Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodologies

This assignment delves into the world of research methodologies, specifically focusing on qualitative and quantitative approaches. It examines various research methods within these categories, including focus groups, shadowing, and action-research. The text provides examples of scholarly publications that utilize these methodologies and explores their applications across diverse fields like medical research, education, and social sciences.

RESEARCH METHODS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK ..............................................................................................................................................1
Research approach..................................................................................................................1
Data collection .......................................................................................................................3
Sampling.................................................................................................................................4
Data analysis...........................................................................................................................5
Ethical consideration..............................................................................................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Research methodology is the systematic procedure of conducting research on particular
topic. It can be defined as theoretical analysis of tools and techniques for gathering in-depth
information about the subject matter (Stanley and et.al, 2015). It plays significant role in
dissertation and research project, with the help of this instrument researchers can improve their
knowledge and skills to great extent. It is one of the critical chapter that involves data collection
techniques, sampling methods, data analysis tools, research approaches etc. All these tools assist
in developing knowledge and getting optimistic results (Anney, 2014).
Present report will discuss several techniques of research methodology that will be
applied to gather detail on issues related to internet traffic faced by telecommunication industry.
It will explain data collection methods and tools. Data analysis technique, sampling method will
be described in the study.
TASK
Research approach
Research approach is the way of conducting study, it can be from specific to general or
general to specific manner. Both these are effective ways of approaching the investigation. With
the help of this tool researcher can gather in-depth detail about subject matter and get optimistic
outcome (Lee and Jarvik, 2014). Inductive and deductive are two major methods of carry out an
investigation. Both these have unique characteristics and use in different type of studies.
Selection of appropriate tool is very important that depends upon nature of research.
Inductive research approach can be termed as inductive reasoning. It is the method in
which scholar start investigation with observations and propose theories in order to reach to the
end results (Sahu, 2013). It is the instrument in which investigator develops explanation after
creating hypothesis on the topic. There is no requirement to create hypotheses at the start stage of
the investigation. In the initial phase scholar is free to alter the direction of study.
The main aim of choosing inductive approach is to generate meaning from the data that
have been collected by the scholar. By this way individual identify specific pattern and develop
relationship with the subject so that theory can be build. However, this approach does not
pressurize researcher for not using existing theory. Scholar is free to use existing theory for
formulating research questions. It is completely based on learning and experience of investigator.
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Researcher has to observe regularities, pattern so that final results can be generated (Abdulghani
and et.al, 2014).
Illustration 1: Inductive approach
Source: (Beard and Cook, 2017)
Deductive research approach is another type of tool in which study is carry out from
general to specific. It is also known as top down approach of research methodology. In this type
of instrument individual has to develop hypothesis on the bases of available existing theory.
After that researcher has to design appropriate research strategy in order to test these designed
hypotheses. It starts from pre-defined pattern which is test against observations (Lee, 2014).
Illustration 2: deductive approach
Source: (Sessler and Imrey, 2015)
In the present study on issues related to internet traffic faced by the organizations that are
operating in telecommunication industry, researcher will use the inductive research approach. In
the qualitative type of studies, selection of inductive approach gives more specific results to the
researcher. With the help of this tool individual can develop relationship between issues and its
impact on telecommunication industries (Billingham, Whitehead and Julious, 2013). With the
assistance of this method individual can easily carry out investigation and can draw final
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conclusion. By developing grounded theories individual can get optimistic results. Thus, it
would be the best approach for the present research by this way individual will be able to get
relevant information about internet traffic issues.
Data collection
Data collection can be explained as process of gathering in-depth information about the
subject matter. For collecting relevant detail about topic individual can involve physical, social
science, human etc. in the investigation. It is one of the most important part of an investigation. It
helps in maintaining integrity in the research. This data helps the scholar in getting final results
and it develops good knowledge about the subject matter (Nogueira and et.al, 2013). There are
two type of methods of collecting information about the research topic. In the primary data
collection methods scholar has to collect all relevant information by own. For that individual can
take support of observation, questionnaire, and interview etc. techniques. All these tools support
in knowing about the topic significantly. Present investigation is issues in the internet traffic that
are creating problem for the telecommunication industry. On this subject investigator can collect
information by taking assistance of questionnaire. This would be most suitable techniques of data
collection for the present study. In this type of method individual can ask questions related to
internet traffic and its impact on telecommunication industry (Bøe, Hognestad and
Waniganayake, 2017). This preprepared questionnaire sent to participants so that they can share
their views. This will be suitable option for research and by this way individual will be able to
collect good and authentic information about the topic.
On other hand secondary sources is another techniques of collecting the detail about
subject matter. In this process individual takes support of already available information. These
are such detail which are conducted by other authors or researchers on the same topic.
Investigator can gather information from books, journals, internet articles etc. All these are good
sources and can help in gathering in-depth information about issues related to internet traffic and
complications faced by the telecommunication industry (Jensen, 2013). Both primary and
secondary sources play significant role in the investigation. It supports in increasing knowledge
and understanding of the scholar that aids individual in drawing valid conclusion.
