Overview of Research An activity to be considered as research, it should entail a systematic process that uses data to achieve a clear purpose

such as answering question, gaining an understanding of an event or phenomenon or solving a problem.

As defined by LEEDY & ORMROD (2010) Research is :

RESEARCH is a systematic process of collecting and analyzing information in order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon with which we are concerned or interested. The term systematic suggests that research is based on logical relationships and just not beliefs. TO FIND OUT THINGS means that there are multiple possible purposes for research: DESCRIBING , EXPLAINING, UNDERSTANDING, CRITICIZING, AND ANALYZING. Having a clear purpose such as answering a question or a number of questions is also a major concern of research.

ACCOUNTING RESEARCH
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CHARACTERISTICS OF A FORMAL RESEARCH

1. QUESTION OR PROBLEM AS STARTING POINT. - Research originates with a problem that should be solved or a question that should be answered. - Problem should be clearly defined in term of scope & context. 2. CLEAR ARTICULATION OF A GOAL there should be a clear articulation of purpose. The purpose will set the direction for all steps to be undertaken. 3. SPECIFIC PLAN OR PROCEDURES it must be explicitly planned and logically designed. This will serve as your roadmap. 4. COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA conclusion must have a sufficient basis to uphold and advance the result of the study. 5. STATEMENT OF THE STUDY LIMITATIONS data may not be completely gathered because of some constraints; not all expected procedures may be executed. It is important that the research must express these limitations( restrictions or constraints) to caution users on the resultant effect of the findings and conclusions. 6. CLEAR PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS this is the value added characteristics of a formal research. It will enable the users to evaluate or appraise the depth, feasibility and practicality of the recommendations.
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Table 1-1 DIMENSIONS & CLASSIFICATIONS OF RESEARCH PURPOSE DESCRIPTIVE EXPLANATORY EXPLORATORY APPLICATION BASIC APPLIED INFORMATION TYPE QUANTITATIVE QUALITTATIVE TIME CROSSSECTIONAL LONGITUDINAL

AS TO PURPOSE 1. DESCRIPTIVE precise measurement and reporting of the characteristics of some phenomenon or population under study. It provides information about some conditions and describes attitudes towards an issue. It can either be quantitative or qualitative. It uses visual aids such as Graphs and charts. Descriptive Statistics helps reduce the data to manageable form.
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2. EXPLANATORY involves the discovery and reporting of relationship among different aspects of the phenomenon under study. When the relationship is able to foretell the occurrence of certain aspects of the phenomenon, the study is capable of making prediction or the estimation of scores on one variable from information about one or more other variables. It attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship between two aspects of a situation. 3. EXPLORATORY THIS IS DONE TO SATISFY THE CURIOSITY OF A RESEARCHER FOR BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND TEST THE FEASIBILITY OF UNDERTAKING A MORE CAREFUL STUDY. - it is a type of research conducted for a problem that has not been clearly defined. - it often relies on reviewing secondary documents and other available literature or data. AS TO RESULTS APPLICATION 1. BASIC RESEARCH (theoretical research) pure and theoretical research to increase ones knowledge about certain phenomenon but does not seek to solve any existing problem. (NO COMMERCIAL VALUE) - It only seeks new ways of thinking , no direct benefit - it by earl be amsource of many new theories, principles and 6ideas. can joseph borgona, 1st sem 20122013 feu

In the accountancy profession, basic theoretical research using empirical studies based on experimentation or observation are frequently reviewed and evaluated by standard setting bodies in the process of drafting authoritative accounting and auditing pronouncements.

2. APPLIED RESEARCH it refers to scientific study that seeks to solve practical problem, rather than acquire knowledge . IMPROVE HUMAN CONDITION. Ex. RESEARCHERS may investigate ways to improve agricultural crop production, treat or cure a specific disease or improve the energy efficiency of homes, offices or modes of transportation. In the field of accountancy, applied research has been useful in developing policies on the structure of education, the qualifications of individuals admitted to licensing, and the accreditation processes for the members to engage in professional practices, addressing regulatory issues, disclosure requirements, and economics of market regulation. In PUBLIC MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE it is called POLICY RESEARCH

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AS TO INFORMATION TYPE 1. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH systematic empirical investigation of the quantitative properties of certain subject matter or phenomenon and the relationships of these properties. It is concerned with the measurement of ATTITUDE, BEHAVIORS, & PERCEPTIONS. It is widely used in social sciences such as ECONOMICS, PSYCHOLOGY, ANTHROPOLOGY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE. It is usually done in LARGE SCALE SURVEY, using questionnaires or structured interviews. 2. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH explores attitudes, behavior and experiences through methods as interviews or focus groups. It attempts to get an in depth opinion from participants. Fewer people take part in the research but contact with them last longer. AS TO TIME DIMENSION 1. CROSS SECTIONAL involves observation of the population or a representative subset, at a defined time. 2. LONGITUDINAL INVOLVE REPEATED OSERVATIONS of the same variable or set of variables over a period of time. It studies the changes or development of trends over time. More costly and time consuming.
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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY RESEARCH METHODS

