First, the study cycle thinking
Second, the path of the study
Third, the study analysis
Four , and the study design steps
V. Rethinking the traditional mode of thinking research
We guide students to write papers in the process , even when engaged in the research , we can not help but think about a series of basic questions about the research ourselves. For example , why do we write papers ? Why do we have to do research ? In the paper we explore the process of writing , we are writing in order to complete the paper itself , or the completion of a research process ? Writing papers and doing what is in touch with the difference between research ? If a research paper writing should reflect the process , then the research process should be what ? What kind of methods we use to study ? We find solutions to these problems , guiding graduate thesis writing has a very big help. Therefore , in this paper, in my own research in teaching and mentoring graduate students to complete a number of issues related to research methods and research papers summarize the steps exchange and sharing with you . Welcome to participate in the discussion .
First, the study cycle thinking
No matter which area there are many unknown things in the world , there are many unknown laws . The main task of our researchers is to constantly sum up a lot of facts from the law , you will be able to rise above theory to guide practice . However, the theory is not absolute truth , it must constantly be corrected in practice , therefore , the premise and the content will be someone to question the theory and propose a new conjecture and new thinking. The new conjecture and validate new ways of thinking but also in practice , in order to develop and improve the theoretical system. We explore the unknown and the law on the need for research in the process . This process , which we call the cycle thinking research (Research Cycle. Is used to express the concept model [ 1 ] :
Facts-Theory-Speculation
Facts - theory - guess
From these "facts" to the "theory" , then " guess" constitutes a general idea of the study . Personnel engaged in scientific research should not only focus on the research process from the facts to the theory , and also in the study have the courage to question and conjecture . And this idea is not a final process, but iterative
process . When the suspect was questioned and proven facts , the theory will be further amended.
Cycle way of thinking of the study is that we often say the relationship between theory and practice in the process of theory from practice. This process requires strict logical thinking process (Thought Process. Generally considered to comply with the laws of science , and it is reasonable and effective method of deductive logic (Deduction and induction (Induction. Both logical way of thinking should be throughout the research process .
In addition, from the perspective of knowledge management research process , in a sense , the research process can also be understood as tacit knowledge to practice with empirical laws into the system allows more people to share of explicit knowledge . The sharing of explicit knowledge to produce widespread effects on specific practice . In addition to the process of researchers to undertake research studies and concluded outside , but also the process and conclusions expressed in this study came out with a proper way , so that everyone to share . Can not be spread and shared with people of any research results, social progress is meaningless .
We believe that researchers ( including graduate students writing papers is to reflect the above research process , continuing to explore and summarize the unknown and the law , have an impact on practice . We emphasize that thesis writing is not the idea (idea explanation , it is not only expressed in the process . Thesis writing to follow certain research methods and procedures , under certain assumptions and premises , the reasoning went , and / or verification of the general laws of something . Therefore , the study of methods of control is a prerequisite to write papers .
Second, the path of the study
Path of the (Approaches is our study of the law or something starting point angle . Studies typically have two paths (Approaches: empirical research and normative research .
Empirical Research (Empirical Study using standard metrics in general , or by observation of the phenomena described , is mainly used to summarize what was happening (what is the case. Researchers often use this path to research presented theoretical assumptions and verify the theory . Normative research (Normative Study: What is the solution (what should be should be a problem. Researchers usually build a conceptual model (Conceptual Model and / or quantitative model (Quantitative Model to infer the law of development of things. The researchers will use this path to establish the theoretical specifications.
We believe that these two paths are not mutually alternative study relationship . There are interdependent and mutually reinforcing relationship between the two . For the law of development of things reflect theory, empirical research and normative research both indispensable basis for the former to provide support and create theories; latter provides for the creation of the theory to follow the research framework and research ideas .
In response to these two paths , there are study analysis (Analytical process, which is to explain why this is the case (Explaining why the case is as it is, and the analysis requires a specific analysis methods to support .
Third, the study analysis
Within the scope of the study of social sciences and business , both empirical research or normative research , analytical methods are likely to take two types of research (Research Methods: Quantitative Research (Quantitative Analysis, Quantitative Method and qualitative research (Qualitative Analysis, Qualitative method method . Although the existence of qualitative and quantitative methods which way more scientific controversy [ 2 ] . However , more scholars tend to believe that the problem of quantitative and qualitative methods are more differences come from the analysis of [ 3 ] . Because any research process must involve the collection of data, and the data may be qualitative , quantitative also possible . We can not be quantitative and qualitative analysis against each other. Analysis Method in the research process in the social sciences and business need both quantitative, but also qualitative analysis methods need to be studied . Different stages for different research questions, as well as the research process , different analytical methods have their own advantages . There is no question which one is better between the two. How to play their respective advantages , some scholars abroad are also exploring the organic combination between the two [ 4 ] .
