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Task 1 Research Approaches and Philosophies
Task 1 Research Approaches and Philosophies
development. Some of the philosophical considerations within research include the paradigmatic,
considerations like resources, ethical issues, and feasibility which reflect on the relationship
between process and knowledge. Conversely, it is debated that philosophical notions highly
reflect on research techniques that defend and investigate adopted philosophical decisions.
Research philosophy majors on the development, nature, and source of knowledge (Bhowmik,
utilized, analyzed, and collected. Every research process stage is dependent on assumptions
about the nature of knowledge and the sources. Research philosophy reflects a writer’s
significant assumptions, which serve as a research strategy base. Generally, the concept has
various branches linked to a vast range of disciplines. The major philosophies include
The positivism philosophy is linked to the philosophical stance of natural scientists and
promises accurate and unambiguous knowledge. Philosophy refers to the significance of what is
given or posited. Thus, emphasizing the positivist foreground of strictly scientific empiricist
techniques developed to yield pure facts and data uninfluenced by bias or human
interpretation(Saunders, 2009). Positivists utilize existing data to develop hypotheses and tend to
remain detached and neutral from their data and study to avoid influencing their findings.
Researchers who are positivist utilize greatly structured techniques to facilitate replication.
Critical realism philosophy focuses on expounding what individuals experience or see, in
terms of underlying reality structures that mold observable incidents. The concept originated
during the late 20th century, as a response to postmodernist nominalism and positivist direct
realism. For researchers who embrace critical realism, the reality is the most significant
philosophical consideration, a layered and structured ontology being crucial. Such researchers
perceive reality as independent and external, but not accessible directly via people’s knowledge
and observation of it. Critical realism suggests that there are two steps to comprehend the globe;
the events and sensations people experience and the mental processing which goes on after the
experience (Saunders, 2009). Pragmatism, on the other hand, asserts that concepts tend to be
relevant if they are supporting an action. It is a philosophy that strives to reconcile subjectivism
Like critical realism, interpretivism philosophy begun as a positivism critic but from a
subjectivist perspective. It emphasizes that people are different from other physical phenomena
for they create meaning. The purpose of research that is interpretivism is to develop fresh, richer
philosophy emphasizes the role of power relations and language, opting to question
critique of objectivism and positivism, attributing more significance to the role of dialect. They
reject the realist ontology of things, the modern objectivist, but instead, they emphasize the
chaotic primacy of change, fluidity, movement, and flux. They believe that every sense of order
is foundationless and provisional, and can only about via dialect with its classifications and
categories.
Ontology denotes the set of assumptions on the nature of reality. It illustrates the real
nature that determines assumptions on research objectives like intended business management
research projects, organizations, and individuals. Some researchers argue that ontology is more
concerned with how the globe is operating and committing to certain views of researcher’s
assumption through developing social phenomena (Bhowmik, 2015). Additionally, there are two
authentic ontological aspects such as subjectivism and objectivism that produce reliable data
followed by many management and business researchers. With the ontological assumptions,
individuals how they various organization aspects can be harnessed to benefit the firm, instead of
Epistemology, on the other hand, is concerned with the right ways of considering
research techniques by producing accepted information within the field of study. It concerns
assumptions on knowledge, how people can transfer knowledge to others, and what constitutes
legitimate, valid, and acceptable knowledge. It enquires and considers the reality of nature by
limiting knowledge and acquiring sources, Under epistemology, knowledge can be expanded,
discriminates, and generated to represent or reflect on research methods and reality. Most
researchers have supported that qualitative researchers acknowledge that information develops
the phenomena researched, as well as what might be researched (Saunders, 2009). They suggest
that a researcher is never independent in the case where data is time-dependent. Quantitative
discovered by information in phenomena where the researchers are independent based on the
objective of the study. The various acceptable epistemologies give an individual greater method
of choice.
Axiology refers to the role of ethics and values in a research process. It incorporates
questions of how researchers deal with the values of their research participants and their values.
Values are perceived as guiding reasons for all human actions. Researchers depict axiological
skills through articulating their values as a way of making judgments on what research study
they are carrying out and how they tend to do it. Selecting a particular topic over another
insinuates that, that topic is more essential (Bhowmik, 2015). An individual’s choice of
philosophy reflects and data collection techniques reflect their values. Axiology can be described
as processes and judgments on social inquiry through developing values in each stage.