ONTOLOGY
(nature of reality)

EPISTEMOLOGY (NATURE OF KNOWLEDGE)

PERSPECTIVE - Positivist -Interpretive -Critical -Post modern

Since Research Methodology is a reflection of the set of beliefs of the researcher, it is also called the RESEARCH PARADIGM ( basic set of beliefs that guides the action in inquiry or research

Fig. 1.1 - RESEARCH METHODOLOGY and RESEARCH METHODS

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ONTOLOGY is a branch of philosophy that is concerned with what one discerns to be real, that is the structure and categorization of reality. Duality of things/opposites: 1. true or false 2. objective or subjective 3. abstract or concrete 4. deterministics and non deterministics. 5. idealism or realism Idealist holds that reality exist within the mind of the subject while a realist believes that reality subsists within the object and the world is real.

EPISTEMOLOGY branch of philosophy concerned with nature and scope of knowledge and how knowledge is acquired.

Dominant school of thoughts: 1. Rationalism knowledge is accessible through reason. 2. Empiricism knowledge is determined by experience. Perception through our senses.

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PERSPECTIVE
Positivist
It defines reality as something that can be perceived through the senses and realized by experience. A positivist research tests a theory, in an attempt to increase predictive understanding of phenomena. Evidence of formal propositions, quantifiable measures of variables, hypothesis testing , drawing of inferences

INTERPRETIVE
Views access to reality through social constructions such as LANGUAGE, CONSCIOUSNESS AND SHARED MEANINGS. It attempts to describe, understand and interpret phenomena through the meanings that people assign to them. It requires active participation of the researcher rather than detached observation. Understanding of the process. This is applied in the work of accountants when making decisions and advocating certain actions.

CRITICAL
Views social reality as historically constituted, produced and reproduced by people. It recognizes that people can consciously act to change their social and economic circumstances. In accountancy world, it offers the potential to examine the economic consequences of accounting and the perceptual biases of accountants, managers, Decision makers and other stakeholders in the use of Accounting Information.

POST MODERN critical revisiting or rethinking of the past

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In research, conclusions are drawn using two methods of reasoning:

ANOTHER AREA THAT HAS IMPORTANT BEARING ON RESEARCH METHODOLOGY, as labeled by Fraenkel and Wallen as WAYS of KNOWING: SENSORY EXPERIENCE AGREEMENT WITH OTHERS EXPERT OPINION

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

LOGIC
SCIENTIFIC METHOD - the most concrete way of knowing and the most reliable source of knowledge 1. empirical 2. systematic 3. objective 4. replicable 5. self correcting.
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1. Deduction one starts with a theory about an area of interest. The theory is narrowed down into more specific hypotheses that are tested. To gather evidence necessary for testing the hypotheses, an observation is conducted. The specific data gathered will enable the testing of hypotheses in order to CONFIRM or REFUTE the original theory.
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OBSERVATION
Theory Hypotheses

PATTERN HYPOTHESES
THEORY

Observation

CONFIRMATION

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ROLE OF THEORY IN RESEARCH

A theory is a set of systematically interrelated concepts, definitions and propositions that are advanced to explain and predict phenomena. Theory is a systematic explanation for the observed facts and laws that relate to a particular aspect of life. In deductive reasoning method, research is used to test theory while in inductive, theories are developed from the analysis of research data. Theories within a research would define the boundaries of the phenomena as well as data that should be collected and the corresponding methodology. Hence, theory and research should be coherent and dialectic, meaning, both serve as means and end.
COMPONENTS OF THEORY CONCEPTS VARIABLES

Concept is a mental image or perception

THEORY one or more concepts

Concepts are building blocks of theory

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The basic components of a theory are CONCEPTS and VARIABLES, which are usually related in statement forms that are generally called PROPOSITIONS. VARIABLES are the empirical counterparts of concepts. While concepts are in the domain of theory, variables are matters of observation and measurement. in theory construction, after the basic concepts are formulated, the next step is to write one or more propositions. PROPOSITION is simply a statement about one or more concepts or variables. UNIVARIATE - a proposition that discusses a single variable ex. Forty five percent of married couples in the Philippines have used contraceptives at
least once.

BIVARIATE - a proposition with two variables.

ex. The higher the level of density in a city, the higher the rate of crime in that city.

