Research method is a critical human practice that offers exclusive access to valid and accurate knowledge, and has an exclusive lead against errors that are not found and exist in other human activities. Moreover, it is challenging to define accounting research since it shifts over time.
Traditional accounting research was mainly normative (this is, argument for the ‘correct’ accounting intervention, or what should be). However, with the introduction of the Journal of Accounting Research, developments or progresses in finance have been established, such as creation of huge data sets and the statistical capabilities for its analysis (computer advances), the efficient market hypothesis, and analyzing ‘what is’ instead of ‘what should be.’ Even though these shifts have had some critics, they have led to a major increase in research contribution (and various new journals) (Libby, et al., 2012). Additionally, accounting research contributes an integral part in new knowledge creation.
The hard sciences have generated different forms of testing and research that may be applied over a range of disciplines, such as accounting research. With the application of these accounting models with evidence from experiments, surveys, stock prices, financial statements, mathematical proofs, and computer simulations, users can acquire a scientific perspective. This paper, therefore, discusses accounting methods and accounting research fields (i.e. financial, managerial, auditing, and taxation).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Forms and Nature of Research
- Applications of Research in Accounting
- Taxation
- Finance
- Auditing
- Managerial
- Accounting Research Methodologies
- Analytical
- Archival
- Experimental
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Conclusion
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to discuss accounting research methods and their applications across various accounting fields, including financial, managerial, auditing, and taxation. It explores the nature of accounting research, its evolution from normative to positive approaches, and the various methodologies employed.
- The nature and definition of accounting research
- Different methodologies used in accounting research (analytical, archival, experimental, qualitative)
- Applications of accounting research in various fields (taxation, finance, auditing, managerial accounting)
- The evolution of accounting research from normative to positive approaches
- The role of accounting research in solving practical problems faced by accountants
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the significance of research methods, particularly within the field of accounting. It highlights the evolving nature of accounting research, transitioning from a primarily normative approach (focused on prescribing 'correct' practices) to a more positive approach (analyzing 'what is'). The chapter underscores accounting research's crucial role in knowledge creation, drawing parallels with the hard sciences and emphasizing the use of various data sources (experiments, surveys, financial statements) for a scientific perspective. The introduction sets the stage for a detailed examination of accounting research methods and their applications across different accounting domains.
Forms and Nature of Research: This chapter delves into the fundamental questions surrounding research: what it is, why it's conducted, and the various types researchers employ. It addresses the frequent confusion between research methodology and research forms, emphasizing that methodology selection depends on research purpose and type. The chapter tackles the criticism that accounting research is often irrelevant to practical accounting challenges, citing concerns about the perceived gap between sophisticated methodologies and real-world problem-solving. The chapter offers two definitions of research, highlighting its focus on developing, revising, or disproving theories, its reliance on data analysis or logic, and its dual nature as both process and activity. It further clarifies the core purpose of research as "theory" and explains the nature of empirical research, specifically its aim to understand natural trends through data analysis.
Applications of Research in Accounting: This chapter explores the wide-ranging applications of research across various accounting fields, including accounting ethics, capital market studies, investment, corporate finance, and corporate social responsibility. It asserts that all accountants are potential researchers, and all accounting problems necessitate thorough research. The chapter categorizes accounting research into four key areas: auditing, taxation, financial accounting, and managerial accounting, laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration of each area in subsequent sections (though those sections are not included in this preview).
Taxation: This chapter focuses specifically on the applications of research within the field of taxation. It outlines several key research areas within tax accounting, such as investigating tax evasion and revenue generation at different government levels, assessing revenue assurance mechanisms and governance costs, examining the role of internally generated revenue (IGR) on overall revenue, and analyzing accountability, transparency, and prudence in revenue management. The chapter highlights the potential for impactful research to improve tax systems and policy.
Keywords
Accounting research methods, positive accounting research, normative accounting research, behavioral accounting, capital market research, auditing research, taxation research, financial accounting research, managerial accounting research, empirical research, qualitative research, data analysis, theory testing.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Preview of Accounting Research Methods
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a publication on accounting research methods. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The preview aims to offer a structured overview of the book's content for academic use, facilitating the analysis of its themes.
What topics are covered in the book?
The book covers a wide range of topics related to accounting research methods and their applications. This includes the nature and definition of accounting research, different methodologies (analytical, archival, experimental, qualitative), applications across various accounting fields (taxation, finance, auditing, managerial accounting), the evolution from normative to positive approaches, and the role of research in solving practical accounting problems.
What are the key themes explored in the book?
Key themes include the nature and definition of accounting research, the various methodologies employed in accounting research, the applications of research in different accounting fields (taxation, finance, auditing, managerial accounting), and the evolution of accounting research from normative to positive approaches. The role of accounting research in solving practical problems is also a central theme.
What are the different research methodologies discussed?
The book explores various research methodologies, including analytical, archival, experimental, and qualitative research methods. The choice of methodology is presented as dependent on the research purpose and type.
How are accounting research methods applied in practice?
The book examines the applications of research across diverse accounting fields such as auditing, taxation, financial accounting, and managerial accounting. It emphasizes that all accountants can potentially conduct research, and all accounting problems require thorough investigation. Specific examples are given for the application of research in taxation, including investigating tax evasion and revenue generation.
What is the difference between normative and positive accounting research?
The book discusses the evolution of accounting research from a primarily normative approach (prescribing 'correct' practices) to a more positive approach (analyzing 'what is'). This transition is a significant theme throughout the publication.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the preview?
The preview includes summaries for the Introduction, Forms and Nature of Research, and Applications of Research in Accounting chapters. The Introduction establishes the importance of research in accounting and its evolution. "Forms and Nature of Research" delves into the fundamentals of research, addressing common criticisms. "Applications of Research in Accounting" explores the broad applicability of research across different accounting domains, with a more detailed focus on taxation.
What are the keywords associated with the book?
Keywords include: Accounting research methods, positive accounting research, normative accounting research, behavioral accounting, capital market research, auditing research, taxation research, financial accounting research, managerial accounting research, empirical research, qualitative research, data analysis, and theory testing.
What types of data sources are used in the research discussed in the book?
The book mentions the use of various data sources for a scientific perspective, including experiments, surveys, and financial statements.
Who is the intended audience for this book?
The intended audience appears to be academics and researchers interested in accounting research methodologies and their applications. The text's focus on structured analysis and professional presentation strongly suggests an academic context.
- Quote paper
- Musbau Kolawole Kayode (Author), 2015, Accounting Research Methods and Research Fields, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/306837
