Compare and Contrast Research Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Compare and Contrast Research Methods - Essay Example Similarity of data sets used in meta-analysis is in terms of the studies addressing the same research question. Meta-analysis method uses the characteristics of data to make conclusions rather than making general conclusions about data. The method applies when a research deals with quantitative data. Use of secondary data poses the risk of unreliability of meta-analysis. Therefore, researchers need to test the accuracy of secondary data before using it to make conclusions in a research (LaValley, 2005). Other methods of research Questionnaire-Based survey is another research method used in statistics. The method involves isolating samples from a population, obtaining data from the samples and making conclusions about the population based on the sample. Questionnaire method uses questions to obtain data from the field. The method translates research objectives into questions. Focus group is another qualitative research method that goes beyond explaining the quantitative aspects of dat a. Focus group refers to all participants who take part in discussions about a research. This method applies for open-ended research studies that cover a wide range of objectives (Jowett & O’Toole, 2006). Historical research method involves studying what happened in the past and identifying the push factors for these past events. Historians use this method to explain past events by applying scientific skills, conscience and other tools of analysis (Methods Network, 2011). Observation method involves humans using their senses to determine the events taking place and their effects. Observation method can be direct or indirect. Direct observation involves active actions of the researcher to collect data while indirect observation involves collecting data from recorded information, for example, from movies (Management Study Guide, 2012). Action research method involves participation of a group of people who suffer from a similar problem. Attempts to solve their problem reveal the best ways of solving such problems. Applications of research methods in the business sector Historical research is the research method that most business organizations use in their operations. This is because the method involves reviewing past data in the history of an organization. Scholars will be interested in determining the impacts of past events on their performance. The businesses must use past data to identify different variables that affect their performance. Researchers can also use questionnaire method to assess the impact of various strategies on employees and other members of the organizations. Employees answer the questions that the management asks through the questionnaires. The answers help the management in determining whether certain policies are successful in the research. Researchers use focus group method to explain their financial statements. This research method explains quantitative data to give it extra meaning. Businesses explain their financial statements by giving reasons that lead to a loss or profit. Businesses use observation method in observing trends in a population including consumption of goods and services. Action research method is the result of participation of members who suffer from the same problems. Most researchers use action research method to determine the impacts of change among members of the organizations. Change affects all members of the organization and their attempts to deal with the effects reveal the best w