Confidence Level, t & z Tests

...the 95% degree of confidence means that on any one test of the null hypothesis, there is a 5% chance the researcher will reject it, despite being true (Salkind, 2007). However, in exploring the concept, there is a need to look at 3 issues about statistical confidence, and these are: the confidence interval; confidence limits, and confidence level... <<Download>>

Mixed Methods and Challenges in Writing a Dissertation

...a mixed method design can be described as a kind of research in which a researcher combines quantitative and qualitative research techniques, methods, approaches, concepts, or language into a single study (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004)....As such, in order to conduct a mixed methods research, there is a need to collect, analyse, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data in one study, or a number of studies, where an investigation of the same phenomenon is under consideration..<<Download>>

Qualitative Approaches

...and, partly, because of the preceding attributes the case study approach has been considered relevant for the qualitative topic under consideration. To add to the point just raised, a case study approach allows for a detailed, extensive study of a particular phenomenon, under a particular context in real life (Rosenberg & Yates, 2007)... <<Download>>

Qualitative Research Design

...yet, accountants did not seem to be very visible enough during the global financial crisis of 2008/2009, to give advice to businesses either in the print or visual and audio media. The view of the researcher is that the global financial crisis provided an excellent platform for accountants in Botswana to prove their mantle, and lead discussions together with other professionals on this topical issue...<<Download>>

Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods and Problems

...quantitative research is a type of research that employs scientific methods to facilitate investigation. It has a special interest in the study of phenomena as well as quantitative properties and how the two relate to each other. Quantitative research, in trying to reach this understanding, uses mathematical models...<<Download>>

Quantitative Research Methods

...as this message was being advocated the global financial crisis set in, and this resulted in most workers losing their jobs in the Botswana mining sector. Incidentally, the Botswana economy is mostly reliant on the export of minerals... <<Download>>

Quasi Experimental Research

...a quasi experimental research design can be placed between pre-experimental and true- experimental research methods. Pre-experimental research design employs random assignment of subjects or individuals to groups, a procedure which has the potential to limit the power of the research process in identifying the causal nature of the relationship between dependent and independent variables...<<Download>>

Questionnaire and Constructs

...a questionnaire is one of the instruments that researchers use to collect data about their participants. And, as such, it can make or break a research study, depending on how well or poorly it has been designed. This makes it essential, therefore, that it be well designed; hence a lot of attention should be devoted to ensuring that it is made in such a way that it will positively aid the research study...<<Download>>

Research Problem Definition

...Rashid & Ahmad (2008) evaluated the relative performance of linear versus non linear methods to forecast stock index volatility using data from 2001 to 2007. Breen, Hodrick & Korajczyk (2002) developed a measure of liquidity, price impact to quantify the change in a firm's stock price related to observed net trading volume. Jarrett & Schilling (2008) developed an ARIMA model for prediction, and found that time series exhibit properties which are forecast able and provide intelligent data analysts' methods to predict the directive of individual stock returns for listed German firms...<<Download>>

Sampling, Reliability and Validity

...stratified sampling is essential when members of a population posses characteristics, which are dissimilar and yet important. It is, therefore, pertinent that in picking up samples all those important characteristics are represented to reflect the characteristics of the population...As previously noted, in sampling, it is necessary to ensure that a sample is as representative as much as possible of the population...<<Download>>

 The Cyclical Nature of Research

...This paper is in 2 parts; the first part considers the cyclical nature of research and its 8 stages on a much theoretical basis. These 8 stages are: asking the question; identifying important factors; formulating a hypothesis; collecting relevant information; testing the hypothesis; working with the hypothesis; reconsidering the theory, and then asking new questions. The second part of the paper looks at a management accounting research study, conducted in New Zealand. The report was analysed for evidence of compliance with the 8 stages, as highlighted by Salkind (2005). It was, however, noted that in this case the researcher did not strictly follow the 8 stages to the letter. This implies, therefore, that the extent to which the stages are followed might be determined by the methodology used...<<Download>>

Interviews and Correlational Research

...at inception of an interview, the interviewer must do her best to make the interviewee comfortable. One of the ways of achieving this is to begin the conversation by breaking the ice, by talking about such things as: items on desks, souvenirs from a family vacation, hobby paraphernalia or pictures on a wall. This approach, which is often referred to as the desk top approach, provides an excellent opportunity to establish rapport (Whatley,2005)...<<Download>>