Therefore , the qualitative analysis method is expressed by the content of the text , or other forms of non-quantitative analysis and data processing methods. And quantitative analysis of the content is described by the number or any other number can be converted into the form of data analysis and processing methods. In one study, these often involve the two methods [ 5 ] . Qualitative analysis is used to define the basic characteristics of things or express the essential characteristics (the what, and quantitative analysis was used to measure the extent or how much (the how much. Qualitative analysis is often by definition , analogy , model or other metaphors angle to summarize the characteristics of things ; quantitative analysis it is assumed that the establishment of the concept and to measure [ 6 ] on the conduct of its value .
The main tool for quantitative analysis is a statistical method used to reveal the research question of the number of relationships . Basic descriptive statistical methods include : frequency distribution , percentage, analysis of variance , discrete and so on. Explore the relationship between the variables methods include cross-analysis , correlation analysis, multivariate analysis of multiple variables , and statistical inspection. Quantitative Study investigators emphasized reason was because the process and the quantitative results of quantitative analysis with some degree of systemic (Systematic and the controllability of the impact (Controlled, researchers from subjective factors . Quantitative analysis is considered to be the main method of empirical research . The advantage is to validate the theory (Theory Testing, rather than creating a theory (Theory Generation. Of course , the relative natural science research , social sciences and business studies due to human factors, controllable variables which are being questioned , therefore , is considered to be quasi- quantitative analysis of test method (Quasi-experimental approach
Qualitative research has its attractive side . Because the text as the most common qualitative research data is unique to humans , descriptive text is considered to have a " rich " , "comprehensive" and "real " features. Qualitative data collection and most straightforward. Therefore , the qualitative analysis and the greatest affinity for human . This is precisely the qualitative analysis also has a high degree of subjectivity . If systematic and controllability to measure scientific research process. Qualitative analysis methods are being questioned more than a quantitative analysis
method [ 7 ] . However, the qualitative data are considered valuable in terms of assistance and explain quantitative data [ 8 ] . In fact, the qualitative analysis methods often throughout the research process, including prior to data collection
form , the theoretical assumptions about the formation of research questions , as well as the analytical framework established so descriptive qualitative analysis process requires that the data interpretation and description. If you follow the principles and systematically controllable , then the qualitative analysis of the data collection process , there are some aids available , such as abstract method , cards , cluster encoding method. In describing aspects of the research findings and conclusions made , like matrix , a conceptual model diagrams, flowcharts, organizational charts, network diagrams , etc. are very popular qualitative analysis tools. In addition, qualitative data can also be calculated by a simple statistical methods regulations etc. will combine qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. Here we must point out that scientific ideas can not be used (idea itself instead. Scientific research requires a process , and this process is a certain way to prove valuable ideas , and make it into theory ; , or to prove by a certain method to create or improve the theory , practice and thus have an impact on decision-making . Scientific research process determines whether the research and decision-making practices would have a positive impact .
Four , and the study design steps
A study of the overall planning and arrangements are very important, but also begin to study the first step . What is the problem usually includes research ( thesis , obtaining what data ( arguments Evidence from somewhere , these data
( arguments to explain how to most effectively support the research question . Typically study designs and steps (Research Design and Procedures were as follows: The first step: the definition of basic research questions or need to verify the hypothesis.
Research question (Researchable Question refers to a controversial or we lack understanding or knowledge of the field , through the research process to clarify these issues , or to lay a foundation for future research . Studies are usually expressed or conclusions can be one or a series of questions (Statement to express. From the research point of view, expressed or judge these issues constitute the research hypothesis (Hypothesis. Scientific research process is to prove the reliability of this assumption . If you make people believe that this assumption is tenable , or true and correct , then we need to be verified . This process is also known as the study hypothesis testing procedure (Hypothesis Testing.
