Minor Academic Orientation Research Methods
Minor Academic Orientation Research Methods Chapter 2 Problem
definition, desk research and literature review Dr. Vera Hartog
[email protected], September 2013
The research process
2
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcource/First things
firstWhat do you want to find out about what?A re-search
projectDistinct phases in a process that is both reiterative and
linear Identifying the broad problem area allows for: focus on
literature search clear definition of the problem viewing problem
as a gap between desired and actual state of things in a system
solution as the narrowing of the gapDefining/formulating the
research problem is as critical as the problem solution stage. 3The
two research aspects Studys population (unit of analysis):people or
an individual that provide you with the information/about whom you
collect information Subject area: Problems: issues, situations,
associations, needs, profilesProgram: content, structure, outcomes,
attributes, satisfactions, service providers, consumers,
...Phenomenon: cause and effect relationships/the study of the
phenomenon itself
4Problems in applied researchAny situation where a gap exists
between the actual and the desired stateProblem analyzing:
knowledge & understanding of organizational culture; new market
opportunity.Diagnostic: how to deal with departmental conflict;
negative corporate image.Design-oriented: developing new
performance assessment scheme; new product.Intervention-oriented:
damage control of labor union relations, legal
repercussion.Evaluation: assessing the effectiveness of recruitment
process, PR communication.Dr. Noi Kwanjai (2013)
5Research problem considerationsInterestMagnitudeMeasurement of
conceptsLevel of expertiseRelevanceAvailability of dataEthical
issues 6Seven steps in a literature review7
http://www.librarydevelopment.group.shef.ac.uk/showcase/tutorials/lit_review/intro.htmlDesk
research Guiding questions in literature survey:What is already
known about this area?What concepts and theories are relevant?What
research methods and strategies have been used in this area?Are
there any controversies?Are there any inconsistencies in
findings?Are there unanswered questions?Who are major scholars in
this area?Dr. Noi Kwanjai, 20138A round circle Until you go through
the literature you cannot develop a theoretical framework and until
you have developed a theoretical framework you cannot effectively
review literature 9
Characteristics of literature review
An integral part of the research process Makes a valuable
contribution to every operational step Brings clarity and focus to
a research problemImproves the methodologyBroadens
knowledgeContextualizes findings It is time consuming, daunting and
can be frustrating (re-search)
1011
deductive versus inductiveobjective versus subjectivepositivist
versus interpretivequantitative versus qualitative12
Theoretical formulation of research problem Context: the
literature review will have allowed you to frame the research topic
Focus: To be able to narrow down the problemTo define the problem
more clearlyIdentifying which concepts/variables are important and
their relationships13How to make your life easyBuild list of
keywordsAccessing on-line databases allows you to search extant
knowledge efficiently Based on keyword search you might get >
100,000 references. Limit the number by requesting full text, peer
reviewed, 3 year old Select from abstractsDownload the APA
reference in a listCopy/store all articles Make a synopsis of
article, colourcode (methodological choices, sample, data
collection, data analysis, interesting references,...
)14Source:Search your institutions library biep.nu;Search online
(using a variety of search engines).Quick take:Examine titles and
abstracts for relevance;Retrieve selected items;Check regularly for
new material.First survey:Read, take good notes, build up key
words,Branch out from reference lists at the end of the materials
you have read and found useful the best short cut to useful
literature!
15The way to go Conditio sine qua nonObjective facts and proof
published by reliable sources Presenting all significant views that
have been published by reliable sources Avoid stating opinions as
factsAvoid presenting uncontested assertions as mere opinion
Indicate the relative prominence of opposing viewsUse a
nonjudgmental tone and nonjudgmental language
16Literature review 17search & selectDr. Noi Kwanjai,
2013Organizing the literature reviewChronological: By publication
date not very useful!By trendThematic:A structure which considers
different themes/topicsMethodological:Focuses on the methods of the
researcher, e.g., qualitative versus quantitative
approachesResults:Findings and conclusionsDr. Noi Kwanjai, 2013
18Checklist Focused: on materials related to your research
topicConcise: Less is more and more is less!Logical: flow should be
a smooth, logical progression from one idea to the nextDeveloped:
do not leave the story half told Integrative:stress how the ideas
in the studies are relatedpoint out commonalities, differences and
controversiesstress how the studies reviewed contribute to your
topic Current material: at the cutting edge of your topicthe key
work in the area, including classic/seminal work19For lesson 3Study
Part 1 of textbook (Bryman & Bell, 2011)Retrieve and review the
articles referenced below (based on checklist provided in
assignment 3)CHENGYAN, L., LILI, B., & QIANG, J. (2013).
LEADERSHIP STYLES OF ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN IN EASTERN CHINA:
CHARACTERISTICS AND DIFFERENCES. Social Behavior & Personality:
An International Journal, 41(3), 421-431.Barrella, E. M., &
Buffinton, K. W. (2009). Corporate Assessment of Strategic Issues
in Technology Management. Engineering Management Journal, 21(1),
27-33. Van Hooff et al. (2011). Daily recovery from work: The role
of activities, efforts and pleasure, Work & Stress, 25(1),
55-7420Thank you for your attention
