Herb Heskeths Weblog

RES300 Research Methods

- Choosing a Research Approach -

 

•  What is the area/issue/problem that I am doing my research about? (we call this the research question)

Answer: Data security in E-commerce

 

 

• What is the purpose of the research I will do (this includes the question, what is your expected outcome from your research)?

Answer: To show businesses how important Data security in E-commerce is, and how this technology can benefit them.

 

 

• Do I want to confirm something or explore something or build something?

Answer: Explore the current situation of Data security in E-commerce in New Zealand, aimed more at the North Island than the South Island.

 

 

• Do I want the results of my research to be ‘generalisable’?

Answer: No

 

 

• What do I think would be a good research approach?

Answer: Empirical research approach

 

 

• Would it be a good idea to combine different approaches? If so, why?

Answer: No, could get confusing, the only other two research approaches which could be combined are: Theoretical (building a theory, which does not apply to my problem), and Constructive (which is building something, which does not apply to my problem) both research approaches do not provide any advantages to my problem.

 

 

• How do I do this type of research?

Answer: Perform observations, measurements, and to get results back which will usually be numbers; in this case perhaps I might write a survey. Also research what a case study is, and get sample case studies to find out how to write one.

 

• What are my skills and what do I need to learn to do this research?

Answer: Computer skills, research skills, I will need to learn to be more familiar with analytical skills (analysing numbers, and interpreting results). And get sample surveys to research what makes an effective survey.

 

 

• What are the deadlines?

Answer: Whatever NMIT sets for the Project.

 

 

• What resources will I need?

Answer: Research papers, journals, the Internet, and case studies.