Application of Theory, Methodology and Analysis in Conducting Research A Practical Guide to Quantitative Research and Thesis Writing

• Main Authors: Habsah Muda (Author), Loganathan, Nanthakumar (Author), Zainudin Awang (Author), Hashim Jusoh (Author), Zaharah Salwati Baba (Author)
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: KUALA TERENGGANU PENERBIT UNIVERSITI SULTAN ZAINAL ABIDIN 2018
• Subjects: Dissertations, Academic; Academic writing; Government publications > Malaysia
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.
• Item Description: Includes index
• Physical Description: 170 pages illustrations 22 cm
• Bibliography: Includes bibliographies references and index
• ISBN: 9789672231110

This book offers a comprehensive guide to doing research at postgraduate levels (i.e., Ph.D. and Masters). The content consists of a theoretical view in conducting research based on quantitative methodology and deductive approach followed by a step-by-step guide to doing research in the format of a thesis. It covers a heading and subheading on introduction of research for quantitative and deductive approach, a background of doing research, conducting a literature review, quantitative research methodology, and statistical tools of primary and secondary data analysis, theoretical and practical implications, together with limitations and recommendations for future research. The introductory chapter begins with an overview of the theory, a process of theory building and deductive approach to theory testing of quantitative research strategy. The research background chapter specifically focuses on writing the background of the study, identifying a problem for research, research questions, objectives, scope and significance of the study. In conducting a literature review chapter, this book offers a systematic way of searching and reviewing the literature; linking the selected theories in the context of the study (i.e., Malaysian scenario) and identifying the research gaps. Next, chapter four provides the student with a guide for the development of a conceptual / research framework and how to formulate hypotheses based on the conceptual / research framework and research questions. Chapter five of research methodology in this book highlights the ultimate and a comprehensive process of doing research using quantitative and deductive approach. Itbegins with research design, defines a unit of analysis, population and sampling, sampling design and size, research instrument, measurement of variables, expert review for content validation, pre-testing, a pilot study using EFA (Exploratory factor analysis), actual field study and statistical tools of data analysis. Empirical analysis using primary data in chapter six covers the subtopic of descriptive analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and analysing the structural model, testing the hypotheses and discussion of findings. In addition, this book brings together the topic of empirical analysis using secondary data in chapter seven using essential econometric tools. The final section of conclusion and recommendation in this book covers the theoretical and practical implication, limitation of the study and guidance for future research. Each chapter begins with learning outcomes and ends with questions for review. Thus, all chapters in this book offer readers a complete and comprehensive way of doing research and writing a doctoral or master thesis in businesses and social sciences.