Dr. Patrick A. Regoniel is a graduate school professor of research, statistics, and environmental science at the Palawan State University. He has helped many graduate students complete their theses or dissertations by providing research and statistical advice and services since 1991. A Ph.D. in Environmental Science graduate of the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 2004, Dr. Regoniel is a member of the Gamma Delta Sigma Honor Society of Agriculture. He currently serves as Vice President for Research & Extension at the Palawan State University.
What is a research design? To understand what these two words mean, there is a need to have a clear understanding of what is “research” and “design.”
This brief article defines the research design and its role in preparing a good research paper.
The Meaning of Research Design
As Zigmund (1999) puts it, research literally means “to search again.” It means the researcher has to look again at existing information to explain a subject or topic of interest. There is a need to know more about a given phenomenon in all its dimensions.
The design is essentially a plan to show the final product even before it is built or made. An example is a house’s “blueprint” that describes the details of how a building should look.
An example of a blueprint.
Thus, bringing together these two concepts, research design is the plan that guides data collection to achieve the objectives of research, i.e., to generate new information based on existing ones. The plan details the procedure and instruments for data collection, how the variables associated with the phenomenon should be measured, and the statistical analysis to be applied to the data obtained.
The plan should systematically answer the problem statement or research questions. A one-to-one correspondence between problem statement and the instruments or methods to use to resolve the problem avoids missing out the required data for analysis.
A matrix or a table with headings such as problem statement, data collection instrument, and statistical analysis ensures efficient collection of data (see table below). Gathering data more than is needed is both costly and time wasting. And gathering less than required data prevents meaningful analysis thus failure to address the research problem.
Problem Statement
Data Collection Instrument
Statistical Analysis
What is the profile of coastal residents living within the government defined tsunami danger zone?
Survey form
Descriptive statistics
How shall local government units respond to tsunami if it does occur?
Key informant interview
None required; qualitative
What is the expected tsunami inundation area?
GIS modeling software
None required
Researchers, therefore, should not start their study without adequately figuring out what type of data or information is needed to meet the objectives of their research. Failure to do so means unnecessarily spending more time and money in conducting the investigation. The probability of making illogical or irrelevant conclusions will be high.
Reference
Zikmund, W. G. (1999). Essentials of marketing research. South Western Educational Publishing.
Cite this article as: Regoniel, Patrick A. (February 12, 2017). Research Design: A Simplified Definition for Beginning Researchers. In SimplyEducate.Me. Retrieved from http://simplyeducate.me/2017/02/12/research-design/
Crabbing is an exciting activity I happen to witness during my recent trip to the remote island of Cuyo, a volcanic island between the islands of Palawan and Panay in the Philippines (Figure 1). This article describes the activity and provides insights for conservation and management of natural resources.
Figure 1. Cuyo archipelago
Dodokon: The Intriguing Crab Species
As part of my task in a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) project, I lectured on the value of biodiversity to human life. A workshop followed the speech where the participants coming from five communities in the municipality of Rizal identified economically important species in their respective barangays. They plotted these resources on maps attached to the walls of the lecture hall.
I noticed several unfamiliar words stuck on resource map of participants coming from Barangay Rizal. They drew and pasted on the map a crab species unknown to even a colleague living in the place and me. It’s remarkable how the locals can discriminate certain species of crabs and give them unique names. They call the crab “dodokon.” Collecting dodokon forms part of their crabbing activity during low tide.
Intrigued how “dodokon” looks like, I told Marge, the director of the campus, that I would like to make a tour along the coast to document the species. It also presents an opportunity to use my newly cleaned Leica D-vario lens that had been kept for years after I inadvertently submerged it in the water while crossing a river during one of my field trips. She arranged for an early morning trip to a nearby sea grape farm about three kilometers away from our quarters.
Crabbing Tour
It was almost seven o’clock in the morning when my colleagues and I made a quick visit of the latô (sea grape) farm in Barangay Rizal, Magsaysay in the island of Cuyo. The school driver brought us in the appointed place in less than 15 minutes. A tour guide met us upon arrival and walked with us to the shore.
We waited a moment and realized that only one raftsman was around to give us a tour of the latô farm. My colleagues suggested that I take the first raft and start the tour as I still have a meeting at 9 o’clock with research coordinators of the extramural campus of our university. As research director, they need my guidance on the new research agenda of the university.
I thought that Elmer, the raftsman, will bring me around the intricate arrangement of latô enclosures. But around mid-way of the trip through the murky waters, he told me to stand back at the other end of the raft, about three meters from the rear end. The purpose is to achieve balance in the flimsy bundle of bamboo poles. He placed a large stone on his side and submerged half his body into the muddy substrate then wore an improvised swim googles to see underwater. I thought he was collecting sea grapes but learned later that he was collecting crabs as he tossed several crabs into a plastic pail while navigating the shallow waters.
