Compare and Contrast Research Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Compare and Contrast Research Methods - Essay Example However, the entire activity could either be quantitative, qualitative or both. Experimental research methods are commonly used in business particularly in finding cause and effect relationship while isolating and controlling variables in a scientific approach (Lam & Bauer, 2008). Experimental methods could be used in business communication research (Lam & Bauer, 2008). These methods could also find their way in information systems research (Levy & Ellis, 2011). In today’s getting advanced information systems that are integrated with the business world, experimental methods are therefore finding their importance in generating reliable information that could help in the actual decision-making process and gaining systematic guidance on the future actions. These are just some potential applications of experimental research methods in which the purpose is to gain considerable information through the use of experiments in order to test hypotheses and come up with the necessary resu lts. There are other research methods such as qualitative methods like focus groups and participant observation. Other methods include questionnaire-based surveys, case studies and observation. Focus groups are qualitative research methods, and as the name implies they focus on certain groups or samples with the inclusion of a clearly identifiable agenda particularly on obtaining perceptions, thoughts and impressions of a selected group on a specific topic or investigation (Milena, Dainora & Alin, 2008, p.1279). There are many potential applications of focus groups research methods and there is one study in which the goal is to show the relation between business environment and academic research (Milena, Dainora & Alin, 2008, p.1280). On the other hand, since they could generate perceptions of a selected group on a given topic, focus groups could also be used in studying potential market segments for a new product and service offerings which is a common approach by some manufacturin g companies to generate information prior to the new launching of their products. Participant observation is another qualitative research method which involves researchers joining the members of a social group, and having direct participation with them while functionally exposed in the actual field work (Vinten, 1994, p.30). Participant observation is a method of considerable interest among individuals with managerial functions or those studying human behavior in the business context (Vinten, 1994). Questionnaire-based surveys are among the most commonly used research methods employed in the business context. A study reveals that mail questionnaire surveys are common practice in international business research methodology (Yang, Wang & Su, 2006, p.601). Questionnaire-based surveys involve the use of relevant questions to be filled up by the chosen respondents. The supplied data will then be processed to convert them as useful information. Another relevant research methods commonly u sed in the business context are the case studies. A case study tries to integrate theoretical knowledge with new empirical insights, especially on topics that have not yet been widely explored (Vissak, 2010, p.371). According to Vissak, a case study could be used in international business research, both in a quantitative and qualitative approach. However, Vissak added that the case studies are not commonly used as quantitative methods. Vissak’s study about the â€Å"recommendations for using a case study method in international