MASTERS OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

London Metropolitan University

ESOFT Metro Campus

Academic Year: 2018/19

Module name and module code: MN7183 Management learning and research

Lecturer: Dr. Dilina Herath

Assignment: Assessment 1 - Comparative Methodological Critique

Name:

LMU Registration Number:

This assignment is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement of the Degree of Master of
Business Administration of London Metropolitan University

Table of Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Identification of the research studies ............................................................................................... 2
2.1 Identification of Article “A” ....................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Identification of Article “B”........................................................................................................ 3
3. Identification and discussion of philosophy ..................................................................................... 5
3.1 Identification and philosophy of article “A” ................................................................................ 5
3.2 Identification and philosophy of article “B” ................................................................................ 5
4. Discussion of the research design/strategy ....................................................................................... 7
4.1 Discussion of the research design/strategy of article “A” ............................................................ 7
4.2 Discussion of the research design/strategy of article “B” ............................................................. 7
5. Discussion of the design and use of data collection tools ................................................................. 9
5.1 Discussion of the design and use of data collection tools of article “A” ....................................... 9
5.2 Discussion of the design and use of data collection tools of article “B” ..................................... 10
6 Concluding discussion ................................................................................................................... 11
List of Reference................................................................................................................................ 13
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1. Introduction
Comparative methodological critique is a discussion about a qualitative and a quantitate research
study. For the discussion below two research studies have been chosen from Pair 1 in the
resource folder given under the MN7183 Management and Learning Research module. The
qualitative study is about determine people attitudes and beliefs toward HIV screening in dental
sites in USA and quantitative study discussed about factors influencing academic achievement in
quantitative courses among business students of private higher education institutions in South
Africa. For the discussion below two articles are differentiated as “Article A” and “Article B”.
Detailed information of two articles are as follow.

Article A – Quantitative research study – “A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Attitudes toward HIV
Testing in the Dental Setting”

Article B – Qualitative research study – “Factors Influencing Academic Achievement in

Quantitative Courses among Business Students of Private Higher Education Institutions”.

Article A and B have been critique by discussions, suitability of chosen methods, best practices
involved, research mistakes occurred and with critical evaluation of research methods used.
Basically critique were carried across five areas and namely can be stated as Identification of
article, Research philosophy and rationale for the research design, Research design/strategy, Data
collection tools and finally concluding discussion.

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2. Identification of the research studies Comment [L1]: Identification of studies aims
and objectives and research questions been
addressed. It is commendable that you have
highlight and signposted key words related to
assessment criteria.
2.1 Identification of Article “A”
The research was carried out in New York City in USA to identify feasibility and acceptability of
people about participating HIV screening test at dental settings. The researcher has interviewed
19 adults attending a university based dental clinic. Research data were collected in two months
period by conducting in depth interviews to assess patient’s attitudes, beliefs, and perceived
acceptability on dental setting HIV screening. Since the researcher has modeled and analyzed the
data to derive acceptability and feasibility of novel HIV screening method, this research can be
categorized as a qualitative research.

The aim of the research is recognize patients’ beliefs, insights, and site-specific barriers that
important in implementation of a collaborative nurse-dentist rapid oral fluid HIV screening
program at a large, urban, university dental center. The main objective of this study has given in
the end of the longer introduction as “The purpose of this study was to examine dental patients’
attitudes, beliefs, and perceived barriers to HIV screening in order to address these factors in an
implementation plan” (VanDevanter, et al, 2012, p.2). In addition to that there is no specific
research question was found in the article. Instead of that, a longer introduction has given by
explaining background reason for testing novel HIV screening method. Therefore, reader has to
interpret the research question by concluding the introduction. Based on that, it can be concluded
that research question is, what is the best possible way to do HIV screening in public setting?
However in a similar study done by Nunn in 2016 regarding HIV screening, objectives and
research questions were found separately mentioned in the beginning of the research paper.

Authors of the article haven’t given a separate abstract in the research paper. Therefore, rationale
of the article has to be identified through the research introduction again. Researchers have
mentioned that at the beginning of introduction “Early diagnosis and treatment have dramatically
increased lifespan and reduced HIV transmission; yet 55% of adults, ages 18–64, report they
have never been tested for HIV” (VanDevanter, et al, 2012, p.1). Based on that, rationale of the
research can be concluded as identifying and introducing a novel HIV screening method to
control spreading HIV disease among community.

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2.2 Identification of Article “B”
This research is about determine factors influencing being success in quantitative course among
business students. The researcher has selected 119 business study students for the study in South
Africa by a random sampling technique. The data for the research was collected by a structured
questionnaire. The researcher has used appropriate statistical analyzing methods to examine the
collected data to make a conclusion about factors affecting academic achievement. Therefore,
this research can be categorized as a quantitative research.

