How And What

Advantages and disadvantages of focus groups

By: M Rahman | Tags:

Advantages and disadvantages of focus groups This article aims to identify and explain some of the advantages and disadvantages of focus groups. Focus groups are often used by researchers to gather qualitative data and in-depth insights into a particular topic. Though under used, they are one of the most effective market research tools available. However, it should be mentioned focus groups have some limitations. It is therefore important for researchers to consider several advantages and disadvantages of focus groups when selecting focus groups as their preferred research tool. Definition of […]

Advantages and disadvantages of questionnaires

By: M Rahman | Tags:

Advantages and disadvantages of questionnaires This article aims to identify and explain some of the advantages and disadvantages of questionnaires. Questionnaires are often used by researchers in quantitative research as they are understood to be very useful to collect large amounts of data from a large sample of people. However, questionnaires are not without some limitations. It is, therefore, important for researchers to examine the advantages and disadvantages of questionnaires before deciding whether they should use this instrument in their research or not. Definition of questionnaire According to Cambridge Dictionary […]

Qualitative vs quantitative research

By: M Rahman | Tags: Research Methods

There is no doubt that it is very important for you to understand the differences between qualitative research and quantitative research methods if you were to carry out a research project. While we can divide research methods broadly into quantitative and qualitative methods, what method you should choose depends on your research philosophy, approach (e.g. deductive and inductive), and your research questions. Your own preference may also determine what method you select. This article is about qualitative vs quantitative research. It aims to identify the differences between qualitative research and […]

How to evaluate website content

By: Joe David | Tags: Research Methods

Do you sometimes carry out research online for academic purposes? If so, how do you know the information available online is reliable? The Internet often contains information which are untested. Therefore, you should evaluate online content before using them for study purposes. How to evaluate website content According to the University of Edinburgh (2017) there are a number of criteria you need to consider before using information for your assignments. Audience, authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and the URL are the main criteria. You need to ask a number of questions concerning […]

Differences between deductive and inductive approaches to research

By: Joe David | Tags: Research Methods

Differences between deductive and inductive approaches to research One of the most important issues in research is the research approach. Researchers usually use one of the two widely known research approaches i.e. deductive and inductive. Both of the approaches have their advantages and disadvantages and both impact on many aspects of a research. The aim of this article is to explore the differences between deductive and inductive approaches to research. What is deductive approach? According to Gratton and Jones (2009) deductive approach involves testing of a pre-determined theory, explanation or […]

Sampling strategies in research

By: M Rahman | Tags: Research Methods

What is sampling? According to Gratton & Jones (2009) a sample can be defined as a subset of a specific population. Its purpose is, in most cases, to gain information about the overall population by selecting a smaller number of individual cases from the population. Researchers need to have good sampling strategies for their research. Why taking a sample? There are a number of reasons as to why a sample should be taken for the purpose of research. Firstly, total population is sometimes too large and collecting data from everyone […]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of primary and secondary research?

By: M Rahman | Tags: Research Methods, What are the advantages and disadvantages of primary and secondary research?

Research can be categorised into different types. However, this article will focus on primary and secondary research only. They are different from each other because of the way they are carried out and have their own advantages and disadvantages. Differences between primary and secondary research The main differences between primary and secondary research are as follows: Primary research Primary research is also called field research. According to Gratton & Jones (2009) primary research refers to research that has involved the collection of original data specific to a particular research project, […]

What is literature review?

By: M Rahman | Tags: What is literature review?

Researchers need to become familiar with the appropriate concepts and the past work concerning their chosen subject. This is where a literature review becomes relevant and important. A number of writers have attempted to define literature review and came up with some very good ideas and concepts. Definition of literature review A literature review is the background to the research, where it is important to demonstrate a clear understanding of the relevant theories and concepts, the results of past research into the area, the types of methodologies and research designs […]

Research process – steps in research process

By: M Rahman | Tags: What are the steps in research process?

There is no doubt that research is a systematic process. Although different models of research process exist, each containing different numbers of stages, most include the same general elements (Gratton & Jones, 2009). The research process outlined below is a generalized way of carrying out research: Define the problem Specify the objectives Literature review Research Design Methods Sample Timing Costs Data collection and analysis Present findings and conclusion Define the Problem The research process begins with identifying and defining the problems facing the researcher. In fact, there may be many […]

Research – definition of research

By: M Rahman | Tags: What is research?

Definition of research ‘Research is a systematic process of discovery and advancement of human knowledge’ (Gratton & Jones, 2009, p.4). According to Theodorson and Theodorson (1969) research refers to any honest attempt to study a problem systematically or to add to man’s knowledge of a problem. Based on the definitions above, there are few characteristics of research. Firstly, research is a systematic (stage by stage) process. Researchers must follow an appropriate process in order to conduct research which is valid. Secondly, any research is to study a problem. What is […]