Research is an important exercise to support claims or evaluate phenomena. In order to createauthoritative and well-founded statements about a phenomenon, there needs be a data collection exercise and analysis of the datato arrive at an informed conclusion based on the obtained results. Theexercise of evaluating a phenomenon comprises the research, and the approaches are the research methods.

A study article by Jadranka Ivandi? and Vlado Juki?,titled“Familial risk factors favoring drug addiction onset”waspublished in the 2012 Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, vol. 44, issue no.2. The research was conducted in the year 2008 through 2009. The authors sought to answer several questions, among them, to ascertain whether the onset of drug addiction was in any way related to certain risk factors in families. They also pursued to answer at what stage were the familial risk factors more significant in influencing drug addiction among addicts.

There are two major research methods applicable to a research undertaking; that is, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Quantitative research is whereby the researcher(s) have specific objectives they seek to evaluate. This research method tries to explain a certain phenomenon by use of mathematical approaches. In quantitative research method, numerical data about the studied phenomenon is collected, analysed by the use of statistics principles and meaningful conclusions derived from the results obtained. Therefore, quantitative research is often employed where the research questions necessitate numerical data collection and answers. Conversely, qualitative research method entail observational study of human experiences and behaviours in relation to their environment. This research method involves no numerical data collection, and largely involve use of open-ended questionnaires among other techniques. The article “Familial risk factors favoring drug addiction onset”(Jadranka&Juki?, 2008) employs the use of qualitative research method.

Judging from the data collection methods and the nature of the collected data, qualitative research method was employed in this study. Other than the admission by the authors of “Familial risk factors favoring drug addiction onset”to employment of qualitative research method, it is further evidenced by their use of open-ended questionnaires for data collection.Additionally, the responses to the questionnaires were designated as either positive, neutral or negative, as opposed to using numerals (Jadranka &Juki?, 2008). Moreover, the responses to the questionnaires involved an account of the respondents’ early family life experiences(Jadranka &Juki?, 2008).

In developmental psychology, the human changes over the life span are studied. Thus, in the “Familial risk factors favoring drug addiction onset”(Jadranka &Juki?, 2008),they authors conducted a developmental psychology research. This because they sought to study the effects that different environments of upbringing have on drug abuse.

Ethical issues are prevalent with any research. It is the researchers’ obligation to ensure that their study methodologies ascribe to a high degree of ethical conduct. In the article “Familial risk factors favoring drug addiction onset” (Jadranka &Juki?, 2008), the researchers contend with several ethical issues. Firstly, the authors gained informed consent from the respondents of the study. They enlightened onthe objectivesof the study and the purposes to which the results would be put. Secondly, the authors observed the free consent of the respondents. The respondents who opted out of the study or disregarded exposing some personal information were not coerced(Jadranka &Juki?, 2008). Thirdly, the study safeguarded the respondents from harm. The addicts under acute therapy were exempted from the exercise(Jadranka &Juki?, 2008). Their inclusion would have a bearing on their emotions, would have probably hampered their treatment.

A research exercise is more than just answering some question. Critical thought on the research methodology is needed. The methodology should be convenient to meet the research exercise demands adequately. The researcher(s) should also put into consideration ethical issues involved with the research.

References

Ivandi? Zimi?, J., & Juki?, V. (2012). Familial risk factors favouring drug addiction onset. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 44(2), 173-185.

research methods

REGENT BUSINESS SCHOOL LONDON

SKL5A1 RESEARCH METHODS
Assessment two – Individual project guidelines

Written Report – total 60%

LENGTH: 1500 words (+/- 10%)
EXCLUDING title and contents page, bibliography and appendices
REPORT DUE DATE: Week 12 – Friday Dec. 4th (23.59 or before)

Topic requirements:

Working individually, you will either prepare a business report on a new topic of interest to you, OR you will continue working on the topic from Assignment 1.
If you choose the former option, first select a research question. Your tutor will help you with this. It should be related to business and organisational life.
For this assessment, you are expected to collect primary empirical data. Write up your research by using the guidelines given below. You should also look at the marking criteria (see below) to see what is expected from each section of the proposal and the balance between sections. Be aware that most of the marks for this report are awarded for the analysis and conclusions you research.