Research questions to be clear and specific , not broad, both focused, but also have some flexibility , tolerance -related issues. Research questions can not be a concept in itself , but rather a question about this concept , which is to seek specific answers to this question , rather than speaking of a general concept . In general , logically, there are three levels of questions : What ( what , Why ( Why , How ( how to do . Also need to verify the assumptions made clear and specific , there is clear scope . Hypothesis can be verified from two levels to start , or you can measure and quantitative analysis can be carried out either logical reasoning and judgment on . Step two: literature search and review of the literature
Review of the Literature (Literature Review is very important. From the human understanding of the objective world , the overwhelming majority of studies are not the result of isolated and Thoughts . Others are usually in the area of research did
you have to explore . It is not only with your ideas and methods, you will be involved in the field of research . Therefore, the research of others and recognize the research of others are beginning to summarize and comment on general research , but also on the issues to be studied to identify and carry out the prerequisite and basis for reflection . Focus on literature search and review of the literature will take many detours to avoid the researcher , but also make the research itself has greater value.
Often, through literature search and review of the literature , we can understand conducted research and related content ; know the outcome of related fields influential and its contents ; relations and comparative issues and concepts related to their familiarity between them ; know what where knowledge gaps exist , or is defective , thus further planning their own research questions and hypotheses. Literature search and review of the literature should be throughout the course of the study , is the basis of the study. This part of the work is mainly reflected in the final paper of the comments .
Step 3: Determine analysis studies.
Methods of analysis generally refers to the use of quantitative analysis methods , or using qualitative analysis methods . Different research questions often require different methods of analysis. For example in the exploration phase of the study , the issues to be studied yet clearly defined , especially in uncertain measure indicators , frame theory is still very vague, often we need more qualitative approach , which is the collection and analysis of qualitative data to gradually derive from the conceptual model . If more clearly in the theoretical framework or conceptual model , comparing the case to determine the measure indicators , we can consider the use of quantitative methods to collect and analyze quantitative indicators to verify the theoretical assumptions , or measure the relationship between variables .
We pay special attention to the analysis of quantitative and qualitative methods are not opposites, is played between two complementary role . Qualitative data collected can be used to analyze quantitative manner by coding and statistical methods ; quantitative data collected often requires a qualitative approach to interpret , especially for measurement indicators defined and described to the greatest extent possible qualifier analysis concluded .
Step Four : Data Collection
Whether quantitative or qualitative analysis methods , should involve the following questions: What is the collection of data and / or information , collecting data and information from where , what methods to collect data and information . Typically , there are two sources of data : primary data (Primary Data and secondary data . (Secondary Data. Our first-hand data is dedicated to answer our research questions and the raw data collected . Secondary data are others who have a purpose data collected .
Primary data and secondary data have their own advantages . Collect first-hand data , researchers can collect specifically for their own needs , you can define the scope of their own data , but also can not exclude the impact of certain relevant factors and so on. The advantage of secondary data is gathered speed, relatively low
cost, but secondary data may not be able to answer the needs of the study , because the data is collected by others for their own purposes , the data definitions , measurement indicators , collecting such as time and requirements of our study may not be very consistent. Therefore , secondary data generally have three roles in the study : the need to meet as a reference and comparison , the literature review requires a certain perspective , as well as the only source of data research. Research using secondary data as the sole source of data on the historical behavior of mostly retrospective studies , or in the case of all aspects impossible to collect first-hand data. In fact , a lot of data published by the national statistical agency for the researchers to solve the problem of data collection. Secondary data sources include : library, the Internet , online and off-line databases. Data in the form of book data , papers, research reports , statistics and so on. There are a lot of first-hand data collection methods to collect qualitative data include group discussions, in-depth interviews , field trips , etc. Quantitative data collected mainly questionnaire. Can take the form of face to face , you can also take the telephone , the Internet can even help to collect first-hand data . In addition, it should be noted that, in the social sciences and business studies also introduced some of the natural sciences and research methods of data collection methods , such as experimental method (Experimentation. Experimental method is beyond the scope of a variable only measure that allows researchers to control a variable ( independent variable in a certain environment , while observing the variables studied things ( people or objects , as the dependent variable how impact. Advantages experiment is controllable , but also for different things groups and conditions the same method can be repeated , the argument can be found in areas such as people, the