Research Thinking

Management Research Methodology :Philosophical
undations of research
Mahananda Chalise, PhD

Professor
Don’t Perceive ………?
Research
What Research Is
Philosophy + Logic
Logic leads knowledge ( data +
Information).
Philosophy leads to wisdom
(processed knowledge).
Knowledge is “how to do”.
Wisdom is “when to do”
Paradigm:
Shifting
Pure method to Hybrid one
Mixed methods research design
has been a current practice for
many reasons in academia.
New paradigm should profusely
be used in the field of research at
universities and research centers
Research: Scientific Observation &
Analyses
Specific method or logic of
inquiry
Reliability
Validity
Objectivity
Scientific Research Characteristics
1. Originates with a question or problem.
2. Requires clear articulation of a goal.
3. Follows a specific plan or procedure.
4. Often divides main problem into sub-
problems.
5. Guided by specific problem, question, or
hypothesis.
6. Accepts certain critical assumptions.
7. Requires collection and interpretation of
data.
The Philosophical Position….
Positivism Phenomenology
Reality is objective and Reality is subjective
Ontology: what is the singular, apart from the and multiple as seen
nature of reality? researcher by the participants
Epistemology:
Researcher is independent Researcher interacts
What is valid
from that being researched with that being researched
knowledge?
Axiology:
Value free and un-biased Value-laden and biased
Role of values
• Cross-sectional studies • Action Research
• Experimental studies • Case Studies
RESEARCH
• Longitudinal studies • Ethnography
STRATEGY
• Surveys • Grounded Theory
Features of research paradigms
Positivistic paradigm Phenomenological paradigm
Tends to produce quantitative data Tends to produce qualitative data

Uses large samples Uses small samples
Concerned with hypothesis testing Concerned with generating theories
Data is highly specific and precise Data is rich and subjective
The location is artificial The location is natural
Reliability is high Reliability is low
Validity is low Validity is high
Generalises from sample to Generalises from one setting to
population another
The Positivistic approach
Define your research topic
Literature review
Define your research question(s)
i.e. hypothesis
Deductive Design data collection

Pilot study
Design data analysis
Collect data
Analyse data
Interpret results
Report your findings
Adapted from Maylor and Blackmon (2005)

The Phenomenological approach
Define your research topic
Literature review
Define your research question(s)
Design data collection

Inductive
Collect data
Analyse data Literature review
Interpret data
Research question answered?
Report your findings
Adapted from Maylor and Blackmon (2005)

The research continuum…
laboratory field
pure evaluation
research research
BASIC APPLIED
theory current
development problems
why it works what works
produces concepts provides data

Basic vs. Applied Research
Basic Applied
Pure, fundamental Central purpose to
research solve an
immediate problem
Discovery of new
Improved products
knowledge;
or processes
theoretical in
Infers beyond the
nature
group or situation
Takes many years studied
for the results of Interpretation of
basic research to results relies upon
find some practical Basic research
utility
Deduction and Induction
Deduction
Induction
Sources of Research Problems
Observation.
Literature reviews.
Professional conferences.
Experts.
Methodology Comparison
Quantitative Qualitative
Explanation, prediction Explanation,
Test theories description
Known variables Build theories
Large sample Unknown variables
Standardized Small sample
instruments Observations,
Deductive interviews
Inductive
Concept Map of Potential Research
Issues
19
Cycles of Research
Question Development
20
Generating research ideas
Useful Techniques
Rational thinking Creative thinking
Searching the literature Scanning the

media
Brainstorming Relevance Trees
Exploring past projects Discussion

Techniques for generating research ideas
Rational thinking: Creative thinking:

• Examining your • Keeping a
own strengths and notebook of ideas
interests • Exploring personal
• Looking at past preferences using
project titles past projects
• Discussion • Relevance trees
• Searching the (mind mapping)
literature • Brainstorming
(articles, reports,
books)
Structure of Research
The "hourglass" notion of research

begin with broad questions
narrow down, focus in
operationalize
OBSERVE
analyze data
reach conclusions
generalize back to questions
Key Issues of Management Research
Genesis of Management
Research
Theoretical Perspectives
Methodological Issues in
Management Research
Social Issues in Management
Research (SIM after 1990)
Ethical Issues
The research ‘onion’
Concluding…
Researching must be
more fun
THANK YOU
27
References
Lester, F. (2015). On the Theoretical, Conceptual and
Philosophical Foundations for Research in Mathematics
Education. ZDM, 37(6), 457-467.
Camp, W.G. (2017). Formulating and Evaluating Theoretical
Frameworks for Career and Technical Education
Research. Journal of Vocational Educational Research,
26(1), 27-39.
Maxwell, J. (2004). Qualitative Research Design: An
Interactive Approach (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Munhall, P. & Chenail, R. (2008). Qualitative Research
Proposals and Reports: A Guide (3rd ed.). Sudbury, MA:
Jones and Bartlett
Luse, A., Mennecke, B., & Townsend, A. (2017). Selecting a
Research Topic: A Framework for Doctoral Students.
International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 7, 143-152.

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Management Research Methodology :Philosophical

Mahananda Chalise, PhD

Positivistic paradigm Phenomenological paradigm

Tends to produce quantitative data Tends to produce qualitative data

Deductive Design data collection

Report your findings

Adapted from Maylor and Blackmon (2005)

Design data collection

Analyse data Literature review

Research question answered?

Report your findings

Adapted from Maylor and Blackmon (2005)

why it works what works

produces concepts provides data

Rational thinking Creative thinking

Searching the literature Scanning the

Brainstorming Relevance Trees

Exploring past projects Discussion

Rational thinking: Creative thinking:

The "hourglass" notion of research

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