Business Research Through Argument

This study suggests that business research, in the collection, analysis, and communication of evidence, will benefit from explicit acceptance of research as argumentation. Argumentation is the process of compiling an argument through selection and organization of the relevant evidence. Recently, business research methods books have placed much emphasis on the scientific method as brute empiricism, using only large sample statistical testing and demanding prediction through retesting old theories. This book argues that all types of empirical data, including statistics and personal experiences, can be accepted as data, but that it is essential that these observations be explained. This book aims to provide researchers and postgraduate business students with a strategy for conducting research that encourages thought, provides a way of critically perceiving previous research, as well as suggesting a logical structure for communicating their research.