The Research Process

As the hypothesis of the research project was to determine a relationship between multivariate criteria, the RE studied the methods and approaches presented by Saunders (2007). Realising early in the project inception, it was clear that significant

amount of data collection and analysis was to be required, therefore it needed to be coordinated carefully and accurately using a set of systematic steps (Fig.28).

Firstly, the research project or philosophy requires definition thereby creating the starting point for the appropriate research approach which becomes the second step.

Within the third step the research strategy is adopted and in the fourth layer we identify the time horizon sectional or longitudinal study. The fifth step represents the stage at which the data collection methods are actually identified. The benefits of the research onion and the layered step through, is that it creates a series of stages under which the different methods of data collection can be understood and managed, and illustrates the steps in which a logical study can be performed.

3.6.1 Philosophy of a Research Project

A research philosophy aligns itself to the research hypothesis, the problem being investigated (Bryman, 2012), and is the underlying definition of the nature of knowledge being developed. The assumptions created by a research philosophy provide the justification for how the research will be undertaken (Flick, 2011), however, these philosophies can differ depending upon the goals of the research and on the best way that it might bets be achieved (Goddard & Melville, 2004). These are not necessarily at odds with each other, but the choice of research philosophy will be defined by the type of knowledge being investigated within the project (May, 2011).

Therefore, understanding the research philosophy can help explain the assumptions inherent in the research process and how this fits within the methodology being used.

3.6.2 Research Approaches

Two types of approach exist: the deductive approach and the inductive approach.

1. The deductive approach develops the hypothesis or hypotheses upon a pre-existing theory and then formulates the research approach to test it (Silverman, 2013). This approach is best suited to contexts where the research project is concerned with examining whether the observed phenomena will fit with expectation, and is generally based upon previous research output (Wiles et al., 2011).

2. The inductive approach, is characterised as a move from the specific to the general (Bryman & Bell, 2011), and uses observations as the starting point for the research. The researcher looks for patterns within the collected data

(Beiske, 2007), however, within this approach there is no framework that initially informs the data collection, therefore, the research focus can then be formed after the data has been collected (Flick, 2011).

3.6.3 Research Strategy

The research strategy sets out a vision of how the researcher intends to carry out the work (Saunders et al., 2007). The strategy can include a number of different approaches, such as experimental research, action research, case study research, interviews, surveys, or a systematic literature review, or it can include a mixture or all of these strategies (methods).

3.6.3.1 Experimental Research Method

This refers to the strategy of creating a research process that examines the results of an experiment against the expected results (Saunders et al., 2007). It can be used in all areas of research, and usually involves the consideration of a relatively limited number of factors (Saunders et al., 2007). The relationship between the factors are examined, and judged against the expectation of the research outcomes.

3.6.3.2 Action Research Method

Characterised as a practical approach to a specific research problem within a community of practice (Bryman, 2012), action research involves examining practice to establish if it corresponds to the best approach. It generally involves reflective practices, which is a systematic process by which the professional practice and experience of the practitioners can be assessed and used.

3.6.3.3 Case Study Research Method

Using a case study method of a single study site or comparative group of sites, this method seeks to establish where key features may exists, and further seeks to draw generalisations (Bryman, 2012) from within the wider study area. This approach offers an insight into the specific nature of any group/s, and can establish the importance of context within the differences between cases (Silverman, 2013).

3.6.3.4 Grounded Theory Method

A qualitative methodology, Grounded Theory uses an inductive approach to assess if patterns exist within data and/or from the study being undertaken (May, 2011). For example, interview data may be transcribed, coded and then grouped to the common

factors exhibited between respondents and between sites, however, research outputs are derived fundamentally from the completed research, rather than from data examined to establish if it fits within existing frameworks (Flick, 2011).

3.6.3.5 Surveys Method

Surveys tend to be used within quantitative research projects, and involve sampling a representative proportion of the population (Bryman & Bell, 2011). The surveys produce quantitative data that can be analysed empirically, and are most commonly used to connect variables between different types of data.

3.6.3.6 Ethnography Research Method

This method involves the close observation of people to examine their cultural interaction and their meaning (Bryman, 2012). Using this process, the observer conducts research from an observatory perspective, and then aims to understand the differences of meaning and the importance of their behaviours from their own perspective.

3.6.3.7 Archival Research Method

Conducted from existing materials, this form of research involves a systematic literature review to examine the existence of patterns, and to establish the sum of knowledge available within a particular area of study. It can also be used to examine the application of existing research to a specific problem (Flick, 2011). Archival research may also refer to historical research where a body of source material is mined in order to establish results and information.