The content of your report
• Title page (including name of all group members, date of submission, course, title of course work)
• Introduction – this short section should offer rationale for your chosen topic.
• Report topic/question. Aims and objectives – These must be succinct, achievable and coherent.
• Literature review – a short review of the literature which sets out relevant concepts and ideas you plan to utilise in your empirical study. You should include 5 academic sources in this section.
• Methodology/methods – short methodology section focusing primarily on research design. Briefly outline the population, sampling and research methods. Also state your proposed data analysis technique.
• Findings and analysis
• Conclusions

N.B –data collection is necessary for this piece of work.
Formatting advice

• Sub-headings should be used to separate main sections
• Sources of all research information must be clearly cited in the text. You are expected to use the Harvard referencing style. All sources of ideas other than your own in the report must be properly cited
• A separate references list must be included, with entries in alphabetical order
• Appendices are also allowed
• Text must be written in clear English
• Finished assignment will be well organized
• Finished assignments will demonstrate clear evidence of the group’s understanding of research methods and how they can be applied in practice

Presentation of the report
NB (The notes below refer to how the report looks. There is no oral presentation of this report in class).

• Reports must be word processed
• Line spacing: EITHER 1.5 lines OR double spaced
• Font: EITHER Ariel 12 OR Times New Roman 12
• Tables, charts and/or graphs may be used
• Reports must be spell checked
• Word count for the main text must be included

SECTION/WORD COUNT/ WEIGHTING DETAILS: MARKER’S REMARKS AND GRADE
INTITAL PAGES

Not included in word count
• Title page (inc your name, date of submission, course, title of course work)
• Table of Contents
SECTION 1:
INTRODUCTION

Approx. 200 – 300 words

(15%)
The introduction should:
Briefly explain your topic and why you selected it; provide relevant background to the topic selected; state clearly the research aim/question and research objectives.
SECTION 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

Approx.: 150 – 250 words

(10%) In this section, you are required to provide a brief review of relevant literature, i.e. what are the main issue (s) of contention, concept you will utilise in your empirical study.

Provide a correct in-text citations using Harvard Referencing style
SECTION 3: METHODOLOGY
Approx. 100 – 150 words
(10%) This needs briefly to explain the main steps in your primary research, including the research methods:
– E.g.using an experiment, a questionnaire, interviews, etc.,
And how they were gathered:
– E.g. in person, online, etc. and how they were sampled, randomly (with no sampling) in the street, or chosen for particular reasons, etc. etc.

SECTION 4:
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Approx. 600 – 700 words

(30%)
This section should present and evaluate your findings from the analysis of your primary data. For quantitative data (e.g. from a questionnaire survey), this should take the form of suitable tables or charts, accompanied by relevant analysis/interpretation.

For qualitative data (e.g. from semi-structured interviews), the content of the material needs to be evaluated using other suitable forms of analysis, eg category analysis.

It should also include comparisons with the literature where appropriate (eg are the comments in the LR supported or not?) and discussion of any unexpected/unique findings.

The results should be presented in an organised, logical and coherent manner.
SECTION 5: CONCLUSIONS

Approx. 500 – 600 words

(30%) The conclusions should set out your findings on the research question/aim and objectives in relation to the RQ in the Introduction.

Your conclusions should be backed by evidence from your literature review and analysis of your primary data.

You may also identify any limitations to your study here.

PRESENTATION

(5%) Present your report in a way that demonstrates your professional approach to this assignment. Observe the word limit; show an effective organisation, logical structure and accurate referencing. Make sure you have good spelling and grammar and careful proofreading; make effective use of tables, graphs and appendices.

research methods

REGENT BUSINESS SCHOOL LONDON

SKL5A1 RESEARCH METHODS
Assessment two – Individual project guidelines

Written Report – total 60%

LENGTH: 1500 words (+/- 10%)
EXCLUDING title and contents page, bibliography and appendices
REPORT DUE DATE: Week 12 – Friday Dec. 4th (23.59 or before)

Topic requirements:

Working individually, you will either prepare a business report on a new topic of interest to you, OR you will continue working on the topic from Assignment 1.
If you choose the former option, first select a research question. Your tutor will help you with this. It should be related to business and organisational life.
For this assessment, you are expected to collect primary empirical data. Write up your research by using the guidelines given below. You should also look at the marking criteria (see below) to see what is expected from each section of the proposal and the balance between sections. Be aware that most of the marks for this report are awarded for the analysis and conclusions you research.

