ITM32033

RESEARCH METHOD FOR IT

SEU.IS.19.AT.115

ASSIGNMENT -03

3RD YEAR

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF ARTS AND CULTURE

SOUTH EASTERN UNIVERSITY OF SRI LANKA

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 Research Approach
A research approach refers to the overarching strategy or direction taken to answer research questions or
test hypotheses. It provides a structured pathway for gathering and analyzing data, ensuring that the
study’s methodology aligns with its goals.

For instance, a researcher investigating human behavior might choose a qualitative approach to explore
subjective experiences, while a quantitative approach might be used to measure and analyze numerical
data.

Importance of Research Approach

 Clarity: Ensures a systematic and focused study design.
 Alignment: Matches research questions with appropriate methods.
 Reliability: Enhances the validity and replicability of findings.
 Flexibility: Allows adaptation to different types of research objectives.
Types of Research Approach
1. Qualitative Research Approach
The qualitative approach focuses on understanding phenomena through in-depth exploration and
subjective analysis. It emphasizes meanings, experiences, and interpretations rather than numerical
measurements.

 Characteristics:
 Non-numerical data.
 Open-ended and flexible.
 Context-driven analysis.
 Examples:
 Understanding patient experiences in healthcare settings.
 Analyzing themes in literary texts.
 Methods:
 Interviews.
 Focus groups.
 Content analysis.

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2. Quantitative Research Approach
The quantitative approach focuses on measuring variables and analyzing data using statistical methods. It
is characterized by structured and objective inquiry.

 Characteristics:
 Numerical data.
 Hypothesis-driven.
 Statistical analysis.
 Examples:
 Measuring the impact of a new teaching method on student performance.
 Analyzing market trends using survey data.
 Methods:
 Surveys with closed-ended questions.
 Experiments.
 Secondary data analysis.
3. Mixed Methods Research Approach
The mixed methods approach combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the research problem. It integrates both numerical data and detailed
narratives.

 Characteristics:
 Blends numerical and non-numerical data.
 Offers a holistic perspective.
 Requires careful integration of findings.
 Examples:
 Studying the effectiveness of an educational program by analyzing test scores (quantitative) and
gathering student feedback (qualitative).
 Evaluating a healthcare intervention by combining patient satisfaction surveys and interviews with
healthcare providers.
 Methods:
 Sequential (e.g., qualitative followed by quantitative or vice versa).
 Concurrent (e.g., collecting qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously).
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Common Research Methods
1. Surveys and Questionnaires
Used to collect data from a large sample, typically involving structured questions.

 Application: Quantitative research.

 Example: A survey to measure customer satisfaction.
2. Interviews
One-on-one discussions used to explore detailed experiences or opinions.

 Application: Qualitative research.

 Example: Conducting interviews with teachers to understand challenges in virtual classrooms.
3. Experiments
Controlled studies that test hypotheses by manipulating variables and observing outcomes.

 Application: Quantitative research.

 Example: Testing the effect of a new drug on patient recovery rates.
4. Observations
Directly observing subjects in their natural environment.

 Application: Qualitative research.

 Example: Observing team dynamics in a workplace setting.
5. Case Studies
In-depth exploration of a single subject, group, or event.

 Application: Qualitative research.

 Example: Analyzing the organizational changes in a startup after funding.
6. Statistical Analysis
Analyzing numerical data using statistical tools and models.

 Application: Quantitative research.

 Example: Using regression analysis to predict consumer purchasing behavior.

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Examples of Research Approaches in Action
1. Education Research
Research Question: Does incorporating technology improve student engagement?
 Quantitative Approach: Conduct a survey measuring engagement levels before and after introducing
technology.
 Qualitative Approach: Interview students and teachers about their experiences using technology.
 Mixed Methods: Combine survey data with qualitative insights to evaluate the impact
comprehensively.
2. Healthcare Research
Research Question: What factors influence patient satisfaction in telemedicine services?
 Quantitative Approach: Analyze survey responses on satisfaction metrics.
 Qualitative Approach: Conduct interviews with patients to explore their perceptions and preferences.
 Mixed Methods: Integrate survey findings with thematic analysis of interview data.