There is no specific aim for the study has mentioned in the article. However, direction of the
research has emphasized under the introduction by discussing a topic called “Research Problem”.
It has mentioned that the main problem for the research as “Attainment of low educational
achievements in quantitative courses among business students of private higher education
institutions has led to student dropouts and low graduate point averages” (Ganyaupfu, 2013,
p.57). Therefore, the aim of the study could be understand as identification of key reasons for
poor academic performance of business study students. The objective of the research were
specifically mentioned under the section introduction with a sub topic Research Objective as
“The aim is to measure the influence of lecturer competence, teaching method, quality of
learning materials, minimum admission criteria and mathematics aptitude on academic
achievements in quantitative courses among business students of private higher education
institutions” (Ganyaupfu, 2013, p.57). However, before that, under the abstract also the objective
of the research found as “The objective of this research was to examine factors influencing
academic achievement in quantitative courses among business students of private higher
education institutions in South Africa” (Ganyaupfu, 2013, p.57). Once reader look into both
statements mentioned in abstract and introduction, contradiction of research objective can be
identified. Therefore, it is evident that, researchers has failed to clearly demarcate the research
objective of the research. Though, when the reader deeply look into the two statements above, it
would be able to understand that the mentioned Research Objective under the introduction
section is actually the Research Aim of the research.

Research question also found under the section introduction of the article and it is stated as
“What are the major factors influencing academic achievements in quantitative courses among
business students of private higher education institutions? (Ganyaupfu, 2013, p.57).

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Rationale of the study too found in the introduction section under the sub topic “Significance of
the Study”. It has clearly mentioned the purpose of the research and benefit to the relevant
stakeholders as “This research study helps to provide some relevant insights on measurable
aspects of major factors influencing business students’ academic achievements in quantitative
courses. Furthermore, such knowledge will help academics in designing strategies that can
improve learners’ academic achievements” (Ganyaupfu, 2013, p.58).

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3. Identification and discussion of philosophy Comment [L2]: For both articles,
identification and discussion of the research
3.1 Identification and philosophy of article “A” philosophy underpinning the rationale for the
research design in each study has been made
The researcher is required precisely understand differences between people in our roles as social and justified through valid arguments with the
support of relevant extractions from research
actors when they use interpretivism approach in the research. The challenge that has to overcome studies.
here is by entering to social world of the research subject and determine their world from their
point of view (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). When examine the particular study here,
researcher has carried out a study to understand attitude of people about HIV testing in the dental
setting. Since research topic is closer to human feelings and belief, researcher has selected
interpretivism philosophy for the research. Further, according to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill
(2009), selecting a small sample is more appropriate for inductive approach rather choosing a
large number as with the deductive approach. As the researcher has selected only 19 patients for
the study, it’s vibrant that sample size is small. Furthermore, researcher had a requirement of
identifying suitability and practical ability of implementation of the new HIV screening method.
Therefore, it’s vivid to understand that researcher has object of building a theory. Therefore
research has been carried out in inductive approach.

Furthermore, when carefully examine the rationale for the research design, in the introduction
section of the article it has been stated that “Some dentists and dental students have voiced
concerns that patients would react negatively to offers of HIV testing” and “Few studies have
examined patients’ actual beliefs and perceptions regarding HIV testing in the dental setting”
(VanDevanter, et al, 2012, p.1). Based on the above statements it is understandable that this
research is directly involved with human belief, perception and feelings. As per Creswell (2013),
qualitative research has been introduced as an inductive method of reconnoitering the
experiences of human beings towards social phenomena to discover the essence of such
occurrences. Therefore, researches selection of interpretivism philosophy and inductive approach
of the research design is perfectly match with the research rationale and objectives.

3.2 Identification and philosophy of article “B”

If the researcher prefer to working with an observable social reality and if the end result of the
research is law-like generalization similar to the physical and natural scientist, the research
approach is stated as positivism (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). Once look into the
quantitative research here, it has been stated that the objective of the study as identification of
factors influencing academic achievement in quantitative courses. Also it has been stated that
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119 students were selected to the study by selecting them through a random sampling technique.
Since research objective is in line with above statement of positivism philosophy and because of
selection of large random sample, the philosophical stance of the research is positivism. Further
same authors were elaborated the positivism research strategy approach as “To generate a
research strategy to collect these data you are likely to use existing theory to develop
hypotheses” (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009, p.113). The particular research was carried
out by declaring 5 hypothesizes and they were tested at 5 percent level of significance using
descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares and stepwise regression techniques. Selected
hypothesis for the research as follow.

