Abstract This paper compares and contrast methodological individualism and methodological holism through social movements and protest groups. Methodological holism is the better tool for predicting group behavior, or at least for viewing it properly.
Abstract This article reviews the methodology used in a research article on 'Alcohol Use and Attitudes Toward Alcohol Use Among Adolescents in Trinidad'. The writer discusses the experimental and applied psychology study analysis and looks at the instruments used to test validity. The writer discusses the limited sample size and the random selection methodology.
From the Paper "A study was conducted on the topic of 'Alcohol Use and Attitudes toward Alcohol Use among Adolescents in Trinidad'. No explicit research hypotheses were stated in the study, whose purpose was identified as to identify adolescents who have a high probability of having a substance abuse disorder, in particular alcohol use and attitudes towards alcohol use in Trinidad and Tobago. Generally, the researcher appears to have hypothesized that factors such as age, gender, ethnicity and residence would have an association with alcohol ..."
Abstract This paper explains the benefits of using a system development life cycle methodology (SDLC) for implementing a management information system. The paper describes the various options for a MIS and explains why the model of an SDLCs is preferred.
From the Paper "A system development life cycle SDLC is the overall process of developing information systems through a multistep process, from investigation of initial requirements through analysis, design, implementation and..."
Tags: systems development life cycle methodology, SDLC, benefits, management information system, top-down design
Abstract The paper presents a research methodology for a project on deferred benefits.
From the Paper "At issue herein is the development of a research methodology for exploring employee attitudes toward a deferred benefit or deferred pay plan, described by Brandon and Smith as plans allowing employees to reduce taxes by deferring the receipt of compensation or bonuses to a later date. These plans were described by Finerty as popular because they allow employees to defer taxes until later in life when they may be in lower tax brackets."
Tags: research methodology, surveys, deferred compensation
Critiques a paper about measures women can take to protect themselves from HIV once they reenter the sexual arena after long-term monogamous relationships.
Abstract This paper critiques a 2001 report entitled "Negotiation of HIV Preventive Behaviors in Divorced and Separated Women Reentering the Sexual Arena." The paper examines the justification of the methodology used in the report and the method used for recruiting subjects for the study. The paper contends that the conclusions drawn in the report may not be reliable.
From the Paper "The phenomenon being studied in the report "Negotiation of HIV Preventive Behaviors in Divorced and Separated Women Reentering the Sexual Arena" was clearly stated and delineated by the author. The author wanted to look at how women who had been in long-term monogamous relationships which had ended in separation or divorce, handled discussing preventive measures against HIV and STDs with men once they resumed sexual activity after the breakup of their monogamous relationship."
Abstract This paper briefly describes traditional feminist methodologies for analyzing cultural practices that are unfamiliar or challenging. It highlights the shortcomings of the methodologies and discusses potentially more appropriate methodology. The writer considers how the task of finding more appropriate methodologies is made more difficult for her by the fact that it frequently challenges her own culturally normative ideas about gender relations.
From the Paper "For many years Western feminists have positioned themselves within their own Western culture, assuming that they occupy higher ground, in the sense that the Western culture is liberal, individualist, and a lot less sexist than non-Western cultures. From this point of view, Western feminists have felt free to pity their non-Western sisters, and also to attempt to "save" them - for example, Abu-Lughod (2002) takes issue with the fact that Americans have taken it upon themselves to "save" women in Afghanistan from the Taliban and the burqa. Volp (date) sums it up, stating that Western women theorizing about non-Western women living within Western nations have erred because of their "conflation of racialised immigrant communities and regressive sex-subordinating culture in a variety of contexts, including female genital surgeries and so-called "cultural defenses" (p. 109). It has become clear that this way of analyzing other cultures has serious shortcomings. For one thing, as Narayan (1997) points out, it distorts analyses. When information is gathered about women in other countries, this information crosses borders, and loses much in the crossing. The information becomes distorted. Another problem is that culture is blamed for the problems of non-Western women, in a way that is never done for Western women, with the result that Third World women are deemed to have suffered "death by culture" (Narayan, 1997, p. 84). For example, a woman in the West who is shot or strangled by her husband is deemed a victim of domestic violence, but a woman in India who is burnt to death by her husband is deemed a victim of culture, because this method of murder is seen as exotic, and therefore culture-specific. One of the problems with this mode of analysis, as Narayan (1997) points out, is that the Western feminist is unable to even see the connection between domestic violence and dowry-murders - the connection is invisible to her. Moreover, many American feminists are unaware that at least 1,400 American women are killed by their domestic partners annually - but extremely aware of dowry-murder. However, what is the real difference, apart from a difference in choice of murder weapon? Guns are the weapon of choice in the USA because they are ubiquitous, while fire is the weapon of choice in India, because fires are ubiquitous there."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of using the correct and appropriate research methodology. It explains that a qualitative or quantitative analysis is often the perfect fit for a given research topic, but knowing the difference in the methodologies is required, as well as when they should be use separately or in combination with each other or another research methodology. To this end, the paper provides a critical evaluation of the merits and shortcomings of qualitative and quantitative research techniques and procedures, followed by a summary of the research and salient findings in the conclusion.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
Discussion
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "This lengthy history of controversy has added some fuel to the current fires over which research technique is superior and why, especially during a period in history where so much information has now become available for analysis that was not possible even a few years ago. According to Goodson and Phillimore (2004), "Researchers are beginning to consider important issues concerning the nature of research and knowledge, the role of researchers, the ways in which research questions are determined and the ways in which data are interpreted" (p. 42). Much of this attention has been directed to the application of qualitative techniques in social research settings. "Increasingly," Crowley advises, "courses in educational research, conferences, and professional associations focus on the use of qualitative methods, and a plethora of textbooks, journal articles, and research monographs have been published in recent years" (1994, p. 55)."
