...stage of academic research is for inquirers to ask a research question, answers for which will be learnt using proper research methods. Researchers can go about answering the research question quantitatively, qualitatively or utilizing mixed methods. It is believed that while undertaking academic research, ontologies and epistemologies, also called paradigms, must be defined separately from research methods, although these constituents are interlaced and they shape each other (Crotty 2003; Guba and Lincoln 1994; Poetschke 2003; Scotland 2012; Grix 2002). The word ontology is derived from two Greek words meaning being and word. Ontology deals with the world and the question whether the reality exists regardless of our knowledge about it or not. There are two contrasting philosophical traditions: positivism looking at reality as being real, true and concrete and interpretivism looking at the world as socially constructed. While positivist ontology is the one of realism, interpretivist ontology refers to relativism. The proponents of the first view acknowledge objects existing without our knowledge about them whereas advocates of the latter view believe that the social phenomena can be understood only through the window of individuals (Crotty 2003; Scotland 2012). Investigators’...
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...Compare and contrast the major characteristics of two methods of sociological inquiry. Your answer should clarify how: Each method relates to a distinct tradition of social research (e.g., positivism, interpretivism or the critical tradition); Addresses the issue of objectivity and; Account for the relationship between the natural and the social sciences. Research methods are a crucial part to understanding society. Without research methods, scientists and researchers would not be able to understand the why, the how or the what. There are three main traditions in social research; Positivism, Interpretivism and Critical Tradition. In this essay, the writer will examine two of these traditions; positivism and interpretivism. The writer will talk about each of these traditions, the history and the type of research method each are. The writer will discuss examples of each tradition, a qualitative research method and a quantitative research method. The writer will then go on to discuss the contributions of two major sociologists in each; Emile Durkheim for Positivism and Max Weber for Interpretivism. The writer will then go on to compare and contrast each tradition. Positivism was first established by French philosopher Auguste Comte in the early 19th century. Positivism can be defined as ‘’ the tendency to develop the means of our reason either to predict the phenomena of nature or to modify them through our intervention, which is the characteristic feature...
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...BRM 1. What is a research paradigm?positivism?interpretivism? A research paradigm is a philosophical framework that guides how scientific research should be conducted. Positivism is underpinned by the belief that reality is independent of us and the goal is the discovery of theories, based on empirical research (observation and experiment).positivism is associated with quantitative methods of analysis. INTERPRETIVISM Interpretivism is underpinned by the belief that social reality is not objective but highly subjective because it is shaped by our perceptions. interpretivism focuses on exploring the complexity of social phenomena with a view to gaining interpretive understanding. interpretivists adopt a range of methods that 'seek to describe, translate and otherwise come to terms with the meaning, not the frequency of certain more or less naturally occurring phenomena in the social world'. 2. What is the ontological assumption? ONTOLOGICAL ASSUMPTION The ontological assumption is concerned with the nature of reality: * Positivists believe social reality is objective and external to the researcher. There fore, there is only one reality. * Interpretivists believe that social reality is subjective because it is socially constructed. Therefore, each person has his or her own sense of reality and there are multiple realities. 3. What is the epistemological assumption? EPISTEMOLOGICAL ASSUMPTION The epistemological assumption is concerned with...
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...the goal of research is to only describe phenomena that one can directly observe and objectively measure. For them, knowledge of anything beyond that – such as emotions, feelings, and thoughts –is impossible. Positivist believes that only phenomena observed will lead to the production of credible data. To generate a research strategy to collect these data he or she will is likely to use existing theory to develop hyphotheses. These hypotheses will be tested and confirmed, in whole or part, or refuted, leading to the development of theory which then maybe tested by future research. Interpretivism Interpretivism is an epistemology that advocates that it is necessary for the researcher to understand differences between humans in our role as social actors. This emphasizes the difference between conducting research among people rather objects such as trucks and computers. The root of interpretivism comes from two intellectual traditions: phenomenology and symbolic interactionism. Phenomenology...
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...growth. CHAPTER 3 Methodology: This section highlights on the various statistical methods that will be used in analyzing the impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth. Various sources have defined the term research in various forms. According to Babbie (1988), research can be defined as an organized investigation that is carried out to illustrate, forecast, and manage a practical phenomenon. Methods used in research analysis are very significant because they, to a large extent, affect the outcome of the research. Gall, Borg, and Gall (1996) suggested that, there are two key philosophies in research methodology that strengthen the entire research process. Namely: the interpretivism and positivism theories. According to Mark, Phillip and Adrian (1997), interpretivism advocates that it is necessary for a researcher to understand the distinction between human beings in our role as social actors. They emphasise...