3. Business Research
Research Question: What drives employee retention in startups?
 Quantitative Approach: Collect data on factors like salary, benefits, and job satisfaction through a
questionnaire.
 Qualitative Approach: Use focus groups to understand employee motivations and challenges.
 Mixed Methods: Combine quantitative and qualitative data to develop a comprehensive retention
strategy.
Choosing the Righ
Right Research Approach
1. Define the Research Problem
Understand the nature of the problem and the type of data needed to address it.

 Quantitative: For numerical analysis and hypothesis testing.

 Qualitative: For exploring experiences and perceptions.
 Mixed Methods: For combining breadth and depth in analysis.

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2. Consider the Audience
Determine who will use the research findings. Academic audiences may prioritize rigorous quantitative
methods, while practitioners may value qualitative insights.

3. Evaluate Resources and Constraints

Consider time, budget, and expertise when selecting an approach. Mixed methods often require more
resources than singular approaches.

4. Align with Objectives

Ensure the chosen approach aligns with the study’s goals, whether exploratory, descriptive, or
explanatory.

Strengths and Limitations of Research Approaches

Qualitative Research
 Strengths:
 Provides rich, detailed insights.
 Captures context and depth.
 Limitations:
 Subjective interpretations.
 Difficult to generalize findings.
Quantitative Research
 Strengths:
 Objective and replicable.
 Allows for statistical analysis.
 Limitations:
 May overlook context.
 Requires large sample sizes for accuracy.
Mixed Methods
 Strengths:
 Combines the strengths of both approaches.
 Provides a comprehensive understanding.
 Limitations:

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  Time-consuming and resource-intensive.
 Requires expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods.

According to its Purpose

Theoretical Research

Theoretical research, also referred to as pure or basic research, focuses on generating knowledge,
regardless of its practical application. Here, data collection is used to generate new general concepts for a
better understanding of a particular field or to answer a theoretical research question.
Results of this kind are usually oriented towards the formulation of theories and are usually based on
documentary analysis, the development of mathematical formulas and the reflection of high-level
researchers.
For example, a philosophical dissertation, since the aim is to generate new approaches from existing data
without considering how its findings can be applied or implemented in practice.

Applied Research

Here, the goal is to find strategies that can be used to address a specific research problem. Applied
research draws on theory to generate practical scientific knowledge, and its use is very common in STEM
fields such as engineering, computer science and medicine.
This type of research is subdivided into two types:
1. Technological applied research: looks towards improving efficiency in a particular productive
sector through the improvement of processes or machinery related to said productive processes.
2. Scientific applied research: has predictive purposes. Through this type of research design, we can
measure certain variables to predict behaviours useful to the goods and services sector, such as
consumption patterns and viability of commercial projects.
For example, market research, because by examining consumption patterns, strategies can be developed
for the development of new products and marketing campaigns, etc.
Note: Applied research is usually based on knowledge or results obtained through theoretical research.

In fact, it is common for research projects to first establish the theoretical framework both to define the
field of study and to identify possible theories that could be tested or applied to solve the specific problem
posed in the project.
According to your Depth of Scope

Exploratory Research

Exploratory research is used for the preliminary investigation of a subject that is not yet well understood
or sufficiently researched. It serves to establish a frame of reference and a hypothesis from which an in-
depth study can be developed that will enable conclusive results to be generated.
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Because exploratory research is based on the study of little-studied phenomena, it relies less on theory and
more on the collection of data to identify patterns that explain these phenomena.
For example, an investigation of the role social media in the perception of self-image.

Descriptive Research

The primary objective of descriptive research is to define the characteristics of a particular phenomenon
without necessarily investigating the causes that produce it.
In this type of research, the researcher must take particular care not to intervene in the observed object or
phenomenon, as its behaviour may change if an external factor is involved.
For example, investigating how the public census of influential government officials differs between
urban and non-urban areas.

Explanatory Research

Explanatory research is the most common type of research method and is responsible for
establishing cause-and-effect relationships that allow generalisations to be extended to similar realities. It
is closely related to descriptive research, although it provides additional information about the observed
object and its interactions with the environment.
For example, investigating the brittle behaviour of a specific material when under compressive load.

