Research Methodology Example

Research Methodology Example Research Methodology â€" Assignment Example > References:                    20IntroductionChoosing the right research methodology largely depends on the results that the research is aimed at accomplishing as opposed to researchers preferred approach to the research (Aaron, 1997). There are two approaches that a researcher can use in conducting research namely qualitative and quantitative research methods. The choice of whether to apply qualitative or quantitative approach to one’s research will largely depend on the nature of the research problem, research design and the kind of data required for the research. However, the guiding principle for the choice of an appropriate approach to a research    is that the research method chosen has to support the desired outcomes for the research. As such, the research approach chosen for the current research (the effect of implementing the balanced scorecard on strategic financial performance: an exploratory study of Saudi financial institutions) must assist in the achievement of t he research objectives. Therefore, it is imperative that the research outcomes are achieved and presented with a suitable level of severity (Veale, 2005). The research outcomes must also make a considerable contribution to the appreciation of the positive effect that implementation of balanced scorecard can have on strategic financial performance by business managers. A quantitative research approach has been found suitable for the current research based on the expected research results as well as the literature pertaining to the subject. Furthermore, the approach was found easy to apply owing to the nature of participants expected in the research. In other words, the approach was found to be participants friendly. This paper is aimed at justifying the choice of quantitative research methodology for the current research. In so doing, the paper examines the two research methodologies and explains why a quantitative approach has been found more appropriate than a qualitative approach . Qualitative approachGeneral overviewTraditionally, qualitative research was greatly used in social sciences. However, its use has been diversified to include other disciplines such as marketing in today’s world. In this case, the researcher often aims at acquiring in-depth knowledge of a phenomenon or human behavior including reasons for such behavior (Attewell, 2001). As such, Qualitative research answers the how and why of decision making in addition to where, when and what A distinguishing factor between quantitative and qualitative research is that information gathered in qualitative research is not subjected to formulaic analysis before making deductions. This makes it possible to use small but focused samples unlike in quantitative research where large samples are used. In addition, qualitative approach provides information on the specific case being researched on and any further general conclusions being only informed assertions and as such quantitative methods have to be used in getting empirical support for the research hypothesis.  (Attewell, 2001)  Qualitative analysis is however considered a good approach to research since it enables one obtain a more realistic feel of the world that can not be experienced in the numerical data and statistical analysis of quantitative research(Browne and Keeley, 1998 ). It also provides flexible ways of data collection, analysis and interpretation and hence gives a holistic view of the phenomenon under research. In addition, the method enables close interaction with the research subjects in their own language and terms. However, the method has been blamed for tendency to depart from the original aims of the research due to the dynamic nature of the context according to Cassell and Symon (1994). It is also possible for one to arrive at different conclusions resulting from the same information depending on the researchers personal; characteristics.