RESEARCH METHODS SEMINAR CLASS SESSION 1

The requirement of embarking a research – You need a title. – You need to submit a proposal (20%). – Filled up -The proposal form – You need to wait until your proposal is approved.

1.Problem identification…………………….Chap 1 2.Formulate research questions………….Chap 1 3.Literature review ……………………………..chap 2 4.Methodology - Research philosophy and approach…………………………………………..Chap 3 5.Research design…………………………………Chap 3 6.Data collection……………………………………Chap 4 7.Data processing & analysis………………….Chap 4 8.Conclusion & reports…………………………..Chap 5 Research Process

The Research Problem – What is a research problem – How to write a research problem statement

Literature Review What is Literature Review ? ◦ Highlight what has been done so far, such as  Approaches  Methods used  Variables used  Statistical procedures Why it is important?  To Improve research methodology  Focus on research problem  Deeper understanding subject matter  Cater to knowledge base for research area  Gain wider knowledge  Contextualize research findings  Contribution  Ensure novelty in work  Avoid reinventing the wheel  How to write a Literature Review  Block method

Class Exercise 30 MINUTES Create a research title Define the research problem Develop the research questions

SESSION 2

Methodology How you want to conduct your research Type of approach – Quantitative – Qualitative Different approach – different methodology used

How well does the sample represent the population? Population Sample ParametersStatistics Sample Representative Estimation

Determination of a suitable sample size – Base on the theory of probability The larger the sample size, the lower the chances of error in generalizing. – The determination of sample size influenced by, Confidence level of data, level of certainty that the characteristics of the data collected will represent the characteritics of the total population. Margin of error tolerated, level of accuracy required for any estimates made from the sample Type of analysis undertaken. Size of population from which the sample is to be drawn Primary Data Collection

Two Basic Sampling Methodologies Probability Samples Simple Random Sampling Systematic Sampling Cluster Sampling Stratified Sampling Nonprobability Samples Convenience Sampling Referral Sampling Judgment Sampling Quota Sampling Probability: Each member of the population has an equal and known probability of being included in the sample Nonprobability: The probability of selecting members of the population is unknown/unequal.

Measurement & Scales Variables – A logical grouping – Construct or property to be studied Type of variables – DV – IV – Moderating V – Extraneous V – Intervening V

Measurement & Scales There are four levels of measurement available to the researcher: There are four levels of measurement available to the researcher: 1.Nominal 2.Ordinal 3.Interval 4.Ratio Measurement is achieved through the use of scales. A scale is a measurement tool that can be used to measure a question with a predetermined number Measurement is achieved through the use of scales. A scale is a measurement tool that can be used to measure a question with a predetermined number

Data Collection Secondary Data - Internal - External Primary Data Observation Human Electronic Mechanical Quantitative Self-Completion Surveys Regular mail Overnight delivery Fax Internet Drop off/pick up Interviewer-Completed Surveys Telephone Shopping Mall Home, Office, etc. Observation Interviews Depth Interviews Focus Groups Case Studies Projective Techniques Qualitative Observation Human Electronic

Questionnaire Development

Classification questions

Extract from a survey codebook

Class Exercise Develop a Simple Questionnaires 20 MINUTES

Descriptive Statistics – Measure of location – Mean – Median – Mode – Measure of spread – Variance – Standard deviation – Measure of shapes Analysis of Data

Hypothesis Testing Hypothesis testing: a statistical procedure used to “accept” or “reject” the hypothesis based on sample information Intuitive hypothesis testing: when someone uses something he or she has observed to see if it agrees with or refutes his or her belief about that topic…so we use hypothesis testing in our lives all the time Example of Hypothesis Product quality has the significant influence on customer loyalty Brand name has the significant influence on customer loyalty

Inference : the reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion or making a logical judgment on the basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions rather than on the basis of direct observation. Standard Deviation T-Test – test of significant differences between 2 mean, Independent Dependents ANOVA (One way analysis of variance) Correlation coefficient Inferential Statistics

Class Exercise Preparing your research proposal 30 MINUTES