Page 28 - DLIS401_METHODOLOGY_OF_RESEARCH_AND_STATISTICAL_TECHNIQUES

Unit 1: Concept of Research

• Reflection– where an existing theory, technique or group of ideas is re-examined possibly Notes
in a different organisational or social context. For example, to what extent can Herzberg’s
theory of motivation be applied to front-line workers in the contract catering sector?
Action Research
This is a form of research where action is both an outcome and a part of the research. The
researcher ‘interferes’ with or changes – deliberately – what is being researched. The critics of
action research argue that since the researcher is changing what is being researched during the
process of research, the work cannot be replicated. If it cannot be replicated its findings cannot
be tested in other situations.

This prevents general knowledge being developed and thus it cannot contribute to theory.
Also, as the researcher is involved in the change process there is a loss of critical, detached
objectivity. There are two approaches to action research:
• Classical action research begins with the idea that if you want to understand something
you should try changing it.
• New paradigm research is based on a new model or framework for research. It claims
that research can never be neutral and that even the most static and conventional research
exposes the need for change in what is being researched. It involves inquiry into persons
and relations between persons, and is based on a close relationship between researcher
and those being researched. The research is a mutual activity of a ‘co-ownership’ involving
shared power with respect to the process and the outcomes of the research. Those being
researched can, for example, decide how the research will be undertaken, in what form
and with what questions being asked. The researcher is a member of a ‘community’ and
brings to it special skills and expertise. The researcher does not dictate what will happen.
This type of research is most easily carried out when working with individuals or small
groups. It means that the researcher must be highly skilled not only in research methods
but also in the interpersonal skills of facilitating others. It is not, therefore, usually
appropriate for an undergraduate student who is carrying out a major piece of research
for the first time. Action research is often used by educationalists who are trying to
improve their own practice by making changes to the delivery of their classes and by
observing and asking students which actions work best.
As you can see, there are a number of types of research and not all may be suitable for you
in your dissertation. The key points to remember are as follows:
• While the purpose of your dissertation may have some elements of exploratory or descriptive
research you should concentrate on research that will mainly fall into the explanatory
area, or perhaps predictive research if you are very confident. Explanatory research
gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills of analysis and evaluation which
will help you to score highly in your final marks.
• The process of your research can either be quantitative or qualitative and the different
methods that can help you to carry out your research in this way.
• It is likely that you will be carrying out basic or pure research in the reflection mode
(rather than applied or action research) as this will give you the best chance of showing
that you can test out a theory in a new situation.

Historical
The historical method comprises the techniques and guidelines by which historians use historical
sources and other evidence to research and then to write history.

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