Abstract This study attempts to discern whether a qualitative or quantitative approach to research methodology is appropriate for examining PALS. PALS measures young children's knowledge of important literacy fundamentals, including phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, knowledge of letter sounds, spelling concept of word, word recognition in isolation, and oral passage reading.
Outline
Literature Review: Introduction to Research Methodology History of Qualitative-Quantitative Research
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research
Education and Literacy
Quantitative Methods
Research in Education
Analysis
Conclusions
From the Paper "In fact, there are many that might argue that a quantitative approach is preferable to a qualitative approach in all situations regardless of the phenomena being studied (Myburgh, Poggenpoel & Van Der Linde, 2001) because it lends itself to less 'subjective analysis.' However further exploration into the matter suggests that qualitative analysis is not subjective in nature and may in fact be the preferred method for research analysis into complex behavioral issues, particularly when the researcher is attempting to determine patterns in behavior and conduct (Myburgh, et. al, 2001).
That there is a great deal of 'opinion' surrounding the issue of both qualitative and quantitative research methodology cannot be argued. Thus research will be examined from both perspectives, qualitative and quantitative, in order to ascertain which methodology is best suited to provide detailed analysis of the PALS program, and in order to determine which methodology should be adopted by the researcher to provide adequate insight into the given phenomena that the researcher is attempting to explore. No conclusions will be made with regard to the legitimacy of either research approach until the final portion of this analysis, where a determination will be made as to whether a qualitative or quantitative approach is more appropriate in this particularly setting."
Abstract The paper looks at the Six Sigma quality initiative as applied in various applications to improve hiring. The paper shows Six Sigma at work in commercial and military settings. It also looks at other quality methodologies in HR, such as performance plans and progress reviews. The paper reviews the results of outsourcing and online recruiting for military hiring of civilians. In conclusion, the paper finds that quality initiatives in HR can improve hiring and retention.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Utilizing Six Sigma in HR Practices
Six Sigma "Defects" in Corporate Staffing
Screening Out Unqualified Candidates
Focusing on Quality Through the Hiring Process
Improving Government Civilian HR Practices
Outsourcing
HR Practices Within the Military
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Six Sigma is defined as a rigorous and disciplined methodology that utilizes data and statistical analysis to measure and improve a company's operational performance, practices and systems. In many organizations, it simply means a measure of quality that strives for near perfection (www.dmreview.com/resources/glossary.cfm?keywordId=S). Six Sigma initially identified and prevented defects in manufacturing and service-related processes when it was first implemented. However, today it is also being used to streamline hiring and retention practices."
Abstract This paper reviews each of the four Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) methodologies---Gateway, International Systems Services, Texas Instruments and Wang. The author describes real world situations in which the application of each BPR methodology would be appropriate.
From the Paper "This report reviews and compares four different business processing re-engineering BPR methodologies that are described by Kettinger, Guha and Teng. The four BPR methodologies reviewed and compared are as follows: Gateway, International Systems Services, Texas Instrument sand Wang BPR. The major stages of each of the four BPM methodologies are identified in this section of the report. The following section of the report provides a comparative review of the four BPR methodologies. The final section of ..."
Abstract This paper provides a historical overview of research methodologies and demonstrates that the evolution of the research process is as significant as the research itself. It is shown that the time and energy that has gone into identifying appropriate conduct and strategy within the research process may still yield differences in perspective among researchers but ultimately this controversy comes from the hard-earned lessons acquired through continuous learning and development within the field of methodological conduct, particularly within the debate over qualitative and quantitative research.
