Introductory Readings

Connaway and Powell:

Theory - a systematic explanation for observations that relate to a particular aspect of life. (Connaway and Powell pg. 49) A theory, or theoretical system, should permit deductions that can be tested empirically. (Connaway and Powell pg. 49) This means that the theory should provide the means for its own testing.

Research hypothesis - the hypothesis with which a research study begins. It should help to delimit and guide the study. (Connaway and Powell pg. 51)

Wildemuth:

Understanding what it is that you want to ask. Stakeholders are very important in dealing with research because they are the ones who are vested in your research and the outcome. If you know exactly what your stakeholders want from your research it is easier to understand what you want to ask and discover.

Framework is key when dealing with research. A research question is situated within a conceptual framework : the system of concepts to be studied as well as the relationships between them. (Wildemuth pg.14)

Williamson:

Positivist tradition of research follows the links between the ways in which the natural sciences and social sciences should be investigated. Data is collected quantitatively by questionnaires and other instruments of measurements.

Interpretivist tradition of research emphasizes meanings created by data and people which are qualitative ( which are formed in words). They are collected through observation and interviews. Positivist and interpretivist approaches are sometimes used together but it's important that you can differentiate the two.