WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THEORY & FACT?

In popular usage, theory can be defined as a vague and fuzzy form of fact, and always changes if it is deemed as untrue or the current situation requires it to changes. It is made up of 3 steps of methodology, Pratt (1998) which is:

1. Making an observation.
2. Come out with a theory.
3. Using the theory to predict future observations.

Compared to hypothesis, which exist as the 1^st base of formulating scientific laws, theories are lighter in weight and is placed as the 2^nd base. Nevertheless, both are proposed from research. For professionals such as scientist, theory is a conceptual framework that explains existing observation and predicts new ones. For instance, in the case of sunrise, it is an existing observation which is explained by the theory of gravity proposed by Sir Isaac Newton. His theory explains why the sun is seen moving across the sky, as well as many other phenomenon such as the trajectory followed by the sun as it move across the sky, the phases of the moon, Venus, & the tides, just to mention a few. Thanks to his theory, it is possible to calculate the above phenomenon’s’ occurrences for the next 2 centuries. Nevertheless, theories are always presented to be true even if the claims in the said theories are mere speculations or a general agreement between a significant numbers of experts. Moreover, theories are statements that often undergo a series of tests to nullify the claims made by those who oppose them.

On the other hand, fact usually remains perpetual & true most of the time and it can also be supported by evidences. It is what one can readily observe, and it can pertain to any objectives as well as real phenomenon such as the trajectory of a boomerang after being thrown, the motion direction of a ball after being thrown vertically upward, or other simple observation occurrences. The facts that can be gathered from the former example are that the boomerang’s trajectory will curve inwardly, while for the latter is that the ball’s motion direction will be downward during its descending. As it is acquired from observations, we can relate fact to theories. Furthermore, if the activities that create those 2 phenomenons are done repeatedly under a controlled environment that cancels all unnecessary variables; those 2 phenomenons would have become very obvious, true, & undeniable facts, and will remain so even after a long period of time unless there exist more rigid and precise methods / ways of measuring certain phenomenon. As a conclusion, the following statement can make things easier to understand:

• Fact are observation while theories are the explanations to those observation.
• Theories are vague truths or unclear fact whereas facts are really fact.

References:

1. Pratt, P. J. (1998). Fact or Theory?. Johnpratt.com. Retrieved April 3, 2012, from http://www,johnpratt.com/items/astronomy/science.html
2. http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-fact-and-theory/

INDUCTIVE OR DEDUCTIVE TYPES OF RESEARCH?

(Prof. Dr. S. M. Aqil Burney (2008). Inductive & Deductive Research Approach. http://www.drburney.net. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from http://www.drburney.net/INDUCTIVE%20&%20DEDUCTIVE%20RESEARCH%20APPROACH%2006032008.pdf)

 

There are 2 types of research exist, which are the Inductive & Deductive Research Approach. The 1^st one, which is the Inductive Research Approach, works by moving from the more specific observations to a broader generalizations and theories. It can be pictured as moving from the bottom to the top. Any conclusion derived from this approach is based on the premises. However, this approach involves a lot of uncertainty.

(Prof. Dr. S. M. Aqil Burney (2008). Inductive & Deductive Research Approach. http://www.drburney.net. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from http://www.drburney.net/INDUCTIVE%20&%20DEDUCTIVE%20RESEARCH%20APPROACH%2006032008.pdf)

 

       The 2^nd one is the Deductive Research Approach. This approach works the other way, which is from the more general to the more specific. Basically, it moves from the top to the bottom. The conclusion acquired from this method follows logically from the premises, which are the facts available.

(Prof. Dr. S. M. Aqil Burney (2008). Inductive & Deductive Research Approach. http://www.drburney.net. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from http://www.drburney.net/INDUCTIVE%20&%20DEDUCTIVE%20RESEARCH%20APPROACH%2006032008.pdf)

       The differences between these 2 approaches, aside from its sequences patterns & slight components differences, are at the starting and ending points. For Induction Research Approach, it moves from the specific to the general, where this contrasted with Deduction Research Approach. The 2^nd differences are that Induction Research Approach tends to utilized observations in its arguments. Deductive Research Approach on the other hand favors laws, rules, and accepted principles in its arguments.

In his book, which is the Relationship Marketing: Exploring Relational Strategies in Marketing (Financial Times/Prentice Hal, 2004), John Egan (2004) stated that Inductive Research Approach creates empirical (meaning that something that is experienced or seen rather than on theory) generalization via the observations of particular examples. The conclusions acquired are beyond the facts, making it as nothing more than strong possibilities. This approach is usually associated with qualitative methods.

