting information from large groups of people.
Interviews: Interviews are a convenient way of collecting information from individuals or small
groups of people. Researchers can also use interviews to get expert opinions on their fields of
study.
Observation: This primary research method involves observing people, occurrences, and other
variables important to the research or study. Observation entails measuring and recording
quantitative or qualitative data. This research method is useful for gaining knowledge without
the biased viewpoint sometimes present in interviews.
Data analysis: Data analysis requires collecting data and organizing them according to criteria
developed by the researcher. This primary research method is useful for discovering trends or
patterns in data.
Focus groups: Researchers can also gather information through focus groups, which typically
comprise up to 12 people. Focus groups participate in a guided discussion of the topic, usually
facilitated by the researcher. This qualitative data-gathering method is often used to gain a
deeper appreciation of social problems.
WHAT IS SECONDARY
RESEARCH
While primary research involves active participation from the
researcher themselves, secondary research involves the summary
or synthesis of data and literature that has been organized and
published by others. When doing secondary research, researchers
use and analyze data from primary research sources. Secondary
research is widely used in many fields of study and industries, such
as legal research and market research.
SOURCES OF SECONDARY RESEARCH
The following sources can assist researchers in doing secondary research:
Academic peer-reviewed journals These often include original research
undertaken by authors or researchers themselves.
Published books and articles Many books reference primary-source
materials, along with an analysis from the author.
Government agencies Many government agencies maintain archives or
databases of documents and reports, which contain data that can prove to
be useful to researchers.
Educational institutions Colleges and universities do a significant
amount of research and produce data that can be requested by researchers.
Commercial information sources Information sources such as
newspapers, magazines, and TV shows can also prove to be useful sources
for secondary research. These sources provide firsthand information and
insights into political agendas, market research, and economic
developments for instance.
STEPS FOR CONDUCTING EMPIRICAL
RESEARCH
Step #1: Establishing the research objective
In this initial step, the researcher must be clear about what he or
she precisely wants to do in the study. He or she should likewise
frame the problem statement, plans of action, and determine any
potential issues with the available resources, schedule, etc. for the
research.
Step #2: Reviewing relevant literature and supporting
theories
The researcher must determine relevant theories or models to his
or her research problem. If there are any such theories or models,
they must understand how it can help in supporting the study
outcomes.
Relevant literature must also be consulted. The researcher must be
able to identify previous studies that examined similar problems or
CONTD.
Step #3: Framing the hypothesis and measurement
The researcher must frame an initial hypothesis or educated guess that could be the
likely outcome. Variables must be established, along with the research context.
Units of measurements should also be defined, including the allowable margin of
errors. The researcher must determine if the selected measures will be accepted by
other scholars.
Step #4: Defining the research design, methodology, and data collection
techniques
Before proceeding with the study, the researcher must establish an appropriate
approach for the research. He or she must organize experiments to gather data that
will allow him or her to frame the hypothesis.
The researcher should also decide whether he or she will use a non-experimental or
experimental technique to perform the study.
Finally, the researcher must determine the parameters that will influence the validity
of the research design. Data gathering must be performed by selecting suitable
samples based on the research question. After gathering the empirical data, the
analysis follows
CONTD.
Step #5: Conducting data analysis and framing the results
Data analysis is done either quantitatively or qualitatively. Depending on the
nature of the study, the researcher must determine which method of data
analysis is the appropriate one, or whether a combination of the two is
suitable.
The outcomes of this step determine if the hypothesis is supported or
rejected. This is why data analysis is considered as one of the most crucial
steps in any research undertaking.
Step #6: Making conclusions
A report must be prepared in that it presents the findings and the entire
research proceeding. If the researcher intends to disseminate his or her
findings to a wider audience, the report will be converted into an article for
publication. Aside from including the typical parts from the introduction and
literature view, up to the methods, analysis, and conclusions, the researcher
should also make recommendations for further research on his or her topic
