Study Population
Study population refers to the cumulative subjects to which the research problem is embedded (Creswell, 2014). In this regard, the research study will be inclined to source information from the Saudi Arabian and Iranian countries, to gauge the cause and impact of conflicts that have ruled the land for such a long time. Therefore, the study population will be concentrated on citizens of Saudi Arabia, as well as citizens from Iran. However, it will be unpractical and costly to obtain information from the entire population, and the ordeal gives rise to the need to draw a suitable research sample, that will be convenient to manage. A study population cannot be used to source data, as it does not favor economies of scale, and authenticity (Yin, 2003).
Research Sample
Research sample connotes select portion of the overall population that a researcher intends to draw conclusions from, or rather establish the validity of research questions and hypotheses (Creswell, 2014). Apparently, researchers use research samples to represent a study population, and results obtained from the manipulation of a research sample are attributable to the behavior of the whole population (Yin, 2003). Therefore, for the purpose of the study on Saudi Arabian- Iranian disputes, the research sample will compose of 300 respondents selected from both the Saudi Arabian culture, as well as respondents from the Iranian population.
Research Question
What research techniques should be adopted in order to find the genesis of the Saudi Arabian-Iranian War?
This question seeks to find out the most favorable research design that will be entrenched in collecting data to establish the chief causes of Saudi Arabian-Iranian war.
Sampling Techniques
Principally, sampling techniques pertains to those methods used for attaining a fair and distributed research sample, which can conveniently provide a true representation of the research problem and research data. In this perspective, the study into the causes and impact of Saudi Arabian- Iranian conflicts will use distinctive sampling techniques to source information for the study. Methods to be used for drawing samples from the population will include the following sampling techniques, which will all be integrated to provide unbiased samples for the research.
Convenient Sampling
Convenient sampling makes use of pre-established segments of a population, which are likely to provide the most suitable information (Creswell, 2014). Thus, convenient sampling will single out areas which seem to have experienced the most impact from the conflicts, then draw samples of respondents who are likely to provide relevant information. Due to the nature of the study; cultural and religious constructions will pose a major challenge if the wrong sampling is done. Moreover, convenient sampling will avoid cases of uncooperativeness of respondents, as well as reduce instances of hostility from respondents.
Random Sampling
Random sampling is a convenient way of coming up with research samples that are evenly distributed (Yin, 2003). Apparently, random sampling involves the use of probability to establish the conciseness of samples chosen. Therefore, cases of biases are eliminated, and a researcher is assured that data collected is a true depiction of the overall population. For instance, the research problem on Saudi Arabian- Iranian conflicts will draw samples randomly from all key sectors in the conflict-stricken entities, and then sound stratification will follow, to make manageable sample sizes. However, random sampling will not be applicable in selecting materials for secondary review; as such information must be sourced by the use of purposive sampling. Purposive sampling gives, an assurance of relevance of information, and that information obtained has not been subject to third party alterations.
Stratified Sampling
Stratified sampling is used where the samples of interest are not evenly distributed, and the researcher has to establish stratified tables or units, to establish the areas which can best be selected (Creswell, 2014). For example, samples to ascertain the cause and impacts of the conflicts will be drawn from
Methods of Data Collection
Data collection entails all events geared towards the attainment of valuable information from the research samples (Creswell, 2014). As mentioned earlier, this research study embraces the use of qualitative research, and thus data collection methods that are used will principally entail qualitative data collection techniques. The qualitative design is applicable because of the requirement of ethnographic data and religious data, which can be sensitive to obtain, and maintain confidentiality (Creswell, 2014).
Interviews
Apparently, data to be collected will involve physical interaction with respondents, in order to record emotional and cognitive reactions. Direct interaction with respondents makes it hard for respondents to provide biased information (Fowler, 2014). Thus, it provides reliable data for further studies. Religious and cultural conflicts have escalated in Saudi Arabia and Iran, thus making it harder to do remote data collection. Questions formulated for the purpose of the research will be open-ended, to provide room for respondents to explain in depth implications of the situation. Interviewees will be directed into conducive rooms, where they will be subjected to open-ended questions. Individual interviews will assure respondents of the confidentiality of the ordeal.