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...interpret data. The study ended by concluding that there is no bad or wrong methodologies, each of the two methodologies studied has advantages and disadvantages, the choice of which methodology to use depends on the researchers views, assumptions as well as the study question. Introduction This study’s aim to discuss the concept of critical tourism theory as well as identifying and evaluating the different research methodologies used in tourism research. The study is divided into two main sections. The first section discusses critical and critical tourism theory tracing the development in tourism research over the years. The second section is based the research methodologies starting from the philosophies or assumption (positivism and interpretivism) that influence the choice of methodology used in any study. The section is further subdivided into two subsections (qualitative and quantitative) providing a detailed evaluating of each research methodology, the research methods used in each of them and as well as discussing how data is analysis in each of the methodologies. Critical Tourism Theory Before discussing critical tourism theory, the author will start with the concept of critical theory which itself has a lot of influence and much to offer to tourism...
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...Understanding Research in Tourism & Hospitality, Sport & Events Name: Instructor: Institution: Date: Question One: The study aims to: investigate the effect of the construction of the multibillion-dollar cruise ship terminal, resort, residential development and casino on tourism on the Gold Coast; to examine the effect of the project on the locals’ access to Broadwater, waterways and whether there will be an effect on water quality and to determine whether the project will result into dumping of sewage, grey water or foodstuffs in the terminal. After the Queensland Government had called for the construction of a multibillion-dollar cruise ship terminal, resort, residential development and casino on its Gold Coast, the need arose of conducting a research that could investigate whether the project reached its intended purpose of boosting the tourism industry. The research also wanted to verify whether the completion of the project would result into dumping of wastes in the area; and also whether the locals would be denied access to the waterfront. The main significance of the research is to inform action on the areas studied. For instance, the research will give direction to deal with the problem of dumping of wastes in the terminal as a result of the construction of the ship terminal especially if it is proven to be true that the project resulted into environmental pollution. The research will also enable the government to take the necessary action if...
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...Organisational Theory Assignment Baruch Spinoza once said, “The highest activity a human can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free”. Spinoza quoting that understanding leads to freedom – emancipation – can be interpreted as a statement from the perspective of a critical theorist (Green 2004) and if left unchallenged this statement would prove absolute. However, using a modernist perspective it can be argued that understanding would lead to quantification (Hatch, 2006) that could in turn, lead to greater efficiency. Solely from referencing the two theories above and the 2 ways of looking at a single statement we can ascertain that a combination of perspectives gives us a greater understanding than a single perspective. This essay explores how using a multi perspective approach would provide the individual with a more comprehensive and well ronded understanding to organisations, an increased capacity to understand how to better embrace structure and its implications and the holistic simplification and explaination of cultural effects. It also brings to light the conflicting nature of these theories and its inherant biasness. The first advantage of using a multi-perspective approach to understanding an organisation would be that it provides us with a more comprehensive and well-rounded understanding to organisations. This greater understanding begins with the internalisation of the different perspective’s ontology and epistemology...
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...2. Experiments |Type of Experiment |Information |Practical issues |Ethical Issues |Theoretical issues | | | | | | | |Laboratory experiments |• A laboratory experiment is controlled and is |1. Open systems – Can only |1. Informed consent |• Positivists – experiments are good because of| | |in an artificial environment. |work with science. Society is an open system |2. Harm to subjects - everything, including |their reliability. This is because | | |• There must be two groups , an experimental |where the factors cannot be controlled. |risks, must be explained but what if you are |they can control the variables, produces | | |and control group. |2. Individuals are complex – it |Milgram? |quantitative data and is detached. However, it | | ...
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...PROPOSED TOPIC: Examining the influence of Brand Image on consumer buying behaviour. The Case of Apple I-PHONE in the UK. INTRODUCTION OF TOPIC: Nowadays firms in all segments are probing for a new foundation of sustaining competitive advantage because the competition in the marketplace is getting more rigorous. However brand image has stand as one of the powerful tool of gaining comparative advantage. It is certain that firms with powerful brand image make a momentous progress in the marketplace. A strong brand will project a picture of superiority of a firm’s product or service. Apple Inc is an American multinational corporation that market and design personal computers, electronics and computer software. Apple Inc was founded in April 1976 in Cupertino California by the late Steve Jobs. Apple Inc is the largest technology company in the word by profit and revenue. Apple Inc has built a reputation as a consistent and trustworthy electronic company. Apple aspires to become the world leader in electronics, computer software and personal computer. RATIONALE FOR THE TOPIC: The rationale for my topic holds on the fact that brand is becoming the tool for absolute advantage for business in the twenty-first century. It is a challenge for organisation to survive in the constant and fierce battle of brands in the wallets, heart and mind of consumers. Though this study was premeditated for a course work, it will go beyond the purpose, the result of this study will assist existing...
