D annan a simple guide to resarch writing indd

13. Analyse the data
 
During data analysis, the researcher should be guided by the research objectives. It is 
necessary for the researcher to ensure that their own preferences and preconceptions are 
not imposed on the data.
14. Write the theses/dissertation
 
Before writing the dissertation, the points about the procedure to be adopt in writing the 
literature review should be taken into consideration.
Develop an appropriate research design
 
The research process outlined above spells out the actual process. A concurrent process, 
however, which is the development of a research design appropriate for the needs of the 
research topic, requires the researcher to engage in a series of choices and decisions.
RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY
 
The research philosophy comprises the perceptions of the way data about a phenomenon 
should be assembled, analysed and used. Research paradigms incorporate the fundamental 
philosophical concepts and values about the nature of reality and the scientific pursuit of 
knowledge. Importantly, there are two schools of thought about science and knowledge 
– 
positivism and phenomenology. They hold diametrically different views about the research 
process and research design.

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Positivist (quantitative research)
 
Positivism evolves around the use of numerical measurements and statistical analyses of 
measurements to examine social phenomena. Positivist research is generally quantitative 
in nature.
• It views reality as a consisting phenomenon that can be observed and measured.
• It places great premium on objectivity and reliability of findings and encourages
replication.
When it is applied to social sciences and business research, positivism may not always be 
appropriate, as all social phenomena cannot be accurately and reliably measured, thus 
reducing the validity of the findings.