Scientific Research Collect Methods Comment by Sabina:

Scientific Research Collect Methods

Comment by Sabina:

Scientific research is obtainable through several methodologies, of which qualitative and quantitative methods are highly utilized. These two research methodology are highly used in the field of social sciences and marketing. Social scientist utilizes these two data collection tools to collect data that would otherwise not be observable without these tools. Marketing researchers utilizes these tools to collect information about the market, gain information about how customers feel and gather other useful information about their product and services.

It is important to understand the type of research that a researcher is attempting to gather. The researcher should first determine the research question, which would help the research determine the type of research tool that is necessary to collect the data. If the researcher is looking for customer opinion, how they feel about a particular store, or product, then a qualitative research would be appropriate. Qualitative research allows the researcher to gather information about feelings, emotions and experiences. If the researcher is looking for more of a comparative type of data, where a scale can be use such an ordinal scale, or ratio the researcher would utilize quantitative method.

Quantitative research method is founded in hypothesis and theories, the research question is asked, data is then collected and analyzed using statistical formulas (Creswell, 2009). "Quantitative research is based on information gathered through empirical methods established by the founding fathers of scientific research such as Locke & Mills" (Smith, 2008). Qualitative research tool is used to collect in-depth comprehension of human behavior (Creswell, 2009). "Qualitative research starts by justifying the research problem by reference to the literature. It then defines a theoretical framework for the study, identifying the theoretical concepts that are relevant and will be employed in the study" (Gibbs et. al., 2007). Constructivism argues that humans develop knowledge and understanding from their own experiences and ideas, and talking to others.

In experimental research the research uses manipulation in testing to observe the variables. The researcher will manipulate one variable and control the others. The quasi-non experimental research method is similar to the experimental research group however there is no control group and there is only one level of measurement (Trochim, 2006). Empiricism is an important part experimental research. Empiricism is based on the researcher utilization of their sensory system such as being able to see or taste the observable data, which is based on evidence. Positivism is concept that some researcher believes experimental research is the only way to obtain true, objective knowledge. Interpretivism the collection of data is based on pure facts.

Criticial theory discussion groups are utilized by individuals to share ideas, discuss topics of importance and gain insight into specified topics. A case study is where the researcher spends an extended amount of time looking at the life of one individual or family. Detail information is gathered about that individual's life. The grounded theory is similar to the case study. The researcher looks at a specific case or cases and how the variables interact (Borgatti, 1990). A narrative inquiry is a method of collecting data, listening to someone tell the story of their life and gathering information about how they find meaning in their lives. Program evaluation is used by companies to evaluate a project or a department, to gather information about their effectiveness. There are many different research methods that exist. The type of data being collected will determine what type of research method should be utilized.