The important part of the research method is the philosophy, which is chosen considering the context and nature of the study. Some different research philosophies are there such as positivism, pragmatic, interpretivism, and realism. For this study, positivism research philosophy is used and in this method, the controlled approach is focused for the purpose of ensuring that is research study is discussing the context and purpose effectively (Bhattacharyya, 2006). With the help of this research philosophy, the researcher determines the topic and evaluates the method, which is most appropriate for the study under consideration. The purpose of selecting this approach is that it utilises statistical or mathematical method to analyse the data gathered.
For this research, Quantitative study was used as it involved deduction. Hypotheses was formulated; the dependent and independent variables were identified which assisted in measurements of objectives. Data was collected by using close-ended questionnaires. 5.1 Research paradigm According to the requirements of research question, it was decided that it would be appropriate to choose the positivism approach as the philosophical assumption and research paradigm for the study. Besides this, the quantitative approach was used during this research.
For example, my friend is studying the role of heritage in attracting foreigners to Oman. She used to make interviews with foreigners to gain an understanding of opinions and motivations. Quantitative research is used to generate numerical data to measure a problem. It is used to underline results covering large sample of population (Bolden& Moscarola, 2000). I think quantitative research transforms the data to formulate facts in the research.
A method is a realistic application of preparing research. Regardless of the philosophical stance or paradigm of enquiry adopted in a research project, it is possible to use a combination of research methods when collecting data (Howell, 2013). Saunders et al., (2007) identify two main kinds of data that emerge in a research project. They are primary data gathered for the specific purpose of the project and secondary data, which are collected from other sources mainly from academic journals, articles and text books. Primary data can be collected through a number of different methods outlined below: Questionnaire: As observed by Collis and Hussey (2003), questionnaire is a record of wisely organised questions, selected after substantial testing, with an opinion to causing dependable replies from a selected sample.
Quantitative analysis is the best research design or strategies of inquiry for this study. It is based on an experimental design. This experiment would fall into the non-experimental form of research known as the correlational design. Correlational design is when researchers use the correlational statistic to describe and measure the degree or association between two or more variables (Creswell, 2012). The study of the competitive exclusion theory will be based on statistical analysis rather than using equipment.
Economic growth means an increase in real GDP. This increase in real GDP means there is an increase in the value of national output / national expenditure. The benefits of economic growth include: Higher average incomes. This enables consumers to enjoy more goods and services and enjoy better standards of living. Lower unemployment With higher output and positive economic growth firms tend to employ more workers creating more employment UK unemployment rises during a recession – falls during periods of economic growth.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY A survey/ex post facto design was used in this research. Survey research is a study designed to determine the incidence, frequency, and distribution of certain characteristics in a population. It is especially common in business, sociology, and government research. Ex post facto refers to an approach in which conditions that have already occurred are considered and then data collected to investigate a possible relationship between these conditions and subsequent characteristics or behaviours. Before this final report I split this study into four parts.
In addition to this, surveys are the effective modes for analysing the data because it helps in collecting limited and specific information from the selected participants through contributes in obtaining reliable conclusions. Therefore, in this study, the focus is on the use of survey as the research strategy in order to gather the information from the selected participants. The researcher uses online survey in which a questionnaire of close-ended questions is given to the participants (Khan,
Research Design This study will use a qualitative, descriptive research methodology. Qualitative research can be defined as an overarching concept of several forms of research which help to illuminate and explain the meaning of phenomenon in social settings (Merriam, 1998). The data collection methodologies included in qualitative research are observations, interviews, and analysis of written documents and artifacts (Patton, 2002). The interview using the guide questions will allow for greater analysis of individual depth and detail. The case study method is the preferred choice of methodology given that it allows the researcher to explore additional avenues of information that may arise in the case study of the participating higher education institution (HEI).
The pre-experimental method was used for two main reasons. The first relates to the cause-and-effect relationship that may be claimed from the investigation. Using a quantitative approach “allows the researcher to focus sharply on causal relations” (Neuman, 2007:201). The second relates to the need to explore many factors potentially influencing L2 writing learning. Independent and dependent variables A variable in quantitative research is “a characteristic or attribute of an individual or an organization that can be measured or observed and that varies among the people or organizations being studied” (Creswell, 2009:50).