Correlational Research

The purpose of this type of scientific research is to identify the relationship between two or more
variables. A correlational study aims to determine whether a variable changes, how much the other
elements of the observed system change.
According to the Type of Data Used

Qualitative Research

Qualitative methods are often used in the social sciences to collect, compare and interpret information,
has a linguistic-semiotic basis and is used in techniques such as discourse analysis, interviews, surveys,
records and participant observations.
In order to use statistical methods to validate their results, the observations collected must be evaluated
numerically. Qualitative research, however, tends to be subjective, since not all data can be fully
controlled. Therefore, this type of research design is better suited to extracting meaning from an event or
phenomenon (the ‘why’) than its cause (the ‘how’).
For example, examining the effects of sleep deprivation on mood.

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Quantitative Research

Quantitative research study delves into a phenomena through quantitative data collection and
using mathematical, statistical and computer-aided tools to measure them. This allows generalised
conclusions to be projected over time.
For example, conducting a computer simulation on vehicle strike impacts to collect quantitative data.

According to the Degree of Manipulation of Variables

Experimental Research

It is about designing or replicating a phenomenon whose variables are manipulated under strictly
controlled conditions in order to identify or discover its effect on another independent variable or object.
The phenomenon to be studied is measured through study and control groups, and according to the
guidelines of the scientific method.
For example, randomised controlled trial studies for measuring the effectiveness of new pharmaceutical
drugs on human subjects.

Non-Experimental Research

Also known as an observational study, it focuses on the analysis of a phenomenon in its natural context.
As such, the researcher does not intervene directly, but limits their involvement to measuring the variables
required for the study. Due to its observational nature, it is often used in descriptive research.
For example, a study on the effects of the use of certain chemical substances in a particular population
group can be considered a non-experimental study

Quasi-Experimental Research

It controls only some variables of the phenomenon under investigation and is therefore not entirely
experimental. In this case, the study and the focus group cannot be randomly selected, but are chosen
from existing groups or populations. This is to ensure the collected data is relevant and that the
knowledge, perspectives and opinions of the population can be incorporated into the study.
For example, assessing the effectiveness of an intervention measure in reducing the spread of antibiotic-
resistant bacteria.

According to the Type of Inference

Deductive Investigation

In this type of research, reality is explained by general laws that point to certain conclusions; conclusions
are expected to be part of the premise of the research problem and considered correct if the premise is
valid and the inductive method is applied correctly.

Inductive Research

In this type of research, knowledge is generated from an observation to achieve a generalisation. It is

based on the collection of specific data to develop new theories.
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Hypothetical-Deductive Investigation

It is based on observing reality to make a hypothesis, then use deduction to obtain a conclusion and finally
verify or reject it through experience.
According to the Time in Which it is Carried Out

Longitudinal Study (also referred to as Diachronic Research)

It is the monitoring of the same event, individual or group over a defined period of time. It aims to track
changes in a number of variables and see how they evolve over time. It is often used in medical,
psychological and social areas.
For example, a cohort study that analyses changes in a particular indigenous population over a period of
15 years.

According to The Sources of Information

Primary Research

This fundamental research type is defined by the fact that the data is collected directly from the source,
that is, it consists of primary, first-hand information.

Secondary research

Unlike primary research, secondary research is developed with information from secondary sources,
which are generally based on scientific literature and other documents compiled by another researcher.

According to How the Data is Obtained

Documentary (cabinet)

Documentary research, or secondary sources, is based on a systematic review of existing sources of

information on a particular subject. This type of scientific research is commonly used when undertaking
literature reviews or producing a case study.

Field

Field research study involves the direct collection of information at the location where the observed
phenomenon occurs.

From Laboratory

Laboratory research is carried out in a controlled environment in order to isolate a dependent variable and
establish its relationship with other variables through scientific methods.
Mixed-Method: Documentary, Field and/or Laboratory

Mixed research methodologies combine results from both secondary (documentary) sources and primary
sources through field or laboratory research.

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Conclusion
Research approaches provide the foundation for a study’s design, guiding data collection and analysis.
Whether choosing a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approach, researchers must align their
strategy with their objectives, audience, and available resources. Understanding the strengths, limitations,
and applications of each approach ensures the research process is effective, credible, and relevant to the
problem at hand.

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References
 Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2017). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research.
Sage Publications.
 Babbie, E. (2020). The Practice of Social Research. Cengage Learning.
 Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press.
 Field, A. (2018). Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics. Sage Publications.
 Maxwell, J. A. (2012). Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach. Sage Publications.

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