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What is Research?
What is Research?
Two Categories of Research
Two Categories of Research
Applied Research
Applied Research
Solve a problem faced by an organization in a work setting
Use knowledge (research findings) for practical concerns
Application of known theories to the actual operational field
Objectives negotiated with originator
Improve a current situation
Basic Research
Basic Research
Solve theoretical problems.
Advancement of knowledge & theoretical understanding.
Often the foundation for further applied research.
Choice of topic & objectives determined by the researcher
No direct impact to actions, performance or policy decisions
Stages of Research
Stages of Research
The Hallmarks of Scientific Research
The Hallmarks of Scientific Research
Purposiveness
Purposiveness
Research has to start with a definite aim, objective, & purpose (why we are doing it).
Research must have a purposive focus.
Research findings must be beneficial.
Rigor
Rigor
Strict attention to rules, procedures, & standard of accuracy & consistency.
Carefulness, scrupulousness & the degree of exactitude in research.
Must involves good theoretical base & sound methodological design.
Rigorousness enables a researcher to…
Rigorousness enables a researcher to…
Collect the right information from reliable sources
Achieve minimum degree of bias
Facilitate a suitable data analysis.
Example:
Example:
In an organization, there are 2300 employees. A manager surveyed 10 employees about organizational commitment. Based on the survey, he reached several conclusions on how the commitment can be increased.
Is the investigation scientific. Why?
Testability
Testability
Research questions must be answerable
Hypotheses/propositions/variables must be testable
Hypotheses/propositions/variables should be derived from theory or theory-based
Replicability
Replicability
Results should be supported again & again when the same type of research is repeated in other similar circumstances.
Replicability gains confidence in scientific nature of research.
Replicability brings exactitude & accuracy in findings.
Example:
Example:
After a research involving 300 manufacturers in Malaysia, the researcher found that employees who perceive greater opportunities for participation in decision making would have higher level of commitment.
Precision
Precision
The closeness of the findings to reality.
The degree of accuracy & exactitude of the results.
Ensures reliance & confidence in the results.
Example:
Example:
A supervisor estimated production days lost in a year due to absenteeism is between 30 & 40. The actual level is 35 days. The estimation is more favorably than if he indicated between 20 & 50.
Confidence
Confidence
The probability that an estimation is correct.
It is not merely enough to be precise only, but how precise is it?
It is important to claim confidently that the estimation is 95% correct. Only 5% probability of being wrong.
This is also known as confidence level.
Objectivity
Objectivity
Conclusion must be drawn based on actual data; not on subjective or emotional values.
A research hypothesizes that greater participation in decision making increases organizational commitment. However, lack of support from data. It makes no sense if the researcher continues to argue that increasing employee participation would help!
Generalizability
Generalizability
A statement about a group is true for most the groups.
Applicability level of research findings in one organization setting to other settings.
The higher the generalizability of a research, the greater its usefulness and value.
Example:
Example:
If participation in decision making enhances organizational commitment are found to be true in variety of industries, not merely in the particular organization studied by the researcher; then generalizability of the findings is enhanced.
Parsimony
Parsimony
Simplicity in explaining the phenomena is always preferable than complex research frameworks that consider an unmanageable number of factors.
Example:
Example:
2-3 specific variables, which would raise organizational commitment by 45%, is more useful & valuable than 10 different variables, which increase commitment by 48% only.
Features of High Quality Research
Features of High Quality Research
Topic, problem, purpose & scope are clearly defined.
Research design is thoroughly planned.
Research process is clearly explained. Thus, it can be reproduced & verified by others.
Data are adequately analyzed & explained.
Findings & conclusion are presented unambiguously & well justified by sufficient evidence.
Limitations are frankly revealed.
Highly ethical standards are applied.
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