What’s inside the pail? It’s the dodokon (see below).
Crabs (dodokon) collected from the murky waters of Rizal.
Crabbing as a Sustainable Livelihood for Coastal Fisherfolks
Crabbing is a sustainable source of food for the fisherfolks of Rizal as they wait for their latô farms to produce enough volume for commercial purposes. As long as the habitat is undisturbed, the muddy areas next to the mangroves can yield an unending supply of crabs to meet subsistence needs. In mangrove areas next to polluted bays or estuaries, subsisting on such crabs will make one cringe. Crabs are filter feeders and contaminated organic substances may contain toxins that can threaten human life through the process of bioaccumulation.
The residents of Rizal are fortunate because they still have pristine mangrove forests free from pollutants. Houses on stilts just like those found in urban areas are nowhere in sight. One can still enjoy the crunchy, dodokon delicacy just like the one we consumed when we dined back in our base.
A crunchy, breaded meal of dodokon concluded our day.
How can research help you save time? This article describes how a simple web search for information can save time in daily concerns such as commuting from one place to another. Read on to see how research can save time as well as money and effort.
Research can do worthwhile improvements in our daily lives such as saving time. Time is gold so they say and we must consciously do things that can help us save time. More time available means more opportunity to do other things.
I narrate my personal experience on how research tools and techniques matter. The application of simple review of available information and putting the information to good use means efficient use of time and money.
Save Time Using Online Information
I was one of the participants of a planning meeting in the Department of Science and Technology at 10 o’clock in the morning last Wednesday. My residence is in Quezon City and I will be traveling from that point of Metro Manila to the City of Taguig. If I take the taxi as I did before, I will be paying roughly PhP500 to reach my destination. That would take about two hours, at moderate traffic.
I dislike the feeling of urgency whenever the taxi I am in gets trapped in the traffic mess. The driver complains and asks me to pay extra for the delay. It gives me stress and this can get ugly if my frustration leads to a heated exchange of words with the driver.
I realized later that the driver is not to be blamed because running on an empty taxi after unloading me in my destination in the midst of heavy traffic means expending gas with no passenger to pay for the gas consumed.
Stating the Problem
I thought there must be a more efficient, less costly and less stressful way to get to Taguig. Can research help resolve the question I have in mind? So I framed my problem statement thus:
Is there a faster, more efficient, and less expensive route to reach the City of Taguig from Quezon City?
Given this question, the next step is to review available information.
As there is nobody to ask around, the internet is the most convenient source of information. I browsed the web and learned that aside from taxis and buses, Taguig can be accessed by train. Train? I never thought of that option and I haven’t heard any of my colleagues take that route.
Although unsure if the route still exists because the information was written a few years back, I assumed that it still holds true. I am familiar with the Magallanes station of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). And the information says that just a few hundred meters southward, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) station can be found.
I followed the route, taking the Ikot jeep in UP Diliman to get to UP Pantranco jeep so I can ride the Metro Rail Transit at the junction of EDSA and Quezon Avenue. The train arrived at the Magallanes station at around 7:50am.
I fumbled my way to the supposed EDSA station of the old railway system of PNR asking a guard for directions somewhere below the Magallanes interchange. He pointed the way to the station. Walking about 50 meters more, I “discovered” the hidden access.
The Old Train Arrived
My arrival would have been timely because a diesel-powered train arrived shortly. But being a newbie passenger, I missed it as I need to go against a throng of passengers who alighted from the train. I have to wait for the next train that is expected to come within an hour. I glanced at my watch and saw the time is 8:34am. I am still okay, I thought, as the meeting will commence at 10am.
The Philippine National Railways train arrives at EDSA station.
Patience is a virtue, so they say, so I spent the time documenting the station and the surrounding areas. It’s a hot day so I walked from the sunlight exposed sitting area and stood in the cooler western portion of the waiting shed.
At around 9:18am, the distinctive train toot and bright headlight came into view. I prepared to board the train with several other passengers. The train is moderately full at this busy hour. It seems many people are unfamiliar with this alternative route that goes from Tutuban to Calamba.
It took the train only 14 minutes to reach Bicutan, after two brief stops in Nichols and FTI. I arrived at my destination. The DOST compound is only at the other side of the road. In less than five minutes, I was 15 minutes ahead of the meeting schedule.
