...“If we knew what it was that we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” Albert Einstein Mixed methods research is fast becoming recognised as a third major research approach or paradigm alongside qualitative and quantitative research. Its philosophy is pragmatic, and in general terms it is an approach which attempts to acknowledge several perspectives, viewpoints and angles. Research methods are a fundamental component of the social sciences which facilitate the understanding of human behaviour. Grinnell (1993, as cited in Kumar, 2005, p.95) defines research as being a “careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles”. Grinnell also adds that research is a structured inquiry which employs scientific methodology for problem solving and creating new knowledge. This paper will critically discuss the nature and design of mixed methods research. The essay begins by defining mixed methods before giving an outline of the quantitative and qualitative approaches followed by a discussion on the debate surrounding the multi-strategy approach. Multi-strategy research attempts to combine methods from the positivist- quantitative and the interpretive- qualitative paradigms. Both numerical data, a result of quantitative enquiry and narrative data, a result of qualitative...
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...Rottmann, Sacks, and Reeve (2015) uses comparative analysis of qualitative data, which they collected through nine focus groups and seven interviews. Beck (2014) utilize a mixed methods methodology to try and determine what predicts servant leadership behaviors. This research was conducted because one of the major problems with servant leadership is the lack of empirical research conducted in this area. The mixed method research model was used because the researcher did not believe that only a qualitative or quantitative research study would give a complete picture of the topic. The researcher selected the servant leadership questionnaire (SLQ), which was divided into two parts. I have been familiar with qualitative, quantitative and the mixed...
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...Comparison of 3 methodological approaches undertaken in 3 Research studies on Airline Industry Introduction In this research paper, methodological approaches of 3 different peer reviewed tourism journal articles from the journal “Tourism Management” have been compared. The first article is on the topic of changing gender representation in airline/aviation industry. This research study has identified the trends related to gender representation in airline industry have been discussed. In this article, the influence of different media such as contemporary electronic, celluloid and print has been discussed and the role of media in affecting life as well as career choices especially from the perspective of gender is conferred. According to the article, e-media imagery holds more power than ever before to influence life, especially career choices of a person. New generation especially now take their input from the imagery shown on the media in making their career decision and media has played an important role in helping women to gain more representation in careers that were previously dominant by the their male counterparts. According to the article, e-media imagery holds more power than ever before to influence life, especially career choices of a person. New generation especially now take their input from the imagery shown on the media in making their career decision and media has played an important role in helping women to gain more representation in careers that were...
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...Section III. Choice of Research Method: Quantitative, Qualitative or Mixed? The selection of data analysis techniques to deal with research questions or hypotheses and the techniques chosen for the data collection is informed and guided by what we call the research method. Hence, research method is a procedure, and also the analytical techniques to be chosen and the methods to be chosen will also be dictated by the choices of the methodologies made and by the theoretical framework (Sumner and Tribe, 2008). Research methods for knowledge claim and strategies is of three types: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. In quantitative method, a positivist claims is used as a tool for the researcher to investigate primarily for knowledge....
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...Business Research: Part 3 Introduction In further discussions of the merger with Staples and Office Depot, we need to look at with is going to be the primary research design, either qualitative or quantitative. We are also going to look at the power of both the qualitative or quantitative designs and how they can coexist together. Lastly, we are going to look at what are the drawbacks of using just one method over the other. In researching all business problems, we want to ensure our research design can properly accommodate the needs of the merger. It will be our suggestion that a mixed design of both qualitative and quantitative research be considered when making the final decision of what is the best research design moving forward. Which design (qualitative or quantitative) will become the primary research design? The primary and best research design to use for this merger would be a quantitative design. The quantitative research design will help measure the employee’s attitudes, behaviors, and opinions. Staples can create a survey for their new and current employees asking them how they feel about the merger and is the transition phase going smoothly, are they happy, and if they are not what are their immediate concerns and how do they feel Staples should address these concerns. This research method would also work well with the consumers, new and old ones. Staples will be able to use this research design method...
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...There are three main types of research methodology: qualitative, quantitative and the mixed method approach. Qualitative research is collecting, interpreting and analysing data based on observing what people do or say. On the other hand, qualitative research refers to the meanings, definitions, metaphors, characteristics and description of things (Thomas, 2003). While, mixed research uses both qualitative and quantitative methods and blends the resulting data in certain ways (Jick, 1979). The design for this research is the use of a descriptive and interpretive focus group analyses through a mix method approach. The focus and purpose of the research is to analyze the usage of renewable energies throughout the Caribbean as an alternative energy...
