Research Design Using Systemic Thinking provides a fresh approach to conducting research, emphasising the importance of systemic thinking as a framework for structuring scientific inquiry.
This book offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the research process, from formulating a research problem to synthesising findings. It bridges theoretical insights and practical application, ensuring that readers can effectively communicate their research using scientifically rigorous methods. This book helps readers move beyond specific research techniques, providing a general scientific method applicable across disciplines. Key features include an exploration of scientific language, theory development, problem analysis, and hypothesis formulation, all through the lens of systemic thinking. It provides step-by-step guidance on how to approach and resolve complex research challenges, develop conceptual models, and offer clear explanations, making it an essential resource for researchers at any stage. Ideal for postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and established academics, this book is a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their research design skills.
It is suitable for individuals engaged in a variety of fields, including social sciences, business, humanities, and more, and is an excellent supplementary text for research methodology courses.
PROLOGUE: HOW TO STRUCTURE THE PAPER
PREFACE
PART I - SCIENTIFIC STRATEGY
CHAPTER 1 – APPROACHES AND PERSPECTIVES
Learning objectives:
Introduction
The scientific approach
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 2 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Learning objectives:
Introduction
The general scientific method
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 3 SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE
Learning objectives:
Introduction
Different knowledge perspectives
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 4 SCIENTIFIC LANGUAGE
Learning objectives:
Introduction
Science as language
Conclusion
Exercises
PART II PROBLEMS, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND MODELS
CHAPTER 5: RESEARCH PROBLEMS
Learning objectives:
Introduction
The start of the process of asking questions
Relationships between problems
Problem solutions
Defining a problem
Problems and research questions: A summary
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 6: HYPOTHESES
Learning objectives:
Introduction
Low-level and high-level hypotheses
The purpose of concepts and hypotheses
Mental constructions
Phenomenological and dynamic hypotheses
Science in a free society
Everyday hypotheses and basic hypotheses
Factual hypotheses
Hypothesis testability
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 7 THEORIES
Learning objectives:
Introduction
The purpose of science
Theory development
Developing theories
Requirements for testing a theory
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 8 MODELS IN CONCEPTUAL PAPERS
Learning objectives:
Introduction
How we are guided by our models
The purpose of developing models
Analytical and causal models
Model types
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 9 EXPLANATIONS
Learning objectives:
Introduction
Describe, understand, explain
Explanations
Aspects of causal processes: a systemic point of view
Causal processes
Historical explanations
Functional explanations
Cybernetic explanations
Pattern-based explanations
Conclusion
Exercises
References
EPILOGUE: HOW TO WRITE CONCEPTUAL PAPERS
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 A GENERAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR SYSTEMIC THINKING
APPENDIX 2 STUDYING PATTERNS
EXPLAINING CONCEPTS USED IN THE BOOK
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