Cost of the Trip from Quezon City to Taguig
The whole trip from Quezon City to Taguig cost me only PhP50. Below is a breakdown of my expenses:
Ikot jeep: PhP6
PANTRANCO jeep: PhP10
MRT: PhP24
PNR: PhP10
I didn’t mind the congested ride in the jeep and at the MRT because it’s the busiest time of the day as employees rush to work. It’s great to find a more efficient, inexpensive and stress free route to my destination. The cost is 10 times less than taking the taxi. And I can improve on my commute time with the knowledge I gained on the train schedule.
Walking up the stairs at the Quezon Avenue station of MRT and queuing along with the long line of train passengers is the only patience challenging part of the trip.
I have been thinking about this concept for quite a time. And I am convinced that advancing this idea as a theory can help explain the phenomenon that commonly beset human affairs, i.e., nothing happens, or nothing changes without deliberate and sustained effort to institute changes. I call this the Default Theory.
The Default Theory I have in mind applies to many cases of human endeavor. Although there is a theory by Timothy Levine called Truth-Default Theory or TDT, the theory I am advancing is entirely different from his description.
For example, I disseminated information among colleagues that there is an opportunity for innovation and development proposals to be potentially funded heavily by the Commission on Higher Education. The initiative is part of the government’s effort to minimize the adverse effects of the K-12 Transition Program.
A week was given to comply with the simple requirement of submitting a one or two-page concept paper to the funding agency. The concept paper preludes the preparation of a full-blown research proposal once the proposed concept is accepted.
I discussed the rationale, explained the mechanics and gave all the forms to be accomplished to the unit heads. I thought they would appreciate the effort and be motivated likewise to disseminate the information to the 400-500 faculty members of the university. I also explored possible topics as starting points that the group can follow through.
Even while disseminating the information and being hopeful that they will respond to the call, at the back of my mind, I somehow anticipate that nobody will submit or make the extra effort to present their proposals. By default, nothing gets done for some reason. Almost always, nothing gets done despite efforts to make a change.
And nobody did submit except me as I took extra effort to make a submission on or before the deadline. I am aware of the Default Theory. Things happen as they should if no additional effort is done to counter its effect. I have done this action several times, and I made changes and took a career turn. I counteract the default with deliberate, sustained effort to do something.
Eutrophication of coastal areas occurs by default.
When applied to dealing with environmental issues or concerns which are my cup of tea, the Default Theory works likewise.
For example, for many years and after so many ideas, suggestions, propositions, projects, programs among others that arise to counter the effects of environmental degradation, the default prevails. That is, nothing gets accomplished that significantly and with lasting impact.
If you attend conferences or read scientific papers, the issue of environmental problems such as pollution, illegal trade, over-extraction, and similar problems faced decades back remain. The default is that nothing gets done, at least on a sustainable manner, even with much effort and expense. There may be successes, but history reveals that everything goes back to board one through time. Gains are not sustainable.
So where does this bring us?
It all starts with the recognition that this phenomenon exists. And deliberate, sustained effort to counter the “business as usual” must be made.
What is an information system? How can it influence an organization’s effectiveness? This article defines information system and how it works.
The rapid pace of urban development in the information age is made possible by computer-based information systems. Middle level and upper-level managers benefit a lot from the outputs of a well-designed and efficient information system. In a highly competitive world, information systems define the winners and the losers in many areas: economic, political, social, among others.
But what is an information system? How does it work? How can managers make use of it?
Definition of Information System
An information system is an organized scheme of people and data collection and retrieval tools to produce information. Data is meaningless unless analyzed or processed to meet the needs of the users. Thus, data processors which may be human or machines, process the data and produce information. Information may be in the form of graphs, tables, figures or any output that translates data into understandable forms. Thus, information is processed data.
Modern organizations use computer-based or computer information systems because of its high efficiency in delivering information. Manual information systems, while still in use, is slower and relies mainly on the ability of people to process data.
In the age of information, information systems are synonymous with computer-based or computer information systems. That is because computers are used to process data into understandable chunks of information that the user needs. Slow data processing systems that rely on manual retrieval of data from physical folders or files in a metal cabinet are gradually phased out in modern workplaces.
The information system in relation to the business world (Source: Wikipedia.org).
How Does a Computer Information System Work?
A computer information system requires the input of data, a processing capability, and the ability to produce an output that can be stored for future use. The acronym IPOS summarizes the components of an information system. This acronym stands for Input, Process, Output, and Storage.
In a computer information system, an input is made through the use of a keyboard, a mouse, or a microphone. Process refers to data analysis using software applications that take advantage of the computer’s processor. Computers perform complex calculations to organize data into useful outputs that can be displayed on a screen or printed on paper. It makes sense of data whose raw form is meaningless.
