Discussion: DB8008 Capella Strengths & Weaknesses of Qualitative Research Design Essay
Question Description
DB8008
Becoming a Business Researcher
WEEK 1
Discussion
Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative Research Design
The number and flexibility of designs available to a qualitative researcher is both a strength and a weakness of this research methodology.
In your post, address the following:
What are the strengths of qualitative design?
What are the weaknesses?
Why, as applied business researchers, should we consider these?
Response Guidelines
Respond to at least two learners. Your responses should be substantive and do at least one of the following:
Ask a probing question.
Offer a suggestion.
Elaborate on a particular point.
Provide an alternative opinion.
In your responses, reference the assigned readings and other theoretical, empirical, or professional literature as needed to support your views and writing.
Portfolio Prompt: You may choose to save this learning activity to your ePortfolio.
Review the following:
Chapter 5: Searching, Critically Reviewing, and Using the Literature in Business [PPTX].
Chapter 7: Business Research Design: Qualitative Methods [PPTX].
Use the Internet to read or view the following:
Wilson, J. (2014). An introduction to business research [PDF]. In Essentials of business research: A guide to doing your research project (2nd ed., pp. 1–35). Retrieved from http://study.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/Wilso…
Phelps, R., Fisher, K., & Ellis, A. (2007). Effective literature searching [PDF]. In Organizing and managing your research: A practical guide for postgraduates (pp. 128–150). Retrieved from http://study.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/Phelp…
Eriksson, P., & Kovalainen, A. (2016). Introduction to qualitative data [PDF]. In Qualitative methods in business research (2nd ed., pp. 81–90). Retrieved from http://study.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/Eriks…
Massey University. (Producer). (n.d.). The literature review [Video] | Transcript. Retrieved from
Running time: 25:05.
Use the Companion Web site of your Doing Research in a Business World text to view or read the following:
Sage Publishing. (Producer). (n.d.). Top tip: Using academic literature [Video] | Transcript. Retrieved from https://study.sagepub.com/grayresearchbusiness/stu…
Running time: 00:39.
Use the Capella library to read the following:
Welch, M. (2014). Exploring the impact of communication technologies on business air travel. Journal of Organizational Culture, Communications and Conflict, 18(1), 187–213.
Staller, K. M. (2010). Qualitative research [PDF]. In N. J. Salkind, Encyclopedia of research design (pp. 1159–1163). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Response to classmates
Classmate 1 (Starr Craft)
U01D1- Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative Research Design
Introduction
The purpose of this discussion is to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research design. The first step identifies the main points of the strengths of qualitative research. The next step determines the weakness of qualitative research. Lastly analysis what Grey (2017) presented and link the viewpoints. The key elements of this discussion to address strengths and weakness of qualitative research design and why consider these methods.
Review of strengths of qualitative design
The point of view presented by Grey (2017) examined qualitative strengths. Qualitative research strengths can be intense in a realistic setting, Ethnomethodology- perceptions of the participants measured in the research, and the focus of the research is to understand the behavior of people. Another quality of qualitative research there are six approaches to inquiries. The first approach is plan data analysis process, second sampling strategy, determining types of data to collect, unit analysis, formulate research questions and lastly determine the focus. Lastly there are a few sampling strategies that a strengths intensity sampling, typical case sampling, snowball sampling and theory-based sampling.
Review of weakness of qualitative design
Although there are many strengths of qualitative design method, there are a few weaknesses to consider. According to Grey (2017) qualitative weaknesses stats can be bias, the researcher can define the problem. Another weakness, is speculation and difficult concepts. Difficult concepts will be view as simple and measurable. This can muddle the real statistical conclusion of the research.
Why consider these research methodologies?
The qualitative research method is a key element to understanding how people think and process activities. Qualitative research has many variables which in include strategies of inquiry, different approaches, and sampling strategies (Grey et al.,2017). Qualitative research allows a granular view of the perceptions of real people. Qualitative strategies are powerful and impactful to understand holistic point of view of an issue.
Reference
Grey, D. E. (2017). Doing research in the business world. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Classmate 2 (Tara Ransom)
Introduction
The purpose of the discussion post is to provide an overview of business research, literature review, and qualitative research design. The post includes a review of Wilson (2014), Phelps, Fisher, and Ellis (2007), Massey (n.d.), and Eriksson and Kovalainen (2016) literature on the topics. Additionally, the post provides an assessment of the qualitative research design.
Theory- Article Deconstruction
An Introduction to Business Research
According to Wilson (2014), research is the process of gathering and interpreting collected information. Research enables the academic community to expand general knowledge. Business research or applied research enables organizations to solve specific problems. Gill and Johnson (2002) provided a simple overview of the research process, which includes the following: the identity of a broad area of research, the selection of a topic, the formation of research objectives, the determination of an approach, the formulation of a plan, the collection of information, the analysis of the collected data, and the presentation of the findings. Research is essential for the expansion of knowledge, the creation of policies and procedures, and the development of solutions for problems. A key concept in understanding research is the methodology. Wilson (2014) identified six key elements of research methodology, including research strategy-qualitative and quantitative strategy. A simple distinction between the strategies can be summarized as follows: qualitative strategy is a subjective inquiry into how people complete tasks through the collection and analysis of nonnumerical data, such as responses to questionnaires, interviews, and observations; quantitative is the statistical analysis of numerical data collected through surveys, polls, and interviews. Wilson (2014) also noted that qualitative research provides an in-depth review of the subject matter over an extended period in real-life settings versus a snapshot of data captured at a specific point in time.
