martin mgmt 605 p2-ip final_2
TRANSCRIPT
Developing a Research Strategy 1
Abstract
Why do we care about having a research strategy or plan? The development of a research
strategy or plan is a critical factor for the success of any research project. Knowing how to find
and evaluate information are basic skills that can substantially increase the chances of success for
a research project. It is essential that the researcher clearly outlines the objectives of the research,
follows a structured plan, and documents the findings in an appropriate format for the research
method that was chosen for the research. A properly developed research plan not only provides a
guideline for the researcher to follow, but it also gives the researcher more credibility to the
readers or audience, and provides a framework from which to present results. The method of
looking for and presenting information in an organized, logical fashion is called a research
strategy. This discussion presents steps that ensure the researcher will find appropriate materials
in an efficient manner, and reduces the chance of neglecting important resources, and guides the
researcher to be ethically and legally responsible for presenting results.
Developing a Research Strategy 2
Developing a Research Strategy
The development of a research strategy or plan is a critical factor for the success of any
research project. To someone that is unfamiliar with research projects, they may think that all
that is required is to gather resources that are needed, and then write a paper. Unfortunately,
without a plan or strategy, the researcher could waste a lot of time in areas that are not required,
and then not have enough time to incorporate material thoroughly into a research report. The first
step before engaging in any research project is to clearly outline the objectives of the research
process, and then create an action plan. In order for a full understanding of the research strategy
process, this discussion will address how topics are selected, the importance of the purpose
statement, how a hypothesis is developed, how the null and alternate hypothesis support the
research, and how the research will be measured and analyzed. In addition, the various report
formats and documentation that will be needed for each research method will be addressed, how
to conduct a literature review will be discussed, and the importance of ethical and legal
responsibilities for a research project will be explained.
Selecting Research Topic
Selecting a topic for a research project is the first step of any research effort. This step
usually takes some time and thought. According to Creswell (2009), a topic is the “subject or
subject matter” of a study, and it becomes the central idea that will be explored in a research
project (p. 24). A research topic can be derived in different ways (“Approaches to Research”,
n.d.). For example, an organization may need research for a market, product, customer, or other
needs for decision-making. In other areas, research for a scientific or medical organization may
need a more formal experimental research. Regardless, the topic should be sufficiently narrowed
Developing a Research Strategy 3
and easy to comprehend. In addition, there should be sufficient resources available to research
the topic.
A good way to begin is to research the topic that is to be studied. Creswell (2009)
suggests the best way to start is to draft a title of the research or study (p.23). By drafting the title
of the study, it becomes the main focus or topic for the researcher – something tangible to keep
refocusing on and changing as the project proceeds. The researcher would begin by doing a
literature review of the topic, such as reading previous research, reports, dissertations, and
professional journals. According to Creswell (2009), the literature review helps to determine if
the topic is worth studying, and it may provide insight into ways to limit the scope of the
research to an area of inquiry (p. 23). Researching literature for the topic can also help to narrow
it down, and possibly provide recommendations for further research (“Approaches to Research”,
n.d.). According to Creswell (2009), another way to develop a topic is to pose it as a question (p.
24). For example, a researcher may ask, “Why are there more male engineers than females?” The
researcher would then begin a literature review on this topic, and narrow it further to a unique
subject to be studied, such as, “There are a limited amount of female civil engineers that build
dams.” Regardless of how the topic is picked, a considerable amount of time must be spent
examining the research for the topic. The researcher should consider if the topic he or she wishes
to study will have any contribution. Before proceeding with any research, the researcher should
consult others in the field of the topic for their reactions.
Importance of the Purpose Statement
The purpose statement states the intent of the research. Every research project must
include a purpose statement, and it must provide a clear description of the intent or reason for the
research or study (“Research Strategies”, n.d.). The purpose statement guides the scope of the
Developing a Research Strategy 4
research, and also provides the expected results or outcomes of the research – it clarifies and
supports the research topic, and defines exactly what is to be studied (“Approaches to Research”,
n.d.).
The purpose statement is the most important statement for the entire research. Thus it
must be clearly written or stated, and is usually set apart from other areas of the research
(Creswell, 2009, p. 112). As mentioned earlier, it provides the overall intent of the study, and it
is written in one or more sentences. The purpose statement will also indicate what type of
research method is to be used (qualitative, quantitative, mixed, or action). The purpose statement
does not answer the problem that needs to be studied, but it sets the objectives or the major idea
for the study, and establishes the direction.
