Sauders 2003 Essay Example

Sauders 2003 Essay Example Sauders 2003 Essay Sauders 2003 Essay Saunders et al. 2003, p. 83 -The Research Process â€Å"Onion† Having defined the research question and the overall research design for this study, the next step is to discuss the design in more detail: the research philosophy, the research approach and research strategies used. Much literature is available on research philosophies, approaches and strategies. Saunders et al. (2003) define the socalled research process ‘onion’, consisting of five different layers, as in Figure 2-3. Part 2 As approaches in the different layers have dependencies, they suggest a research design should be developed from the top down, starting with the outside layer [adopting a research RESEARCH DESIGN philosophy] and thereafter peeling away each layer until the fifth layer is reached [defining data collection methods]. This approach, also suggested by Remenyi et al. (2000), is used in this study. Part 3 A positivistic philosophy aims at the derivation of laws or law-like gen eralizations similar to those in the physical and natural sciences (Remenyi et al. 000, p. 32). Quantitative research allows researchers to familiarize themselves with the problem or concept to be studied. The emphasis is on facts and causes of behaviour (Bogdan and Biklen 1988), with the information in the form of numbers that can be quantified, and summarized using a mathematical process for analysing the numeric data and expressing the final result in statistical terminology (Charles 1995). Part 4 The realistic philosophy shares two features with a positivism philosophy: a belief that the natural and the social sciences should apply the same kinds of approach to the collection of data and to explanation, and a commitment to the view that there is an external reality to which scientist direct their attention (Bryman 2001). Saunders et al. 2003, p. 83 The Research Process â€Å"Onion†