The first chapter of this book provides a definition of such term research which can be regarded as a form of scientific inquiry involving rigorous collection and analysis of information (Alwabel, Zairi & Ahmed, 2007, p. 3). Moreover, the authors explain the distinctions between exploratory, descriptive and explanatory research. In particular, readers can learn that explanatory studies are aimed at investigating the relationship between different variables. In turn, descriptive and exploratory studies are supposed to depict a particular phenomenon from different perspectives. The second chapter gives readers a more detailed idea about different types of research. In the part of the book, the writers focus on the distinctions between qualitative and qualitative studies. One should bear in mind that qualitative research is suitable in those cases when a scholar only has to formulate a hypothesis or conjecture. In turn, a quantitative approach is more beneficial when one has to test this hypothesis (Alwabel, Zairi & Ahmed, 2007, p. 9). This is why scholars can adopt different strategies while investigating a specific problem. For example, they can collect data in the form of pictures, words, physical objects, and so forth. Yet, they can find ways of presenting information numerically. Furthermore, this chapter is helpful since it enables the readers to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches. These are the main issues that are examined in this section.
In turn, the third chapter of this book is also very informative. In particular, readers can learn about two important concepts, such as inductive and deductive reasoning. One should bear in mind that inductive reasoning is aimed at developing a particular theory of the basis of observations (Alwabel, Zairi & Ahmed, 2007, p. 3). In contrast, inductive reasoning is supposed to verify a theory by seeking specific example or phenomenon that can confirm a theory. This is the main distinction between these frameworks. In turn, the fourth chapter is supposed to identify the main principles of data collection. For example, the readers can learn more about belief justification, market research or decision support.
Additionally, the authors pay much attention to the ethical aspects of research. Scholars should remember about such aspects as the informed consent of the participants, the protection of people’s life and health, confidentiality of the subjects, and so forth (Alwabel, Zairi & Ahmed, 2007). It seems that these questions are of great relevance to various researchers who must ensure that the rights of participants are not violated. This is why the guidelines presented in this paper should not be violated. The fifth chapter presents a detailed discussion of different methods that one can use to collect data. In particular, the writers discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such a method as focus groups (Alwabel, Zairi & Ahmed, 2007).
Furthermore, the readers can gain a better idea about such a technique as a statistical survey. Moreover, researchers should focus on the relationship between different variables. In some cases, the so-called causal relationship between various phenomena is a mere coincidence (Alwabel, Zairi & Ahmed, 2007; Jackson, 2008, p. 169). Therefore, scholars should be aware of this challenge. This is one of the critical issues that should be considered.
Finally, one should speak about the information presented in the sixth chapter. First of all, the authors discuss the difference between secondary and primary sources of data. The knowledge of this distinction is essential for every researcher. Furthermore, this chapter is important because it gives insights into the peculiarities of sampling techniques. For example, one can learn more about such issues like the target population, sampling unit or non-probability sampling (Alwabel, Zairi & Ahmed, 2007, p. 14). The knowledge of these techniques is vital for researchers who can be engaged in different forms of research. They should avoid the so-called Type I error which is very widespread among people conducting empirical studies. For example, researchers try to find regularities or patterns. Their efforts are based on the premise that there is a distinct relation between some independent and dependent variables. As it has been said before, these patterns do not always exist. For instance, in the first half of the twentieth century, psychologists tried to determine whether an individual’s intelligence could be dependent on his/her gender, race, nationality, and so forth. Yet, they did not consider the possibility that these variables are not related in any way, and many of their studies were misguided. This is one of the main errors that should be avoided. Type I errors can affect the work of both natural and social scientists who conduct empirical research. By focusing on sampling techniques, scholars can avoid this pitfall and design more rigorous studies.
Overall, the information presented in this chapter can be of great value to students who should understand the underlying principles of either quantitative or qualitative research. Furthermore, the authors can assist learners in avoiding many errors. This is why these readings are so helpful.
Reference List
Alwabel, S., Zairi, M., & Ahmed, A. (2007). Research Methods: Study Book. New York: Academic Publishing.
Jackson, Sherri. (2008). Research Methods and Statistics: A Critical Thinking Approach. Boston: Cengage Learning.