Research Methodology Concepts: IT Data Collection Methods Analysis

This paper delves into research methodology concepts, focusing on data collection methods within the context of Information Technology. It begins by outlining the requirements of a robust research design, emphasizing the importance of research questions, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. The paper then explores various data collection methods, including literature-based approaches and case studies, providing a detailed analysis of their advantages and disadvantages. It differentiates between qualitative and quantitative data, discussing their respective applications and the factors influencing the choice between them. The paper highlights the importance of considering philosophical approaches and researcher skills when selecting a data collection method. Through the analysis of literature-based research and case studies, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of research design and data collection, equipping researchers with the knowledge to make informed decisions in their IT projects. The student assignment is available on Desklib, a platform providing AI-powered study tools for students.

Running head: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY CONCEPTS 1
Research Methodology Concepts
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY CONCEPTS 2
Research Methodology Concepts
In the world of computing, there are various interventions that are coming up to have
systems put in place. The systems that are designed aims at providing a particular solution to
real-world issues. To ensure that the systems designed to meet the intended purpose, there is
need to conduct a feasibility study which aims at gathering information that will be of
importance to come up with a comprehensive technology (Fraenkel & Wallen, 2003). In the
course of the feasibility study, the various stakeholders who affect the functionality of the
systems either directly or indirectly are analyzed since they determine the extent of success.
Gathering of information involves a research since this acts as a foundation for future steps that
will take place. To have a reliable system in the future, proper research design should be
incorporated as this will give the guidelines that will be followed in the implementation process.
Also, in the gathering of data and information regarding a project, a proper methodology is
required. The advantages and disadvantages using particular methods should be critically
analyzed to ensure that the one that suits best is utilized (Harrington, et al. 2008). In the course of
this paper, the focus will be geared towards examining various methodologies that are used in
research design for data collecting giving the pros and cons of each and their applicability in the
field of Information Technology.
Requirements of research design
Before commencing a research activity, it is important to have an outline of what is
required to ensure some boundaries have been set to avoid too much analysis as well as well as
reduce chances of failure. It is important to come up with research questions. The research
questions define the scope of the study as the researcher will be answering the set priorities in an
orderly manner. The research questions are grouped in such a way that they are related

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regarding topics. In every subcategory of the research study, the approaches that are applicable
are listed, and each analyzed differently, and the one that suits best is picked. Also in a particular
subcategory, data collection methods are listed and analyzed differently to ensure that the best
and most appropriate is picked. After the data has been collected using a particular method, it is
mandatory that it is analyzed. Data analysis methods are brought on board, and the most
appropriate and applicable is picked.
As mentioned earlier, research design is similar to a plan that will be used to a later date
when the actual research will be carried out. It is important to include in the research design the
various types of data that will consider essential as well as their sources. In should be understood
that the data types and sources are in custody of a third party and, therefore, there is a need for
the researcher to know how the various sources of information will be accessed without
infringing the rights of the owner. Questions regarding the owner's availability, datasets that
exist, biographical accounts, form, and formality should be discussed. In addition, in research
design, a researcher should have a crew of what the expectations look like as this helps in
gauging the appropriateness of the planning process. A researcher should know the form in
which the results will take to avoid uncertainty.
It is also important in the research design process to consider the time frame of each of
the activities. Every research work is associated with a particular time frame, and this dictates the
duration required before a fully functional system is completed. In this context, the time frame
discussed is not the actual time to be taken but just an estimate. There are various tools such as
Gantt Charts among others that are used in the representation of activities regarding time. It helps
a researcher to have an overview of what is required through the weighing of the intensity of
activity. The deadline which is given by the client of the system determines the time allocation of

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each activity. On the other hand, after knowing the time and the intensity of each activity of the
project, a researcher can estimate the number of individuals who will be deployed to complete a
given task. Also, through allocating time to particular activities, issues too with prioritization are
easily achieved. In a carrying out research, some activities are run simultaneous and thus
drawing a critical path to the activities is required.
Methods of data collection
Before deciding on the method of information gathering, it is advisable for the researcher
to investigate whether qualitative or quantitative approaches should be taken. The approach in
this context implies something more than the type of the data to be used. An approach simply
means the orientation and claim types made during a particular study. Research projects can
either use quantitative or qualitative data or even both, but this depends on the abilities,
preferences and the suitability of a particular approach to the given topic (Onwuegbuzie &
Leech, 2005). In particular, qualitative data is useful when a researcher wants to discover how
particular forms that are common affects a group of people. A good example when qualitative
data is used to formulate a research is when studying how a particular element such as drug
abuse affects a given age group. On the hand, quantitative data is applicable when the study
wants to investigate why a certain group of people gets involved in an unusual behavior.
There are several things that have to be put into consideration before settling on either
qualitative or quantitative analysis. First, the researcher should consider the philosophical
approach that is most preferable (Galliers & Land, 1987). The mostly used philosophical
approaches are phenomenologist, realist, and constructionist. Secondly, a researcher should
consider the abilities and skills one has regarding the data collection and analysis. When an