The output may be used immediately or retrieved from a storage whenever necessary. Flash drives, hard disks, and cloud storage facilities are commonly used to store both data and information.
Requisites of Good Information
The information produced in an information system is only as good as the data used to generate it. It follows the GIGO principle: Garbage In, Garbage Out. Wrong information produces false results.
According to Zikmund (1999), useful information should be 1) relevant, 2) timely, 3) of high quality, and 4) complete.
Relevance is the degree to which the information produced is related or useful to the current issue that needs resolution. Information is timely if it is available whenever needed. Information is of high quality if it is based on accurate data and analyzed correctly. And information is highly useful if it answers all of the user’s queries or requirements.
Good information, therefore, is helpful in decision making if it is produced through systematic means. The rigorous manner applied in conducting research plays an essential role in delivering information that makes clear a decision maker’s options.
What attitude should you adopt in writing a doctoral thesis? Is it all too difficult? Here are five tips to get you going.
Writing a doctoral thesis is one of the most challenging tasks a graduate student would have to face in the course of completing a graduate degree. What are the challenges associated with doctoral thesis writing? I narrate my experience as I worked my way through the hurdles of the graduate school.
Give Up or Go On?
One of the professors I hold in awe and respect highly told everyone in class that pursuing a degree in the graduate school is not an easy path to take. There will be times you would want to give up and be free of the many demands of graduate study. He advised us to just “Go on and don’t be discouraged because depression is a normal part of a graduate student’s life.”
His words rung in my mind each time I feel like giving up. Much more so when I plunged deep into the water and looked up and around the blue waters surrounding me. I was assessing the status of coral reefs in selected spots in two bays. I was looking into the congruence of community perception on adjacent coral reefs with the “true” situation of their reefs verified by actual physical assessment of its condition.
Deep down in seawater at about 30 to 60 feet, I reflected upon myself: “What the hell am I doing here, swimming like a fish when I am a human being who should naturally be walking on land!” I am engaging in something unnatural. Humans are not meant to be in the depths of the sea. All of these I do for the sake of science, of trying to support the argument of my doctoral thesis. I felt like giving up.
But a doctoral thesis requires a more intelligent and rigorous inquiry into the unknown (see the difference between a master’s degree and a doctoral degree’s approach to the phenomenon). There should be a difference between a doctoral thesis and a master’s thesis. And I have to do something groundbreaking. At least that’s what I thought it should be.
Thesis defense, or offense?
Writing the Doctoral Thesis: Five Tips
So how can a Ph.D. candidate cope up with the challenges associated with the writing of a doctoral thesis? How can one cope up with the many and never ending manuscript editing woes?
Remember that writing a doctoral thesis is not your most amazing work. It is a prelude for you to appreciate and critically inquire into the theories that are never perfect. You can blaze a path of your own and be known in a niche you can best excel in.
How can you best cope with the task of finishing your doctoral thesis? Here are five suggestions to help you out of your predicament:
Make sure you select an adviser who has a good reputation in your field. A good mentor produces good mentees.
Be very clear about your intention in writing the doctoral thesis. An excellent review of the literature will help you clarify the issue that bogs your mind.
Be brave to change your topic if the path you take gets too messy. Writing the doctoral thesis is done in partial, not full, fulfillment of the course requirements. Don’t aim towards perfection as that means more time and effort that may not be needed.
Don’t force yourself too hard when you are not in the mood to write. Take a break. I did by playing a computer game all day long.
Schedule your work and do a little at a time when your mind is not functioning at its peak. But compensate when you are in the mood. Do things gradually and you will accomplish a great deal. Just be consistent.
The point of the whole matter is that once you decide to go for a doctoral degree, there are some sacrifices to be made. No pain, no gain.
What is market analysis? How is it done? This article describes how market analysis works using data on a pizza study.
After having defined marketing research in my previous post and giving an example conceptual framework for a pizza study, I decided to get into the details of market analysis using a standard multivariate statistical analysis tool. I saw the need of writing this article upon reading several articles on market analysis. There is a need to demonstrate what is market analysis.
Before everything else, the concept “market analysis” should be defined first.
What is market analysis and how is it used?
Market Analysis Defined
Marketing strategies work best when founded on a systematic evaluation of consumer preferences. What do consumers want? How do they respond to a product or service? Marketing research provides answers to these questions.
Hence, market analysis can be defined as the process of evaluating consumer preferences using a systematic approach such as marketing research, among others. Market analysis is a detailed examination of the elements or structure of the market.
Why is a market analysis done? An analysis is done to draw out important findings for interpretation, discussion and finally, a decision on what steps to make.
The Pizza Study
Once again, the conceptual framework given in the pizza study is given below to serve as a reference in the following discussion.