        Egan (2004) also stated that due to its workings especially that of its arguments, the Deductive Research Approach is considered as analytical and certain. This is also contributed by it being able to be deduced from the premises. This approach usually is associated with the scientific view of research.

(Andreana Drencheva (June 15, 2011). Inductive Corporate Social Responsibility: A Business Strategy .http://andreanadrencheva.com. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from http://andreanadrencheva.com/2011/06/15/corporate-social-responsibility-a-business-strategy/

            For my proposed research topic, which is the “Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) impacts on the consumers”, I have categorized it as having both type of Research Approach. The reasons behind my decision is that during the progress of this research, I will utilized previously related researches regarding the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the processes of identifying & gathering data & information, where this is known as Deductive Research Approach (Creating 1^st impression based on other individuals’ observations). As for the Inductive Research Approach (Creating empirical generalization via ways such as personal observations), it will be implemented during my personal research processes to identify &gather as many data & information in order to prove that my hypothesis is true. 

I have narrow down my topic from Corporate Social Responsibility into its impacts on the consumers. I also narrow it down into several other related sub-topics, such as its impact on the business organization, and its roles & purposes. The area that I will use in order to conduct my research will be Kuching city, Sarawak, Malaysia, and I intend on acquiring the data & information for this narrowed topic via asking questions related to the CSR to the target audiences. Examples of the questions are:

1. What are CSR?  
2. What are its impacts on the consumers and business organizations?  
3. What is its role and purposes?
4. Does CSR very vital in business?
5. What are the benefits it can provide, whether directly or indirectly?
6. What are the consumers’ perceptions and receptions towards it?

Utilizing the above questions, I will be able to sort out the exact things that need to solved in the business area of the Decision / Problem Statement (Does CSR generate profits or losses to the consumers, or both?), and find out its impacts mainly on the consumers, as well as on the business organizations.

References:

1. Prof. Dr. S. M. Aqil Burney (2008). Inductive & Deductive Research Approach. http://www.drburney.net. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from http://www.drburney.net/INDUCTIVE%20&%20DEDUCTIVE%20RESEARCH%20APPROACH%2006032008.pdf
2. Egan, J. (2004). Relationship Marketing (2nd Edition). Harlow, England: Pearson Education Limited.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK & CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

     

A theoretical framework is a collection of interrelated concepts, like a theory but not necessarily so well worked-out. (Borgatti, 1996).This is mean by theoretical framework is set of data we gathered to approved that our hypothesis is true.By knowing our scope of theoretical ,we can give strength to our hypothesis hence making the theoretical framework are very important and they are support by general knowledge of related topic.Take an example of a research conducting the effect of smoking on health,thus we gather data related to many people having sick are related to smoking will be our theoretical framework to show that smoking does affect our health.

     Miles and Huberman (1994) defined a conceptual framework as a visual or written product, one that “explains, either graphically or in narrative form, the main things to be studied—the key factors, concepts,or variables—and the presumed relationships among them” (p. 18).As stated ,anonymous (2003) stated that conceptual framework is the basis for thinking about what we do and about what it means, influenced by the ideas and research of others.

From here,we can conclude that theoretical framework is making a new theory based on perception on ,other related research (conceptual framework) and gathering data to prove our theory is true.

Reference:

1. Borgatti, P. S. (1996). Elements of Research. Analytictech. Retrieved April 3, 2012, fromhttp://www.analytictech.com/mb313/elements.htm.
2. Anonymous (2003).What is a conceptual framework?. Healthy Women – Healthy Communities project. Retrieved April 3, 2012, from http://www.lazogroup.ca/msproject/framework1-e.php

PROPOSED TOPIC

Different from the business activities during the Industrial Revolutions, which mainly emphasizes profits and productions as the main aspects, today’s business consists of many complex aspects that were never thought of before. One of the aspects that have been realized by today’s business organizations is the Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), where this aspect also contributes to their sales and profits margins, as well as reflecting their images and responsibilities. Simply speaking, the CSR relates to the responsibilities of the companies towards the entities surrounding them, such as towards the shareholders and the environments.

      Consumers must use their positions and power via their purchases, investments, and feedbacks to the organizations in order to influence and force the organizations into executing and advancing their CSR so that any impacts resulted will be that of positive ones.

1. Topic’s Title:
    Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) impacts on the consumers.


2. Decision / Problem Statement:
    Does CSR generate profits or losses to the consumers, or both?

3. Research Objectives:

                      i.        Studying the impacts of CSR on consumers.

                    ii.        Studying the impacts of CSR towards the business organizations.

                   iii.        Understanding the roles & purposes of CSR.

                   iv.        Studying & analyzing consumers’ perceptions and receptions towards CSR.

