The Choices of Data Collection Research Methods for Managers

The Question?????????????????? Is the objective being pursued? To explore To construct To test To improve what is known To discover what is not known Is the existing situation? That which is available and accessible. That which already has been done. That which is feasible and which is not. Data – Primary or Secondary Approach – quantitative or qualitative

One Essential Research Element: –Data

DATA Data –Primary –Secondary Approach –Quantitative –Qualitative

Data What is data? Data as a representation: Car accident (observed/lived) Heart attack – scale of 1-10

Objectivity vs Subjectivity Discovery Data is determined by those who are at the source- whatever is desired. Using both obtrusive and unobtrusive research.

Primary or Secondary Collecting primary data gives the researcher the opportunity to experience the reality that they have chosen to study. It’s FUN!

Content-based – Process-based Content – What is happening? Not concerned with the evolution. Description of subject – clear definition How deep do you want to go Process – How is it happening? Time dimension Causal issues Breakdown into: core concepts, when does it start and when does it end.