The content of your report
• Title page (including name of all group members, date of submission, course, title of course work)
• Introduction – this short section should offer rationale for your chosen topic.
• Report topic/question. Aims and objectives – These must be succinct, achievable and coherent.
• Literature review – a short review of the literature which sets out relevant concepts and ideas you plan to utilise in your empirical study. You should include 5 academic sources in this section.
• Methodology/methods – short methodology section focusing primarily on research design. Briefly outline the population, sampling and research methods. Also state your proposed data analysis technique.
• Findings and analysis
• Conclusions

N.B –data collection is necessary for this piece of work.
Formatting advice

• Sub-headings should be used to separate main sections
• Sources of all research information must be clearly cited in the text. You are expected to use the Harvard referencing style. All sources of ideas other than your own in the report must be properly cited
• A separate references list must be included, with entries in alphabetical order
• Appendices are also allowed
• Text must be written in clear English
• Finished assignment will be well organized
• Finished assignments will demonstrate clear evidence of the group’s understanding of research methods and how they can be applied in practice

Presentation of the report
NB (The notes below refer to how the report looks. There is no oral presentation of this report in class).

• Reports must be word processed
• Line spacing: EITHER 1.5 lines OR double spaced
• Font: EITHER Ariel 12 OR Times New Roman 12
• Tables, charts and/or graphs may be used
• Reports must be spell checked
• Word count for the main text must be included

SECTION/WORD COUNT/ WEIGHTING DETAILS: MARKER’S REMARKS AND GRADE
INTITAL PAGES

Not included in word count
• Title page (inc your name, date of submission, course, title of course work)
• Table of Contents
SECTION 1:
INTRODUCTION

Approx. 200 – 300 words

(15%)
The introduction should:
Briefly explain your topic and why you selected it; provide relevant background to the topic selected; state clearly the research aim/question and research objectives.
SECTION 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

Approx.: 150 – 250 words

(10%) In this section, you are required to provide a brief review of relevant literature, i.e. what are the main issue (s) of contention, concept you will utilise in your empirical study.

Provide a correct in-text citations using Harvard Referencing style
SECTION 3: METHODOLOGY
Approx. 100 – 150 words
(10%) This needs briefly to explain the main steps in your primary research, including the research methods:
– E.g.using an experiment, a questionnaire, interviews, etc.,
And how they were gathered:
– E.g. in person, online, etc. and how they were sampled, randomly (with no sampling) in the street, or chosen for particular reasons, etc. etc.

SECTION 4:
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

Approx. 600 – 700 words

(30%)
This section should present and evaluate your findings from the analysis of your primary data. For quantitative data (e.g. from a questionnaire survey), this should take the form of suitable tables or charts, accompanied by relevant analysis/interpretation.

For qualitative data (e.g. from semi-structured interviews), the content of the material needs to be evaluated using other suitable forms of analysis, eg category analysis.

It should also include comparisons with the literature where appropriate (eg are the comments in the LR supported or not?) and discussion of any unexpected/unique findings.

The results should be presented in an organised, logical and coherent manner.
SECTION 5: CONCLUSIONS

Approx. 500 – 600 words

(30%) The conclusions should set out your findings on the research question/aim and objectives in relation to the RQ in the Introduction.

Your conclusions should be backed by evidence from your literature review and analysis of your primary data.

You may also identify any limitations to your study here.

PRESENTATION

(5%) Present your report in a way that demonstrates your professional approach to this assignment. Observe the word limit; show an effective organisation, logical structure and accurate referencing. Make sure you have good spelling and grammar and careful proofreading; make effective use of tables, graphs and appendices.