Research methodology : Solved Assignment

Dissertation

Title of Thesis: Investigation of the Impact of Climatic Change in Water Management
CHAPTER – METHODOLOGY
Introduction
To conduct a research, in specified and systematic way, it is essential for researchers to
describe the methodologies they are going to use for the same. Research methodology provides a
number of techniques, like data collection methods, approaches, sampling techniques etc., for
carrying an investigation (Daniel, Kumar and Omar, 2018). In context with present dissertation,
for making an investigation on impact of climatic change in water management, methods that are
being used are described as below –
Type of investigation
It is considered as most important tool that describes the nature of investigation either as
qualitative or quantitative in nature. Here, quantitative type of research includes statistical tool to
gather data in numerical manner. For this purpose, collective information is presented in the
graphical form, that aids researchers in analysing data more effectively (Paulsen, 2018). While
under qualitative research, case analysis tool and other sources of secondary method is used for
collecting theoretical information, in detailed manner. For analysing such information, various
researchers' point of view is examined, that helps in concluding research outcomes more
effectively.
Under this report, mixed research method has been used, that includes both concepts of
qualitative and quantitative research. To identify how climatic changes influences water
management and examine related problems, qualitative approaches are used. While for assessing
best possible solutions to mitigate the effects of such factors on water management, qualitative
approaches are taken. Thus, both approaches help in addressing issues and making solutions to
mitigate impact of climatic change on water management.
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Research Onion
Research Philosophy: This part deals with the external and internal sources, nature as
well as development of knowledge (Kumar, 2019). It includes concepts of four main research
philosophies as Pragmatism, Positivism, Realism and Interpretivism. Hereby, pragmatism
includes mixed method designs and both qualitative as well as quantitative types of research, for
gathering information. While, positivism includes highly structured and applied on large sample
of data. Other than this, interpretivism is used for in-depth analysis and applied for qualitative
research only. Under present research, pragmatism philosophy is going to use, because here, data
is collected by using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Research Approach: It defines as a plan and procedure, which consists the number of
steps of broad assumptions, for collecting, organising and analysis of data (Ngozwana, 2018).
Therefore, it is mainly divided into two main categories – Approaches for analysis of data and
Approach for data collection. For collection of data, either qualitative, quantitative or mixed
methodologies are used. While for analysis, inductive or deductive approaches can be chosen. In
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this regard, both inductive and deductive approaches are applied under present dissertation,
because it contains open and closed ended questions, for identified the interrelationship between
factors causing climatic changes and its impact on water management.
Research strategies: This part of research onion describes the step by step actions taken
to conduct investigation (Daniel, Kumar and Omar, 2018). It provides direction to strengthen the
quality of research outcomes including rationale and applications, to meet desired results. In this
regard, to examine the impact of climatic changes on water management, case study research is
conducted under present dissertation. Along with this, to gather different views of experts for
making required solutions, open-end and close-end discussion has also done that helps in
collecting primary data as well.
Research Choice: The choice in a research outlined various methods like mono, mix and
multi-method. Here, mono-method includes only one research approach to conduct study. While
mix one involves more than one approaches. On the other hand, a wide sections of approaches
can be taken under multi-method. For this purpose, researchers have chosen mix-method choice,
for investigation, because data is gathered and analysed by using both quantitative and
qualitative research approaches.
Techniques and Procedures: This concept provides methods and procedures of collecting
data, for addressing main research problems and developing solutions for the same. It includes
Primary and Secondary data, both of which contains a number of techniques to gather
information (Paulsen, 2018). Primary research includes fresh data that obtained from survey
analysis, statistical information and census report. By collecting such numerical information, it
becomes easy for researchers to withdraw valid and accurate conclusion. While secondary
research is derived from opinion of other researchers, that are available on external sources. It
includes books, newspapers, articles and other sources, where past data can easily be gathered. In
present research, both primary and secondary sources are taken to collect appropriate and
sufficient information on water management. This would help researchers in developing
efficiencies and effectiveness of research, as well as giving out appropriate strategies to manage
water and deals with impact of climatic chance on same.
Ethical Consideration
It refers to the most important part of research that assists investigators to maintain ethics
in research (Kumar, 2019). For this purpose, they are required to concern that participants should
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not be harmed during investigation in any manner, where respect of dignity must be prioritised.
The protection of data, also need to concerned, that helps in maintaining the privacy and
confidentiality of same. Therefore, for present project, researchers have given equally
importance on privacy and anonymity of respondents while conducting primary research, by
adhering Data Protection Act, 1998. Along with this, secondary information is taken only from
authenticate sources.
Conclusion
It has been summarised here that for conducting a dissertation, research methodology helps
researchers in applying a number of techniques. Through research onion, they can make
appropriate plan which describes step-by-step actions and path for gathering information and
analysing, in best way to conclude outcomes.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Kumar, R. (2019). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage Publications
Limited.
Paulsen, M. B. (2018). Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research: Volume 34.
Springer.
Daniel, B., Kumar, V., & Omar, N. (2018). Postgraduate conception of research methodology:
implications for learning and teaching. International Journal of Research & Method in
Education. 41(2). 220-236.
Ngozwana, N. (2018). Ethical Dilemmas in Qualitative Research Methodology: Researcher’s
Reflections. International Journal of Educational Methodology. 4(1). 19-28.
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