4. Research Questions:

                      i.        What are CSR?  

                    ii.        What are its impacts on the consumers and business organizations?  

                   iii.        What is its role and purposes?

                   iv.        Does CSR very vital in business?

                    v.        What are the benefits it can provide, whether directly or indirectly?

                   vi.        What are the consumers’ perceptions and receptions towards it?

5. Identified variables:

                      i.        Dependent Variable: The organizations and their CSR activities.

                    ii.        Independent Variable: Consumer’s perceptions and receptions.

6. Survey respondents:

                      i.        Individuals (Consumers).

                    ii.        Business organizations.

7. Scope of research:

    Target will be the individuals (consumers) and business organizations in Kuching, Sarawak.    

       

This research will be an applied research which will only involve solving the problem statement (Does CSR generate profits or losses to the consumers?).

(http://www.mallenbaker.net/csr/definition.php)

WHAT IS RESEARCH?

The term is used in everyday lives, and yet most people seem to misunderstand its true meaning. Basically, research can be defined as the process of collecting or gathering information via scientific and systematic approach for the purpose of solving problems or understanding phenomenon.

Etymologically, the term is first known to be used in the year 1570s (1577 to be precise), where it comes from the modern French word recherché (1530s), which means “act of searching closely”. This word, in turns, originates from the old French word recercher; “seek out, search closely”. (http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=research)

From the http://www.fppsm.utm.my/download/doc_view/183-introduction-to-scientific-research.html, Sekaran (2006) defines research as “the process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough study and analysis”, while Cooper & Schindler (2001) defines it as “systematic inquiry that provides information to guide decision”. Even though its definitions are different depending on the sources, all in all research centers around one thing, and that is solving the problems.

Basically, there exist several types of research, such as scientific research, Research in the humanities, and Artistic research. But for the purpose of this blog, we will discuss the Scientific Research, Business Research, Basic Research, & Applied Research.

1.    Scientific Research.

Application of scientific method to the investigation of relationships among natural phenomenon, or to solve a medical or technical problem.

(http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/scientific-research.html)

         However, this type of research doesn’t include decision making problems. Instead, it just focuses on particular type of investigation. It field of study also mostly lies in studying relationships of phenomenon.

2.    Business Research.

Business Research is a systematic & organized effort to investigate a specific problem encountered in the work setting that needs a solution.

     The research provides the needed information that guides managers to make informed decisions to successfully deal with problems.

(http://www.researchmethodology.info/definition-of-business-research/)

3.    Basic Research.

Conducted in order to better understand the phenomenon as it pertains to all industries or business in general. Examples:

• Does brand name affect brand loyalty?
• Does cafeterias’ or equivalent’s food price affect students and staffs performances?

“Also called Pure or Fundamental esearch, it is undertaken for increase in knowledge. There is no direct benefit as it is a research for the sake or research. It is conducted to satisfy any curiosity such as:\

a)    What makes things happens

b)    Why society changes? And

c)    Why social relations are in a certain way.

In fact, it is the source of most new theories, principles, and ideas. Basic research rarely helps anyone directly. It only stimulates new ways of thinking. The main motivation is to expand man’s knowledge. Here is absolutely no commercial value to the discoveries resulting from such research.”

[Hafeezur Rahman Malik (Year N/A). Types of Research. Retrieved April 8, 2012 at http://hafeezrm.hubpages.com/hub/Types-of-Research]

4.    Applied Research.

Its purpose is to solve certain problems that are faced by certain organizations. Examples of situations are:

·         Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Restaurant managements wants to know how does Radix Fried Chicken (RFC) Restaurants manages to steal its market.

·         How local and international students do perceives the services provided by Unimas’ CAIS counter staffs.

“It is use of basic research or past theories, knowledge and methods for solving an existing problem. It deals with practical problems. It is opposed to pure research which is not problem-oriented but for the increase in knowledge which may or may not be used in future.”

[Hafeezur Rahman Malik (Year N/A). Types of Research. Retrieved April 8, 2012 at http://hafeezrm.hubpages.com/hub/Types-of-Research]

·          The problem with the scientific research,it does not include decision making problems and just focusing on particular type of investigation,and study most on phenomena relations.Scientific business research is characterized in testing relation between phenomena and managerial decision makers.Thus,business research is not a random process but rather specific investigation on making decision by most of organization compare to scientific research that focus on phenomena.

Two main approaches in research is namely qualitative and quantitative.Qualitativeapproach focusing on gathering on human experience on the topic and whereas thequantitative mean to gather data in form of statistical numbering and this bothqualitative and quantitative data in the end will be “cross” to show the relation between numbers and amount of experience.