A 9 page paper which critically analyzes a research study on shoplifting in a retail store and identifies the flaws in methodology and ethics. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Name of Research Paper File: JL5_JLresprj09.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
consider some of the ways in which research might be defined, and the factors which contribute to the structuring of an effective and meaningful research project. For example, Howard and
Sharp (2002) state that research is the process of using "methodical processes" to "add to [the] body of knowledge . . by the discovery of non-trivial facts and insights" (Howard
and Sharp, 2002). Drew (1980) makes a similar comment, describing research as a "systematic method of enquiry" which is used to "solve problems and expand knowledge" (Drew, 1980). A research
project should, then, be systematic and methodical in its structure, and its findings should solve problems and/or add to the field of knowledge.
Bell (2005) lists a number of factors which she considers to be essential requirements for good research. These include the utility of data, cost-effectiveness, accuracy, and reliability. There will, of
course, be points at which these factors may have to be adapted, to suit the specific needs of the project or the area which is being subjected to investigation. A
high degree of reliability - the extent to which a procedure will yield similar results on all occasions - may not be a feasible objective in a business or organisational
field where constant change is taking place. There are also different methodologies which will be appropriate to different areas of research, although it
is often possible to combine various quantitative and qualitative methods within the same project, thus generating several different perspectives on the issues. Ethnographic methods are becoming increasingly popular, since they
are based on participant observation by the researcher and as Brewer (2000) comments, tend to avoid imposing external meanings and preconceptions on the data. However Lutz (1986) points out that