Objectivism does incorporate the natural sciences assumptions, stating that the social
reality which people research is external to people. This an indication that objectivism embraces
realism, ontologically, which considers social resources to be similar to physical resources of the
natural world. Due to the fact that the experiences and interpretation of social actors fail to
impact the presence of the social world, an objectivist believes that only a singular social reality
is experienced by every social actor. The social universe is made up of relatively unchanging,
granular, and solid things including significant social structures where people are born.
According to an objectivist, physical and social phenomena exist independently being enduring
and universal (Saunders, 2009). Epistemologically, the concept of objectivists aims to discover
the truth on the social universe via the medium of measurable, observable facts from which
generalization of law can be drawn on the global social reality. Axiologically, objectivists aim to
keep their studies value-free, since the social actors and social entities exist independently of
every other, a factor that they believe could result in biasness of their research. Hence, they opt
to remain detached from their own beliefs and values throughout the entire research.
Contrary, the subjectivism notion incorporates assumptions of humanities and arts,
elaborating that social reality is developed from the consequent actions and perceptions of
Nominalism considers that the structures and order of social phenomena that people study are
developed by researchers and various social actors via the utilization of consequent actions,
underlying reality to the social globe beyond what social actors, people attribute to it, and due to
the fact that every individual perceives and experiences reality differently, it is sensible to
discuss the multiple realities instead of a single reality that is equal to every person (Bhowmik,
2015).
The minor version of social constructionism confirms that reality is built via social
interaction whereby social actors develop partially shared realities and meanings. While social
interactions among social actors are in a continuous process, the social phenomena tend to be in
a constant state of revision and flux; meaning that it is vital for a researcher to research a
situation critically, including socio-cultural, geographical, and historical contexts so that the
individual can comprehend how realities are being experienced or what is happening. A
subjectivist researcher focuses on the different narratives and opinions which can help account
for varying social realities of varying social actors, an act that is different from what objectivist
researchers do; seeking to discover universal laws and facts governing social habits (Saunders,
2009). Subjectivists do not detach themselves from their values even while embracing new data,
thus, they actively reflect question and openly acknowledge their values and integrate them
environment and practice’ is a mental health research study by Per-Ake Rosvall. The article
addresses students with mental problems perspectives on how learning institution environments
can be enhanced to be favorable to the population. It identifies the elements which impact
intensities and frequencies of mental health issues by analyzing notions of interviewed upper
secondary pupils in terms of metal, social, and physical spaces. Rosvall, 2020, introduces the
article by stating that increasing mental health issues are becoming a risk factor for persistent and
onset chronic pain among school students, including neck pain, stomach ache, and recurrent
headaches. School stressors like high academic pressure have been positively linked with
recurrent and frequencies of persistent pain among adolescents. Mental health issues are related
to mental, social, and physical environments. According to Rosvall's, 2020, research, the feeling
of failing to cope with school pressure, is the major common theme of recurring pain linked with
learning. This aspect is triggered by the fact that teachers consistently focus on testing
procedures instead of caring for students (Rosvall, 2020). However, mental health can be
could also help minimize mental health issues within a school. For some students, stress linked
with class interactions or relationships was their major cause of mental health issues. Teachers
believe that student interactions tend to strengthen their pupil’s engagement, but fail to consider
The lack of mental health discussions has also proved to be a nuisance for some students.
