https://padlet.com/sestineharris/v2djvjpuf31h What did I Learn? en-us 2017-09-17 15:08:30 UTC 2017-09-28 00:36:17 UTC hello@padlet.com sestineharris https://padlet.com/sestineharris/v2djvjpuf31h/wish/191903589 My Summary on Unit One
Research may be defined as “a process of systematic inquiry that is designed to collect, analyze, interpret, and use data” (Mertens, 2015: 2). It may also been defined as “a step-by-step process that involves the collecting, recording, analyzing and interpreting of information” (Wilson, 2013: 3). The term ‘business research’ can be defined as the objective and systematic inquiry into a specific business problem in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. 
Conducting market research helps the small business owner in a number of ways. This is why market research is vital to a business owner irrespective of the size of the business. Here are the reasons for conducting business research: 
• Understand existing customers
• Setting realistic targets
• Examine and Solve business problems 
• Identify business opportunities
• Prepare for business expansion
• Develop effective strategies
• Identify potential customers

Research Philosophy is an over-arching term relating to the development of knowledge and nature of that knowledge. 
Pillars of Research Philosophy
• Realism (objects exists independently of our knowledge)
• Interpretivism (Understand the difference between humans in their role as social actors) 
• Pragmatism (Arguing that it is possible to work within both positivist & interpretivist)
• Positivism - Tries to uncover the one truth about how things are – or at least what we focus on. A structured method, combining logical deduction with precise empirical (well known) observations (of the behavior of individuals)

The main Research Approaches
Qualitative research: 
Qualitative research is the approach usually associated with the social constructivist paradigm which emphasizes the socially constructed nature of reality. It is about recording, analyzing and attempting to uncover the deeper meaning and significance of human behavior and experience, including contradictory beliefs, behaviors and emotions.



Pragmatic approach
The pragmatic approach to science involves using the method which appears best suited to the research problem and not getting caught up in philosophical debates about which is the best approach. Pragmatic researchers therefore grant themselves the freedom to use any of the methods, techniques and procedures typically associated with quantitative or qualitative research
Advocacy/participatory approach
To some degree, researchers adopting an advocacy/participatory approach feel that the approaches to research described so far do not respond to the needs or situation of people from marginalized or vulnerable groups. As they aim to bring about positive change in the lives of the research subjects, their approach is sometimes described as emancipatory.



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