From the Paper "What is deemed acceptable in research methodology differs dramatically according to the perceptions held by researchers concerning what it means to implement an effective methodology, as well as the standards that are set among researchers regarding same. This implies, correctly, that what comprises an effective research method is in many ways arbitrary; researchers from different disciplines, for example, may approach the same question through the use of different research methodologies and acquire different results, implying that determining the appropriate method of approach is as significant to the overall research process as the actual data collection process that is governed by same."
Abstract The objective of this paper is to formally evaluate strengths and weaknesses of using prescriptive methodologies like PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments). In particular, this paper explores the positive and negative aspects of integrating PRINCE2 to run and manage information technology projects.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
The Methodology - in Brief
What Makes a Good IT Project?
Evaluation - Pros and Cons
Strengths
Weaknesses
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the basic weaknesses of PRINCE2 that is observed in both Public and Private sectors is the complexity and range of the methodology itself. No doubt PRINCE2 is an excellent methodology for implementing structured and controlled Project management techniques. However the one thing that most connoisseurs of PRINCE2 fail to address is that the implementation of PRINCE2 or any prescriptive methodology is down to the individuals that implement it. Because the methodology essentially wraps itself around the skeleton of a project team, the skills of a particular individual indeed remain subjective. A number of organisations suffer from following just the templates that instil the methodology but they end up not following the methodology itself - this is a phenomenon of carelessly picking and choosing from the methodology, thereby failing to abide by its key principles. This is echoed by Turbit (2005) in his white paper: Project Management and Software Development Methodology.take? What is needed? How do we do it? Do we need help or do it ourselves? And probably the most important one: How much will it cost?"
Abstract The paper critically assesses two differing research methodologies; quantitative and qualitative as both form an important part of sociological examination although fundamental differences exist between them. The paper provides an outline of each method and the manner in which it is employed followed by an examination of the inherent differences between the two methodologies. The paper concludes with an assessment as to what advantages can be attained when the two opposite approaches are used in conjunction with one another.
From the Paper "Therefore, from such a basis it is possible to see how the two different methods employ differing criteria when examining social phenomena. Quantitative methodology relies heavily on measurable scientific data (Phillips, 1976; p. 102). As such, wide ranging data collection is a consistent feature of the quantitative approach. This would include data collection methods such as surveys and questionnaires. Interviews could also play an important role in quantitative research but such interviews would be heavily structured. A clear and unambiguous structure is vital to the methodology employed so that clearly definable scientific results can be offered. Given this, the quantitative approach requires as a prerequisite that the individual researcher or interviewer adopts an impartial and detached stance toward the research. (Bailey 1994; p. 136). Becoming heavily and directly involved in the research process could impact on the mathematical result and therefore negatively affect the reliability of the data."
Abstract This paper examines how social research most often begins with a need to answer or understand a question or phenomena regarding human interactions and tendencies and how for the most part this research is conducted in various forms of surveys applied to a section or group to be studied. It looks at how the methodology by which these surveys are conducted can also vary greatly across several variables, the particular information needed and how, while for the most part these surveys are conducted under the strict conditions of scientific inquiry and generally yield useful information, there are some areas that need to be specifically monitored in order not to skew the results of the research. This paper analyzes the pros and cons of this methodology.
From the Paper "Surveys help the social researcher to organize data into meaningful components that can assist in understanding the human condition on many levels. By necessity surveys are tools of generalizations and the researcher will form certain ideas or see certain patterns in the result of these assumptions created by the data. In a sense it is a shorthand method of gaining information from a subset of the entire group studied. You could not realistically survey the entire population of the United States, but you could take a sampling of data across the region. There are however several shortfalls in this particular methodology. "
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of divorce and examines the research methodologies used in order to provide accurate divorce rates. The author also discusses about related social and cultural matters.
From the Paper "While the decision to divorce one's marital partner seems as if it were an entirely personal one. But (as Emile Durkheim has shown us so conclusively as regards suicide) personal decisions are also social and cultural ones. Divorce rates have risen and fallen (but mostly risen) since the 18th century colonial era in America. Any investigation of such changes in the rate of divorce must be fundamentally grounded in the methods of historical research as well as social science research. How best to understand the reasons that divorce rates have fluctuated since the 18th century requires a close reading of a variety of historical and cultural texts that -- taken together -- will ground the personal reasons that obtain in each specific case of divorce with the larger social and cultural context of marriage and divorce. "