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...Preparing to Conduct Business Research Part Three Dena Lebo, Kyla Guerrero and Mario Johnson RES 351 Jan. 26, 2015 Professor Arnella Trent Through the past three weeks, we have decided as a team that our business problem could primarily be solved using a qualitative research design. We have come to this conclusion because as a company utilizing a call center experiencing high volumes of misdirected and dropped calls, the upmost concern within our organization deals with our customer service. Customer service concerns can exclusively be addressed through qualitative means, simply by changing the directed procedures on how customer service agents deal with dropped calls, and related issues. For example, if a customer service agent was handling a call with a client who is dealing with a very detailed issue and the call abruptly drops, there must be simple to follow instructions on how to get that client back on the phone, and continue to solve the issues the client is facing. Solving this problem for our clients is currently our number one goal for this very sensitive and frustrating issue that our clients deal with daily. Although keeping our customers happy is of course our primary objective, however we also must consider what our customer service agents are dealing with as well. Once again, we know that utilizing some of these qualitative methods will fix this issue, and allow both, our clients and customer service agents to benefit. Regarding the finding of solutions...
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...As mentioned above, while quantitative methods are good at answering these four types of questions, there are other types of question that are not well suited to quantitative methods: 1. The first situation where quantitative research will fail is when the problem needs to be analysed in depth. Quantitative research is good at providing information in breadth from a large number of units. But when it comes to exploration of a problem or concept in depth, quantitative methods are too shallow. To get really under the skin of a phenomenon, the best suited methods are, ethnographic methods, interviews, in-depth case studies and other qualitative techniques. 2. As stated earlier, quantitative research is well-suited for the testing of theories and hypotheses. What quantitative methods cannot do very well is to develop hypotheses and theories. The hypotheses to be tested may come from a review of the literature or theory, but can also be developed using exploratory qualitative research. 3. If issues to be studied are particularly complex, an in-depth qualitative study, like a case studyis more likely to pick up on this than a quantitative study. This is partly...
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...Understanding Business Research Terms and Concepts: Part 1 Business research is the key to understanding how to promote sales and increase company efficiency. It helps managers to be successful, and prepares them to make smart business decisions to help the business grow. Companies may choose from a variety of approaches to conduct their research. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are reliable in aiding to achieve success. But, no matter the approach or method of research taken, there will always be key points to look out for when doing business research. Such as, the importance in learning what makes your product or service stand out against other competitors in the industry and how to market it in that manner to consumers. Brands and Consumer Behavior Marketing to the appropriate target is the goal in which to be achieved for almost every business. When a business puts its focus on the needs and wants of their proposed consumers, the chances of reaching that consumer is more likely. In this research, a questionnaire was developed to explore the correlation of brand image and brand equity with consumer purchase intention. Meenaghan (1995) defines brand image as product knowledge that enables consumers to identify a specific brand. Blackwell, Miniard, and Engel (2005) describe how brand image has both tangible and intangible associations for consumers. Bhat and Reddy (1998) define brand image as an information prompt. When it comes to brand equity;...
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...using online marketing research” Name Goes Here: Name of University Here: www.mastersthesiswriting.com Sample Dissertation Proposal 0.0. Introduction 2 The evolution of the internet is perhaps the most bewildering and comprehensive enhancement of information technologies that has been witnessed in the past decade. The internet has restructured the way people communicate, both on a personal and professional level. For instance, the social web has taken over Advertising, Marketing, promotion, Public Relations, Customer Service and novel conduits and tools. Information obtained from this research will be significant in shaping the success of new online research products and services. Most online research consumers spring from the professional division; as a result, prices of quality online research tend to be a bit on the high side. This attracts the attention of companies to consumers in the personal or normal consumer segment. It is anticipated that online research should target both segments (professional and personal) with the price factor in mind and this research will determine whether this is a veritable fact or not (Chisnall 186). 1.0. Research objectives The following research objectives have been identified: 1.1. To identify the right tools, methods and opportunities of marketing research online 1.2. To explore the internal and external characteristics that online research consumers value when purchasing online research products and services...