1. There is a significant positive correlation between lecturer competence and student

academic achievement in quantitative courses
2. There is a significant positive correlation between teaching methods and student
academic achievement in quantitative courses
3. There is a significant positive correlation between quality of learning materials and
student academic achievement in quantitative courses
4. There is a significant positive correlation between minimum admission criteria and
student academic achievement in quantitative courses
5. There is a significant negative relationship between poor mathematics aptitude and
student academic achievements in quantitative courses

As research has been carried out by selecting considerable large sample, declaring hypothesis
and by testing them by appropriate statistical technique, the research philosophy is proved as
positivism and approach is deductive.

When look into the rationale of the research study, it can understand that researcher objective of
the study is deduce of measurable evidence that influence for the academic achievement in
quantitative courses among business students. Further it has been stated that research findings
will be benefited to academics in designing strategies in order to improve learners’ academic
achievements. Those researcher view points on study has clearly emphasized as “This research
study helps to provide some relevant insights on measurable aspects of major factors influencing
business students’ academic achievements in quantitative courses” (Ganyaupfu, 2013, p.58)
under the Research Significance. Therefore, selection of positivism philosophy with deductive
approach for research design can be recognize as the best method for the subjected research
study.
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 4. Discussion of the research design/strategy Comment [L3]: Discussion of the research
design / strategy used in each study using the
4.1 Discussion of the research design/strategy of article “A” research methods literature has taken place
related each of the articles. This area has been
When examine the research strategy of the given qualitative study, researchers have been stated addressed with appropriate critique with
external sources cited from relevant research
the research methodology was taken by them as “In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 methods literature.
new patients between April and May of 2011 to assess their attitudes, beliefs, and perceived
acceptability of rapid oral HIV testing in the dental clinic setting” (VanDevanter, et al, 2012,
p.2). Since research design is involved with in-depth interviews to understand human perception,
believes and attitudes about the novel HIV screening method, research strategy can be presented
as Ethnography. Ethnography is the primary method of social and cultural anthropology, which
are relate to study on personal experience including individuals or community-based samples
(Daniel, 2016). Further as discussed under the identification of research, it has been identified
that the objective of the study is identifying the suitability of novel HIV screening method. The
researchers have planned to reach to the conclusion by building a theory rather testing
hypothesis. Therefore, the research approach can be recognized as inductive. However, when
compare the subjected study with a similar study carried out in South Africa in 2016, it is
possible to emerge some ineffective research design of the given qualitative study. In the
particular study compared, researchers have chosen three settings to carry out the test rather
selecting one dental setting. Further, that research also has been completed by a short period of
time with 90 minutes interview and end questionnaire. Therefore, it can be concluded that, since
they have chosen shorter time horizon, research strategy has been built with blended approach of
qualitative and quantitative (Kelvin, et al, 2016). Where that can be understand as Realism in
philosophy and Action Research as the strategy. Therefore, with that comparison it can be
determined that as per selected time horizon of the given study, completing the research by sole
Ethnographic research strategy cannot be identified as the most optimum selection for the
research.

4.2 Discussion of the research design/strategy of article “B”

The quantitative research has stated “The research was conducted based on descriptive survey
and correlational study designs” and “Simple random sampling technique was applied to select
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one hundred and nineteen (n = 119) business students. The sample comprised of 77.3% female
and 22.7% male students” (Ganyaupfu, 2013, p.59). Based on the above statement, the research
strategy can be recognized as a survey. The survey strategy and research design allows
researchers to collect quantitative data where can be analyzed by descriptive and inferential
statistics methods. Further, this strategy provide provision for reasoning particular relationship
between variables and produce models of the relationships (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill,
2009). Since positivism philosophy has been selected for the study with 5 preset hypothesizes
and a large sample, survey is a justifiable selection for the research strategy. Once evaluate the
time horizon of the research in the article, no any data found regarding the time frame of
conducted research. Since validity of data and research strategy are highly dependable with time
horizon, this be able to state as a major negligence of research documentation. According to
Daniel (2016), in research on educational studies the researcher required to observe the teaching
methods first and see how the methods affects students. Then based on the observation and
inputs made by the participants can be used to understand the real point of orientation. But, when
the research carried out in quantitative approach, this process is not possible wherein its liturgical
order of study does not support several ways of knowing. As subjected research has followed
questionnaire survey as the primary research strategy, the researcher didn’t get the opportunity to
test the hypothesis in the manner mentioned by Daniel, therefore selected research design and
philosophical method may affected deriving incorrect conclusion of some tested hypothesis.