Data collection supports in finding effective information about the subject matter through
which optimistic results can be obtained. Qualitative and quantitative both are essential data
collection methods but selection of these techniques depend upon type of investigation.
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Researcher has to go with appropriate tool so that individual can get positive results. While
collecting information scholar has to ensure that this information is sufficient to answer the
research problems. Individual has to gather such type of details through which researcher can
accomplish objective of the study. In order to meet with objectives investigator has to ensure
reliability of data (Chatrakul Na Ayudhya, Smithson and Lewis, 2014). In order to make the
study more interesting researcher has to gather in-depth information about topic so that it can
develop its knowledge and understanding. This knowledge will be beneficial for scholar in
finding ways for resolving issues and drawing valid conclusion.
In the primary data collection method researcher have to spent huge time individual in
order to communication with participants. On other hand secondary data are already available so
researcher can use this information as per the necessity of the topic. Researcher will collect detail
from both questionnaire and secondary sources. Both these tools will be beneficial for the
researcher in getting optimistic results (Choosing qualitative or quantitative research
methodologies, 2017).
Sampling
Sampling can be defined as group of people those who are getting selected by the
researcher from mass population. These group of people participate in the investigation and
support scholar in gathering relevant information about the subject matter. There are two main
methods of sampling; probability and non-probability. Sampling is used to gather more detail
about the topic, with the help of this tool individual can measure information in effective
manner. Random sampling is most common type of method. It is the type of technique in which
everyone from the mass audience have equal chance to get selected as sample in the
investigation (Beard and Cook, 2017). It is the type of technique which helps in selecting the
right samples from the universe. It helps in avoiding bias in the selection process by this way
researcher can get accurate information about the subject matter. Another benefit of using this
tool is that researcher can select maximum number of people in the investigation. That assist in
getting optimistic results to the scholar and individual can draw valid conclusion (Lee and Jarvik,
2014).
Systematic sampling is another method that is also used in the dissertation. It is
considered as straight-forward method of sampling as compare to random sampling. In this,
scholar is not required to use grid, it has to be conducted at uniform intervals. With the help of
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this technique individual can cover wide study area effectively and can gather in-depth
information about the subject matter. Stratified sampling is another type of probability sampling.
It is considered as one of the most effective method of sampling because with the help of this
tool sampling errors can be minimized to great extent (Stanley and et.al, 2015). In this method
researcher divides population on the bases of one single characteristic. The subset of the
population which has same character called stratum. It might be male or female, manager,
employees, customers etc. Researcher has to identify the correct stratum and accordingly
individual has to opt respondents in the investigation. That assist in getting optimistic results
about the subject matter. It is the technique which can also be used with random sampling
method. It is applicable in such places where researcher has to involve some geographical areas
in the investigation. It is quit flexible because individual can change subset or stratum any time
(Sessler and Imrey, 2015). It is beneficial in developing correlation between sub-sets that would
help in getting optimistic results to the scholar.
Quota sampling is another type of sampling technique which is quite similar to stratified
sampling method. But in this method investigator has to divide group in sub group and these sub
groups are called quota (Billingham, Whitehead and Julious, 2013). Selection of sampling
method is depends upon the type of study. Individual has to opt correct tool through which
researcher can gather effective and in-depth information about the topic. Present study is on the
topic of issues related to internet traffic that are faced by the telecommunication industry while
conducting their business operations. On this matter researcher has to gather detail related to
issues with internet traffic, use of optical fibre an application of optical fibres. For collecting
information on these point's investigator has selected random sampling method. It is simple and
it can give good detail about the topic to the scholar (Jensen, 2013). In this tool researcher is
completely free from classification errors. By this way individual became able to collect suitable
and effective information about internet traffic without any bias.
Data analysis
Analysis of data is one of the most important part of research methodology and
dissertation. In this section researcher analyses collected information so that it can find out the
results. It is the systematic process of cleansing and transforming information in order to
discover useful information so that valid conclusion can be drawn (Chatrakul Na Ayudhya,
Smithson and Lewis, 2014). Selection of appropriate data analysis technique depend upon the
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type of investigation whether it is qualitative or quantitative. Both type of studies have unique
characteristic thus, scholar has to look upon the type of investigation and accordingly
investigator has to select appropriate tool for the same (Beard and Cook, 2017).
In the quantitative type of studies researcher has to use some statistical tools so individual
can take support of SPSS, T-test etc. This assists in getting optimistic results so that scholar can
get solution of research problems. That helps in giving necessary recommendation on research
issues (Stanley and et.al, 2015). In the qualitative type of investigations researcher emphasizes
on examining and pinpointing the patterns. These themes support scholar in getting optimistic
results about the topic. Thematic analysis is the method which is widely used in the qualitative
type of investigation. With the help of this individual can identify pattern meaning and can get
optimistic results. In this tool scholar presents data by using graphs and charts. That helps in
presenting information in effective manner and finding appropriate results (Beard and Cook,
2017).