Conceptual framework of the pizza study.
To find out what customers want, let us have a sample data of feedback from 200 pizza shop customers. To understand how analysis works, you need to read the article on variables as these are important units of analysis. If you already understand what variables are, then proceed to read the rest of the discussion.
Coding the Variables for Market Analysis
Let us have the following measures for the variables in this study namely pizza taste, service speed, and waiter courtesy:
Pizza Taste
1 – Very bad
2 – Bad
3 – Moderate
4 – Good
5 – Very good
Service Speed
1 – Satisfied
0 – Not satisfied
Waiter Courtesy
1 – Courteous
0 – Not courteous
Level of Satisfaction
Let us assume that the following Likert scale applies to the customer’s level of satisfaction:
1- Not at all satisfied
2 – Slightly satisfied
3 – Moderately satisfied
4 – Very satisfied
5 – Extremely satisfied
If for example, the customer is satisfied with pizza taste, service speed, and waiter courtesy; he rates everything “5.” If he is not satisfied with courtesy, then he might rate it a “0.”
Multiple Regression Analysis
Below is a data set representing the response of 200 pizza customers that serves as input to multiple regression analysis (you may try the data set if you know how to compute using multiple regression):
You may skip this table by clicking the link below:
A table summarizing the results of the pizza survey.
Customer #
Satisfaction
Taste
Speed
Courtesy
1
5
5
1
1
2
5
4
1
1
3
4
4
1
1
4
4
4
1
1
5
4
4
1
1
6
3
5
0
0
7
5
5
1
1
8
4
5
1
1
9
5
5
1
1
10
4
4
1
1
11
4
4
1
0
12
4
4
1
1
13
4
3
1
1
14
5
3
1
1
15
4
3
1
1
16
3
4
0
1
17
4
4
1
1
18
5
4
1
1
19
5
4
1
0
20
5
4
1
0
21
4
4
1
1
22
3
5
0
1
23
4
5
1
1
24
4
4
1
1
25
3
4
0
1
26
4
5
1
1
27
5
5
1
1
28
5
4
1
1
29
4
4
1
1
30
3
4
0
1
31
3
5
0
1
32
3
5
0
1
33
3
4
0
1
34
4
4
1
1
35
4
3
1
1
36
4
2
1
0
37
5
4
1
1
38
5
3
1
1
39
5
3
1
1
40
4
3
1
1
41
4
4
1
1
42
5
4
1
1
43
4
4
1
1
44
5
3
1
1
45
4
4
1
1
46
5
4
1
1
47
4
5
1
1
48
5
5
1
1
49
4
5
1
1
50
5
5
1
1
51
4
5
1
1
52
5
4
1
1
53
4
4
1
1
54
5
4
1
1
55
4
4
1
0
56
5
5
1
1
57
3
5
0
1
58
3
5
0
1
59
3
5
0
1
60
4
4
1
1
61
4
4
1
0
62
4
4
1
0
63
4
4
0
0
64
5
5
1
1
65
5
5
1
1
66
5
5
1
1
67
5
5
1
1
68
5
4
1
1
69
5
4
1
1
70
5
4
1
1
71
4
4
1
1
72
4
4
1
1
73
4
4
1
1
74
5
3
1
1
75
4
3
1
1
76
5
3
1
1
77
4
4
1
1
78
4
4
1
1
79
4
4
1
1
80
4
5
1
1
81
4
5
1
1
82
4
5
1
0
83
5
5
1
1
84
4
4
1
1
85
4
4
1
1
86
4
4
1
1
87
4
5
1
1
88
4
5
1
1
89
4
5
1
1
90
3
5
0
1
91
4
5
1
1
92
4
4
1
1
93
4
4
1
1
94
5
4
1
1
95
4
4
1
1
96
4
4
1
1
97
4
4
1
0
98
3
4
0
1
99
3
4
0
1
100
3
4
0
1
101
3
4
0
1
102
4
3
1
1
103
4
4
1
1
104
4
4
1
1
105
4
4
1
0
106
4
5
1
1
107
4
5
1
1
108
4
5
1
1
109
5
5
1
1
110
4
5
1
1
111
4
4
1
1
112
4
4
1
1
113
5
4
1
1
114
4
4
1
1
115
4
4
1
1
116
4
4
1
1
117
5
5
1
1
118
5
5
1
1
119
5
5
1
0
120
5
5
1
1
121
5
5
1
1
122
5
4
1
1
123
5
4
1
1
124
5
4
1
1
125
5
4
1
1
126
5
4
1
1
127
5
4
1
1
128
4
4
1
1
129
4
4
1
1
130
4
4
1
0
131
4
4
1
1
132
4
5
1
1
133
4
5
1
1
134
4
5
1
1
135
4
5
1
1
136
4
5
1
1
137
5
4
1
1
138
5
4
1
1
139
5
4
1
1
140
5
3
1
1
141
4
4
1
1
142
4
4
1
1
143
4
4
1
1
144
4
4
1
1
145
4
4
1
0
146
4
4
1
1
147
4
3
1
1
148
4
3
1
1
149
4
3
1
1
150
3
4
0
1
151
4
4
1
1
152
4
4
1
1
153
4
4
1
1
154
3
4
0
1
155
4
4
1
1
156
4
5
1
1
157
4
5
1
1
158
4
5
1
1
159
5
5
1
1
160
5
5
1
1
161
5
5
1
0
162
5
5
1
0
163
5
5
1
1
164
5
5
1
1
165
4
5
1
1
166
4
5
1
1
167
4
5
1
0
168
4
5
1
0
169
4
5
1
1
170
4
4
1
1
171
5
4
1
1
172
5
4
1
1
173
5
4
1
1
174
5
4
1
1
175
4
4
1
1
176
4
5
1
1
177
4
5
1
1
178
4
5
1
1
179
4
5
1
1
180
4
5
1
1
181
5
5
1
1
182
5
5
1
1
183
5
5
1
1
184
5
5
1
1
185
4
5
1
1
186
4
5
1
1
187
4
5
1
1
188
4
4