The Development of Research Questions and Hypothesis
Research questions are derived from the purpose statement, and the hypothesis is a
prediction of the outcome of the study. According to Creswell (2009), the central question of the
study asks for the exploration of the phenomenon or the concept of the study (p. 129). It is the
question that you are trying to answer when doing research on a topic. The development of
research questions also helps the researcher narrow the focus and to what will be studied or
investigated. A way a research question can be developed is to start with a general topic and then
narrow it down to a specific question that will be the basis of the research project. Another
approach is to list a number of questions, then select the one that is the most useable for the study
(“Approaches to Research”, n.d.). Typically, qualitative research methods are used with research
questions. Regardless of how the research question is selected, the research effort must not set
out to prove something, but instead to validate findings and further add to the overall body of
knowledge (“Research Strategies”, n.d.).
Developing a Research Strategy 5
The hypothesis statement is a prediction of what the outcome or results will be in
relation to variables for the research or study. The key to developing the hypothesis is to ensure
that it can be tested to be accepted or rejected. When developing a hypothesis statement, a prediction
is made if something will come true or not, then it will need to be tested and evidence provided to accept
or reject it (Bowerman, Murphree, O’Connell, & Orris, 2012, p. 343). Research questions can be
made into a hypothesis simply by changing the statement. For example, a research question may
have been, “What is the number of white migrant workers found in the U.S?” This can become a
hypothesis statement by saying, “There are fewer than 5,000 white migrant workers in the U.S.”
The hypothesis statement generally contains or relates to both a dependent and an independent
variable (“Research Strategies”, n.d.). The dependent variable is what is being observed when
the independent variable is controlled by the researcher. Typically, a quantitative research
method is used to test a hypothesis, and it is accepted or rejected based on the results from
statistical analysis. However, before a hypothesis can be accepted or rejected, there are two types
of tests that must be run, null and alternate.
How Null and Alternate Hypothesis Support Research
The null and alternate hypothesis is used to test if a hypothesis for a research project or
study should be accepted or rejected. The null hypothesis is the historical standard or benchmark
from which the results will not deviate. What this means is that it makes a prediction that no
relationship or significant difference exists between groups on a variable. For example, let us say
that a packaging department for a firm has a problem for how best to package their products. A
hypothesis could be, “Plastic packaging provides better protection than cardboard.” The null
hypothesis would be that there is no difference between the plastic and cardboard packaging in
regards to protection, and it would have to be proved otherwise. To refute the null hypothesis, it
would have to be shown statistically through a set of tests that there is a significant difference. If
Developing a Research Strategy 6
one of the tests shows a deviation from the standard or benchmark, then the null hypothesis can
be rejected. Thus, the null hypothesis must be worded so that it can be rejected (“Approaches to
Research”, n.d.). However, if the null hypothesis is rejected, then the alternate hypothesis must
be considered and proven if the hypothesis statement can be accepted or rejected.
The alternate hypothesis is the opposite of the null hypothesis, and it is the expectation
for the outcome or the support of the hypothesis statement. If the example used in the previous
paragraph is used again, then the alternate hypothesis could be, “Plastic packaging does provide
more protection than cardboard packaging.” Thus, when a hypothesis is stated, the null and
alternate hypothesis must be tested before it can be accepted or rejected. These tests are used to
support the research or study that is being done.
Measuring and Analyzing Research
The type of measuring and analysis conducted for a research project depends on the type
of research method used and how the results are intended to be validated. For example, if the
research method used is qualitative, the type of measuring and analysis would typically be a case
study strategy. On the other hand, if the method is quantitative, then data would be collected
through experiments and measured and analyzed. The kinds of statistical analysis that may be
used depends on the kind being collected (“Research Strategies”, n.d.). Planning for
measurement analysis can be the most difficult part of the research plan, so a solid strategy is
needed to ensure that results are measured, analyzed and validated (“Approaches to Research”,
n.d.). However it is a very important step as the knowledge from the analysis is needed to
support the research project.
The process for measurement entails observing and recording observations that are
collected. Observations can be collected using a number of methods, such as surveys or other
Developing a Research Strategy 7
approaches. First, the researcher must decide on the types of measurement that are required for
the research project, and decide if the data is nominal, ordinal, interval or ratio. Nominal data has
numerical values, ordinal data has attributes that can be ordered by rank, interval data is the
distances between attributes, and ratio data is like interval but has an absolute zero value
(“Measurement”, n.d). Once the measurement process is completed and the data is collected, the
researcher can begin his or her analysis for the research project. Analysis may use descriptive
statistics, inferential statistics, or both. This depends on the research project, what is needed for
results, and the audience that will be reviewing the work. Descriptive statistics describe
quantitatively the features of the collected data, and inferential statistics are used to infer from
the data what a population may think, or to make judgments (“Analysis”, n.d.). Thus,
determining the type of measurement that is needed for the research method chosen, and the
analysis required for supporting the topic, is a crucial step in the research plan.