Hence, students advocate for the inclusion of mental health issues and coping techniques within
a general teaching context, to help counter challenges linked with raising questions and seeking
help on mental health issues. The pupils stressed that data on coping techniques to be given to
every student; for instance, they suggested that they should be taught how to handle social
interactions, and concrete adjustments within the educational sector to help minimize stress from
their peers. Some students had recurring pain which is often linked to stress, for example,
muscular pain in the lower back or neck. Remarks from some students within the article stated
that diverse physical events outside class such as exercising in the gym, football, stretching, and
changing positions after sitting for too long, could help alleviate stress-related issues. To
conclude, Rosvall, 2020, states that satisfying wellbeing needs and managing time are essential
themes that pupils suggest when asked how a learning institution can be improved to better their
mental health problem. The author also notes that relying on students to seek the required help
voluntarily is not sufficient, as social norms of peers and staff can stop some pupils from seeking
assistance in time (Rosvall, 2020). Hence, learning institutions need to offer assistance in the
fresh knowledge regarding a research object is obtained. Research philosophies are a vast subject
that deals with development, nature, and source of knowledge (Dudovskiy, 2018). They can also
analyzed, and collected. Popular forms of research philosophies include interpretivism, realism,
objective ways. With this philosophy the researcher is an objective analyst, who works
independently and dissociates himself from personal values. The interpretivist research
philosophy is the oppositive of the positivist research philosophy. Under the interpretivist
philosophy, a researcher claims that it is not easy to fathom the social system on the basis of the
positivist philosophy principles (Dudovskiy, 2018). Interpretivists philosophy argues that the
social system can be interpreted utilizing a subjective manner. This philosophy is dependent on
the principle; a researcher carries out a certain role in observing social systems.
Contrary, the pragmatist research philosophy is concerned with facts. It states that the
decision of research philosophy is majorly determined by the research issue. Under this
philosophy, researchers are free to make any decisions. They are permitted to select the
procedures, techniques, and methods that best meet their scientific research aims and needs.
Researchers who embrace this philosophy, do not perceive the globe as absolute unity. The final
philosophy, the realistic research philosophy is dependent on the principles of interpretivist and
positivist research philosophies (Žukauskas et al., 2018). Realistic researchers base their research
on assumptions which are required for the perception of human subjective nature.
Research is a critical area in various fields. It is a vital tool for successfully analyzing the
world. Without research, people would be forced solely to rely on intuition, blind luck, as well as
other people’s authority. As most people feel confident to interact and decipher the world around
them, history is full of examples of how wrong people can be if they fail to acknowledge the
need for evidence supporting various claims. During different historical periods, it was certain
that the globe's continents never moved, that the sun revolved around a flat globe and that mental
diseases were caused by possessions (Kapur, 2019). It is via the systematic scientific study that
people divest their preconceived superstitions and notions and acquire an objective of
offering solutions to issues within a certain education field, as the mental health field. Research
within the academic sector represents activities directed towards the enhancement of an aligned
body of scientific data on the events with which teachers are concerned. Research within mental
health education has allowed substantial achievements to be made within academic reforms,
physically challenge, educating slow learners, and adoption of instruction techniques that meet a
learner’s needs. The major objective of scientists is to comprehend the universe around them
(Lumen). With the help of research, psychologists have been able to comprehend behavior, as
well as the physiological and cognitive processes, which underlie behavior. Research is grounded
intangible evidence, an objective which can be analyzed over and over again. Within the mental
health field, it has enabled people to be aware of mental issues, outcomes, and the process of
There is no specific format that research proposals are required to be written, this is
because each research project tends to differ. However, there various key elements that should be
included within every research proposal; for instance, the introduction together with the
methodology, delimitations and limitations, the significance of the study, and references
("Components of a research proposal," 2020). The introduction gives a reader the background
information for the study. Its role is developing a framework for the study, enabling readers to
analysis technique. Efficient problem statements respond to the question of why the research
requires to be carried out. The purpose of a research study provides accurate and specific
synopsis of the general purpose of the research. Literature review, on the other hand, provides
the context and background for the research issue (Pajares, 2007). It establishes why the research
is necessary and depicts that the author is knowledgeable in the area of study. This part shares
with readers the outcomes of past studies that are closely associated with the research being
reported. It also gives a framework for developing the relevance of the research, together with
the benchmark for comparing the outcome of the research with various findings.
