RESEARCH METHODS

Research Methods

Research Methods

Introduction

The library is located in Saudi Arabia which is primarily based in having vast literature on Islamic religion and Quran. Over the few years, the number of people using the library has been decreasing. This is a research overview document which highlights the possible research plan to be undertaken to find out the possible reasons for this reduction in number of people using the library. Research Method

The research method ranges from being qualitative or quantitative research. Each of the method is designed for a specific purpose. The qualitative research is designed to interpret and understand broad aspects of an event. While quantitative research is used to test hypothesis and events through mathematical and statistical models. It is used for the analysis and explanation of narrow and specific phenomena. Qualitative Research

In a qualitative research, study is aimed at obtaining data which describes the event or a scenario. The inductive approach is usually associated with qualitative research as it allows for the creation of knowledge rather than finding it. This research method aims to find the structure, pattern and order in a group of people. The data is generated to explain the human behaviour in a social setting (Rowland, 2005, p.90). Through this method, participants derive meaning from their surroundings and how their behaviour is influenced by the meaning they attach. Some of the strengths of a qualitative research are that the study is in depth and detailed as it is useful in explaining complex events, it is used for the specific environment and conditions, and research can be flexible and dynamic. Some of the disadvantages are that data analysis and interpretation are lengthy , and time consuming, the results are easily influenced by the researcher's biases, and the data gathered might be insufficient to test the hypothesis (Greener, 2008, p. 79). Quantitative Research

In a quantitative research, numbers and facts are used to explain the phenomena. In such method, the deductive approach is associated as different hypothesis are tested, the cause and effect of an event are sought out , and predictions are made. Certain variables are studied and a large group of people for selected for the study. The quantitative research provides connection between the empirical observation and linking to a mathematical model or hypothesis (Bryman and Bell, 2007, p.154). Different statistical and mathematical models are used to interpret the data that are collected. Some of the advantages of quantitative research are that it is quick for data collection and interpretation, easy to implement, and is useful for large samples. Some of the disadvantages are that the data gathered could be too general, the hypothesis of the research might not reflect real phenomena, and the results might not be in depth (Greener, 2008, p. 54). Appropriate Method

The research for finding out the reasons for the reduction in number of people using the library, a qualitative research method would be more appropriate. Since, the behavioural aspect of people is being studied; the qualitative research ...