BUSI710
Research Methods
Liberty University
BUSI710: Foundations of Applied Research
Methods
Describe Each of the Available Methods That May Be
Used
Depending on whether the researcher is dealing with quantitative or qualitative results, different
research methods are used. For quantitative data, the first approach is to use closed-ended surveys. These
surveys are divided into two types: categorical and rating scale surveys. Open-ended surveys and
questionnaires are the opposite of closed-ended surveys and questionnaires. When using an open-
ended survey to decide the number of questions, a researcher must be cautious because answering
open-ended questions will take a long time and confuse respondents. Since there are no uniform
answers to choose from, compiling and analyzing the responses is more complicated (Gill &
Baillie,
2018).
Interviews are also a qualitative analysis process. The data is collected directly from the
interviewees by the interviewer. When collecting highly personalized data, this data collection technique
is ideal. Focus groups are a third type, which is an important interview method that is conducted as a
group discussion. For all members of the focus group, there should be common denominators. There are
two types of observation, according to Robson and McCartan (2016): participant observation and formal
observation. Direct observation, the most passive and qualitative data collection process, is the final
method. The researcher adopts a participatory approach, taking notes, videos, or photographs while
observing the environment in which the subjects of their observation are located.
Research Methods
Liberty University
BUSI710: Foundations of Applied Research
Methods
Describe Each of the Available Methods That May Be
Used
Depending on whether the researcher is dealing with quantitative or qualitative results, different
research methods are used. For quantitative data, the first approach is to use closed-ended surveys. These
surveys are divided into two types: categorical and rating scale surveys. Open-ended surveys and
questionnaires are the opposite of closed-ended surveys and questionnaires. When using an open-
ended survey to decide the number of questions, a researcher must be cautious because answering
open-ended questions will take a long time and confuse respondents. Since there are no uniform
answers to choose from, compiling and analyzing the responses is more complicated (Gill &
Baillie,
2018).
Interviews are also a qualitative analysis process. The data is collected directly from the
interviewees by the interviewer. When collecting highly personalized data, this data collection technique
is ideal. Focus groups are a third type, which is an important interview method that is conducted as a
group discussion. For all members of the focus group, there should be common denominators. There are
two types of observation, according to Robson and McCartan (2016): participant observation and formal
observation. Direct observation, the most passive and qualitative data collection process, is the final
method. The researcher adopts a participatory approach, taking notes, videos, or photographs while
observing the environment in which the subjects of their observation are located.