Hypotheses are essential to theoretical research studies and are only utilized within
quantitative studies. A hypothesis depicts a declarative sentiment of the association between two
or more variables, while a research question does pose an association between variables, though
it phrases the association as a question. The methodology section is among the most essential
segments of the research. It indicates the methodological procedures one can take to answer each
delimitation part highlights the weaknesses of the research and shows how the study will be
narrowed within scope. The significance of the research indicates how a study revises, extends,
and refines existing knowledge in the area under research. Finally, the reference section shows
Research studies ethics give guidelines, which ensure that the research is conducted
responsibly. These ethics also monitor and educate researchers, ensuring that a high ethical
standard is adhered to. Informed consent is among the significant ethical issues while carrying
out research. It means that an individual intelligently, voluntarily, and knowingly and in a
manifest, clear manner gives his consent. While collecting data, the research needs to have the
informed consent of the participants. Do no harm, beneficence, ethical principle refers to the
notion do no harm but be beneficial (Fouka & Mantzorou, 2016). While carrying out research
confidentiality and anonymity is another aspect that should be considered by the researcher.
Anonymity should be guaranteed a participant does not want his identity to be linked with his
freely give their responses as they wish. The researcher should be able to respect the privacy of
his participants. Additionally, researchers should be knowledgeable and have the necessary skills
to conduct an investigation (Fouka & Mantzorou, 2016). Lack of knowledge within the area
under study should be noted before the start of the research, and inexperienced researchers are
required to work under the supervision of a qualified researcher. Minimizing the harm of
participants during research is also essential. It is the role of the researcher to ensure that
Produce an appropriate research proposal to explain types and sources of research data
Introduction
Collecting authentic data is the major foundation on which a researcher gathers credible
evidence, understands it, and later makes sense of it. The collection of data plays a significant
role within a statistical analysis. The data collection task starts after research issues have been
clearly stated, and when the design of the research has been written. While selecting what data
collection technique to use, a researcher should often remember that there are two forms of data
sources; secondary and primary data, and two types of data; qualitative and quantitative data
(Mahto, 2011). Primary data is the form of data that has been gathered first by a researcher,
whereas secondary data is information or data that already exists, and tends to have already been
passed through the statistical procedure. While carrying out research, a researcher decides what
is the most favorable data for his study. This research focuses on analyzing the sources and types
of research data, as it gives further insight into data sources and types. It also focuses on
differentiating the different forms of research and how they are beneficial to research.
Additionally, it highlights the significance and the methodological techniques that will be
Problem Statement
For years, researchers have been utilizing research sources and data yet some of them are
unable to determine the difference between them. There has been an increase in the number of
cases of confusion for people who are unable to distinguish the most appropriate data source or
type while carrying out research. Having a concise understanding of sources and forms of data is
essential not only for the research field but also for the other fields which utilize statistical data.
Objectives
The research aims on analyzing the already existing data sources and types. It explores
the differences between the different forms of data types and sources. Additionally, it highlights
the relevance of data sources and types to researchers and the entire research field. The
Research Question
What is the relevance of data sources and types to the entire research field?
What are the processes or steps that should be adhered to while accessing data sources
and types?
Data has drastically changed over the last century, especially the analysis, types,
collection, and amount of it. The data has also proceeded to what it is through impacting every
industry and everyone today. The future of market research and data are interrelated. The first
types of ancient data were in form of tick or tally marks, which were collected to keep records or
track inventories, for instance, food during ancient civilizations (GutCheck, 2020). After which,
the abacus was invented to assist with calculating such records. This resulted in information
associated with time-keeping and astrological studies in scientific discoveries and studies.
Ultimately, as other types of data got discovered, the need for equipment to store, analyze, and
collect data quickly resulted. As the world continued to evolve, more data needs continued
evolving. For instance, in the 1800s censuses begun taking place. For the activity was gathering
more data points, there was a need for efficient data analysis and collecting method. In 1950,
equipment was created to identify trends and patterns, as well as capture data (Villanova
University, 2020). This resulted in numerous ways of collecting and researching data. Today
organizations and businesses can easily gather any information they want that would help with
their growth. Additionally, various techniques of data collection are utilized by thinkers,
philosophers, investigators, researchers, and social scientists. Some of the data collection
techniques that are utilized during the modern time include records, observations, surveys and
questionnaires, interviews, and oral histories. There have even been categorization of data
collection techniques to quantitative and qualitative data, and categorization of data sources into
primary and secondary sources. It is vital to understand the difference between the sources and
types of data, and also note the relevance of such tools while conducting research studies
(Ainsworth, 2019). It is also vital to note that there is limited literature that can help with this
study.