Research Report Formats and Research Method Documentation
Each research method has a different way in which the report should be formatted
(qualitative, quantitative, mixed, and action). Certain documentation is needed for each research
method report, too. The qualitative report can take the form of the constructivist/interpretivist or
advocacy/participatory format. The constructivist/interpretivist perspective provides an
understanding of the social world by studying the meanings humans construct and negotiate
through their interactions (“Interpretivist Methods”, n.d.), and the advocacy/participatory
perspective holds that an inquiry needs to be intertwined with politics and politico agenda
( Creswell, 2009, p. 9). A qualitative research format for a constructivist/interpretivist
perspective would include an introduction that contains the problem statement, the purpose of the
study, and research questions. The report format would also include a procedures section to
Developing a Research Strategy 8
include philosophical questions, research strategy, role of the researcher, data collection
procedures, strategies for validating findings, and proposed narrative structure. Furthermore, the
report format would include sections on anticipated ethical issues, pilot findings, and expected
outcomes (Creswell, 2009, p. 75). The documentation needed for this type of qualitative
research report would include interview questions, forms used for observations, timelines, and
any budget information. This would also be the same for the qualitative report from an
advocacy/participatory perspective. The quantitative research report format includes an
introduction that includes the problem statement, purpose of study, theoretical perspectives, and
research hypothesis. This report format would also include sections on literature reviews,
research methods - which include the research design, population samples, description of data
collection and materials - data analysis, anticipated ethical issues, and preliminary pilot tests
(Creswell, 2009, p. 77). Documentation that would be included with this type of report is any
data collection instruments, timelines, and proposed budget information.
The mixed research method is a combination of the qualitative and quantitative methods,
and has a different report format than previously mentioned. The report format for a mixed
research method brings together the formats for both qualitative and quantitative research
methods (Creswell, 2009, p. 77). The mixed research report format includes an introduction that
includes the research problem, past research problems, deficiencies in past research problems,
and the target audience. This report format would also include a purpose section - including the
purpose of the study and reasons for using a mixed method approach - research questions and
hypothesis, philosophical foundations for using mixed methods research, and a literature review.
There would also be a methods section that includes a definition of mixed research, the type of
design used, challenges in using the design, examples of use in the design, visual diagrams,
Developing a Research Strategy 9
quantitative data, qualitative data, data analysis, and validations of data. Finally, the report
format for a mixed research would list the researcher’s resources and skills, potential ethical
issues, a time line for completing the study, and a reference section (Creswell, 2009, p. 78). The
documentation needed for this type of method and report would be the same as those needed for
qualitative and quantitative method report formats.
The action research method is iterative in its approach, so the report format would be
different from that of the other research methods. The action research method includes an
introduction section that states the significance of the problem; a context section that includes the
work/community context and literature review; the research section that includes the research
question, a report on the cycles of research and the evidence used to evaluate the action, as wells
as a reflection on the action; a final reflections section that summarizes the overall learning
process during the action research; and finally, a reference section (Riel, n.d.). The
documentation that is needed for the action research method report is a timeline for the research,
reports that document each cycle, data collected and analysis of each action, details of any media
used, and a final reflection.
Conducting a Literature Review
An extensive literature review is required when conducting any research. Not only does
a literature review help to narrow down a topic, or decide if the topic is worth pursuing in a
research project, but it also is necessary to support the findings in the research effort. Essentially,
a literature review means locating and summarizing information about a topic. Creswell (2009)
suggests that a literature review provides a framework for the study as well as a benchmark for
comparing results with other findings (p. 25). The objective of doing a literature review for a
research project is to inform readers of current information about the topic, and provide grounds
Developing a Research Strategy 10
for further research (“Literature Review”, 2010). In addition, a literature review gives the
researcher an opportunity for writing a point of view about the subject in the material, as well as
continuing an ongoing dialogue in the literature. The researcher would review previous research,
reports, dissertations, and professional journals that have any relevance to the topic or
information found during the research effort. According to Creswell (2009), there is no single
way to conduct a literature review, but most researchers proceed in a systematic approach to
summarizing the information (p. 29). Creswell (2009) suggests the following approach (pp.29-
30):
Identify key words.
Using the key words, search a library’s catalog for holdings, such as journals and books.
Locate about 50 reports of research in articles or books related to the topic.
Skim the group of articles or chapters – will it make a useful contribution?
