Research Design and Methodological Issues for Undertaking a Research: An Ethnographic Approach

Abstract

Research is an orderly investing procedure engaged to create new knowledge by reviewing existing information. Generally, there are two types of research: basic and applied research, the former is the way of increasing scientific knowledge, and the later uses basic research for solving problems or evolving new methods, products, or techniques. This paper presents the theoretical issues of research design and methodology applied in my PhD study. This paper also demonstrates a broad characterization of qualitative research: ethnography, an approach which is drawn upon in my research study. The three basic principles of ethnography that I adopted for my study are also presented: time frames, insider vs outsider perspectives, and data collection instruments. Arguments about validity, reliability and generalization related to qualitative research are explained. Finally, it explains the data collection methods and the data analysis framework applied. In this study, through an analytical approach an assessment has been made about research design and methodological issues for undertaking a research study.