Furthermore, interviews will be ideal for providing the study with historical information about the long-held peace between the Saudi Arabia and Iran. Practically, the two nations have almost similar practices, based on their culture, religion and economy. Hence, the establishment of the point of confluence, as well as impacts that the conflicts have brought about on citizens and the economy at large, will require data to be collected from individuals affected. However, the major constraint that is likely to be associated with the use of interviews is political instability of the area, and inability to reach a vast number of the samples selected.
Observation
Observation is a data collection technique that depends solely on the ability of the person collecting data to interpret situations (Fowler, 2014). Different observers can interpret the same piece of information in a different way. However, for the purpose of obtaining data on the Saudi Arabian- Iranian conflict, observation will be the best option to attain convenient current data. Additionally, the observer can notice unusual eventualities that unfold, and which cannot be explained by the use of other data collection techniques.
Moreover, first-hand experience and uncomfortable events cannot be reliable if other methods of data collection are used (Fowler, 2014). Thus, an observer can easily give an account of unpleasant events that respondents are not comfortable with narrating. However, observation will be used on rare occasions, because in situations of conflicts, being an observer can be attributed to intrusion, which can be met with dire consequences.
Review of Secondary Data, and Images
Multimedia information from the conflict fronts will be analyzed to establish the behaviors of people taking place in the conflict. Furthermore, images can be used to establish motives, as well as providing concrete reference materials to justify the research study (Spector, 1981). However, secondary data does not necessarily have to be recent (Fowler, 2014), especially in situations where the researcher intends to establish a concrete background data about the constraint at hand. Therefore, the study will review information regarding cultural and religious realms, to establish possible elements of conflict. Thus, images and materials for secondary information will be analyzed by psychologists, to uncover key emotions in the images.
Data analysis
Data analysis involves the manipulation of raw data, to establish trends of interest, aimed at solving a particular constraint. The qualitative design makes use of textual data, and approaches for analyzing textual data will involve the use of inductive means of evidence manipulation (Phillips, 2014). The inductive method entails the establishment of key constraints, and the using factual elements to establish critical themes of data collected.
Similarly, the a deductive approach can be used, as it determines critical gaps that were not covered by previous studies, then establishing information trends to fill in the missing information and knowledge gaps (Phillips, 2014). For instance, data on images, and other audiovisual sources will help in filling gaps that interviews could not fathom.
Criteria for High-Quality Research
The emblems employed by the research study will ensure that the criteria for high-quality research. For instance, authenticity, trustworthiness, and dependability are adhered to, as the research will integrate interviews, and observation, to conquer all tendencies of biases. Bias provokes authenticity and trustworthiness of research studies (Creswell, 2014). Furthermore, photographs and images to be analyzed in the study will be sourced from credible media centers, which are mandated to cover the conflict progress. Qualitative research stresses on trustworthiness to establish reliable knowledge (Marshall, & Rossman, 1989).
Ethical considerations
Ethical issues arise as a researcher strives to obtain credible data, and also maintenance of sound relationships with respondents (Creswell, 2014). Such ethical issues include confidentiality. Data collection methods, practically require a researcher to assure respondents of confidentiality. Sourcing formidable data on conflicts can jeopardize the safety of respondents, and thus, the research will ensure that respondent data is kept confident, to encourage people to provide unbiased data.
Moreover, the nature of the research may compel the notion of informed consent, either for the researcher, or respondents (Spector, 1981). Therefore, the open-ended question will be the only nature of questions for interviews and other survey methods.
Conclusion
Collecting viable data is ideal towards the realization of an accurate research outcome. This manifestation stems down from the data sampling process, data collection and analysis to the collected data. Sampling techniques deployed in this study are random, stratified, and convenient sampling. Thus, the three data sampling techniques are critical for the realization of an appropriate outcome to this study. Data collection methods applicable to this research include; the use of interviews, observations, and reliance on secondary data. All these strategies are aimed at realizing accurate outcome to the research study.
References
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications.
Fowler, F. J. (2014). Survey research methods. Sage Publications.
Marshall, C., & Rossman, G. B. (1989). Designing qualitative research. Newbury Park, Calif: Sage Publications.
Maxwell, J. A. (1996). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.
Phillips, B. D. (2014). Qualitative disaster research.Springer Publications
Spector, P. E. (1981). Research designs. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications.
Yin, R. K. (2003). Case study research: Design and methods. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.
