Research Methods: Types, Traditions, Validity and Reliability

Running head: RESEARCH METHODS
Research Methods
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RESEARCH METHODS
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Primary research and secondary research..................................................................................3
Main types of research...............................................................................................................4
Research style.............................................................................................................................6
Research traditions.....................................................................................................................7
Validity, reliability.....................................................................................................................8
Quantitative research..................................................................................................................9
Quantitative methods...............................................................................................................11
Qualitative research..................................................................................................................12
Qualitative methods.................................................................................................................13
Analysing quantitative data......................................................................................................15
Analysing qualitative data........................................................................................................15
Importance of a conclusion......................................................................................................16
Importance of a literature review, sources of information and the value of a
bibliography/references............................................................................................................17
Ethical considerations..............................................................................................................19
Conclusion................................................................................................................................20
Reference..................................................................................................................................21

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Introduction
In the words of Brannen (2017, p.37), research is a systematic investigation into a
study. Various materials are studied to identify the significance of a certain method or theory
so that facts can be established. At the same time, Bryman (2017, p.57) stated that research
helps in reaching new conclusions that are essential for the method to be successful and
accepted in the society. The systematic investigation of information provides an idea about
the manner in which a particular project is carried on. Apart from these McCusker and
Gunaydin (2015, p.537) is of the opinion that research coordinates systematic investigation
with that of creativity so that the stock of knowledge can increase and improve.
One of the significance of conducting a research is that it can be done on various
topics. Topics related to management, human beings, cultural aspects and society could be
conducted with the help of significant research. Barnham (2015, p.837) is of the opinion that
one of the main characteristics of conducting a research is that it assists in confirming facts as
well as reaffirm the results of works done previously. At the same time new or existing
problems are solved that help in providing an idea about the topic at hand and provide new
conclusions so that theoretical developments can take place. Another important aspect that
has been pointed out by Hartas (2015, p.55) is that research can be considered as an
expansion of past work in any field.
Past work undertaken in the tourism and aviation industries can be related with the
present conditions of the industry to understand the importance as well as analyse the gap that
exists in the research. This assignment provides ideas about the types of research that can be
used to derive conclusion and provides critical analysis about the advantages and
disadvantages that exist while choosing these research types. At the same time ethical

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considerations that is needed to be taken for the success of a research project aim be analysed
and the importance of it is stated.
Primary research and secondary research
According to Choy (2014, p.99), research consists of two types that hold the utmost
significance while analysing a particular topic or trying to draw a conclusion. The research
includes primary and secondary research. The difference and the meaning of the two types of
research are provided:
Primary research
Hoy and Adams (2015, p.67) defined primary research as a factual with the ability to
provide firsthand information about a study that is written by a person. However, one of the
significance of primary data is that the research varies depending upon the experiment or
study that is conducted. Most of the times, the application of a scientific method is done to
gain the desired conclusion and to come to a proper result. Neuman (2016, p.90) stated that
primary research can be accounted as a typical original research that provides raw materials
and results based on the experiences of the target audience. The fact that primary research
involves reaching the source directly plays a significant part in gaining the factual description
of research. Some of the examples of primary research include conducting interviews,
telephonic conversation, surveys, questionnaires, focus groups as well as visiting the location
of the target audience.
Secondary research
Secondary research is based on the analysis and interpretation of primary research.
Noble and Smith (2015, p.456) stated that the collection of relevant primary research and
interpreting it in own words is considered as secondary research. It typically involves

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collection of sources of information from various books, journals and websites. Hammersley
(2017, p.39) pointed out that one of the advantages of secondary research is that it compares
more than two primary data and helps in understanding a general idea about a research. For
example, in the case of primary data collected to understand the growth of tourism and
aviation industries, the application of secondary data can help in pointing out the difference
that exists in the collection and results of the primary data. Norris et al. (2015, p.470) pointed
out that unlike primary data secondary data can be difficult to gain, as most of the sources
from which it is obtained are restricted for purposes that pertain to safety and risk protocol.
Secondary research can be more suitable for the research.
Main types of research
According to Landrum and Garza (2015, p.199), the main types of research include
pure research and applied research. Pure research is defined as a type of research that is
conducted out of curiosity. It helps in creating innovative ideas and formulates algorithm that
can be applied later during the course of the research. One the other hand, Heale and
Twycross (2015, p.2015) is of the opinion that applied research helps in the application of the
pure research. It helps in the application of sensitivity analysis by using multi-linear
mathematical programme so that derivative parameters can be developed. A broader
differentiation of the two types of research can be provided that can help in understanding its
application in a research field.
Comparison basis Pure research Applied research
Definition Pure research refers to a
study that is aimed at the
expansion of existing base of
knowledge so that scientific
Applied research is designed
to solve specific practical
problem or provide answers
to questions that require the

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method can be applied in any
field of research
application of mathematical
calculations and apply
derivatives.
Characteristic The pure research is based on
the theoretical research. The
manner in which the pure
research is conducted
indicates that knowledge
about various things are
derived from the analysis of
books and journals
The applied research is more
practical in nature. The
application of the responses
of the target audience or
gaining first hand
information about an
experience is considered as a
method of applied research
Utility The utility of pure research is
universal as various sources
of information from different
scholars are taken into
account
The utility of the applied
research is only limited as a
small size needs to be
considered in order to get the
outcome of desired results
Application of the research It helps in the development
of scientific knowledge and
make predictions for the
future
It assists in the development
of techniques and
technologies
Aim The aim is to add knowledge
to the already existing
theories
The aim is to provide and
find out solutions at hand
Table: Difference between pure and applied research
(Source: Brannen 2017, p.46)