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...methodology that would be used in the study. The methodology covers issues that relate to the type of data that would be collected, how it would be collected, and how it would be analysed. 3.1. Mixed Method In order to address the shortcomings of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the researcher would use the mixed method (Byman, 2008). Put differently, mixed methods allows the researcher the opportunity to compensate for inherent method weaknesses, capitalize on inherent method strengths, and offset inevitable method biases (Greene, 2007). 3.2. Sampling technique The simple random sample is the most basic form of probability sample (Bryman, 2008:190). With random sampling, each...
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...Robbins Paint and Carpet 8/26/2013 Step 1: The type of organization that I am using for my research and analysis is a retail sales and service company in Western North Carolina. Step 2: I will be using choosing Leadership of the owner, Jim Robbins, as the emphasis or theme. Step 3: There are many different research methods to use. One such method is the lab study method which is a style of experimental research. This method uses a very strict and controlled environment. Accurate results would not be likely for my research topic as it would be awkward to observe him performing his daily activities outside the workplace and in a laboratory. He would be less likely to act himself in a controlled environment. Another method to use is a type of non-experimental research called document analysis. This method will be used in moderation as it employs the use of print and electronic media, emails, blogs, etc. that my subject has published about him (Colorado Technical University 2013). I plan to use a mixed method which is a procedure of collecting, analyzing, and mixing both quantitative and qualitative research methods in a singly study (Colorado Technical University 2013). Primarily focusing on questionnaires and interviews, my analysis of Mr. Robbins will use some forms of meta-analysis (very hot in the research world right now.) Document Analysis, Tests, and the Mixed Method Jim Robbins will be easy to gather information on by asking him to out pertinent tests and...
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...also be achieved by using different research techniques. Triangulated techniques are helpful for cross-checking and used to provide confirmation and completeness, which brings 'balance' between two or more different types of research. The purpose is to increase the credibility and validity of the results. Often this purpose in specific contexts is to obtain confirmation of findings through convergence of different perspectives. There are more benefits of using 'triangulation' for confirmatory purposes. The classical benefit depicted by various methodologists is the validation of qualitative results by quantitative studies. Not only that but also researchers use 'triangulation' for validating quantitative research instruments when the research phenomenon under investigation has little theoretical underpinnings. In quantitative approach, 'triangulation' for confirmatory purpose is normally applied to confirm if instruments were appropriate for measuring a concept. In addition to that, as a confirmatory approach, 'triangulation' can overcome challenges related to a single-method, single-observer and single-theory biasness and thus can be applied to confirm the research results and conclusions. Quantitative studies provide easily replicable data and statistically significant results that with good sampling techniques can be extended to describe a broader audience or the whole public at large (Benoit & Holbert, 2008). Qualitative research provides rich descriptions and allows...
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...INTRODUCTION A research design is the framework or guide used for the planning, implementation, and analysis of a study SIGNIFICANCE Research design offers the investigator an opportunity to carry out different research operations efficiently. This makes research as valuable as possible producing maximum information with minimum effort, time and money. It is the plan for answering the research question or hypothesis. Different types of questions or hypotheses demand different types of research designs, so it is important to have a broad preparation and understanding of the different types of research designs available. Research designs are most often classified as either quantitative or qualitative. Research...
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...behavior of customers in multi brand stores. * To understand the consumer behavior regarding a multi brand cosmetic store, NewU stores. Literature Review Completed: Yes Research Methodology: * The methodology used for the research will be mixed, quantitative and qualitative. * The quantitative research will be used for the analysis of questionnaires responses. * The qualitative research will be used for analysis for the depth interviews responses. Database: * The primary data collection will be done by the questionnaires and the depth interviews. * The secondary data collection will be done by the different sources like internet, text books and reports. Sample Size and Sampling Method: * The sample size for questionnaires is 150. The judgmental sampling method will be used for questionnaires responses. * The sample size for depth interviews will be 10. The stratified sampling method will be used for depth interviews. Research Tools: * The tools used to analyze the quantitative research data will be SPSS for factor analysis. * The tools used to analyze the qualitative research data will be Microsoft Excel to make narrative summary. Status of Progress: During the research process and implementation of previous stated research methodology, I faced some problems and to solve these problems, I have made some changes. To find the factors which affect to make purchase from multi brand cosmetic stores, factor...
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