1
1
189
3
4
0
1
190
4
4
1
1
191
4
4
1
1
192
4
4
1
1
193
4
4
1
1
194
5
4
1
1
195
5
4
1
1
196
5
4
1
0
197
4
5
1
1
198
4
4
1
1
199
4
4
1
1
200
3
4
0
1
Result of the Regression Analysis
The following table presents the results of the multiple regression analysis using a simple spreadsheet software application with regression capability – Gnumeric. The first part shows the general relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The second part shows the details of the relationship between satisfaction score and pizza taste, service speed, and waiter courtesy.
Part 1. Regression Statistics
Multiple R
0.66
R^2
0.44
Standard Error
0.47
Adjusted R^2
0.43
Observations
200
Part 2. Details
Coefficients
Standard Error
t-Statistics
p-Value
Intercept
2.9192
0.2691
10.8486
0.0000
Taste
0.0326
0.0526
0.6208
0.5355
Speed
1.3245
0.1076
12.3100
0.0000
Courtesy
−0.0161
0.1098
−0.1469
0.8834
Notice that the overall relationship has R values. Among these R values, the most important for interpretation is the Adjusted R^2 value. This value represents the relationship between variables of the study. The value obtained here is 0.43. This means 43% of the variation in satisfaction score is accounted for by the three variables.
Closer scrutiny of the details in Part 2 reveals that service speed significantly relates to satisfaction score. The red font indicates this significant relationship (for better understanding, please read the post on how to determine the significance of statistical relationships).
Interpretation of the Results
Based on the results of the statistical analysis, we can say with confidence that among the variables studied, service speed relates significantly to customer satisfaction. If you look closely at the entries in the data set, for every 5 or 4 satisfaction score, a 1 corresponds to service speed, meaning, the customer is satisfied with service speed. Take note, however, that this interpretation holds true only to the particular location where the study transpired.
Given this result, the marketing manager, therefore, should focus on the improvement of service speed to satisfy customers. This simple information can help the pizza business grow and gain a competitive edge. Market analysis guides decision-making and avoids incurring the unnecessary cost associated with the hit-and-miss approach.
What is marketing research? How do you come up with your conceptual framework on marketing research? This article defines the concept and provides a simplified example.
One of the readers of my article on how to develop a conceptual framework asked if I could provide an example conceptual framework on marketing research. I am quite interested in applying the principles of marketing research on my entrepreneurial venture such as in creating and running this website.
It so happened I came across a book on marketing research in BOOKSALE while looking for textbooks on statistics. The book is on sale, so I pulled out my wallet and shelled out a little investment for my hungry brain. The title of the book is a straightforward “Essentials of Marketing Research” by William Zikmund.
I set aside 15 minutes to read the book right after my jogging session. I did this thinking that my mind could actively absorb the contents of the highly academic book after pumping a lot of oxygen during vigorous exercise. In fact, Hillman (2008) noted the beneficial effect of aerobic exercise to cognition. Exercise not only improves physical health but also academic performance.
To come up with a conceptual framework for marketing research, I find it necessary to define marketing research first.
