Formal And Informal Research: Write A Paper That Describes T
Formal And Informal Researchwrite A Paper That Describes The Differenc
Write a paper that describes the differences between formal and informal research. What are the benefits and the drawbacks? Provide examples of when might you use each type of research. The requirements below must be met for your paper to be accepted and graded: Write between 750 – 1,250 words (approximately 3 – 5 pages) using Microsoft Word in APA style, see example below. Use font size 12 and 1†margins. Include cover page and reference page. At least 80% of your paper must be original content/writing. No more than 20% of your content/information may come from references. Use at least three references from outside the course material, one reference must be from EBSCOhost. Text book, lectures, and other materials in the course may be used, but are not counted toward the three reference requirement. Cite all reference material (data, dates, graphs, quotes, paraphrased words, values, etc.) in the paper and list on a reference page in APA style. References must come from sources such as, scholarly journals found in EBSCOhost, CNN, online newspapers such as, The Wall Street Journal, government websites, etc. Sources such as, Wikis, Yahoo Answers, eHow, blogs, etc. are not acceptable for academic writing.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Research is a fundamental component of academic and professional inquiry, enabling individuals and organizations to gather pertinent information to inform decisions, solve problems, and advance knowledge. The methodology employed in research can broadly be classified into two categories: formal and informal research. Understanding the key differences between these approaches, along with their respective benefits and drawbacks, is crucial for selecting the appropriate method for specific contexts. This paper explores the distinctions between formal and informal research, providing examples to illustrate their application, advantages, and disadvantages.
Definition of Formal and Informal Research
Formal research refers to systematic, structured investigations that follow established scientific methods. It involves predefined objectives, methodologies, and procedures designed to ensure reliability, validity, and replicability of results. Formal research typically utilizes organized data collection techniques such as surveys, experiments, and longitudinal studies. The process often involves rigorous planning, documentation, and analysis, with findings presented in standardized formats like research reports or scholarly articles.
In contrast, informal research is less structured and more spontaneous. It often occurs in everyday situations or preliminary stages of investigation, where individuals gather information through casual conversations, observations, or quick searches. Informal research may lack the rigor and systematic approach of formal methods but is valuable for gaining immediate insights or exploring new ideas without significant resource investment.
Differences between Formal and Informal Research
The primary distinctions between formal and informal research lie in their structure, purpose, and methodology. Formal research is characterized by its systematic approach—defining hypotheses, selecting representative samples, and employing standardized instruments to collect data. Formal research aims for accuracy and generalizability, often seeking to establish cause-and-effect relationships or broad trends.
Conversely, informal research is more flexible and exploratory. It often involves unstructured interviews, casual observations, or quick online searches without strict protocols. Its purpose is usually to gather preliminary information, generate hypotheses, or informally assess a situation.
Another difference pertains to the level of resource commitment; formal research typically requires significant time, funding, and expertise, whereas informal research can be conducted rapidly with minimal resources. Data privacy and ethical considerations are more rigorously addressed in formal research due to its scholarly nature, while informal research may prioritize convenience over strict ethical standards.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits of Formal Research:
1. Reliability and Validity: Formal research methods use standardized instruments, increasing confidence in the accuracy of findings (Creswell, 2014).
2. Generalizability: Results can often be applied to larger populations, providing valuable insights for policy and decision-making.
3. Scientific R rigor: Formal research adheres to established protocols, enhancing credibility and acceptance within academic and professional communities.
Drawbacks of Formal Research:
1. Resource Intensive: It often requires substantial time, money, and expertise, which may not be feasible for all projects.
2. Rigidity: Strict protocols may limit flexibility, making it less adaptable to emerging insights or changes during the research process.
3. Complexity: The complexity of designing and conducting formal research can be daunting for novices.
Benefits of Informal Research:
1. Speed and Flexibility: Informal research can be conducted quickly, offering immediate insights.
2. Cost-Effective: Requires minimal resources, making it accessible for small-scale investigations or preliminary exploration.
3. Practicality: Useful for understanding context-specific issues or engaging in brainstorming sessions.
Drawbacks of Informal Research:
1. Lack of Reliability: Data collected informally may be biased or unrepresentative, limiting its validity.
2. Limited Scope: Results are often not generalizable beyond the immediate context.
3. Potential for Bias: Casual data collection may be influenced by personal opinions or unverified sources.
Examples of When to Use Each Type of Research
Formal Research: When organizations need to make data-driven decisions, formal research provides comprehensive, credible information. For example, a healthcare company might conduct clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new medication, ensuring that results are scientifically valid and accepted by regulatory agencies (Fisher, 2018).
Informal Research: This approach is suitable during early-stage project planning or when quick insights are needed. For instance, a small business owner might casually survey customers' preferences or observe competitors’ practices to inform initial strategic decisions without extensive resources.
Conclusion
Distinguishing between formal and informal research is essential for choosing the most appropriate approach based on objectives, resources, and context. Formal research offers reliability, validity, and generalizability, making it suitable for significant, resource-intensive projects. On the other hand, informal research provides rapid, cost-effective insights ideal for preliminary investigations or rapid decision-making. Both methods possess unique benefits and limitations, and often, combining them can harness their respective strengths for comprehensive understanding and effective problem-solving.
References
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. SAGE Publications.
Fisher, C. (2018). Researching and writing a dissertation: An essential guide for business students. Pearson.
Johnson, R. B., & Christensen, L. (2014). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches. SAGE Publications.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2016). Research methods for business students. Pearson Education Limited.
Yin, R. K. (2017). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. SAGE Publications.
Hevner, A. R., March, S. T., Park, J., & Ram, S. (2004). Design science research in information systems research. MIS Quarterly, 28(1), 75-105.
Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. New Age International.
Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford University Press.
Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2008). The craft of research. University of Chicago Press.