Educational Research

The Cyprus Journal of Sciences, 2013

Carrying out a research paper is concerned to be a simple task. However, in practice it is far more complicated. The most important factor is for the researcher to know the main principles of the research process. It is vital to identify the research methods progression, the meaning and purpose of the research to be carried out, by the formulation of hypothesis, aims and questions, the use of methodology-both quantitative and qualitative-their characteristics and suitability when utilized, and the need of sampling and ethical considerations. By the use of theoretical framework, the current research paper firstly discusses and analyses the principles of bringing about a research paper, and most importantly it emphasizes the advantages and disadvantages of research methodology.

All research is based on some underlying philosophical assumptions about what constitutes 'valid' research and which research method(s) is/are appropriate for the development of knowledge in a given study. In order to conduct and evaluate any research, it is therefore important to know what these assumptions are. This chapter discusses the philosophical assumptions and also the design strategies underpinning this research study. Common philosophical assumptions were reviewed and presented; the interpretive paradigm was identified for the framework of the study. In addition, the chapter discusses the research methodologies, and design used in the study including strategies, instruments, and data collection and analysis methods, while explaining the stages and processes involved in the study.

Research Methodology in Knowledge-Based Dynamic Capabilities: The Road Ahead in gaining Organizational Competitiveness, 2019

The chapter presents methodology employed for examining framework developed, during the literature review, for the purpose of present study. In light of the research objectives, the chapter works upon the ontology, epistemology as well as the methodology adopted for the present study. The research is based on positivist philosophy which postulates that phenomena of interest in the social world, can be studied as concrete cause and effect relationships, following a quantitative research design and a deductive approach. Consequently, the present study has used the existing body of literature to deduce relationships between constructs and has developed a strategy to test the proposed theory with the ultimate objective of confirming and building upon the existing knowledge in the field. Further, the chapter presents a roadmap for the study which showcases the journey towards achieving research objectives in a series of well-defined logical steps. The process followed for building survey instrument as well as sampling design has been laid down in a similar manner. While the survey design enumerates various methods adopted along with justifications, the sampling design sets forth target population, sampling frame, sampling units, sampling method and suitable sample size for the study. The chapter also spells out the operational definitions of the key variables before exhibiting the three-stage research process followed in the present study. In the first stage, questionnaire has been developed based upon key constructs from various theories/researchers in the field. Thereafter, the draft questionnaire has been refined with the help of a pilot study and its reliability and validity has been tested. Finally, in light of the results of the pilot study, the questionnaire has been finalized and final data has been collected. In doing so, the step-by-step process of gathering data from various sources has been presented. Towards end, the chapter throws spotlight on various statistical methods employed for the analysis of data, along with the presentation of rationale for the selection of specific techniques used for the purpose of presentation of the outcomes of the present research.

Research students usually encounter great difficulties in setting up a viable research project mainly because, on the one hand they lack familiarity with the philosophical underpinnings of major paradigms used in educational research: quantitative, qualitative or mixed, and on the other hand , they do not associate the corresponding research types with these paradigms : experimental, non experimental for the former, and interactive or non interactive for the second and the for the latter whether it is explanatory or exploratory, in addition to the importance of triangulation in any research study . These paradigms determine not only the formulation of the problem chosen for research and the associated research questions or hypothesis but also and more importantly, the sampling procedure as well as the selection of the appropriate research tools and the way the collected data is analysed and discussed. This survey of the major paradigms in educational research and their implications for the design of any research study will hopefully provide them with the necessary guidance to approach their research project with more confidence et more efficiency.

2008

This book advances a framework, a process, and compositional approaches for designing a proposal for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research in the human and social sciences. The ascendency of qualitative research, the emergence of mixed methods approaches, and the continuing use of the traditional forms of quantitative designs have created a need for this book's unique comparison of the three approaches to inquiry. This comparison begins with preliminary consideration of philosophical assumptions for all three approaches, a review of the literature, an assessment of the use of theory in research approaches, and reflections about the importance of writing and ethics in scholarly inquiry. The book then addresses the key elements of the process of research: writing an introduction, stating a purpose for the study, identifying research questions and hypotheses, and advancing methods and procedures for data collection and analysis. At each step in this process, the reader is taken through qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. AUDIENCE This book is intended for students and faculty who seek assistance in preparing a plan or proposal for a scholarly journal article, dissertation, or thesis. At a broader level, the book may be useful as both a reference book and a textbook for courses in research methods. To best take advantage of the design features in this book, the reader needs a basic familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research; however, terms will be explained and defined and recommended strategies advanced for those needing introductory assistance in the design process. Highlighted terms in the text and a glossary of the terms at the back of the book provide a working language for understanding research. This book also is intended for a broad audience in the social and health sciences. Readers' comments since the first edition indicate that individuals using the book come from many disciplines and fields. I hope that researchers in fields such as marketing, management, criminal justice, communication studies, psychology, sociology, K-12 education, higher and postsecondary education, nursing, health sciences, urban studies, family research, and other areas in the social and health sciences will find the fourth edition useful. • This edition also includes a companion website at www.sagepub.com/creswellrd4e with a complete PowerPoint slide presentation ready to use in the classroom, as well as sample activities and end-of-chapter checklists. OUTLINE OF CHAPTERS This book is divided into two parts. Part I consist of steps that researchers need to consider before they develop their proposals or plans for research. Part II discusses the various sections used to develop a scholarly research proposal for a thesis, dissertation, or research report.