Marketing Research Defined
Zikmund (1999) defines marketing research as a systematic and objective process of generating information to aid in marketing decisions. This process includes specifying what information is required, designing the method for collecting information, managing and implementing the collection of data, analyzing the results, and communicating the findings and their implications.
The most important thing in this definition is that marketing research, as in any research venture, helps business owners or marketing managers make decisions. Marketing research sheds light on customer’s preferences, the long-range profitability of business operations, and other product-oriented concerns.
Successful companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, among other well-known businesses must be employing excellent marketing research activities to keep their edge. Decisions related to their products and services are not haphazardly done. Managers decide with calculated risks.
Example Conceptual Framework on Marketing Research
One of the popular marketing research activities focuses on product quality and services. I illustrate product and service research with a personal experience below.
A few years back, I answered a simple questionnaire soliciting my feedback on the product and services of a pizza shop. The questionnaire sought my rating of pizza taste, service speed, and the courtesy of the server.
We can plot the paradigm of the study as follows:
The paradigm of the pizza study showing the independent and the dependent variables.
The paradigm above shows the conceptual framework of the study. It is an abstract representation of what the pizza manager or consultant has in mind. It shows the variables that the researcher shall examine to determine which of the three variables correlate most with customer satisfaction.
Why were the three independent variables namely pizza taste, service speed, and waiter courtesy selected? A review of the literature on customer satisfaction may have revealed that these variables are determinants of customer satisfaction. But in the particular location where the pizza restaurant operates, any of these variables may be more important than the other. A study found out that customer preferences vary geographically. This finding implies that clients in one place may prioritize courtesy over taste. In one location, customers may put a premium on service speed. In another location, customers may not mind much either the speed or courtesy but the taste.
So how will the marketing manager use the findings of the study in the given example? If for example, customers in the location I’m in prioritizes service speed, then the appropriate action should be to improve the speed of pizza delivery without compromising taste and courtesy.
This example illustrates the importance of marketing research in making decisions that can help businesses grow. Research findings guide marketing managers on what steps to take to improve their business operations.
Reference
Hillman, C. H., Erickson, K. I., & Kramer, A. F. (2008). Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(1), 58-65.
Zikmund, W. (1999). Essentials of marketing research. Dryden Press. 422 pp.
Does electromagnetic radiation emitted from modern digital devices affect sleep? This article explores and describes electromagnetic radiation effect on sleep based on scientific evidence. Read on to find out.
In an earlier post, I described the effect of blue light emitted from laptop or tv screens to sleeping patterns. But knowing this and taking action to prevent exposure to blue light apparently is not enough. I still had difficulty sleeping despite reducing my exposure to blue light. Blue light reduces melatonin levels thus disturb sleep.
I thought emissions from the WiFi adapter in my laptop might have something to do with my insomnia. So I hooked the laptop and the router together using a 10-meter RJ-45 cable run through the ceiling. I then switched off the built-in WiFi adapter on my laptop to a wired internet connection. Apparently, I slept soundly because of this change.
My experience could be considered an anecdotal evidence that the emission of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) can affect sleep. I thought my observation can lend support from the scientific literature. Hence, as is my usual routine, I browsed Google Scholar for relevant research on electromagnetic radiation effect on sleep.
Is there a relationship between EMR and sleep? What does research say about the electromagnetic radiation effect on sleeping patterns? Are they related at all?
Electromagnetic Radiation Effect on Sleep
The following five papers that describe the electromagnetic radiation effect on sleep can be convincing enough.
1. Chronic (or long-term) electromagnetic field exposure causes abnormal tissue death in the brain. It also causes lung damage, paralysis, muscle tremors, and bone pain (Worthington 2007).
2. Residents exposed to electromagnetic radiation from telecommunications towers suffer insomnia. In addition, they noted other non-specific health symptoms. These symptoms include headache, giddiness, loss of memory, diarrhea, mental slowness, reduced reaction time and mood swing (Suleiman 2014).
3. Radiation from cell phone base station affects the adrenal glands. The glands stimulate the production of adrenalin and cortisol. Excess adrenaline causes insomnia (Goldsworthy 2012).
4. Electromagnetic radiation from network routers can disturb sleep (Stein 2015).
These findings demonstrate dose-response relationship. This means that small doses of EMR may not cause health problems. But larger doses can produce health symptoms upon reaching a certain threshold level. The present youth are particularly vulnerable, as their life revolves around the use of these gadgets either for serious school work or at play.
Radiation dose chart
Steps to Avoid Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure
One of the papers recommended that governments should impose new regulations on EMR-emitting communications infrastructure. Locating cell phone stations away from densely populated regions can reduce health risk. Chronic or long-term exposure to EMR-emitting gadgets such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, among others in the information age should be avoided.