Effective Literature Searching
Gill and Johnson’s (2012) overview of the research process begins with the identification of a broad area of research and the selection of a topic. Gray (2017) notes that this process begins with a literature review that provides the researcher with a broad understanding of the field of study, including current theories, areas requiring additional research, controversies, and accepted research methodologies. Phelps et al. (2007) survey of research students revealed that the literature search process can be both challenging and frustrating. Phelps et al. (2007) noted that the lack of a strategic approach can result in a scattering or random search result that further frustrates the student researcher. While technology has improved the researcher’s ability to access information with research tools, such as electronic databases and catalogs, Phelps et al. (2007) noted the improved accessibility has created a new problem, too much information. The new problem requires researchers to adopt skills and strategies to best gather relevant, timely and appropriate information. Phelps et al. (2007) noted seven information strategies: planning, reconnaissance, browsing, methodical searching, citation chaining, limiting searches, and monitoring. Planning includes identifying key terms and utilizing Boolean operators to extract relevant information from electronic databases. Researchers must also understand the relevant sources of information, such as a literature database, citation indexes, library catalogues, electronic books, and periodical directories. Phelps et al. (2007) noted that the most valuable tool for the research student is the reference librarian, who can provide up to date training in advanced search strategies.
The Literature Review
According to Massey (n.d.), the literature review provides insight into previous research about the selected topic, reveals knowledge gaps, validates the necessity for the research, and establishes boundaries or limits for the research. The literature review enables the researcher to obtain knowledge about the field of study. However, Massey (n.d.) noted that the researcher should limit the scope ensuring a focused and brief review that provides an overview of current theories in the field. The literature review is a summary and evaluation of existing research detailing a comparison and contrast of current theories and controversies. Massey (n.d.) listed the following as sources for conducting the research history: library databases, abstracts, indices, and the research librarian. Articles, books, conference papers, research reports, Ph.D. dissertations, Masters theses, and websites are sources for existing research literature. Massey (n.d.) noted that the literature review is a synthesis of literature relevant to the research.
Introduction to Qualitative Data
Eriksson and Kovalainen (2016) noted that researchers use empirical data in projects collected through various methods. The research purpose and approach, as well as the research questions, determine the type of empirical data used and the data collection process. Eriksson and Kovalainen (2016) noted that empirical data collected by the researcher through interviews, observation, questionnaires, and participant writings is primary data, data collected or designed by the researcher. Existing data gathered by the researcher is secondary data, such as documents, memos, newspapers, or video material. Qualitative data, which includes text, audio, visual, and verbal, is nonnumerical data (Eriksson & Kovalainen, 2016). Researchers interpret and describe qualitative data . Qualitative data collected through interviews consist of open-end questions and answers conducted with groups or individuals. Researchers analyze textual material and Eriksson and Kovalainen (2016) noted that secondary data is a common source for text. Although researchers commonly use interviews by researchers to collect empirical data, researchers should consider other methods to generate relevant data given the research purpose and questions (Eriksson & Kovalainen, 2016).
Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative Research Design
Research is a valuable tool in academia, government, and the business community. Research enables users to develop general banks and solve problems. Qualitative research design is one type of research strategy (Wilson, 2014). Eriksson and Kovalainen (2016) noted that researchers collect or design qualitative data or primary data. Qualitative research strategy entails the researcher engaging with participants in a natural setting to collect data through observation and interviews. Wilson (2014) also noted that qualitative research provides an in-depth review of the subject matter over an extended period in real-life settings versus a snapshot of data captured at a specific point in time, which enables the researcher to gain a better understanding as to how participants complete tasks. The selection of the research strategy and data collection tools is largely based on the purpose of the research and the research question. However, the researcher has a variety of tools to implement to collect data and the qualitative research strategy is flexible. However, Gray (2017) noted that researchers must suspend any preconceived ideas about participants while collecting data. A researcher must avoid influencing outcomes. Additionally, researchers examine qualitative data is providing an interpretation or description of the data (Eriksson & Kovalainen, 2016). The examination of nonnumerical data is subjective and susceptible to influence. The qualitative research strategy is useful in applied business research, which seeks to solve problems.
Conclusion
The use of research has increased with organizations and companies to not only develop policies and procedures but also to solve problems. The selection of the research methodology and data collection method is especially important. Qualitative research design is flexible, provides the researcher with an in-depth understanding regarding the participants, and utilizes various data collection tools, such as interviews and observations.
