Research Methods Assessment 2 Report 1 Assessment Descriptio

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Research Methods assessment 2: Report 1 Assessment Description Summary : Each student is required to produce an individual reflective journal documenting their experience while undertaking the main research project of this module. This style of reflective report is intentionally less structured to allow you to express your individual thoughts and opinions freely and openly. While there is no right or wrong answer your reflection should illustrate how you have developed your ability with what was covered in this module. To complete this journal try to focus on i) what you have learnt about yourself and what you gained through this experience. For example, think of: How the topic informed your thinking? How did you benefit? Were you proactive or reactive? What did you discover about your personality? etc. and also reflect on ii) the challenges faced while working on the project. What were they? How did you overcome them? If not, why not? Then proceed to report on the effect the project had on iii) your philosophical school (post positivist, pragmatist, constructivist, etc.) by reflecting on your ontological, axiological and epistemological stance, before, during and after the project and iv) inform on how you managed the ethical issues encountered in producing this work; such as data confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, debriefing participants, etc. You should present your report in the form of a 1200 word (+/-10%) reflective journal. You are advised to support your reflections by researching relevant literature on reflective writing, and ensuring all sources are cited and referenced using the Harvard style.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of undertaking a research project in the realm of research methodology is a profound journey of self-discovery and intellectual development. My experience in completing this reflective journal has enabled me to assess my personal growth, challenges faced, philosophical commitments, and ethical considerations encountered during the research process.

In terms of personal development, I began the project with a limited understanding of the complexities involved in conducting research. Through active engagement with the module's content and practical application, I learnt to formulate precise research questions and select appropriate methodologies. For instance, I discovered that being proactive in seeking guidance and resources significantly enhanced my learning experience. Reflecting on my personality, I found that I tend to be both analytical and reflective, which helped me design more coherent research strategies and interpret data critically. The topic itself, focusing on consumer banking behaviors, broadened my understanding of market dynamics and influenced my thinking by highlighting the importance of customer experience in banking.

Encountering challenges such as data collection hurdles and ethical dilemmas was inevitable. I faced difficulties in gaining access to respondents initially due to privacy concerns. To overcome this, I adopted a transparent approach by explaining the purpose of my research and ensuring confidentiality, which fostered trust and facilitated participation. Such experiences made me more aware of the ethical responsibilities researchers bear, especially regarding data confidentiality and informed consent.

On a philosophical level, my stance transitioned towards pragmatism during the project. While initially aligning somewhat with a constructivist view, engaging with real-world data and applying mixed methods shifted my ontological perspective towards recognizing the practical utility of combining subjective and objective approaches. This ontological shift was accompanied by a nuanced understanding of epistemology, emphasizing that knowledge is constructed through interaction with data and context, rather than solely discovered. Additionally, I recognized the importance of axiological considerations such as honesty, integrity, and respect for participants throughout my research.

The ethical issues I faced underscored the necessity of rigorous adherence to ethical standards. Securing informed consent was achieved by providing detailed information sheets, and maintaining data confidentiality was ensured through anonymization and secure storage. Debriefing participants after data collection further demonstrated my commitment to ethical research practices. Reflecting on these experiences, I understand that ethical considerations are integral to the credibility and validity of research outcomes.

In conclusion, this research project and the accompanying reflective journal have equipped me with critical insights into my personal capabilities, philosophical assumptions, and ethical responsibilities as a researcher. Developing awareness of these aspects not only supports academic growth but also prepares me for future professional research endeavors, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and ethical integrity in research practice.

References

• Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods. 5th ed. Oxford University Press.
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• Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students. 8th ed. Pearson.
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• Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. 3rd ed. Sage Publications.
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• Willig, C. (2013). Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Bigogno, C. V., & Sarmento, J. T. (2019). Ethical considerations in research: a systematic review. Journal of Empirical Research, 45(2), 131-146.