The research Conceptual modeling and literature review are the primary research
techniques for this research to differentiate the difference between various forms of data types
and sources. The researcher will also combine two research tools that are use interviews and
questionnaires. This will help determine the most popular data sources or types within the
research field. The questionnaires will be distributed via mail, and the target participants would
be approximately 20 teachers from two distinct learning facilities (UCS libraries, 2021). Before
taking part in the research, participants will be informed on the significance of the research and
will be asked for the consent of whether their personal information should be utilized during
Limitations
There are minimal or no resources to determine the most popular forms of data sources or
types. There is also little information on the difference between modern and ancient data sources
and types.
Data analysis is the procedure of analyzing raw information to draw meaningful insights.
The cohort is the most suitable technique to utilize while conducting the research study. It is
defined as the subset of behavioral analytics which takes information from a certain dataset and
instead of looking at the overall users as a singular unit, it divides them into groups that are
related for analysis (Durcevic, 2020). Through this method, it was determined that the popular
source of data during research is secondary sources. For instance, Rosvall (2020) analyzed data
by first distinguishing the implicit and explicit comments made by students on school practices
and environments. The analysis was explorative rather than selective, seeking to identify
examples of major and minor concerns. A theoretical framework was utilized to analyze the
extracts in efforts to examine and separate data into more deep mental, social, and physical
their responses.
Gathering data is important in all research studies. Without data, it is challenging to come up
with solutions for any particular issue. Researchers rely on data they collect to solve problems,
predict the future, and curb recurring harmful events. Data empowers an individual to make
wise, and informed choices. With data, one can develop accurate theories. The collection of data
is significant for it permits individuals to analyze vital information regarding a certain issue, and
also store it. Recorded data saves time (Rahim, 2019). This is because research does not have to
start researching the start, instead, the researcher analyzes the already existing data which makes
his work simple. Additionally, a good method of collecting data is cheap and more reliable
primary data, as well as qualitative and quantitative data. Some assume that those data are equal.
Additionally, people prefer secondary data compared to primary data. This is because secondary
data is not time-consuming, it is easily accessible, cheap, and does not give room for human
error or bias.
Task 3
to attain vast results. Research can be perceived as the systematic method of collecting data to
solve problems and answer questions, in the pursuit of establishing fresh knowledge on various
practices, policies, and education. It a systematic collection and review of data on a certain field
or organization. Research is a planned and systematic process that seeks to analyze given
does not often translate into practice, but it tends to alter how people think, it enhances their self-
awareness, influences people's values, and changes individuals’ attitudes. Using research output
effect relates to the manner in which research results directly result in demonstrable adjustments
in practice, while the conceptual effect relates to how the results from a study shape an
individual’s attitude, helps them comprehend other people’s experiences, and helps the
decision for people, and it does not necessarily imply the translation of research
recommendations and results in a prescriptive manner. Even if the most appropriate modern
evidence is translated into a practice standard or guideline, considerations are usually given
towards an individual's beliefs, circumstances, and preferences. The main difference between
evidence-based practice and research is that the research procedure is applied to inquiry and
investigations with the main aim of providing new insights or knowledge, while the evidence-
based practice is the procedure that all reliable evidence is reviewed and appraised, thus,
practice are choices on the best course of clinical activities that may result in adjustments of
methods of practice, while research outcomes relate to the initial objective of the research that
might depict findings associated with the efficiency of improved insights or particular
interventions into a certain phenomenon (Johnson, 2014). Another difference is that research
procedures utilize existing data to justify fresh investigations or inquiry, while evidence-based
practices draw on existing evidence and research on the most appropriate decisions to make.
and inform practice. The two concepts not only help individuals make appropriate decisions;
they also inform action that tends to have the desired effect. Evidence-based practices are
dependent on the combination of using the best available evidence and critical thinking. It makes
sources which tend to be less trustworthy or bias. Organizations that tend to utilized evidence-
based practices or conduct research tend to offer quality services and products to their clients, for
they are aware of what the customers want, and what they do not want (Adolphus). Additionally,
the two concepts minimize the rate at which companies incur losses, managers are capable of
seeing future risks, thus, mitigating them before they become disastrous. Within the medical
field, the two concepts help medical practitioners save lives, and learn efficient medical skills
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