References
Eriksson, P., & Kovalainen, A. (2016). Introduction to qualitative data. In Qualitative methods in business research (2nd ed., pp. 81–90). Retrieved from http://study.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/Eriks…
Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (2002) Research Methods for Managers, 3rd edn. London: Sage.
Gray, D. E. (2017). Doing Research in the Business World. [Capella]. Retrieved from https://capella.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781526408…
Massey University. (Producer). (n.d.). The literature review [Video] | Transcript. Retrieved from
Phelps, R., Fisher, K., & Ellis, A. (2007). Effective literature searching [PDF]. In Organizing and managing your research: A practical guide for postgraduates (pp. 128–150). Retrieved from http://study.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/Phelp…
Wilson, J. (2014). An introduction to business research. In essentials of business research: A guide to doing your research project (2nd ed., pp. 1–35). Retrieved from http://study.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/Wilso…
You must proofread your paper. But do not strictly rely on your computer’s spell-checker and grammar-checker; failure to do so indicates a lack of effort on your part and you can expect your grade to suffer accordingly. Papers with numerous misspelled words and grammatical mistakes will be penalized. Read over your paper – in silence and then aloud – before handing it in and make corrections as necessary. Often it is advantageous to have a friend proofread your paper for obvious errors. Handwritten corrections are preferable to uncorrected mistakes.
Use a standard 10 to 12 point (10 to 12 characters per inch) typeface. Smaller or compressed type and papers with small margins or single-spacing are hard to read. It is better to let your essay run over the recommended number of pages than to try to compress it into fewer pages.
Likewise, large type, large margins, large indentations, triple-spacing, increased leading (space between lines), increased kerning (space between letters), and any other such attempts at “padding” to increase the length of a paper are unacceptable, wasteful of trees, and will not fool your professor.
The paper must be neatly formatted, double-spaced with a one-inch margin on the top, bottom, and sides of each page. When submitting hard copy, be sure to use white paper and print out using dark ink. If it is hard to read your essay, it will also be hard to follow your argument.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS
Discussion Questions (DQ)
Initial responses to the DQ should address all components of the questions asked, include a minimum of one scholarly source, and be at least 250 words.
Successful responses are substantive (i.e., add something new to the discussion, engage others in the discussion, well-developed idea) and include at least one scholarly source.
One or two sentence responses, simple statements of agreement or “good post,” and responses that are off-topic will not count as substantive. Substantive responses should be at least 150 words.
I encourage you to incorporate the readings from the week (as applicable) into your responses.
Weekly Participation
Your initial responses to the mandatory DQ do not count toward participation and are graded separately.
In addition to the DQ responses, you must post at least one reply to peers (or me) on three separate days, for a total of three replies.
Participation posts do not require a scholarly source/citation (unless you cite someone else’s work).
Part of your weekly participation includes viewing the weekly announcement and attesting to watching it in the comments. These announcements are made to ensure you understand everything that is due during the week.
APA Format and Writing Quality
Familiarize yourself with APA format and practice using it correctly. It is used for most writing assignments for your degree. Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for APA paper templates, citation examples, tips, etc. Points will be deducted for poor use of APA format or absence of APA format (if required).
Cite all sources of information! When in doubt, cite the source. Paraphrasing also requires a citation.
I highly recommend using the APA Publication Manual, 6th edition.
Use of Direct Quotes
I discourage overutilization of direct quotes in DQs and assignments at the Masters’ level and deduct points accordingly.
As Masters’ level students, it is important that you be able to critically analyze and interpret information from journal articles and other resources. Simply restating someone else’s words does not demonstrate an understanding of the content or critical analysis of the content.
It is best to paraphrase content and cite your source.
LopesWrite Policy
For assignments that need to be submitted to LopesWrite, please be sure you have received your report and Similarity Index (SI) percentage BEFORE you do a “final submit” to me.
Once you have received your report, please review it. This report will show you grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors that can easily be fixed. Take the extra few minutes to review instead of getting counted off for these mistakes.
Review your similarities. Did you forget to cite something? Did you not paraphrase well enough? Is your paper made up of someone else’s thoughts more than your own?
Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for tips on improving your paper and SI score.
Late Policy
The university’s policy on late assignments is 10% penalty PER DAY LATE. This also applies to late DQ replies.
Please communicate with me if you anticipate having to submit an assignment late. I am happy to be flexible, with advance notice. We may be able to work out an extension based on extenuating circumstances.
If you do not communicate with me before submitting an assignment late, the GCU late policy will be in effect.
I do not accept assignments that are two or more weeks late unless we have worked out an extension.
As per policy, no assignments are accepted after the last day of class. Any assignment submitted after midnight on the last day of class will not be accepted for grading.
Communication
Communication is so very important. There are multiple ways to communicate with me:
Questions to Instructor Forum: This is a great place to ask course content or assignment questions. If you have a question, there is a good chance one of your peers does as well. This is a public forum for the class.
Individual Forum: This is a private forum to ask me questions or send me messages. This will be checked at least once every 24 hours.