Methodology and data analysis are some of the most crucial processes that constitute a research paper. In the research done by Xiao and Shailer (2022, p.2) to investigate stakeholders’ perception of the factors affecting credibility of the sustainability report, methodology and data analysis were used accordingly to achieve the objective of the research. Interviews, questionnaires, and literature reviews were effectively employed to collect data from 105 participants chosen to take part in the study (Xiao and Shailer, 2022, p.7). To analyze the data gathered, the authors applied descriptive statistics and focused on the mean to analyze the data. Therefore, research methodology and data analysis were utilized appropriately to compare stakeholders’ perceptions through different variables.
Research Methodology
Research methodology is a critical part of a research because it determines how data is collected and analyzed. This part consists of the procedures and methods of data gathering integral to completing research (Askarzai and Unhelkar, 2017, p.28). In Xiao and Shailer (2022)’s research, the methodology has been framed perfectly to achieve the objectives of the research. The authors incorporated crucial aspects such as research design, population, sample size, and data collection and analysis techniques in the methodology. This was achieved by gathering quantifiable data and performing numerical techniques. In addition, the data from the interview and questionnaire were quantified for easy analysis. The authors effectively utilized the methodology to demonstrate how data was collected.
A correlational research design was chosen for the research paper. Xiao and Shailer (2022, p.2) wanted to investigate credibility concerns of sustainability reports from all stakeholders and the differences between stakeholders regarding their perceptions of credibility factors. In this study, the authors effectively outlined the different stakeholders to interview and various credibility factors that were to be explored. These aspects were used to determine the credibility of the sustainability report through sustainability information and stakeholders’ views (Xiao and Shailer, 2022, p.5). Using these findings, the authors stated that the prepares were more likely to have different views from other groups who participated in the research. Thus, the research design was used effectively to help researchers explore different stakeholders’ views based on credibility levels of sustainability reporting.
The sampling technique and sample size were utilized effectively to suit the need of the research. There were 105 participants; users, prepares, assurance providers, and standard-setters. With this sample size, the researchers collected data from different stakeholders, increasing the outcome’s accuracy and reliability (Bloomfield and Fisher, 2019, p.27). This approach was employed to provide a more accurate mean value, lower deviation standards, and small error margins. Furthermore, the participants were grouped based on age, gender, educational level and sustainability reporting experience. Using participants who understand sustainability reporting was integral in collecting reliable data. Therefore, this kind of sampling was integral to increasing the research quality and improving its acceptance.
The interview was employed in the research because it effectively achieves the research objectives. It is a dialogue between two or more individuals where questions are asked to find information (Bloomfield and Fisher, 2019, p.25). As a tool, an interview carries many benefits that researchers could explore in the research. It provided a good platform for the researchers to understand better and explore stakeholders’ opinions on the factors that affect the credibility of sustainability reporting. In addition, the authors could obtain detailed information about the subject matter. The participants involved in the interview had in-depth information pertinent to the research aim and purpose. As a result, the interview was used appropriately to collect date in the study.
Additionally, a web-based questionnaire was selected for this research as an alternative to participants who could not participate in the face-to-face interview. A questionnaire is a method of gathering information that consists of a set of questionnaires prepared to get information from a sample of people, particularly for analysis (Bloomfield and Fisher, 2019, p.27). This shows that subjects from across the globe had an opportunity to respond to the established questions. With this choice, the researchers increased the reliability and validity of outcome by exploring stakeholders’ opinions from participants from different regions. The selected data collection technique was important because it widened the scope of data collection, which was integral especially in exploring the relationship between the identified variables.
Apart from interviews and questionnaires, existing literature on the credibility of sustainability reporting was explored effectively to determine the direction of the research. Xiao and Shailer (2022, p.2) used secondary sources for further investigation and research on the topic. This was integral to finding the gaps in knowledge and highlighting what should be answered. For example, they determined that little research informs stakeholders such as preparers or standard-setters about the credibility of sustainability reports (Xiao and Shailer, 2022, p.2). Using the information from the literature, the authors clearly stated the purpose of the research. They addressed the gap by identifying and studying elements influencing sustainability report credibility from diverse stakeholder viewpoints.
Data Analysis
Data analysis is an important part of research because the data gathered were statistical and required analysis to draw insight. It includes the calculation of frequencies of variables and differences between variables stated in the study (Williams et al., 2022, p.67). In this research, the authors effectively used data analysis techniques to analyze the data. To achieve this, the SPSS tool was used, and appropriate statistics were used to determine the relationships of the stakeholders’ opinions on factors that affect credibility of sustainable reporting. Furthermore, since different views were obtained from research participants, the authors used appropriate quantitative analytical software to attain the required result (Xiao and Shailer, 2022, p.11). Therefore, data analysis was effectively done to achieve the research objectives.
In the research, descriptive statistics were utilized appropriately to achieve the stated objective. This statistical analysis technique is integral to research because it helps describe the data collected (Williams et al., 2022, p.59). It involves using common statistical tests such as mean, mode, median, standard deviation and skewness. To understand the differences in stakeholders’ opinions, the authors majored in the mean shown in table 4 (Xiao and Shailer, 2022, p.11). For example, they used the test to compare the variables between users and preparers. They found the most significant difference between users and preparers in mean ranking variables such as level of assurance, balanced tone, management track record, and use of sustainability reporting guidelines.
Exploratory factor analysis was employed to determine the significant level and the degree of confidence in the analysis. In contrast to users, preparers give the assurance and accountability factor less weight, and the manager attributes factor more preference (Xiao and Shailer, 2022, p.11). However, Xiao and Shailer (2022, p.12) stated that the difference is significant at a 0.05 level. This shows that there is only a 5% risk of deducing that a difference exists when there is no actual difference (Xiao and Shailer, 2022, p.13). With this information, the authors show a confidence level of 95%. Therefore, this indicates that the findings are accurate and reliable and can be used to inform decisions in any organization.
Findings from the statistical analysis were employed properly to make inferences from the research. It was compared with the outcome obtained from comparing mean rank differences in the views of users and preparers (Xiao and Shailer, 2022, p.16). By doing this, the authors were able to determine the finding of the research effectively. For example, this study shows that some mechanisms emphasized by preparers or pushed by standard-setters may not improve credibility as much as they claim to in the contemporary environment (Xiao and Shailer, 2022, p.16). However, it will take more research to determine if they have other benefits. Future researchers are left to explore further to agree and disagree with the findings of this research. Thus, data analysis was crucial in this research because it influenced its conclusion.
Conclusion
In this research, research methodology and data analysis have been used in such a way to achieve the set objectives. Most of the data utilized are primary obtained through interviews and questionnaires. The authors used these methods to increase the accuracy and reliability of the findings. However, secondary data through literature was used to determine the gap and offer direction to this research. The authors effectively applied techniques in data analysis and used data analysis software such as SPSS to examine the data. Based on this, a descriptive test such as mean was employed to make the comparison and determine the findings.
Reference List
Askarzai, W. and Unhelkar, B. (2017) ‘Research methodologies: An extensive overview’, International Journal of Science and Research Methodology, 6(4), pp.21-42. Web.
Bloomfield, J. and Fisher, M.J. (2019) ‘Quantitative research design’, Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses Association, 22(2), pp.27-30.
Williams, M., Wiggins, R., Vogt, W. P., and Vogt, P. R. (2022) Beginning quantitative research. Sage.
Xiao, X., and Shailer, G. (2022) ‘Stakeholders’ perceptions of factors affecting the credibility of sustainability reports’, The British Accounting Review, 54(1), pp. 1-17.