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...SOCIOLOGY – AQA – UNIT 4 - CRIME AND DEVIANCE The exam is split into 3 questions: • Q.1 is a pure methods section which contains two parts a) 12 marks and b) 21 marks. You should spend 45 minuets on this question. • Q.2 is a method in context question. Part a) is for 9 marks [could also be a 3 and 6 mark question] and part b) is for 15 marks. You should spend 30 minuets on this question. • Q.3 is a theories essay for 33 marks. THIS QUESTION IS SYNOPTIC! You should spend 45 minuets on this question. Below is a list of all the areas and studies you need to know for each section of the exam. Don’t worry if you don’t know all the studies, each college/school are likely to teach slightly different ones, just make sure you know about that amount for each section. Q.1 For the first two pure crime parts you need to know: Functionalist theories of crime and deviance Durkheim – Social control, social regulation including suicide Merton-Strain theory, blocked aspirations Cohen – Status frustration Cloward and Ohlin – Deviant subcultures New Right/Right Realism James Wilson – Strict law enforcement needed Wilson and Kelling – Broken windows, zero tolerance Murray – Cultural deprivation, single parents and ineffective, the underclass Erdos – Families without fathers Subcultural theories Cohen – Delinquent subcultures Cloward and Ohlin – Delinquency and opportunity, criminal, conflict and retreatist...
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...Positivism means “scientific” and positivist methodologies argue it’s possible and desirable to study social behaviour in ways similar to those used by natural scientists to study behaviour in the natural world. Positivism A basic principle is that social systems consist of structures that exist independently of individuals; they represent behaviour at the institutional level of society and people experience structures as forces that push us to behave in ways that shape our individual behavioural choices. Example: The rules of language structure the way we socially interact. Systems Actions The forces shaping social behaviour can be discovered using similar methods to those used in sciences such as Physics - systematic observations that create highly reliable knowledge, organised and tested using something like Popper’s HypotheticoDeductive model of research. Study of the causes of behaviour (social structures) rather than their effects (the different choices people make). Structures are real and objective forces; although they can’t be seen, their effects can be (empirically) observed. Reality Methods Quantitative methods are generally favoured because they allow for the collection of factual data. Objectivity Facts The researcher should not directly interact with the people they are studying since this might influence their behaviour (non-participant observation is acceptable, but participant observation is more problematic)...
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...An exploratory study on the impact of research and development on customer service and quality http://www.brandextension.org/definition.html http://thinkingbookworm.typepad.com/blog/sample-research-proposals/ 1.0 Introduction Research and development simply refers to the constant improvement of product and services and which enable the business to continuously thrive in terms of its operation. Research and development also leads to innovations intended for these products and services. In generating high impact innovations, it is important that the organization should devise a systematic method of identifying opportunities that provide new value for the consumers (Johnston and Bate, 2003). The changing consumer preference was an opportunity that is exploited through innovation (Paley, 2006). As such, a company must be able to introduce new brand concepts, strengthen design capability and enrich product offering continuously. Improvement of quality is therefore critical in the aspect of innovation as this could highly impact customer satisfaction. Further, innovation also means to tolerate internal processes especially those that will contribute to the growth of the company (Johnson and Scholes, 2002). Customer service is one of these internal processes which purport external audience. For instance, listening to the voice of consumer (VOC) is one critical factor of customer servicing wherein the feedback of the customers are given its deserved value. These feedbacks from...
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...An exploratory study on the impact of research and development on customer service and quality 1.0 Introduction Research and development simply refers to the constant improvement of product and services and which enable the business to continuously thrive in terms of its operation. Research and development also leads to innovations intended for these products and services. In generating high impact innovations, it is important that the organization should devise a systematic method of identifying opportunities that provide new value for the consumers (Johnston and Bate, 2003). The changing consumer preference was an opportunity that is exploited through innovation (Paley, 2006). As such, a company must be able to introduce new brand concepts, strengthen design capability and enrich product offering continuously. Improvement of quality is therefore critical in the aspect of innovation as this could highly impact customer satisfaction. Further, innovation also means to tolerate internal processes especially those that will contribute to the growth of the company (Johnson and Scholes, 2002). Customer service is one of these internal processes which purport external audience. For instance, listening to the voice of consumer (VOC) is one critical factor of customer servicing wherein the feedback of the customers are given its deserved value. These feedbacks from the customers are also used to inform research and development regarding their changing preferences, expectations...
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...Assess the view that Positivist methods are inappropriate for investigating society. There are two types of sociologists Positivists and Interpretivists. Positivists assume sociological explanations should be like those of natural sciences and sociologists should use logic, methods and procedures of natural science. They also use structural approaches in their work like how society controls individual behaviour. On the other hand Interpretivism was developed from the work of Weber, Dewey, Cooley, Thomas and Mead. Weber’s ‘Verstehen’ (empathetic understanding of human behaviour) sociology emphasised the meaning of social action as understood by the social actors involved. Mead (1934) emphasised the concept of self in understanding social action. Interpretivists tend to prefer analysing individuals and groups that play an active role in creating society. Therefore necessary to understand their individual meanings and motivations, involving a micro or small scale approach. Whereas Positivists think that society acts as a constraint on individuals and is therefore necessary to examine these social structural constraints, involving a macro or large scale approach. Positivist’s methods could be inappropriate for investigating society because they are associated with structural perspectives. Positivists see society as puppets on a string and say that we are controlled and constrained by social forces. Individuals represent behaviour at the institutional level of society and people...
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