Applied Research in Business Development: Questions and Answers

This document presents a detailed analysis of applied research, addressing various questions related to the research process. It begins by emphasizing the importance of defining the research timeframe and clarifying research questions for effective study design. The document covers essential aspects such as planning, literature review, and data collection methods, including surveys, questionnaires, and observations. It explores factors affecting data reliability and validity, along with strategies for hypothesis testing and research strategy formulation. Sampling methods, research integrity, and optimizing research relevance are also discussed. The document further delves into evaluating research findings, reviewing raw data, and documenting findings through tables, charts, and effective language. Finally, it provides insights into identifying the need for further research by examining limitations and utilizing tools like Google Trends for gap analysis. The document's content is supported by references to relevant research methodologies and frameworks.

Initiated and Applied
Research

Table of Contents
Question 1...............................................................................................................................1
Question 2...............................................................................................................................1
Question 3...............................................................................................................................1
Question 4...............................................................................................................................1
Question 6...............................................................................................................................2
Question 7...............................................................................................................................2
Question 8...............................................................................................................................2
Question 9...............................................................................................................................2
Question 10.............................................................................................................................2
Question 11.............................................................................................................................3
Question 12.............................................................................................................................3
Question 13.............................................................................................................................3
Question 14.............................................................................................................................3
Question 15.............................................................................................................................3
Question 16.............................................................................................................................4
References..................................................................................................................................5