MULTIVARIATE a proposition relating to more than two variables.

ex. The higher the level of density in a city, the higher the rates of illiteracy and drug addiction in that city.
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ACCOUNTANCY RESEARCH The term accountancy is used interchangeably with ACCOUNTING. ACCOUNTANCY is a broader concept. Oler, et al (2009) in the paper characterizing Accounting Research that accounting research intersects with a number of neighboring disciplines primarily in FINANCE, ECONOMICS, PSYCHOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT. They also categorized accounting papers into six.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING

MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING

TAX

AUDITING & ASSURANCE

GOVERNANCE

OTHER TOPICS

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ACCOUNTANCY RESEARCH CAN BE CLASSIFIED INTO

FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION SECTORAL CLASSIFICATION

MAINSTREAM FUNCTIONING OF ACCOUNTANCY FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING AUDITING AND ASSURANCE TAX AND OTHER FUNCTIONAL AREAS

EDUCATION OR ACADEME COMMERCE OR INDUSTRY PUBLIC PRACTICE and GOVERNMENT

Accountancy research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information in order to increase ones understanding of the functions of a professional accountant and contribute to the solutions of problems besetting the practice of the profession.

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FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING RESEARCH is concerned with studying the collection, recording, and reporting of financial information about a business entity or other forms of organization

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

RESEARCH is a systematic inquiry on the provision and use of accounting information to managers within organizations. It delves into how managers are provided with the basis to make informed business decisions and how they are better equipped in their management and control functions.
OTHER FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF ACCOUNTANCY relate to specific functions such as FRAUD PREVENTION and INVESTIGATION, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, INTERNAL AUDITING, RISK MANAGEMENT, SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING and the like.

AUDITING RESEARCH examines the systematic process performed by auditors to objectively gather and evaluate evidence related to certain assertions about economic actions and events. It looks into the means by which auditors communicate the audit results to users of the reports. It includes assurance and attestation services. TAX RESEARCH has a broad scope. At a macro level the research can be an objective, sound and clear analysis of assessing taxation proposals, evaluating fiscal policy based on the principles of equity, efficiency and adequacy and other revenue powers of the government. At a micro level, this organizational based, the research can be about the income tax expense reported for financial accounting, corporate tax avoidance, tax related decisions on investment, capital structure and organizational form; taxes and asset pricing.

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SOCIAL RESEARCH an area that helps answer questions about society and enables understanding of societal structure and processes. SOCIAL AUDITING also has the blend of both social science and auditing doctrines. BUSINESS RESEARCH as defined by Cooper and Schindler (2003), as a disciplined process of conducting an inquiry on a management dilemma. It requires financial information to strengthen the inputs to management decisions. MARKETING RESEARCH as a systematic and objective identification, collection Analysis, dissemination and use of information to improve decision making and solve problems in marketing

BASIC ACCOUNTANCY RESEARCH are geared toward the generation of knowledge and generally initiated by academic institutions, research centers, professional association and academic societies or academies. APPLIED ACCOUNTANCY RESEARCH are intended to solve problems, clarify issues or gray areas and provide inputs to policy development and decision making. This is usually conducted by public accounting firms as dictated by the needs encountered in the delivery of professional services. It can be initiated by authoritative bodies and international funding institutions to provide inputs to regulation and legislation
.

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FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ACCOUNTANCY RESEARCH Some topics as indicators of the new directions in the different fields: MANAGEMENT AUDITING & ASSURANCE ACTIONS to be taken to ACCOUNTING hasten Acctg. Research Accounting /software Budgeting Business Process Development Cash Management Compensation Plan Audit Engagement Audit education Audit Markets Audit Reviews Audit Procedures Audit sampling 1.
Capacity building programs in research for Acctg. Educators.

2. Research Framework Devt in the profession 3. Core Research Competency

identification 4.Research as a component of the Accreditation of Acctg educators 5. Research as a component of accreditation of programs

Cost Accounting Outsourcing

Effects of financing reporting on internal systems

Audit Behavior Auditors judgment

Earnings Quality Information processing

Effects of IT on internal systems

Improving profits Internal control

Int. Auditing/Liability Fraud & Litigation

Intl Regulation Tax audit/Prof.& Reg.

6. Govt support to Research in Acctg Educ.

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ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT JOURNALS ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT REVIEW ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS RESEARCH ACCOUNTING AUDITING AND ACCOUNTABILITY JOURNALS ADVANCES IN ACCOUNTING ADVANCES IN MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING AUDITING: A JOURNAL OF PRACTICE AND THEORY BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH IN ACCOUNTING CONTEMPORARY ACCOUNTING RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AUDITING JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND FINANCE JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING RESEARCH THE ACCOUNTING REVIEW STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT JOURNAL

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