Design a literature map that depicts the groupings of the literature on the topic –
illustrating how your research will contribute to the literature of the larger body of
research.
Draft summaries of the most relevant articles – summaries are combined into the
literature review that is written for the research proposal.
Assemble the literature review by organizing it into important concepts. Explain how
your research will add to the larger body of literature related to the topic under study.
An annotated bibliography is much like a normal bibliography. However, the annotated
bibliography is going to provide a little more information – it highlights key concepts for future
reference. The key difference is that the annotated bibliography has a brief paragraph (100-150
words) that informs the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited
Developing a Research Strategy 11
(“Annotated Bibliography”, n.d.). In a research project, the annotated bibliography can be used
to help support the research effort by describing any relevancy the sources may have to the
research topic, and provides the reader with additional information for further research. The
annotated bibliography is developed by writing a concise annotation that summarizes the central
theme or scope of the article or book, and includes: the authority or background of the author;
comment on the intended audience; comparison and contrast with other works cited; or
explanation for how this work “illuminates” your bibliography (“Annotated Bibliography”, n.d.).
Thus the annotated bibliography provides further information on the resources used and to help
further support a research effort by providing readers details of relevant information.
Important Ethical and Legal Responsibilities
Ethical and legal responsibilities are critical to a research project. The researcher has an
ethical and legal responsibility to the client and participants to ensure that the research conducted
and the final report is of the highest ethical standards. Ethical and legal responsibilities are
critical to protecting the integrity of organizations, clients, and participants. By being responsible
ethically and legally, the research will be honest, the intellectual property will be protected, the
human subjects will be guaranteed safety and privacy, and finally, the research will be socially
responsible (Martin, 2012). Ethical and legal issues should be anticipated and described in the
research proposal. For example, there should be an agreement that the research will avoid using
any language or words that are biased against persons (Creswell, 2009, p. 92). It is important for
a researcher to be responsible ethically and legally, and to release all the details of the research.
Repercussions from unethical research can be extreme, and credibility could be lost and difficult
to retrieve.
Developing a Research Strategy 12
Conclusion
The development of a research strategy or plan is a critical factor for the success of any
research project. It is important that the researcher clearly outlines the objectives of the research,
follows a structured plan, and documents the findings in an appropriate format for the research
method that was chosen for the research. Equally important is conducting a thorough literature
review so as to determine if the topic is suitable for a research, and to obtain information to
support the research effort. Without a research plan and literature review, the researcher could
spend a lot of time with sources that are not needed, and not have enough time to incorporate
appropriate material thoroughly into a research report. Finally, it is very important that the
researcher is ethically and legally responsible, else repercussions by the affected groups could be
extreme and credibility could be lost. Therefore, if the researcher spends time to properly
develop of a research strategy and plan, then the chances for a successful research project are
increased.
Developing a Research Strategy 13
References
Analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2012, from Social Research Methods Knowledge Web
site: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/analysis.php
Approaches to Research Strategy. (n.d.). Retrieved November 24, 2012, from CTU Online:
http://coursebuildercontent.careeredonline.com/Assets/20000/13809.pdf
Bowerman, B., Murphree, E. S. O’Connell, R. T., Orris, J. B. (2012). Essentials of Business
Statistics, 4th Edition. New York, NY: McGraw–Hill Irwin
Creswell, J.W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Interpretivist Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved November 29, 2012, from: http://www.google.com/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=interpretivist&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CDwQFjAC&
url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.school-portal.co.uk%2FGroupDownloadFile.asp
%3FGroupID%3D23573%26ResourceId
%3D3039939&ei=cyW4UJuKGumHywHB34DoDQ&usg=AFQjCNEwX1VM21tV2rJ1
gBykkr-twq0MSA
How to do a Literature Review. (n.d.). Retrieved, December 1, 2012, from:
http://dissertation.blogspot.es/
How to Prepare an Annotated Bibligraphy. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2012, from Cornell
University Library: http://olinuris.library.cornell.edu/ref/research/skill28.htm
Martin, G. (2012). Ethics in Research Projects. Unpublished assignment for MGMT 605,
Colorado Technical University.
Measurement. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2012, from Social Research Methods Knowledge
Web site: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/measure.php
Developing a Research Strategy 14
Riel, M. (n.d.). Understanding Action Research. Retrieved November 30, 2012, from the Center
for Collaborative Action Research Web site:
http://cadres.pepperdine.edu/ccar/define.html
Research Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved November 24, 2012, from CTU Online:
https://campus.ctuonline.edu/courses/MGMT605/p2/hub1/13705.pdf