Question 1
In applied research firstly the most important information to confirm is the timeframe
for any research. However, researcher need to select between different alternatives and thus
required information the research issue. Nonetheless, the research questions and proposed
solution should be clarified to the researcher for effectively carrying out the study. Once the
question to be answered is clearly defined then the value of research must be assessed to
accomplish. So, the understanding the question and requirements related research is the point
of clarification in research (Cavana, Delahaye and Sekaran, 2001).
Question 2
Planning, focus and literature review, these are the three steps through which we can
clarify and confirm information regarding applied research. In applied research process,
researcher must have to plan a proposal that explains the problem to be addressed (Brown,
2014). Along with this, focus is laid on the timeframe and requirements of research by which
the question will be answered. Lastly, the literature review is conducted so as to get the in-
depth information about the research issue.
Question 3
In applied research data can be collected in the form of words on a survey, with a
questionnaire, through observations and from the literature review. Once the data has been
collected it can be maintained in the systematic manner by three steps which is classifying the
findings, comparing and interpretation of finding. This process can be done efficiently by
using tools like tables, charts and diagram and bullets points etc. (Harrell and Bradley, 2009).
Question 4.
The length of the test, guessing, test retest interval, variability of scores, variation,
group variability and environmental are the various internal and external factors which affects
the reliability of the data. In the same context, test related factors, intervening events and the
criteria to select the suitable instrument are factors which affect the validity of data
(Csikszentmihalyi and Larson, 2014).
Question 5.
Immediate solution to research issue, systematic review of secondary data, external
and internal validity, generalization of findings are the various things which might be covered
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by applied research. Apart from this, more criteria such as efficiency, feasibility and
relevance of study can be covered under the applied research (Krueger, 2014).
Question 6.
Testable and falsifiable are two main criteria for the hypothesis. According to testable
hypothesis criteria hypothesis can be approved and disapproved on the basis of testing result,
data collection and experience. On the other hand, in Falsifiable hypothesis conclusion cannot
be drawn on the basis of observation of particular phenomenon (Cooper and Withey, 2009).
Question 7
The research strategy is framed by covering three different areas including objective
world, a social constructed world and an individual world. Traditionally research has been
divided in to qualitative and quantitative research so accordingly the research strategy varies
(Blaxter, 2010). On the basis of research type, researcher need to select the most appropriate
method to answer their research questions. For example, five question method is used for
framing qualitative research.
Question 8
In relation to method, tools and data collection techniques used in research, the first
factor to be considered is the goal of the study and its statistical significance. In this context,
the sample size, timeframe for data collection, target population and data type in accordance
with the type of study affect the procedure related to data collection tools and techniques
(Gill, Stewart, Treasure and Chadwick, 2008). However, the availability of data and budget
for collecting information using the various tools and techniques chosen for research are also
considered.
Question 9
Probability and non- probability are the two main types of sampling where the first
one is applied in case of homogeneous population containing the equal chances of being
selected. On the other hand, in non-probability sampling, all participants or population do
not have equal chance to get selected in the study where the researcher selects the participants
on the basis of their convenience and time available for the study (Miles, Huberman and
Saldana, 2013).
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Question 10
The trust and confidence are two important areas which should be integrated while
optimising the research. However, individual researcher and the institute where they work are
the two main areas where integrity must be applied. Here, institution integrity is a matter of
creating an environment which promotes responsible conduct in terms of law and
trustworthiness (Krueger, 2014). On the other hand, for individual researcher, integrity
embodies that the research is being conducted with accurate information by following the
morale ground associated with the research.
Question 11
To optimize the research relevance first thing to be considered is maximizing its
reliability. In addition to this, maximizing the generality, detectability and research are also
important and crucial.
Question 12
While evaluating research finding, many factors are considered such as the research
findings validity, whether the research reflects best research standard such as credibility,
rigour, and trustworthiness. Furthermore, reliable sampling, accurate research questions and
reflection of findings towards the research objectives are important (Schmidt and Hunter,
2014).
Question 13
The raw data are reviewed for checking their relevant with the study that whether
appropriate number of participants provided right information or not. Since raw data consists
of all information such as researcher’s notes, assumption while gathering the information.
Therefore, focus is laid on whether all the participants provided information or not. This
helps in analysing the information and findings the conclusion from the representative
information (Anderson, 2010).
Question 14
Under every research, research use the methods and techniques on the basis of
specific proposal or researcher issue; however, the selected approaches can be also be
modified if it does not go well with the defined research issue. These all the assumptions are
involved by the collating and analysing research data. Furthermore, it also involves that data
may be based on single hypothesis, single researcher or on a large-scale research activity.
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Question 15
For documenting and presenting research findings effectively, first strategy is present
the data with the help of table charts and graphs through which the data gets more cleared and
understandable. Second is interpretation and analysis of data rather than just reporting them
for getting the clear information about the outcome (Creswell and Creswell, 2017). Third
strategy would be uses of heading and subheading to present research findings to the point.
Along with this, by using appropriate language research findings can be present more
effectively. In this figure should be refers correctly and last strategy is power slides should
not be over detailed so as to avoid power pointlessness (Brewer and Hanif, 2013).
Question 16
To identifying the need for and approach to further research the simplest way is find
the most suitable article related to limitation of current study and refer the suggestion for
future research part which facilitates to get an idea about the scope for the further study.
Other approach is systematic review such as content analysis reports, citation analysis report
etc. can be helpful for identifying research gap. This gap can be assessed by using Google
trends, essential science indicator etc are the various sophisticated tools which helps to
identifying need for further research (Sekaran and Bougie, 2016).
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REFERENCES
Anderson, C., 2010. Presenting and evaluating qualitative research. American journal of
pharmaceutical education, 74(8), p.141.
Blaxter, L., 2010. How to research. McGraw-Hill Education (UK).
Brewer, K.R. and Hanif, M., 2013. Sampling with unequal probabilities (Vol. 15). Springer
Science & Business Media.
Brown, T.A., 2014. Confirmatory factor analysis for applied research. Guilford Publications.
Cavana, R.Y., Delahaye, B.L. and Sekaran, U., 2001. Applied business research: Qualitative
and quantitative methods. John Wiley & Sons Australia.
Cooper, W.H. and Withey, M.J., 2009. The strong situation hypothesis. Personality and
Social Psychology Review, 13(1), pp.62-72.
Creswell, J.W. and Creswell, J.D., 2017. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and
mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. and Larson, R., 2014. Validity and reliability of the experience-
sampling method. In Flow and the foundations of positive psychology (pp. 35-54). Springer,
Dordrecht.
Gill, P., Stewart, K., Treasure, E. and Chadwick, B., 2008. Methods of data collection in
qualitative research: interviews and focus groups. British dental journal, 204(6), p.291.
Harrell, M.C. and Bradley, M.A., 2009. Data collection methods. Semi-structured interviews
and focus groups. Rand National Defense Research Inst santa monica ca.
Krueger, R.A., 2014. Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research. Sage
publications.
Miles, M.B., Huberman, A.M. and Saldana, J., 2013. Qualitative data analysis. Sage.
Schmidt, F.L. and Hunter, J.E., 2014. Methods of meta-analysis: Correcting error and bias
in research findings. Sage publications.
Sekaran, U. and Bougie, R., 2016. Research methods for business: A skill building approach.
John Wiley & Sons.
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