CHAPTER 5: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
5.9 Research approaches
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Furthermore, positivism is associated with the concept of neutrality and objectivity, from which the researcher can remain detached and in so doing not influence the research outcomes. Positivism involves an objective analysis of events and makes use of structured quantitative methods such as surveys, questionnaires and statistical analysis of data to ensure reliability and generalisability (Dahlberg and McCaig, 2010; Saunders et al., 2012).
Therefore, having explained a number of research paradigms by focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of each research paradigm, the positivist approach was regarded as appropriate for this study because it is concerned with uncovering truth, and presenting it by empirical means. Data is furthermore analysed scientifically.
Positivism as a research philosophy allows the researcher to analyse data collected as received, without any influence outside the pre-determined parameters of the stated hypotheses. Furthermore, the positivist paradigm was chosen because of its ability to achieve the generalisation, prediction, validity and reliability of the findings of the research.
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researcher undertakes rigorous testing to ensure that the results of the research study are credible (Dahlberg and McCaig, 2010), meaning that the results are reliable. This approach moves from theory, to hypothesis to observation and, lastly, to confirmation or rejection of the theory.
This research approach (deduction) possesses a noticeable number of important characteristics. First, the deduction approach its aim is to explain causal relationships between variables, but to develop, confirm or reject a theory.
Second, the findings of this approach can be generalised. In order to be able to generalise regularities in human social behaviour statistically, it is necessary to select samples of sufficient numerical size. Controls in this approach finally allow for testing of the hypotheses and, lastly, the collection of data is by means of a questionnaire and this data is analysed from a neutral position.
In the same vein, Dahlberg and McCaig (2010) lists five sequential stages through which the deductive research will progress, as follows:
deducing a hypothesis (a testable proposition about the relationship between two or more concepts or variables) from the theory;
expressing the hypothesis in operational terms (that is, indicating exactly how the concepts or variables are to be measured), which proposes a relationship between two specific concepts or variables;
testing this operational hypothesis;
examining the specific outcome of the inquiry (it will either tend to confirm the theory or indicate the need for modification);
if necessary, modifying the theory in the light of the findings;
an attempt is then made to verify the revised theory by going back to the first step and repeating the whole cycle.
Furthermore, Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2012) posit that the deduction approach emphasises the following aspects and have the following characteristics: this approach is embedded in the principles of science, as it moves from theory to data. It is necessary to explain causal relationships between variables, and the collection of quantitative data, coupled with the application of controls to ensure the validity of data, is important.
In addition, Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2012) postulate that the deduction approach affirms that there is an operationalisation of concepts to ensure clarity of definition. This
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approach follows a highly structured approach, and essentially selecting samples of sufficient size in order to generalise conclusions forms the basis of this approach.
Finally, it is important to emphasise that the most vital characteristic of the deduction approach is generalisation (Dahlberg and McCaig, 2010). Therefore, the results of this research study will be generalised to the entire population.
In order to pursue the principle of scientific rigour, deduction dictates that the researcher should be neutral of what is being observed (Dahlberg and McCaig, 2010), and an important characteristic of deduction is that concepts need to be operationalised in a way that enables facts to be measured quantitatively.
The main advantage of this approach is the neutrality of the researcher in the execution of the research study that is applying it. This means that the researcher is likely to be objective in the analysis, interpreting and reporting of the findings of the research study. Another advantage is that this approach allows quantitative measuring of data.
Notwithstanding a number of advantages that this approach possesses, there is, however, one main disadvantage, which is the ignoring of other elements present in the population because they do not form part of the hypotheses.
5.9.2 Induction approach
Another part of the second layer of the research onion (Saunders et al., 2012) is the induction approach. In the inductive approach, the researcher would collect the data and develop a theory from the findings of the study, in which the research moves from observations or tests to patterns and finally to theory.
The most important characteristic of this approach is that it has a flexible structure to allow alterations as the research progresses (Saunders et al., 2012). Moreover, in this approach there is an ensuring that there is data for collection. After which the data is analysed to see if any patterns emerge from it that will suggest relationships between variables or constructs.
From these observations, it may be possible to generate generalisations, relationships and even theories (Saunders et al., 2012). In addition, a research study that follows the induction approach is likely to be particularly concerned with the context in which events had taken place (Saunders et al., 2012).
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Through induction, the researcher moves towards discovering a binding principle (Saunders et al., 2012). This is to ensure that the researcher does not jump to hasty inferences or conclusions based on the data (Cohen et al., 2011).
The inductive approach furthermore does not aim to support, corroborate or falsify a theory (Saunders et al., 2012). Instead, through a process of gathering data, it attempts to establish patterns, consistencies and meanings (Cohen et al., 2011).
The main advantage of this approach is that it has a more flexible structure to allow alterations as the research progresses. However, this can also be a disadvantage in that the researcher might not focus sufficiently and has to keep altering the research questions.
5.9.3 Justification of the research approach for this study
This study tested hypotheses and designed a model with a view to keeping motivation at an acceptable level at provincial legislatures. Therefore, the study followed the deductive approach. The deductive approach is important for this study in that it involves the collection of data, analysing and interpreting data and formulating conclusions.
This approach is also known as the quantitative approach, in which large numbers of data are collected, statistical calculations done to explain what was found, and to use the findings to make effective decisions in a specific environment. Furthermore, the deduction approach is most suitable for a positivist paradigm, because data is collected using a questionnaire, and results can be generalised.
The reason for choosing the deduction approach for this research is that in this approach, the findings of the research study can be generalised, and it allows for the testing of hypotheses.
Lastly, data is collected by means of a questionnaire and is analysed from a neutral position.