BM2101 Research Methodology - Lecture Slides PDF

BM2101 Research Methodology Dr. Syahnur Farhana PhD in Economics Lecturer & Qualitative Researcher [email protected] Heads up / RULES in class 01 NO LAPTOP DURING LECTURE – FOCUS, LISTEN AND ASK. 02 NOTES (SLIDES) WILL BE GIVEN AFTER THE CLASS. 03 CR to pass the attendanc...

BM2101 Research Methodology Dr. Syahnur Farhana PhD in Economics Lecturer & Qualitative Researcher [email protected] Heads up / RULES in class 01 NO LAPTOP DURING LECTURE – FOCUS, LISTEN AND ASK. 02 NOTES (SLIDES) WILL BE GIVEN AFTER THE CLASS. 03 CR to pass the attendance sheet to me at the end of every month. Assessment Tasks and Activities Lecture TWO Class TWO Individual 2 hours 20% Each Intermediate Report on Chapter 1 - 30% MCQ & Structured Final Report from Chapter 1 to Chapter 3 - (TBC), Start drafting your research as of today, submission Test 1 before for first assignment will be after the semester break semester break (Week 8). Tutorial (Week 7), 2 hours Test 2 before Submission for second assignment will be in Week 14. revision week (Week Module outcomes Identify practical issues in Brunei Darussalam and propose solutions for improvement. Discover research gaps through a comprehensive literature review to ensure originality. Select and apply the appropriate research methodology (qualitative or quantitative). Use suitable techniques and tools to analyse research findings.  Chapter 1 Introduction to Research Chapter 2 Research Philosophy  Research Process 1 Begin with an idea Refine that idea 2 State research question/statement in one sentence 3 Specific aim and objectives 4 Literature review 10 Complete write- up of thesis/report The Research Process Select methodology 5 9 Draw conclusions 8 Analyze data 7 Gather data Devise data6 collection methods Research in Definition In simple term, research requires In scientific term, A topic / idea (an area Research is a systematic of interest), and careful process of inquiry or investigation based on theory and Data collection, evidence to seek new understandings and Data analysis. contribute to knowledge. First question to ask yourself: What topic should I study/research on? Next up, Why is this study important? (Especially in the context of Brunei Darussalam) Research Aim, Research Objectives, and Research Questions The research aim is the broad goal or purpose of the study. It explains what the researcher hopes to achieve or explore in general terms. Research objectives are specific, measurable steps that outline how the research aim will be achieved. They break down the aim into smaller tasks or goals. Research questions are specific questions that the study seeks to answer. They guide the research process by focusing on what needs to be investigated.  For Example Topic: The Importance of University–Industry Collaboration in Agriculture: A Qualitative Study from the Perspectives of the Bruneian Stakeholders Research aim: Research objectives: Research questions: To examine the importance of 1. What is the perceived importance effective UIC within Brunei’s of successful UIC in Brunei’s agricultural sector. agricultural sector? To explore the perspectives of Bruneian stakeholders regarding To evaluate the barriers 2. Why do specific challenges the significance of UIC within hindering successful UIC contribute to the difficulty of the agricultural sector. implementation in Brunei’s achieving successful UIC within agricultural sector. Brunei’s agricultural sector? To propose practical solutions 3. How can strategies be aimed at strengthening UIC implemented to overcome the within Brunei’s agricultural obstacles and strengthen UIC sector. within Brunei’s agricultural sector?  Remember, The aim, research objectives, and research questions give you the foundational overview of your entire research. Before starting your research study, however, It is important to consider the philosophical assumptions underlying your research. Research Philosophy Research is commonly underpinned by philosophical assumptions that define the researcher’s worldview. Generally, this worldview is known as a paradigm which consists of altogether three main elements: ontology, epistemology and methodology. Ontology = It is concerned with the researcher’s beliefs and views in defining the truth or reality. Epistemology = It is concerned with the theory of knowledge that informs the relationships between the researcher and what is known. Methodology = It is concerned with the approach of conducting research.  In other words, Ontology and epistemology influence the type of research methodology chosen, and this in turn guides the choice of research design and method = VALID RESEARCH. EASIEST WAY TO UNDERSTAND, The selection of methodology in a given study depends on whether the researcher is taking the position of being a positivist or interpretivist (two of the most common stances). Positivist Stance Positivist Stance Ontology Assume that the reality exists independently in a manner that it is objective (nature of reality) and quantifiable. Human behaviours can be explained through measurable data. Epistemology (how to investigate the reality) Use deductive logic, where existing theories (from the literature review) are combined with precise empirical evidence of individual behaviours. This allows for testing the initially stated hypotheses to examine causal relationships between variables and make generalisations. Methodology Quantitative Interpretivist Stance Interpretivist Stance Ontology Believe that the reality exists dependently on humans hence, it is a product of (nature of reality) social processes (subjective) thus, it is socially constructed. In-depth