Ishik University | IT Department/Computer Engineering Department

Research Methodology - Dr. Ali Kattan

Lecture 4


1
The Research Process (continued):

Review of whats covered earlier:

General Steps in the Research Process:

1. Formulating the Research Problem completed.
2. Extensive Literature Review completed.
3. Developing the objectives - completed.
4. Preparing the Research Design including Sample Design introduced
5. Collecting the Data introduced
6. Analysis of Data
7. Generalization and Interpretation
8. Preparation of the Report or Presentation of Results-Formal write-ups of
conclusions reached.


Step 4. Preparing Research Design including Sample Design

Research design is the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted.
The function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant information
with minimal expenditure of effort, time and money.



The preparation of research design, appropriate for a particular research problem,
involves the consideration of the following:


a) Objectives of the research study.

b) Method of Data Collection to be adopted.

c) Source of information - sample design,
tools for Data collection !

d) Data Analysis - qualitative and quantitative.




Ishik University | IT Department/Computer Engineering Department
Research Methodology - Dr. Ali Kattan
Lecture 4


2
a) Objectives of the Research Study: - Objectives identified to answer the research
questions have to be listed making sure that they are 1) numbered, and 2)
statement begins with an action verb.

b) Methods of Data Collection: There are two types of data primary data; collected
for the first time and secondary data; those which have already been collected
and analyzed by someone else.

This course focuses on general IT-related research that does not necessarily
considers pure technical issues but other cultural, social and environmental
issues that are related directly or indirectly to the facilitations or adoption of a
certain technology. For primary data collection the following are to be
considered:
Observation Methods: This is commonly used in
behavioral sciences; it is the gathering of primary
data by investigators own direct observation of
relevant people, actions and situations (without
asking the respondent). Observation can yield
information which people are normally unwilling or
unable to provide. Such observations could be
Structured for descriptive research and
Unstructured - for exploratory research.
The limitations of such methods do not deploy a
means to measure certain attitudes or behaviors
and considered generally expensive. Thus,
researchers often supplement observation with
survey research.

Survey Methods: where such approach
most suited for gathering descriptive
information. Structured Surveys use formal
lists of questions asked of all respondents
in the same way while unstructured
Surveys let the interviewer probe
respondents and guide the interview
according to their answers. Survey
research may be Direct or Indirect. In the
direct approach the researcher asks direct
questions about behaviors and procedures, techniques, etc.
e.g. Why dont you use your credit card for online purchases?
In the indirect approach the researcher might ask: What kind of people
use their credit card for online purchases?
From the response, the researcher may be able to discover why the
consumer avoids using credit cards for online purchases. It may suggest
factors of which the consumer is not consciously aware of or some
technical issues related to the process.
The advantage of the survey method is that it can be used to collect many
different kinds of information quickly (relatively) with a low cost as
compared to observation and experimental method.

Ishik University | IT Department/Computer Engineering Department
Research Methodology - Dr. Ali Kattan
Lecture 4


3
However, limitations also exist such as respondents reluctance to answer
questions asked by unknown interviewers about things they consider
private. Sometimes the people may not want to take the time or may try to
help by giving pleasant answers or even misleading information.



Surveys could be conducted in several ways such as email, phone or
personal interview. Each has its disadvantages (discuss). In all cases,
such survey should consider the type and size of the samples (discussed
later).

Experimental Methods: Also called Empirical Research or Cause and
Effect Method, coming up with conclusions, which are capable of being
verified with observation or experiment. Experimental research is
appropriate when proof is sought that certain variables affect other
variables in some way.



e.g. the use of several language offerings in ATMs would invite more
people to use them.
e.g. the effect of using more simplified graphical user interface in ATMs to
replace text-based interfaces.

Such research is characterized by the experimenters control over the
variables under study and the deliberate manipulation of one of them to
study its effects. In such a research, it is necessary to get at facts first
hand, at their source, and actively go about doing certain things to
stimulate the production of desired information.


Ishik University | IT Department/Computer Engineering Department
Research Methodology - Dr. Ali Kattan
Lecture 4


4
(continued)
Researcher must provide a working hypothesis as to the probable results.
Then work to get enough facts (i.e. data) to prove or disprove the
hypothesis. Some experimental designs must be setup to bring forth the
desired data. Evidence gathered through experimental or empirical
studies today is considered to be the most powerful support possible for a
given hypothesis.

c) Source of information - sample Design: As mentioned earlier this this course will
focus on not only pure IT-related
issues but also other factors
involving the environment.
Researchers usually draw
conclusions by taking a sample
since it might be impractical to
consider all possible options. Such
a sample is a segment of the whole
that is selected to represent the
whole. Ideally, the sample should
be representative and allow the
researcher to make accurate
estimates of the thoughts and
behavior of the larger group. Samples could be people, software, services, type
of computers, programming methods, etc.

If people are considered, certain
decisions must be taken to design the
sample and mentioned explicitly:




Who will be surveyed? (The Sample) The researcher must determine
what type of information is needed and who is most likely to have it.
How many people will be surveyed? (Sample Size). Large samples give
more reliable results than small samples. However it is not necessary to
sample the entire target population.
How should the sample be chosen? (Sampling) Sample members may be
chosen at random from the entire population (probability sample) or the
researcher might select people who are easier to obtain information from
(nonprobability sample). The needs of the research project will determine
which method is most effective.

Generally, questionnaires are considered one of the mostly used in structured
surveys and interviews. A questionnaire consists of a set of questions presented
to a respondent for answers. The respondents read the questions, interpret what
is expected and then write down the answers themselves. It is called an
Interview Schedule when the researcher asks the questions (if necessary,
explain them) and record the respondents reply on the interview schedule.

Ishik University | IT Department/Computer Engineering Department
Research Methodology - Dr. Ali Kattan
Lecture 4


5
Because there are many ways to ask questions, the questionnaire is very flexible.
Questionnaire should be developed and tested carefully before being used on a
large scale.

Step 5. Collecting Data

Having formulated the research problem, developed a study design,
constructed a research instrument and selected a sample, you then
collect the data from which you will draw inferences and conclusions
for your study.

There are a number of ethical concerns related to the researcher:

Avoiding bias: Bias on the part of the researcher is unethical. Bias is a deliberate
attempt to either to hide what you have found in your study, or highlight something
disproportionately to its true existence.

Using inappropriate research methodology: It is unethical to use a method or
procedure you know to be inappropriate e.g. selecting a highly biased sample,
using an invalid instrument or drawing wrong conclusions.

Incorrect reporting: To report the findings in a way that changes or slants them to
serve your own or someone elses interest, is unethical.

Inappropriate use of the information: The use of information in a way that directly
or indirectly adversely affects the respondents is unethical. If so, the study
population needs to be protected. Sometimes it is possible to harm individuals in
the process of achieving benefits for the organizations.


Preparation for the Research Project List will be available on the website

Groups for projects (4 to 5 students in each group)
Suggested titles related to IT (Discussion of ideas and concerns)