environment and the effect of the time of impact [ 9 ] . Step Five: data processing and analysis Data processing mainly to ensure the accuracy of the data and the original data for classification, so that the form can be converted into further analysis . The data processing includes data editing, data entry , and data encoded in three steps . Data Editor (Data Editing is to identify data errors and omissions , as corrected in order to ensure data accuracy , consistency , completeness , ease of coding and entry further . Data encoding (Data Coding is to collect first-hand data ( such as answering open-ended questions on the questionnaire for limited categories , and given a number or other symbols. The main objective is to reduce the data encoded in many different answers to meaningful for later analysis limited classification. Data Entry (Data Entry is to collect first-hand or second-hand data entry into the data can be observed and computer processing, input devices including computer keyboards, optical scanners, bar code readers and so on. Researchers can use statistical analysis software , such as SPSS , etc. formed the database for data analysis . For small amounts of data , you can use the worksheet (Spreadsheet to entry and processing . Analysis of the data is the use of qualitative or quantitative analysis method mentioned above to analyze the data . The researchers want to answer according to the different nature of the problem , take a different statistical methods and verification methods. For some studies , only descriptive statistical methods require , for some studies may need to verify the hypothesis . Statistical methods in statistics , hypothesis verification requires inference (Inferential Statistics. For the study of social sciences and business , a number of studies conducted statistical difference (Statistical Significance verification for samples obtained , the final conclusion is to
reject (Reject or not rejected (Fail to Reject set of assumptions . Other studies are correlation analysis (Measures of Association, usually involves correlation analysis (Correlation and regression analysis (Regression performed . By calculating the correlation analysis is to measure the degree of relationship between variables ; and created regression analysis is a mathematical formula to predict the value of a dependent variable . It is worth noting that, as we study and analyze the problem more complex, the development of computer and statistical software makes multivariate statistical tools more widely . If the affiliation between multiple variables , we need analytical skills affiliation (Dependency Techniques, such as multiple regression analysis (Multiple Regression, discriminant analysis (Discriminant Analysis, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA, Multivariate Analysis of Variance , canonical correlation analysis (Canonical Analysis, linear structural relationship analysis (LISREL, Linear Structural Relationships, combined analysis (Conjoint Analysis and so on . If you are interdependencies between multiple variables , we need to analyze the interdependence relationship skills (Interdependency Techniques, such as factor analysis (Factor Analysis, cluster analysis (Cluster Analysis, multidimensional scaling (Multidimensional Scaling and so on. If the data collection has obvious chronological order , we do not consider the causal relationships between variables , but the emphasis on the development of variable variation in terms of time , and we need time series analysis (Time Series Analysis. Popular statistical software such as SPSS for various analytical methods described above provide very good support. Step Six: draw conclusions and complete papers Writing papers to be reasonable structure, written expression clearly defined , easy to understand. To try to take the form of visual effects, such as multi-use charts to show the research process and findings. Writing specific papers to be considered include the following : abstract, introduction ( including the background , research questions , purpose of the study , research methods and procedures ( sample selection , study design , data collection , data analysis, limitations of the study Research findings, conclusions ( brief conclusions, recommendations , enlightenment , appendix, references. V. Rethinking the traditional mode of thinking research For the field of social sciences and business studies , research thinking we traditionally follow is: " to ask questions , analyze and solve problems ." We acknowledge that this is a creative thinking process . Follow this way of thinking can help decision makers quickly find the problem and solve the problem. However , with this mode of thinking to guide the research process easier so that we confuse the status of researchers and policy makers to find positioning allowed researchers. First, this study will examine the ideas and models to solve problems and issues mixed . Secondly , there are no outstanding , or to cover up the discussion and follow research methods . This traditional way of thinking is the result -oriented way of thinking. It ignores the recognition process and methodology to follow the process of the problem. From the perspective of scientific perspective, the recognition process and methodology to follow the process in question is a very important study on two premises . Problem identification process can ensure the research question has a strong pertinence , in close contact with the theory and practice , to prevent the situation only superficial , and not solve the underlying problem. Follow the process of research methods can guarantee the reliability of the results , so the results
