Page 25 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Methodology of Research and Statistical Techniques

Notes The diagram shows the systematic nature of the research process. Unfortunately it is not quite
so straightforward as many of the stages overlap and there is much ‘looping back’ to previous
stages.
This simplified diagram does not show the underpinning theoretical issues and questions that
have to be addressed. The following diagram shows the different aspects to be considered
under each section.
As you can see each stage in the process has many aspects and issues to be considered. We
cover all of these stages in this unit.

Theory of Research
Superficially the research process can appear to be relatively simple if you carry out the basic
steps methodically and carefully, then you should arrive at useful conclusions. However, the
nature of research can be very complex and when you are reading textbooks on research
methodology you will come across many unfamiliar words and terms. We first look at types
of research and explain some of the terms.

Task Analyse the role of litarature study in the research.

Types of Research
The main different types of research can be classified by its purpose, its process and its
outcome. These can in turn be broken down further:

• The purpose of the research can be classified as:
— exploratory
— descriptive

— analytical
— predictive.
• The process of the research can be classified as:
— quantitative
— qualitative.

• The outcome of the research can be classified as:
— applied
— basic or pure
— action.

Let us look at these in more detail.
Exploratory Research
This is conducted when there are few or no earlier studies to which references can be made
for information. The aim is to look for patterns, ideas or hypotheses rather than testing or
confirming a hypothesis. In exploratory research the focus is on gaining insights and familiarity
with the subject area for more rigorous investigation later. In an undergraduate dissertation
it is likely that you will be drawing on previous studies and so pure exploratory research is

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