To reduce electromagnetic radiation effects on your health, take the following steps:
1. Avoid using your electronic gadgets close to your body. Use an earphone when calling someone.
2. Connect to the internet using a cable as much as possible. If you can do so, switch off your WiFi adapter. The adapter emits more radiation the distance increases from the router. Weak router signals mean more electromagnetic radiation emitted by your gadget’s receiver.
3. Avoid going to places where people converge and use their cell phones such as malls and buses.
4. Do not sleep with your cell phone on and next to you.
5. Do not put your cellphone in your pocket. EMR has been known to cause infertility problems.
6. Avoid living near cellphone base stations. If living near one, block your house from incoming radiation with reflective aluminum insulation and painted walls.
7. Inform others about the health effects of electromagnetic radiation. Encourage them to take action so that emission of EMR in your workplace or community will be reduced.
The worry of the future generation is not about visible air pollution as environmental technology gradually keeps it at bay. Invisible radiation, due to our modern communications systems, is a threat that now shows its symptoms.
What you can’t see can harm you.
References
Goldsworthy, A. (2012). Cell phone radiation and harmful effects: Just how much more proof do you need?.
Regel, S. J., Tinguely, G., Schuderer, J., Adam, M., Kuster, N., Landolt, H. P., & Achermann, P. (2007). Pulsed radio‐frequency electromagnetic fields: dose‐dependent effects on sleep, the sleep EEG and cognitive performance. Journal of sleep research, 16(3), 253-258.
Stein, Y., Hänninen, O., Huttunen, P., Ahonen, M., & Ekman, R. (2015). Electromagnetic Radiation and Health: Human Indicators. In Environmental Indicators (pp. 1025-1046). Springer Netherlands.
Suleiman, A., Gee, T. T., Krishnapillai, A. D., Khalil, K. M., Hamid, M. W. A., & Mustapa, M. (2014). Electromagnetic radiation health effects in exposed and non-exposed residents in Penang. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 2(02), 77.
Worthington, A. (2007). The radiation poisoning of America. GlobalResearch. ca, October, 9.
Plain and straightforward tips on how to come up with great research topics. Read on to find out.
Students often come to me and ask what research topics would be worth pursuing to fulfill their course requirements. I always refer them to the university’s research agenda as it defines what the country needs to realize the goals of sustainable development. The university’s research agenda is broad enough to cater to everyone’s interest, but there is a need to bring this down to a level that one can practically pursue in the field.
Recognizing the need to narrow down further the research topic to make it doable, I usually ask my students two questions that will guide them in selecting a research topic and start off their research venture with greater confidence.
Two Questions to Identify Great Research Topics
I ask the following questions to help students find their way in the maze of topics they find particularly when they are online. These questions assist them to arrive at great research topics that are practical and doable.
1. What research topic strikes your interest?
This question is easier answered if a student is a masters degree candidate. But for undergraduate students who do research by groups, selecting great research topics that represent the group’s interest is a bit tricky. A few confident undergraduate students would tell me that they would like to do their research by themselves because of this concern. But I convince them that the investigation is better done in groups considering the multi-disciplinary nature of current research interests. And doing research in groups help them develop desirable values such as cooperation, unity, punctuality, and generosity as they interact with each other.
Hence, there is a need for the members of the group to spend time together to discuss and come up with a topic that will represent everyone’s interest. A mind mapping activity can best capture ideas concepts and let the group see their options better.
2. How much time and money can you allocate to your research?
Sometimes, students tend to undertake projects that are beyond their means to perform as well as fund. Thus, I ask them to prepare a work and financial plan so that they can define the tasks to do, the time required for it, and the associated costs of the activity.
I show a simple work and financial plan below that can help students manage their time, effort, and finances.
Task
Time Frame
Estimated Cost
Remarks
Jan
Feb
Mar
1. Gather relevant literature
x
P 150
photocopy
2. Develop conceptual framework
-x
P 500
meeting
3. Prepare questionnaire
–x
P 800
printing
4. Gather data
—x
P 1,000
fare, snacks
5. Encode data and analyze
xx
P 1,500
statistician’s fee
6. Write and revise paper
–xx
7. Submit manuscript
x
P 500
photocopy
TOTAL
P 4,450
x – week performed
After having an idea of the cost involved in carrying out the study, students will now be in a better position to decide if they are willing to incur such expense. This approach prevents unexpected expenses that may be beyond the capacity of the students to fund thus avert cost overruns.
If the research topic entails expenses that are way beyond the capacity of the group to fund, then the rational option is to find another topic that won’t cost an arm and a leg.
Simple tips like this make life easier for many students.