convincing . Of course , in this, we are not saying " ask questions, analyze and solve problems ," the traditional model is wrong, do not deny that the purpose of the study was to guide practice . However, we feel that the traditional mode of thinking too general studies , too much emphasis on results-oriented , not enough to explain the general steps of the scientific method and research studies . In the social sciences and business studies, the use of the traditional research ideas and models to guide students to write papers, both prone to bad tendencies . First, make us too much emphasis on the process of writing the paper itself , while ignoring the research process and methodology behind the thesis writing . That is only to emphasize the results , do not attach importance to the process . In this case, the thesis writing is mostly carried out patchwork and integrate data. Of course, we can not underestimate the value of patchwork and integration of information . However, if the thesis writing blindly positioned in such a process , it is clear there is matter-of suspicion , clarify and resolve problems does not help the problem, but also contrary to the original intention of knowledge creation . In particular, neither the process of identifying the problem , nor the formation of research questions and hypotheses , not even any analysis method can be followed on generalities for a general description of the problem , and then propose solutions sensuous . Such findings are difficult to accept. The second is the tendency of poor thinking and above traditional research model allows us to identify clear that we are doing research , or in making decisions . Research is usually within a limited range , under certain assumptions be proved or reasoning to arrive at certain conclusions. We hope that this conclusion could have an impact on the decision-makers . However , policy makers and researchers , after all, in which the position is not the same , and researchers may consider the issue consistent , perhaps very inconsistent. Valuable research is to give decision makers at different positions (or practitioner to give inspiration and urged them to make a win-win choice. Therefore, the lack of research quality traditional research mindset criteria , the lack of systematic and controllability, nor have the maneuverability , easy for researchers instant success, the blind pursuit of the ultimate solution for one-sided. Foreign Economic and Trade University in guiding graduate practice, we have tried to change the past, the traditional mode of thinking, trying to make our students the process of writing and research papers will be combined , with particular emphasis on process and research methods , and requires paper writing in the methods and procedures to reflect these studies . For example, the 2002 session of the graduate student Wan Lian Lian wrote , " the implementation of e-procurement systems management factors - Motorola's e-procurement system implementation case study ," Master's thesis was initially made in this regard to explore . This thesis is divided into five main sections on the structure overview, guiding theory , methodology, data analysis, and conclusions and revelations , etc. , using a variety of specific methods , such as questionnaires and in-depth interviews qualitative and quantitative. Its conclusions have very strong persuasive , because researchers are not limited to secondary data collection , collation and processing, but learn the theoretical framework of previous studies , the use of quantitative survey questionnaires and other means , to follow the case study method , first-hand information on the collection, processing and analysis after the conclusion of the practice has a strong guiding significance. The same methodology , we have applied in other graduate thesis writing process , such as 2002 session " on the main factors affecting the implementation of the insurance enterprise IT research," Gong care written in 2003, written by Wang Wei session " on China copper hedging the status quo , "and 2003 sessions Maming Jin wrote ," the Relationship between Chinese
banking and internet banking knowledge management degree level of development , " and so on. By thesis writing , these students did mastered step general research methods and research. The above research findings on teaching and learning practices have direct significance . In teaching and consultation process, its methods and conclusions have been affirmed. According to the multi- feedback , the effect is still very good . Notes: ________________________________________ [ 1 ] This is a revelation when I see the dinosaur exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History in Chicago basic research to understand the idea of American Scientists obtained . [2] Robson, Colin (1993, Real World Research:. A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-Researcher Blackwell Publishers, P303. [3] Bryman, A. (1988, Quality and Quantity in Social Research London:.. Unwin Hyman literature we found that many of the quantitative and qualitative analysis technique called quantitative and qualitative (techniques [4] Cook, TD and Reichardt, CS (1979 Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Evaluation Research Newbury Park and London:. Sage Ragin, CC (1987 The Comparative Method:.. Moving beyond qualitative and quantitative strategies Berkeley, Cal.: University of California Press. [5] Robson, Colin (1993, Real World Research:. A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-Researcher Blackwell Publishers, P307. [6] John Van Maanen, James M. Dabbs, Jr, and Robert R. Faulkner, Varieties of Qualitative Research. (Beverly Hills: Calif:. Sage Publications, 1982, P32 [ 7 ] This is because the social sciences and business studies , including human factors, and the people themselves , as analysts have their own flaws. For example: the limited nature of the data, preconceived impression , availability of information, reasoning tendentious , continuity of thought , sources of data reliability, imperfect information , the information value judgment error , contrasting tendencies , excessive confident, concurrent events associated with the degree of judgment, as well as inconsistencies and other statistics. Summary and analysis of these defects from Sadler, DR (1981 Intuitive Data Processing as a Potential Source of Bias in Educational Evaluation. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 3, P25-31. [8] Robson, Colin (1993, Real World Research:. A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-Researcher Blackwell Publishers, P371. [9] Ronald R. Cooper, C. William Emory (1995, 5th ed Business Research Methods, IRWIN, P352