Present dissertation topic internet traffic issues faced by telecommunication industry is
wide topic. It is the qualitative type of investigation thus, researcher has to used models and
theories in order to know more about the subject matter. In the present study scholar has to take
support of thematic analysis technique for analysing data. Graphical presentation of data has
helped the investigator in measuring information and getting optimistic results. This graphical
presentation assists in knowing the reality or issues that are faced by telecommunication industry
in the internet traffic (Choosing qualitative or quantitative research methodologies, 2017). This
technique has supported investigator in drawing valid conclusion on the subject matter.
Ethical consideration
It is most important part of research methodology. In the absence of ethical consideration
researcher become unable to conduct the investigation in effective manner. It is essential to
follow ethical norms in each activity. Data collection is most important part of the study, for
gathering information about the issues related with internet traffic researcher has accessed many
websites (Billingham, Whitehead and Julious, 2013). But individual has read the articles and
develop understanding about the topic. Scholar has not copied material from these sites,
individual has written the content in their own words in order to avoid plagiarism issue.
Scholar has taken permission from the higher authorities of telecommunication industry.
Individual has sent consent for to the participant and they have given their consent that they are
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ready to share their views on internet traffic and problems faced by telecommunication industry
due to these issue (Sahu, 2013). Researcher has not collected information forcefully from any
respondent. Investigator has gathered information from the official websites and previous articles
that have been written by other authors on the same topic. That has helped the researcher in
knowing better about the subject matter.
Scholar has not manipulated any information, researcher has just read all previous articles
and have converted detail in his own language. Meaning of all information are same, individual
has not manipulated any detail related to issues related to internet traffic faced by the
telecommunication industry (Stanley and et.al, 2015). Data protection is considered as essential
party of the dissertation, scholar cannot leak detail related to subject matter. Investigator has not
misused any detail and has not used it for commercial purpose. All information that have been
gathered by the researcher has been used specific for the present dissertation.
CONCLUSION
From the above chapter it can be concluded that research methodology is critical chapter
of dissertation and with the help of this instrument researchers has improved knowledge and
skills. Topic of the dissertation was issues related with the internet traffic faced by
telecommunication industry. To gather information about this subject scholar has used inductive
approach, primary and secondary data collection sources, descriptive design and thematic data
analysis tools. All these techniques have supported scholar in getting outcome, by this way
investigator became able to draw valid conclusion and suggesting ways to remove these issues.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Abdulghani, H. M. and et.al., 2014. A comprehensive, multi-modal evaluation of the assessment
system of an undergraduate research methodology course: Translating theory into
practice. Pakistan journal of medical sciences. 30(2). pp.227.
Anney, V. N., 2014. Ensuring the quality of the findings of qualitative research: Looking at
trustworthiness criteria.
Beard, D. J. and Cook, J. A., 2017. Methodology for astronaut reconditioning
research. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 27. pp.S42-S46.
Billingham, S. A., Whitehead, A. L. and Julious, S. A., 2013. An audit of sample sizes for pilot
and feasibility trials being undertaken in the United Kingdom registered in the United
Kingdom Clinical Research Network database. BMC medical research
methodology. 13(1). pp.104.
Bøe, M., Hognestad, K. and Waniganayake, M., 2017. Qualitative shadowing as a research
methodology for exploring early childhood leadership in practice. Educational
Management Administration & Leadership. 45(4). pp.605-620.
Chatrakul Na Ayudhya, U., Smithson, J. and Lewis, S., 2014. Focus group methodology in a life
course approach–individual accounts within a peer cohort group. International Journal of
Social Research Methodology. 17(2). pp.157-171.
Jensen, K. B., 2013. A handbook of media and communication research: Qualitative and
quantitative methodologies. Routledge.
Lee, C. I. and Jarvik, J. G., 2014. Patient-centered outcomes research in radiology: trends in
funding and methodology. Academic radiology. 21(9). pp.1156-1161.
Lee, S. P., 2014. A query on research methodology and ethics: defending Citizens Advice, its
work and goals. Work, employment and society. 28(6). pp.1016-1025.
Nogueira, J. M. and et.al., 2013. Leveraging the Zachman framework implementation using
action–research methodology–a case study: aligning the enterprise architecture and the
business goals. Enterprise Information Systems. 7(1). pp.100-132.
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Sahu, P. K., 2013. Research methodology: A guide for researchers in agricultural science,
social science and other related fields (p. 432). Springer.
Sessler, D. I. and Imrey, P. B., 2015. Clinical research methodology 1: Study designs and
methodologic sources of error. Anesthesia & Analgesia. 121(4). pp.1034-1042.
Stanley, S. and et.al., 2015. Swimming against the Stream?: Mindfulness as a Psychosocial
Research Methodology.Qualitative Research in Psychology. 12(1). pp.61-76.
Online
Choosing qualitative or quantitative research methodologies, 2017. [Online] Available through:
<https://he.palgrave.com/studentstudyskills/page/choosing-appropriate-research-
methodologies/>. [Accessed on 4th August 2017].
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