Research method

Research method

This part discusses the use of a case study to elaborate on the research topic. Research methods are essential when an occurrence is vast and complicated, and the existing body knowledge is not adequate to allow posing the questions. Research methods are also used when the phenomena cannot be examined outside the context of its occurrence. The nature of the research question determines the selection of a particular research method inquired, the extent of authority an investigator has in real events, and the level of focus on current events concerning historical events. Research methods are not always mutually exclusive; thus, it is possible to find some circumstances where one way is of specific usefulness. Case studies are essential when the researcher is trying to answer how and why questions, especially when she or he has minimal control over the event.

There are questions set to guide the investigator to determine whether the case study is suitable for his or her research topic. Some of these questions are, can the occurrence of the interest be examined in its natural setting, whether the case study should focus on the current events, determine whether the control and manipulation of subjects and activities are necessary, determine whether the occurrence of interest fits in an established theoretical base. Lack of preexisting academic work means that the case study approach is the best research strategy for the project. Results of a single case study cannot be generalized to other firms, but they do provide some substantial proof of the issues addressed in the case study. Therefore, a single case can be a suitable method to solve the critical problems that should be considered in the creation of an Internet acceptable usage policy. It is important to note that this kind of study takes a longer-term research project. The outcome of this case study has laid the foundation for several case studies that are underway.

The guiding principles of research methods in a case study should be its objectives. Every case study has some goals which should be met after the survey. For instance, a case study examining the effects of cybercrime in a particular country should have a research design seeking info about cybercrime effects on state security of that specific country. Such a case study should have an in depth analysis of the current internet development in the country and the challenges that the internet brings to the nation. Various mechanisms are used to collect useful data for a case study, such as questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires are the most preferred mechanism in case studies because most people are literate, and thus they can answer the questions correctly.