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individual is well versed in quantitative data usage, it is advisable that he or she follows that
route for convenience and accuracy. Finally, the topic of interest determines the approach that is
used. From the framing of the research questions and the responses expected, a researcher can
predict the most appropriate analysis to be used.
After prior planning of the research activity, data collection comes next to help gather
information that will help to generate the required outcome. Before deciding on a particular
method of data collection, the research has to consider if the research is inductive or deductive.
In a deductive nature of research, there are theories that are involved, and each of them needs to
be tested. In a deductive research, particular theories have to be tested through hypothesis
development and an experimental design have to be created (Knowles & Cole, 2008). It may use
either quantitative or qualitative data or a combination of both to set up the experiments. On the
hand, if research is deductive, it starts with an existing theory and a hypothesis is tested, for
example, background of a social class and the privileges associated. Research shows that for a
deductive research to be successful, there is a combination of both inductive and deductive
elements considered.
i. Literature-based method of data collection
In the literature based method of data correction, a researcher mainly depends on
already researched to come up with a conclusion of the matter. In the literature-based
research, theoretical analysis is most applicable. In the theoretical analysis, a comparison is
made of the existing theories regarding a topic which ends up having a particular pattern of
behavior. When a particular pattern has been arrived at, the researcher is tasked with the
responsibility of analyzing if the combination can be applicable in arriving at the desired and
expected solution. For a literature-based research to effective, there must be prior research

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY CONCEPTS 6
that has been conducted and conclusions are given leaving room for further study where
continuation is done.
Advantages and disadvantages of literature-based research
Literature-based research has its advantages as well as disadvantages. One of the
advantages is authenticity. A literature-based approach is authentic in that evidence such as
textbooks and among other programs can be used for future reference when the need arises.
Through authenticity, researchers are subjected to various cultures and social structures were
similar incidences once happened (Zivkovic, 2012). Through subjection to various cultures
and theoretical frameworks, a researcher can make comprehensive conclusions. Another
advantage is that it gives the researcher high level of thinking skills. Research distributed by
the International Reading Association and the National Reading Conference found that
researchers who were perused to performed better on trial of vocabulary and perception.
General perception comes through restating outcomes as well as expanding research through
blending.
Literature-based research also has disadvantages. A few factors in the literature based
perusing guideline can adversely influence student learning and development. In an assorted
classroom, it might be hard to discover books that all research can identify with in the
meantime, especially in classes where all courses are perused to at the same time (Jonassen,
2004). Utilizing one book for a whole class presents challenges as more unpredictable stories
may be troublesome for all students to get it. Furthermore, with differing levels of vocabulary
and appreciation capacities in a single classroom, it might be hard to pick stories that all
understudies effortlessly get it. On the other hand, building up perusing educational modules
in light of writing makes some extra work for the instructor. Books should be both a proper

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perusing level for most researchers and contain enough test to extend vocabulary and
perception. Moreover, it might be hard to reuse similar writings a seemingly endless amount
of time - stories or themes wind up plainly obsolete or less important to researcher’s lives.
Educators may likewise need to pick a few books for every lesson to guarantee that all
students have content to peruse that is proper for singular aptitudes.
ii. Case studies
Case studies include the use of particular occurrence in the course carrying a research
by considering another similar incident. The conclusions that were made in a particular case
are applied similarly. Case studies contextual investigations are an imperative and helpful
strategy for information gathering, particularly in instances of uncommon occurrences. It
would be amazingly untrustworthy to go taking parts of people group’s brains out just to
influence a bigger example to size to utilize an alternate trial outline strategy. In any case, as
information is gathered on new cases, it is essential to dependably allude back to past
information keeping in mind the end goal to expand on existing learning and guarantee
discoveries are as material to genuine as could reasonably be expected.
Advantages and disadvantages
Case studies enable a ton of detail to be gathered that would not typically be
effectively gotten by other research outlines. The information gathered is typically a
considerable measure wealthier and of more noteworthy profundity that can be found through
other exploratory outlines. Through contextual analyses have a tendency to be directed on
uncommon situations where vast examples of comparable members are not accessible. A
good example of this is the investigation of Phineas Gage by Harlow, J.M. This illustration

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY CONCEPTS 8
likewise interfaces with the point above with the profundity of information acquired.
Instances of mental harm are very insignificant, and it is greatly uncommon to discover
individuals with precisely the same of the cerebrum influenced. To have the capacity to pick
up learning of cerebrum works the harm between individuals must be correct to guarantee
you are trying the best thing, this should for the most part just be possible through contextual
investigations. Inside the contextual investigation, logical examinations can be led. Also,
contextual studies can enable experimenters to adjust thoughts and deliver novel speculations
which can be utilized for later testing.
One of the fundamental reactions regarding case studies is that the information
gathered can't be summed up to the more extensive populace. This prompts information
being gathered over longitudinal contextual investigations not continually being applicable or
especially valuable. Some contextual analyses are not logical (Reeves, et al. 2008). Freud
utilized contextual analyses for huge numbers of his hypotheses or studies. Such cases are
that of Anna O and Little Hans (Chilisa, 2011). Both of these are not logical nor are they
ready to be summed up. This can be ascribed to them being contextual analyses, yet
additionally Freudian hypothesis all in all. Contextual analyses are for the most part on one
individual, yet there additionally keeps an eye on just be one experimenter gathering the
information. This can prompt predisposition in information gathering, which can impact
comes about more than in various outlines. It is likewise tough to draw an unmistakable
reason/impact from case studies.

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