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 5. Discussion of the design and use of data collection tools Comment [L4]: For both articles, discussion
of the design and use of data collection tools
with reference to research methods literature
been evidenced for both articles. You have
shown adequate knowledge about different
5.1 Discussion of the design and use of data collection tools of article “A” tool and their suitability for application in
different settings
Data gathering of qualitative research has been carried out by interviewing 19 patients at a dental
setting. Each interview was lasted between 15 and 25 minutes and all the discussions were audio
recoded by the interviewer. Basically qualitative research uses data collection techniques such as
interviews and data analysis procedures such as categorizing data where not involved any
numerical analysis of collected data (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). Therefore, selected
data collection method can be classified as qualitative primary data collection. Apart from that
data collection process has shown sufficient research ethics which are followed by the
researchers. Statements such like “Limited demographic information was obtained from
participants” and “Eighteen of the nineteen interviews were conducted in English. One interview
was conducted in Spanish because the bilingual participant requested Spanish” (VanDevanter, et
al, 2012, p.3) given sufficient evident for practice of research ethics. However, no any secondary
data collection or analysis found in the research. In research data collection it is possible to use
combine data collection methods. One of that method is multi-method where refers to more than
one data collection technique is used with associated analysis techniques (Tashakkori and
Teddlie 2003). But, in the subjected research, researcher has used only one data collection
method, which is interview. According to the research onion, once use interpritivism for
inducting a theory most suitable choice of research is multi-method (Saunders, Lewis and
Thornhill, 2009). Furthermore, since the research aim is identify people preference on high
sensitive matter HIV screening at new type of setting, concluding the research outcome by one
data collection method isn’t effective rather consider some already recorded secondary data.

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5.2 Discussion of the design and use of data collection tools of article “B”
The quantitative study was conducted based on descriptive survey and correlational study
designs. For the research, 119 business students were selected to the study by a random sampling
technique. Then after data was collected in two ways which are mentioned as a “structured
questionnaire and students’ statements of results which provided students’ academic results of
the quantitative courses they completed” (Ganyaupfu, 2013, p.59). Basically quantitative
research methods deals with quantifying and analysis of collected data in order to derive results.
That involves analysis of numerical data using specific statistical techniques to answer questions
(Apuke, 2017). Since the subjected research has chosen to collect numerical data by student
statement of results and sample opinion through a questionnaire, it can be concluded that selected
data collection method is an optimum data collection technique for the subjected type of
research. Further, before the collection of data, researchers have done data collection instrument
validation. As it has stated “The structural validity of the measurement tools was examined using
factor analysis; in which total correlation analysis of items was evaluated” (Ganyaupfu, 2013,
p.59), it can be identified that selected sample size for the study and data analytical statistical
methods chosen for the study are best tested method. That assurance will be provided a validity
for end results and conclusion for the research findings. Apart from that, researchers have been
stated all the statistical analysis formulas and methods were used for collected data analysis in
the article. All results and derivations are presented in tabular and graphical format for the better
understanding of readers. Therefore, research has provided a good transparency of the data
analysis and validity of research finding through selected data analytics presentation method
chosen.

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6 Concluding discussion

Basically chosen research design of qualitative and quantitative can be identified as suitable
approaches for the separate two studies discussed above. Since Article “A” deal with belief,
feelings and perception of highly sensitive and social debatable matter of HIV screening,
qualitative type of research design can be identified as the most suitable methodology. The
Article “B” subjected to a discussion on factors affecting academic achievement in quantitative
courses among business students. The researcher has taken the stance of quantitative research
design for the study and can be recognize as a sufficient selection for the subjected topic.
However, as some of the factors of the subjected topic depends with human nature and
perception, it may perhaps propose that qualitative research design also a suitable design for the
particular study.

As per the Daniel (2016), qualitative research approach consist with identification of
participants’ observation and focused group nature which provide wider understanding of
behavior. Hence, qualitative research approach provides abundant data about real life people and
situations. Therefore, qualitative research approach chosen for the Article “A” can be justified as
the best selection for the debated topic. Since identification of novel HIV screening method
depends on human perception and as well it’s required highly accurate conclusion on research
findings, qualitative research feature of capability of collecting ample real life data is highly
benefited to the researcher to provide most acceptable research conclusion. Furthermore,
qualitative design provides provision for emergent of theory from data to construct and
reconstruct theories where necessary, instead of testing data generated elsewhere by other
researchers. Apart from that expressions and experiences of the observers are simply understood
even when there are little or no information about them (Leedy and Ormrod, 2014). As the
primary objective of the researchers of Article “A” is building a theory by using the preferred
inductive approach, based on the facts discussed above it can be concluded that elected
qualitative research design is the most suitable selection.