insights require personal interactions. Epistemology (how to investigate the reality) Use inductive reasoning, where exploration and analysis lead to the development of theories and a deeper understanding of the research problem. It is less focused on generalisability and more on understanding the problem within its unique context. This approach also opens up the possibility of generating new propositions and theories. Methodology Qualitative Positivist VS Interpretivist Stance Positivist Interpretivist Subjective view - based on personal feelings, Objective view - based on things that are Ontology opinions, or experiences. It varies from person to universally true, independent of personal person because it is influenced by individual feelings or opinions perspectives Epistemology The fact can be quantified / measured hence It is personal hence requiring close contacts, giving everyone can agree on. a whole new and unique insight Methodology Quantitative Qualitative Examples Height, temperature, weight Happiness, taste preference, beliefs  #Other way of understanding research philosophy Philosophy Casual Science Interpretive Science Seeks to identify causes (independent Definition variables) and effects (dependent variables) / Seeks to uncover different human understandings, to examine relationship or comparison among perceptions, or perspectives. variables. Interpretivism, hermeneutics, social constructivism, Positivism, post-positivism, realism, critical Stances/Variants critical theory, symbolic-interactionism, realism, pragmatism. phenomenology. Reality Objective (one reality). Subjective (multiple realities). Purpose and Discover new insights / propositions hence Hypothesis testing hence quantitative. methodology qualitative. Examples of Experimental design, quasi-experimental Case study design, phenomenological design, design, single-case experimental design, non- design ethnographic design. experimental design. Methods/ Surveys/questionnaires, experiments, tests. Interviews, focus groups, observations. Instruments How to decide which methodology to employ? When you believe the topic should be explored objectively (i.e., using measurements and statistics), then you are interested in QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH Eg:SMEs cannot export because of financial constraints Eg: 80% of Bruneians love UTB When you believe the topic should be explored subjectively (i.e., understanding a phenomenon in-depth through close interactions), then you are interested in QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Eg: SMEs cannot export due to several reasons such as……… Eg: Danial and Damia love UTB because of the food Remember No research methodology is better than another, as both are useful in different research situations. The choice of methodology depends on what fits the purpose of the research, the researcher’s beliefs, and their worldview. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH Based on numbers (Statistical interpretation). Closed-ended questions and responses (i.e., yes or not / agree or disagree). Deductive logic: Theories are used to guide the study & researchers aim to generalise the results, making sure the findings can be repeated in similar situations. (This requires a large sample up to hundreds). Hypotheses are formulated based on the literature, and the findings should test these hypotheses. Report is structured. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Based on words (Themes, patterns, and interpretation); suspicious of numbers. Open-ended questions and responses (i.e., please explain…describe…). Process is largely inductive in nature: builds theories or conclusions based on what emerges from the data, seeking to understand patterns, meanings, and experiences as they naturally unfold during the study. This does not require a large number of samples as long as data saturation is achieved. Proposition may be developed based on findings. Report has a flexible structure.  Consider these factors for your chosen methodology Quantitative Qualitative Validity Do the measures provide a good Have a sufficient number of perspectives been approximation to the variables of interest? included? Reliability Will the measures yield the same results on Will similar observations be reached by other other occasions? observers? How probable is it that patterns observed in Generalisability Is the sample sufficiently diverse to allow inferences the sample will be repeated in the general to other contexts? population? Consider these factors for your chosen methodology (Cont’d) Quantitative Qualitative Data Define dependent and independent variables Explain and justify a range of data collection and determine measures. methods. Sampling Justify sample size and explain how it reflects How will the sample enable different perspectives to the wider population. be included? Access How can responses to questionnaires etc. be What is the strategy for gaining access to human assured? participants?  Consider these factors for your chosen methodology (Cont’d) Quantitative Qualitative Ethics Could results be used to harm any Will the interests of participants be protected? participants? Unit of One target group (i.e., consumers). Can have multiple units/cases (SMEs and analysis government agencies). Analysis Statistical procedures for examining Arrangements for coding interpreting and making relationships between variables. sense of data. Will the research build on existing theory or develop Theory Hypotheses are either supported or not. new concepts?  Preparation for tutorial: Your area of interest Your possible topic Your possible aim, research objectives, and research questions