A brief note on the dissertation chapter 5 (Discussion of findings) task related to findings and theories: for MBA and Housing Studies students (information from perplexity.ai)
My question 1: "Regarding the MBA and Housing Studies dissertation report writing, one of the main tasks of writing chapter 5 (Discussion of Findings) is: Discuss whether the findings (i) support, (ii) contradict, or (iii) extend existing theories or expectations. Could you clarify this Chapter 5 task a bit more with reference to the following research themes of a research project using the mixed methods research based on critical realism:
The reply: "Chapter 5 of a dissertation, especially in mixed methods research based on critical realism, is where the researcher discusses the findings by interpreting their meaning, linking them back to existing theories and literature, and explaining how the results support, contradict, or extend those theories or expectations.
For the MBA-related theme "to evaluate Gen Z's motivation at work in the context of a weak economy in Hong Kong in 2025," this discussion would involve comparing the findings about Gen Z's motivation with existing motivational theories (e.g., Herzberg's two-factor theory, self-determination theory) and expectations about economic impacts on work attitude. For example, findings might support economic theories about motivation under financial stress, contradict assumptions that Gen Z is less motivated, or extend theory by revealing novel motivational drivers in this economic context.
For the housing studies theme "to evaluate Gen Z's perceptions on home ownership in the context of a weak economy in Hong Kong in 2025," the discussion would interpret how Gen Z's perceptions align or diverge from existing housing market and economic theories on homeownership demand, affordability, and social expectations. It might support current models of economic impact on housing aspirations, contradict assumptions about generational attitudes, or extend theory by incorporating new insights on economic uncertainty's effect on housing views.
In both themes, based on critical realism, the discussion should reflect on the deeper mechanisms and structures influencing observed behaviors, considering both qualitative and quantitative insights to provide a nuanced interpretation of findings and their theoretical implications.
Summary of Chapter 5 tasks in this context:
Interpret the findings meaningfully in relation to research questions.
Discuss how findings support, contradict, or extend existing theories or expectations from literature.
Link findings to broader theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence.
Explore deeper causal mechanisms as per critical realism.
Highlight new insights or theoretical refinement arising from the research.
Acknowledge limitations and suggest areas for further research.
This approach ensures Chapter 5 synthesizes the study results with existing knowledge, demonstrating the research's contribution to theory and practice in both MBA motivation and housing studies fields in the specific economic context of Hong Kong 2025."
My question 2: "Would this Chapter 5 task be performed with a different focus if the dissertation project is based on the research philosophy of pragmatism? Please highlight the main differences if this is the case."
The reply: "If the dissertation project is based on the research philosophy of pragmatism, the focus of Chapter 5 (Discussion of Findings) shifts primarily toward the practical consequences, usefulness, and real-world applications of the findings rather than primarily on theoretical support or contradiction.
Main Differences in Chapter 5 Task Focus: Critical Realism vs Pragmatism
|
Aspect |
Critical
Realism Focus |
Pragmatism
Focus |
|
Theoretical
engagement |
Emphasizes
how findings support, contradict, or extend existing theories and explores
underlying causal mechanisms and structures. |
Focuses on
how findings solve real-world problems and produce actionable knowledge,
emphasizing "what works" in practice. |
|
Philosophical
underpinning |
Concerned
with uncovering deeper truths and causal explanations underlying observed
phenomena. |
Concerned
with practical outcomes, usefulness, and applicability of knowledge to
specific contexts and problems. |
|
Use of
findings |
Findings
are interpreted in light of existing theoretical frameworks to contribute to
knowledge development. |
Findings
are evaluated based on their potential to inform decisions, change practices,
and produce useful results. |
|
Methodological
orientation |
Emphasizes
the integration of qualitative and quantitative findings to reveal complex
mechanisms. |
Emphasizes
problem-solving and flexible use of multiple methods pragmatically to answer
research questions. |
|
Researcher
role |
Often
positioned as uncovering hidden realities through analytical interpretation. |
Positioned
as a facilitator producing knowledge that stakeholders can use to act and
improve situations. |
|
Discussion
content |
Discusses
theory validation, contradictions, extensions, and explanatory power of
findings. |
Discusses
implications for practice, relevance to stakeholders, and recommendations based
on pragmatic consequences. |
For example, on the MBA theme evaluating Gen Z's motivation in Hong Kong's weak economy, a pragmatist would discuss practical ways employers or policymakers could apply the findings to improve motivation and workplace outcomes, focusing on effective interventions.
On the housing studies theme evaluating Gen Z’s perceptions of homeownership, a pragmatist would emphasize how the findings could inform housing policies, financial instruments, or counseling services to better meet Gen Z needs.
In short, Chapter 5 under pragmatism prioritizes actionable insights and practical impact, while under critical realism, it centers on deeper theoretical understanding and explanation."
A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.
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