The foundations of research: Identifying and Writing Research

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Table of Contents

Identifying a Broad Area of Inquiry
Conducting a Review of Research Literature
Identifying a Researchable Problem from Reviewed Literature
Describing a Study Purpose
Choosing a Method and Design for an Identified Problem
Population and Sampling
Collecting Data
Reference List

Identifying a Broad Area of Inquiry

In order to develop a research area of interest, it is necessary to build a set of research questions. Once the above-mentioned operations have been completed, a researcher may proceed with identifying a broad area of inquiry allowing to answer the research questions and to develop the research objectives (Grix, 2004, p. 19). Hence introducing the chief research paradigms, concepts and definitions, it is possible to define which subject fields are more relevant for the research (Nunamaker, 1990, p. 90).

Conducting a Review of Research Literature

While conducting a research on a particular topic, it is necessary to choose particular methods for reviewing literature sources. There are different methods and standards of review and each of them depend on a number of factors. Hence, it is necessary to define an area of inquiry as well as problems to be investigated. In addition, one should clearly distinguish between scholarly sources and the one that are invalid and unreliable (Kennedy, 2007, p. 140). Systematic views on literature analysis are widely spread among the scholars and, therefore, they are frequently used as the primary approach for conducting a research.

Identifying a Researchable Problem from Reviewed Literature

The problem identification statement involves measuring and assessing its major components, including variables and invariables (Richey and Klein, 2007, p. 31). In this respect, the analysis of literature review casts the light on certain aspects of the research problem and discloses the major constraints and limitations to the topic (Richey and Klein, 2007, p. 74).

Describing a Study Purpose

While defining and describing the purpose of development study, a researcher should single out the main theoretical and empirical foundations of the research as well as identify the main tools for achieving this purpose (Richey and Klein, 2007, p. 78). More importantly, a study purpose statement should directly correlate with the research questions and research problem.

Choosing a Method and Design for an Identified Problem

A good research design provides a solid foundation for answering the research questions identified earlier (Richey and Klein, 2007, p. 34). In order to select an appropriate method for the research problem, a researcher should, first of all, analyze the nature of design in terms of validity and reliability towards the chosen topic. Second, selecting a particular method for the defined problem also implies the evaluation of the main research design components (Richey and Klein, 2007, p. 40). Finally, particular empirical and theoretical frameworks must be chosen to meet the requirements of the research objectives.

Population and Sampling

It should be admitted that research on information technology and knowledge management should not be restricted to one methodological tool or approach. Otherwise, the presented research will not be valid. Using population and sampling is a mixed method for collecting information about a particular research problem (Richey and Klein, 2007, p. 44). Within IT context, this observation measure enables a researcher to find out specific features of research group selected within a specific organization (Orlikowsky and Baroudi, 1991, p. 2).

Collecting Data

While proceeding with gathering information related to the research problem, it is purposeful to clearly identify the key aspects of the problem and its relevance of particular information (Orlikowsky and Baroudi, 1991, p. 2). Due to the fact that IT field is closely connected with knowledge management in specific organization, case study analysis as well as literature search on theory and concepts will be the most appropriate ones in meeting the research objectives (Kennedy, 2007, p. 141). In addition, the usage of online sources contributes to the research process as well.

Reference List

Grix, J. (2004). The foundations of research. US: Palgrave Macmillan.

Kennedy, M. M. (2007). Defining a Literature. Educational Researcher. 36(3), pp. 139-147.

Nunamaker, J. F., Chen, M., and Purdin, T. D. M. (1990/1991). Systems Development in Information Systems Research. Journal of Management Information Systems. 7(3), pp. 89-106.

Orlikowski, W. J., and Baroudi, J. J. (1991). Studying Information Technology in Organizations: Research Approaches and Assumptions. The Institute of Management Sciences. pp. 1-28.

Richey , R., and Klein J. (2007). Design and Development Research: methods, strategies and issues. NY: Routledge.

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