Since quantitative research approach use statistical data for the research descriptions and
analysis, that reduces the time and effort of the researcher where invested in describing result.
Thus, one advantage of quantitative approach is, it save time and resources (Bryman, 2012). As
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the quantitative research study discussed above has selected 119 students as the sample and use
their individual academic results as data collection method, it is realizable that amount of data
collected is comparatively high with other studies. However, since researcher has selected
quantitative approach, it requires only few time and resources for data analysis with appropriate
statistical analysis tools. Therefore, selection of quantitative method can be identified as a
suitable selection for the research with large number of data set. Moreover, another benefit of
this research approach is since research approach basically relies on hypotheses testing, the
researcher need not to do intelligent speculation (Lichtman, 2013). The subjected research has
clearly mentioned 5 hypothesis at the beginning of research and simply hypothesis were tested
by analyzing collected data with standard statistical tools. Therefore, it can be considered as an
advantage of the research, as researcher required only to determine influencing factors, already
derived theories were used to deduct conclusion. Once consider the 1st null hypothesis given in
the article, can be argued the quantitative approach suitability with hypothesis factor.

There is a significant positive correlation between lecturer competence and student

academic achievement

Since lecturer competence is a qualitative factor, testing the hypothesis by only using student
feedback based on preset questionnaire and student academic achievement cannot be recognized
as an optimum and fair methodology for conclusion deduction. As per the general feature of
quantitative studies, the participants have no opportunity to contribute to the study. The linear
and non-flexibility landscape of a quantitative approach stresses that the researcher follow a
certain order by setting the research question and hypotheses (Berg and Howard, 2012).
Therefore, research decision about subjected hypothesis cannot be identified as a precise
conclusion without considering qualitative factors influence to the declared hypothesis. Hence,
that can be deducted as an erroneous selection of hypothesis or research approach for the
subjected study.

In conclusion, other than some issues discussed above and problems addressed under the prior
sections discussed, all in all research philosophy, strategy/design, data collection tools and
method of data analysis are sufficient to the qualitative and quantitative research studies
discussed for the comparative methodological critique.

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List of References

Apuke, O. D. (2017) Quantitative research methods a synopsis approach. Arabian Journal of

Business and Management Review (Kuwait Chapter), 6(10), pp.99-108. Available at <
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320346875_Quantitative_Research_Methods_A_Syno
psis_Approach>. [Accessed on 16th October 2019].

Berg, B. L. and Howard, L. (2012) Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. 8th ed.
USA, Pearson Educational Inc.

Bryman, A. (2012) Social Research Methods. 4th ed. New York, Oxford University Press.

Creswell, J. W. (2009) Research Design: Qualitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. London:
SAGE.

Daniel, E. (2016) The Usefulness of Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches and Methods in
Researching Problem-Solving Ability in Science Education Curriculum. Journal of Education
and Practice, 7(15), pp.91-100.

Ganyaupfu, E. M. (2013) Factors Influencing Academic Achievement in Quantitative Courses

among Business Students of Private Higher Education Institutions. Journal of Education and
Practice, 4(15), pp.57-65.

Kelvin, E. A., Cheruvillil, S., Christian, S. and Mantell, J. E. (2016) Choice in HIV testing: the
acceptability and anticipated use of a self-administered at-home oral HIV test among South
Africans. Afr J AIDS Res, 15(2), pp.99-108. Available at
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5453183/>. [Accessed on 16 th October 2019].

Leedy, P. & Ormrod, J. E. (2014) Practical Research Planning and Design. 10th ed. Edinburgh,
Pearson Educational Inc.

Lichtman, M. (2013) Qualitative Research in Education: A User’s Guide. 3rd ed. USA, SAGE
Publication

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Nunn, A. (2006) Routine HIV Screening in an Urban Community Health Center: Results from a
Geographically Focused Implementation Science Program. Public Health Rep, 131(1), pp.30-40.

Saunders, M., Lewis. P. and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research methods for business students. 15th
ed. Harlow, Pearson Education Limited

Tashakkori, A. and Teddlie, C. (2003) Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social and Behavioural
Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

VanDevanter, N., Combellick, J., Hutchinson, M. K., Phelan, J., Malamud, D. and Shelley, D.
(2012) A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Attitudes toward HIV Testing in the Dental Setting.
Nursing Research and Practice, 1(1), pp.1-6.

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